Is Montenegro Stroller-Friendly? What We Learned Exploring with Little Legs
Planning a family trip to Montenegro? Between the sun-drenched Adriatic coastline, charming old towns like Kotor and Budva, and epic inland nature like Durmitor National Park, it’s a dream. But if you’re travelling with a stroller (and a small human or two), that dream needs a reality check. Montenegro’s beauty isn’t just cobblestones and views, it’s also about how you navigate them with tiny legs in tow.
Real Talk: Our Montenegro Stroller Moment
We rolled into Kotor with a compact stroller, two tired kids, and way too much confidence. The plan? Smooth strolls, charming cafés, and maybe a nap (for us, not them). What we got? Cobblestone chaos, a rogue pigeon, and a full-body workout by lunch.
Travelling with toddlers is never just about the destination, it’s about the terrain, the tantrums, and how many snacks you packed. And in Montenegro? That means navigating postcard-perfect towns that weren’t exactly designed with prams in mind.
Still, Montenegro turned out to be one of our favourite stops, once we figured out what worked. So here’s the real breakdown of what to expect if you’re bringing a stroller (and small humans) to the Balkans.
Old Towns: Beautiful, Yes. Stroller-Friendly? Not Always.
Montenegro’s old towns like Kotor, Budva, and Perast are jaw-droppingly gorgeous, but they’re ancient for a reason. Think cobbled streets, stone steps, and narrow alleys not made for wheels.
What to Expect:
Kotor: Stunning, but stairs and crowds galore. We lasted 10 minutes before switching to the carrier.
Budva: Slightly more manageable, especially the outer promenade.
Perast: Quieter, with some smoother paths along the waterfront.
Real-Life Tip:
We used the stroller on flat coastal paths and quickly ditched it inside old towns. Babywearing saved us. A soft wrap or a structured carrier is essential.
We’re building this while prepping for a year on the road with two kids. If you want to support the journey even just a little, here’s how.
National Parks & Nature: Bring the Right Wheels
Montenegro’s wild beauty is its biggest draw, but not all trails are stroller-friendly.
Best For Strollers:
Black Lake (Crno Jezero), Durmitor: Flat, scenic, and one of the few places we didn’t regret bringing wheels.
Virpazar town promenade (near Lake Skadar): Smooth walk with cafés and ducks for toddler distraction.
Skip The Stroller:
Lovćen National Park: Gorgeous views, but steep stairs and uneven paths. A backpack carrier is a better choice.
Any trail marked “moderate” usually means rocky footing and elevation gain.
What Helped:
All-terrain stroller wheels and good suspension made a massive difference.
A sun cover and mosquito net were useful in shaded or forested areas.
Getting Around: Cars, Buses & Accessibility
Montenegro’s charm isn’t always matched by its infrastructure, especially when you’re managing baby gear.
Car Rental:
We rented from Podgorica airport and it gave us the flexibility to explore inland areas like Cetinje and Virpazar.
Public Transport:
Buses are cheap but not stroller-friendly. You’ll need to fold it, hold the baby, and juggle the rest.
Taxis often don’t include car seats. We brought a lightweight foldable one just in case.
Sidewalks:
Bigger cities like Bar and Podgorica have some decent sidewalks.
In smaller towns, it’s hit or miss. Some had no curb ramps, others had trees planted in the middle.
Beaches: Sand, Stones, and Sunshades
Montenegro’s coastline is stunning, but don’t expect soft sand. Most beaches are pebbly or rocky.
Stroller-Friendly Spots:
Budva Promenade: Flat, smooth, and full of cafés and ice cream spots.
Herceg Novi: Long promenade and plenty of stroller space.
On the Beach:
Pebbles are tough with a stroller. You’ll need to babywear or carry down to the water.
Shade is limited, so pack a pop-up tent or a clip-on parasol.
What We’d Pack Again (and What We’d Skip)
Worth Packing:
✔ Compact travel stroller with carry strap
✔ Soft carrier for hiking and old towns
✔ Clip-on sunshade or small umbrella
✔ Cooling towel and a small USB fan for hot days
✔ Lightweight muslin wrap (multi-use for sun, sleep, or privacy)
What We’d Skip:
✘ Large strollers with multiple parts
✘ Travel systems with bulky car seats
✘ Extra blankets, one muslin wrap was enough
FAQ: Montenegro with a Stroller
Is Montenegro safe for toddlers?
Yes. We felt safe overall, though you’ll want to stay close in busy old towns and near water or stairs.
Do cafés or public spaces have changing areas?
Not often. Bring a portable changing mat and be ready to improvise.
Can I visit Montenegro without a car and still use a stroller?
Technically yes, but it’s more stressful. If you’re confident with babywearing and pack light, it’s doable.
What’s the best time to go with kids?
Late spring (May–June) or early autumn (September) are ideal. You’ll avoid the heat and the crowds, making stroller travel much easier.
Final Thoughts: Is It Doable?
Yes, Montenegro is absolutely visitable with a stroller-aged kid.
You’ll just want to stay flexible, pack smart, and be ready to switch between stroller and carrier depending on where you are.
If you’re the type of parent who’s okay with a bit of rugged travel, Montenegro delivers big on rewards, even with a baby on board.
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