Montenegro Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read) Summary:
Best Time to Visit: Spring & autumn for fewer crowds, summer for beaches, winter for skiing.
Top Places to Visit: Kotor, Budva, Durmitor National Park, Lake Skadar, Perast.
Getting Around: Renting a car is best, but buses and taxis are available.
Budget: Montenegro is affordable compared to Western Europe; expect €30–€100 per night for accommodation.
Family-Friendly? Yes! Safe, walkable old towns, national parks, and beaches make it ideal for families.
Montenegro, a small but breathtaking country in the Balkans, offers everything from medieval coastal towns to rugged mountain landscapes. Whether you’re looking for pristine beaches, historic cities, or thrilling outdoor adventures, this Montenegro travel guide has something for everyone. This travel guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan your perfect Montenegro trip.
Table of Contents
Why You Should Visit Montenegro – A Complete Guide
- Stunning Coastal Towns – Kotor, Budva, and Perast offer old-world charm, breathtaking views, and rich history.
- Unspoiled Nature – Durmitor National Park, Biogradska Gora, and Lake Skadar provide incredible hiking, wildlife, and outdoor experiences.
- Affordable Travel – Compared to other European destinations, Montenegro is budget-friendly, offering great value for money.
- Easy to Explore – Small and compact, you can see a lot in a short amount of time without long travel distances.
Our Montenegro Travel guide - Best Time to Visit
- Spring (April – June): Perfect for hiking and sightseeing, with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
Summer (July – August): Ideal for beach lovers, but expect crowds in places like Budva and Kotor (This is when we went)
Autumn (September – October): Great for outdoor adventures, warm sea temperatures, and fewer tourists.
Winter (November – March): Best for skiing in Durmitor, but coastal areas are quieter with many businesses closed.
How to Get to Montenegro
By Air: The main international airports are Podgorica Airport (TGD) and Tivat Airport (TIV). Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia is also a popular entry point, with a scenic 2-hour drive to Montenegro, This is what we did.
By Car: If you’re coming from Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia, or Albania, driving is a great option.
By Bus: International buses run from neighboring Balkan countries, offering an affordable way to reach Montenegro.
By Ferry: There are ferry connections from Italy (Bari to Bar), ideal for travelers arriving from Western Europe.
Montenegro's Must-Visit Destinations (Best Places for 2025)
1. Kotor
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kotor is a must-visit for its stunning bay, medieval Old Town, and fortress hikes. Don’t miss:
Hike to Kotor Fortress (San Giovanni Castle)
- Best at sunrise or sunset to avoid crowds and heat
- 1,350 steps, but the panoramic view over Kotor Bay is worth it
- Entry fee: €8 (free before 8 AM)
Take a Boat Tour Around the Bay of Kotor
- Visit Our Lady of the Rocks and the Blue Cave
- Choose between private and group tours (prices start from €25 per person)
Explore Kotor Old Town
- Wander through medieval alleyways and hidden piazzas
- Visit St. Tryphon’s Cathedral and Kampana Tower
- Enjoy a coffee at a historic café
👉 Read our full guide: Exploring Kotor with Kids
2. Budva
Budva is is said to be one Montenegro’s top beach destination (I would disagree) known for its vibrant nightlife, sandy beaches, and historic Old Town.
Relax at Mogren Beach
- A short walk from Budva Old Town, perfect for families
- Clear waters, scenic cliffs, and great for snorkeling
Explore Budva Old Town
- Wander through charming cobblestone streets and visit the Citadel
- Great for history lovers with Venetian architecture and ancient churches
Take a Photo of Sveti Stefan
- One of Montenegro’s most iconic locations
- The island itself is private, but you can view it from the roadside viewpoint
👉 Read our full guide: Exploring Budva & Sveti Stefan
3. Perast & Our Lady of the Rocks
A picturesque town on the Bay of Kotor, Perast is charming, quiet, and full of history.
Take a Boat to Our Lady of the Rocks
- A stunning artificial island with a historic church
- Legend says local fishermen built it by placing rocks in the bay
Walk Along Perast’s Waterfront
- This small town is perfect for a peaceful stroll
- Enjoy a meal at a waterfront restaurant with a view of Kotor Bay
4. Durmitor National Park
Perfect for hiking, wild swimming, and adventure sports, Durmitor offers:
Hike Around Black Lake (Crno Jezero)
- A beautiful, easy trail perfect for families
- Stunning reflections of the surrounding peaks
Zip-lining Over Tara Canyon
- The deepest canyon in Europe, offering an adrenaline-pumping zip-line
- Prices start at €20 per ride
Rafting on the Tara River
- One of Europe’s best white-water rafting spots
- Rafting tours range from half-day (€50) to full-day adventures (€80)
👉 Read our full guide: Hiking in Durmitor National Park
5. Lake Skadar
Montenegro’s largest lake, ideal for boat tours, birdwatching, and nature lovers.
Take a Boat Tour From Virpazar
- Best way to explore Montenegro’s largest lake
- Spot birds like pelicans and herons
Visit a Local Winery
- Try traditional Montenegrin wines in a family-run vineyard
- Some of the best wines in the Balkans, with tasting tours available
👉 Read our full guide: Exploring Lake Skadar
6. Ostrog Monastery
One of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Montenegro, Ostrog Monastery is built into a sheer rock face and offers incredible views.
Visit Montenegro’s Most Famous Monastery
- Built into a sheer rock face, this is one of the most sacred places in the country
- Free to visit, but donations are appreciated
Hidden Gems in Montenegro
Piva Canyon – A less crowded alternative to Tara Canyon, with deep turquoise waters and a scenic drive
Komovi Mountains – One of the most stunning and less-visited mountain ranges in Montenegro, great for hiking
Stari Bar – The ruins of an old town near Bar, with a stunning mountain backdrop and Ottoman history
Lipa Cave – Montenegro’s largest cave system, offering guided tours through massive underground chambers
Also read: Best Spots for Wild Swimming in Montenegro
Getting Around Montenegro: Transport Tips
Car Rental (Best for flexibility)
- Recommended for exploring national parks and off-the-beaten-path locations
- Pick-up locations: Tivat, Podgorica, and Dubrovnik airports
- Cost: Around €30-50 per day
- Tip: Watch out for mountain roads and aggressive local driving
Buses (Best for budget travel)
- Cheap and reliable between major towns like Kotor, Budva, and Podgorica
- Slow and limited access to rural areas
- Ticket prices: €5-15 depending on distance
Taxis & Ride-Sharing
- Available in tourist areas, but always agree on a price before riding
- Example fares:
- Kotor to Budva: ~€25
- Podgorica to Durmitor: ~€80
Boat Tours & Ferries
- Kotor Bay: Best explored via boat trips (€25-50)
- Lake Skadar: Boat tours start at €10 per person
- Ferries: Italy to Montenegro ferry (Bar to Bari)
Family Travel Tips for Montenegro
Travel Slow: Montenegro is small, so take your time and enjoy each place fully.
Pack for Varied Weather: Coastal areas are hot in summer, but the mountains can be cool.
Rest Stops for Kids: Plan frequent snack breaks and fun activities to keep little ones engaged.
Accommodation: Look for family-friendly stays with kitchens and space to relax…Maybe even a pool like our Ostrag stay.
What to Pack for Montenegro – A Seasonal Guide
Montenegro’s weather varies drastically between the coast and the mountains, so packing smart is key.
✅ Summer Travel (June – August)
- Lightweight clothes for hot coastal areas.
- Swimwear for beaches & wild swimming.
- Comfortable sandals for exploring old towns.
✅ Spring/Autumn Travel (April – June, Sept – Oct)
- Layered clothing for cooler evenings.
- Waterproof jacket for unexpected rain.
✅ Winter Travel (Nov – March)
- Thermal layers for Durmitor & skiing.
- Snow boots if visiting the mountains.
✅ Essentials
- Universal power adapter (Type F)
- Portable charger for long drives
- Bug spray (for Lake Skadar & national parks)
Read our full packing guide: Montenegro packing Guide
Montenegro Travel Costs
In our Montenegro travel guide we wanted to highlight that Montenegro is affordable compared to Western Europe, but prices can rise in peak summer months, also bear in mind its not as cheap as most of these outdated articles make out.
Our quick stop off in Bosnia made us realise this even more, Ice cream for 4 of us was 2 Euros in Montenegro its 10 Euros.
Accommodation: €30–€100+ per night (budget to mid-range hotels or apartments) You can book places on the road too.
Food: €10–€30+ per meal at restaurants, €5+ for street food/snacks
Transport: Bus tickets €5–€15, car rental from €30+ per day
Activities: Free for hikes, €30-50 for boat tours or entry fees
Montenegro is slowly becoming the next Croatia in terms of tourism and price, though it is still cheaper is is a lot more popular than it was 5 years a go.
Final Thoughts
Montenegro is a hidden gem that offers something for every type of traveler, whether you love nature, history, or beachside relaxation. With its affordability, compact size, and stunning scenery, it’s an amazing destination for families, adventure seekers, and culture lovers alike.
If you like this Montenegro travel guide check out our detailed guides on Kotor, Budva, Durmitor, and more for in-depth tips and recommendations!
FAQs - Montenegro Travel Guide
What is the best time to visit Montenegro?
Spring (April – June) and autumn (September – October) are best for fewer crowds and good weather.
How expensive is Montenegro?
Budget travelers can get by on €40–€60 per day, while mid-range travelers spend around €100–€150 per day.
Do you need a visa for Montenegro?
EU, UK, and US travelers can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
How many days do you need in Montenegro?
You can see the highlights in 5-7 days, but if you want to explore the mountains and coastal towns fully, plan for 10-14 days.
Is Montenegro family-friendly?
Yes! With beaches, national parks, and charming towns, Montenegro is great for families. The Old Towns are traffic-free, making them safe for kids.
