All You Need to Know to Travel in Montenegro

Have you ever considered to travel in Montenegro? Well, we're excited to share with you one of the most underrated destinations in Europe. 

Montenegro is the perfect mix of dreamy mountain landscapes and chic beach towns. With picturesque villages and stunning untouched nature, this is definitely a country that you'll want to add to your bucket list.

In this guide we're going to share with you everything you need to know to travel in Montenegro, from the best places to visit, to the best ways to get there.

📍 Where is Montenegro?

Montenegro is located in the Balkan area of Eastern Europe. It shares borders with Albania to its south, Kosovo to its south east, Serbia to its north east, and Croatia and Bosnia & Herzegovina to its north. 

How to Get to Montenegro

Montenegro can be reached in a number of ways, both by flight or by bus. Here are the different options to travel in Montenegro.

✈️ Travel to Montenegro by Flight

The main airport in Montenegro is Podgorica, which is the capital and in the center of the country. Cities that fly direct to Podgorica include Athens, Barcelona, Belgrade, Berlin, Dortmund, Farnborough, Istanbul, Krakow, Ljubljana, London, Manchester, Memmingen, Milan, Paris, Rome, and Vienna.

If you'd like to travel in Montenegro's coastal towns, you can also take a flight to Tivat, which is just outside Kotor, or to Dubrovnik, and then get a bus down to Montenegro.

🚌 Travel to Montenegro by Bus

Many of the surrounding countries in the Balkans have buses that go to Montenegro, the majority of them to Podgorica.

Here are a few of the most popular routes from different cities if you want to travel in Montenegro:

• Tirana to Podgorica
• Sarajevo to Podgorica
• Dubrovnik to Kotor

Entry Requirements for Montenegro

In each article we like to cover all you need to know for traveling somewhere new. It's important to know the different entry requirements for each country, especially since there are some very odd rules regarding traveling within Balkan countries. Here is everything you need to know for when you travel in Montenegro.

🛂 Visa Requirements for Montenegro

Luckily there aren't too many requirements for entering to travel in Montenegro. Tourists can visit for a period of up to 90 days without needing a visa. Montenegro is not currently part of the EU, although they are looking to apply.

If they happen to join the Schengen Zone or the EU, requirements may change. But for now, you don't need to worry much about restrictions for travel in Montenegro.

Local Adjustments for Montenegro

Whenever traveling somewhere new, there may be certain things that are different from where you are coming from. Here are a few of the local adjustments to keep in mind while you travel in Montenegro.

🗣 What Language is Spoken in Montenegro?

The official language in Montenegro is Montenegrin, which is actually pretty much the same as the rest of the slavic countries in the area. Countries such as Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Croatia all speak almost exactly the same as one another, with the exception of a few words or phrases.

💶 What Currency is Used in Montenegro?

The currency used in Montenegro is the euro. It is actually the only country in the area that uses it at the moment. If you plan on also visiting Albania, we do suggest taking out extra euros, as things end up being cheaper over there with euros (despite that not being their currency).

Credit cards are accepted widely along the coastal towns, but are mostly cash based in smaller towns such as Zabljak or other mountain villages.

🔌 Do European Plugs Work in Montenegro?

Montenegro uses the same plug types as the rest of Europe, which are types C & F. The standard voltage in Montenegro is 230 V with a standard frequency of 50 Hz.

If you are visiting from the US, be sure to get an energy converter (which is actually different than just an electrical adapter). This is because the voltage is different, and if you don't get an adapter your electronics may burn out.

🚰 Can I Drink the Water in Montenegro?

The water throughout the country of Montenegro is perfectly safe to drink. We suggest bringing a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated during hikes and other activities.

💸 Tipping Culture in Montenegro

The tipping culture in Montenegro is similar to many European countries, which is about 10% of the bill in nice restaurants. If you are going for something small such as coffee or a drink, you can simply leave some leftover change as a tip.

The Best Places to Travel in Montenegro

Montenegro may be small, but it has a ton of amazing places to offer. Here are the top places to travel in Montenegro.

1️⃣ Best Places to Travel in Montenegro #1: Kotor

This is definitely one of our favorite places to travel in Montenegro, and one you should add to the top of your list. Kotor is the perfect combination of historic charm and seaside beauty.

Take a boat ride along the turquoise waters, climb to the top of an iconic fortress, or party all night along the cobblestone streets. Whatever type of traveler you are, there is something for everyone in Kotor, Montenegro.

2️⃣ Best Places to Travel in Montenegro #2: Tivat

Right around the corner from Kotor is another charming seaside town called Tivat. With a small beach and beautiful homes, this the perfect day trip from Kotor.

3️⃣ Best Places to Travel in Montenegro #3: Budva 

Other than Kotor, this is definitely one of the most popular places to travel in Montenegro for tourists. Budva is a small coastal town that is full of beautiful architecture, cobblestone streets, and seaside restaurants. It is also known for its nightlife, as well as the beaches that are flooded in the summertime.

4️⃣ Best Places to Travel in Montenegro #4: Sveti Stefan

Another coastal town, Sveti Stefan is one of the most picturesque spots in Montenegro.

Characterized by a peninsula full of orange roofed buildings, and cobblestone streets, Sveti Stefan has adorable shops, as well as a beach to enjoy, backdropped by a beautiful hill. This is the perfect place to go for a day trip from either Kotor or Budva.

5️⃣ Best Places to Travel in Montenegro #5: Valdanos

Head a bit further down the coast and you'll see another beloved beach town, one that is more popular with the locals. This pebble beach is surrounded by greenery, and is the perfect place to go if you want a more relaxing stay.

6️⃣ Best Places to Travel in Montenegro #6: Ulcinj

Our final beach town to add to the list of places to travel in Montenegro is Ulcinj. We have to admit, this place seemed a bit odd, as it has a ton of building perched above its beach, and a mixed crowd when it comes to tourists and locals. Ulcinj has a bunch of small beaches, mosques, hidden coves to discover.

7️⃣ Best Places to Travel in Montenegro #7: Skadar Lake

As far as hidden gems go, Skadar Lake is the spot. Actually shared by both Montenegro and Albania, this enormous lake has a ton to offer. You can rent a boat, go kayaking, or take an organized tour to see the beautiful nature.

One of the features that we loved about Skadar lake is that it is full of giant Lilly pads, and also has plenty of wildlife. You can easily visit here on a tour from one of the coastal cities, or rent a car to visit on your own.

Book your tour to Skadar Lake:

8️⃣ Best Places to Travel in Montenegro #8: Lovcen

This national park is located juts minutes outside Tivat, and features a large mountain where you can go hiking, or visit its museum. This is another great day trip from Kotor, as well as from Budva.

Check out the different tours that you can take to Lovcen:

9️⃣ Best Places to Travel in Montenegro #9: Nevidio Canyon

Looking for some adventure during your travels in Montenegro? Well Nevidio Canyon is a stunning gorge popular for climbers and canyoneering. Not easily accessible, this is definitely a place for pros, or to do on an organized tour.

Here are some different options for visiting the canyon from various regions of Montenegro:

🔟 Best Places to Travel in Montenegro #10: Zabljak

This is another one of our favorite places to travel in Montenegro. However, unlike many of our other favorites, this one is vastly different, Zabljak is a village tucked away in the mountains, with some of the most stunning landscapes in the country.

Go on a hike, rafting, or exploring the gorgeous lakes in the area. No matter what though, we know you'll fall in love with this small town in eastern Montenegro.

Travel in Montenegro: What is the Best Transport in Montenegro?

We definitely think the best way to travel in Montenegro is by renting a car. If you only plan on visiting for a couple days in smaller cities such as Kotor for example, you won't necessarily need one. However, sue to the size of Montenegro and the beautiful nature, having a car is definitely the way to go.

The easiest place to rent a car from is Podgorica, or whatever airport you decide to fly into. Here is a site that we use to book most of our car rentals:

🚌 Can You Travel in Montenegro Without a Car?

You can definitely travel in Montenegro without a car! The first time I visited Montenegro I didn't have a car. My friend and I used buses to get from one city to the next, and we took tours or hitchhiked to get from one place to another. While having a car is definitely a lot easier, it's doable to get around if you're willing to take organized tours or to hitchhike to get to  places that buses do not go (such as Sveti Stefan).

If you'd prefer to travel by bus, here are a few popular routes that you can prebook:

• Podgorica to Kotor
• Podgorica to Budva
• Kotor to Budva
• Kotor to Podgorica
• Kotor to Zabljak
• Budva to Kotor
• Budva to Podgorica
• Budva to Zabljak
• Zabljak to Kotor
• Zabljak to Budva

The first time that I went to travel in Montenegro I actually got around by bus, and while possible to some places, it wasn't always available for getting to everywhere. If you don't want to drive, hitchhiking is actually quite popular and totally safe as well. 

Travel in Montenegro: Local Food & Drink

Despite being a small country, the cuisine does vary quite a bit depending on which part of the country you're in. The coastal towns have cuisine very similar to Croatia and Albania, with a lot of homemade pasta dishes, fresh salads, and dried meats like prosciutto. While the mountains have more red meats, soups, and stews.

Montenegrin food is extremely flavorful and fresh, regardless of where you go. Dishes are a little cheaper than Croatia, and a bit more expensive than most places in Albania.

Is Montenegro Safe?

The first time I traveled to Montenegro I had a seriously bad impression. However, the second time that I went, I realized just how amazing the country was. People are so friendly and helpful, and it truly is a very safe country. Traveling solo is definitely doable, and you can safely walk around at night without having to worry.

Other Things to Know to Travel in Montenegro

Now that you know almost everything you need to know to travel in Montenegro, we have just a few more things to share with you.

☀️ Weather in Montenegro

Montenegro experiences all four seasons, with hot summers, and cold winters. The coastal towns have warmer temperatures, while the the mountains (such as Zabljak) have much cooler weather.

📆 What is the Best Month to Visit Montenegro?

In our opinion, the best time to visit Montenegro is at the end of spring, or the beginning of fall, when the temperatures are ideal, and when the prices are not too expensive. There are still great parties, but the crowds aren't quite as crazy as the height of summer in July and August.

🧳 Packing to Travel in Montenegro

Montenegro has a variety of landscapes, so depending on where exactly you're traveling will depend on how you should pack. If you want to visit the coastal towns, you'll definitely want to bring a bathing suit, sunscreen, and towel.

If you plan on visiting the mountains, you should bring a pair of sneakers, as well as layers. Finally, we definitely suggest bringing a refillable water bottle, as the water is potable, and you'll want to stay hydrated while exploring no matter where you go.

🎒 Packing List for Montenegro

• Sunscreen
• Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
• Bathing Suits for the beaches
• Towel
• Light jacket/ layers for the mountains
• Flip Flops (we personally always get Havaiana flip flops, as they are comfy and long lasting)
• Water Shoes (for the pebble beaches)
• Sneakers (for the hikes)
• Zippered Bag or Backpack (to secure your belongings) - take a look at these backpacks for travelers!
• Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
• Camera (we use the Sony A7Riii)
• Standard Lens (we use the Sony GM 24-70)
• Wide Lens to capture great panoramas (we use the Sony GM 14 F1.8)
• Telephoto Lens to capture the landscapes up close (we use the Sony GM 70-200)
• Tripod to get pictures while no one is around (We use the Rangepod Tripod)
• Drone for epic shots of the landscapes and cities from above (We use the DJI Mavic Mini 4 Pro)
• Action Camera (we use the Insta 360 X3 because it's small & waterproof)
• Waterproof Phone Pouch (we use the Cafago Waterproof Phone Pouch)
• Travel Adapter (we use Insignia travel adapters as they are affordable and reliable)

⏳ How Many Days is Enough in Montenegro?

We visited Montenegro for five days, and it allowed us to see a lot of the highlights. However, we definitely suggest at least a full week or a little more if you really want to fully explore all the this country has to offer.

🤔 Is Montenegro Worth Going to?

Montenegro is definitely one of the most underrated countries in Europe, and is definitely worth visiting!

With a variety of landscapes, this country can be for those looking for luxury or budget-travel, relaxation or partying, and is perfect for adventure-lovers. You can travel solo, with fends, take a romantic trip, or have a family-friendly getaway. We fell in love with Montenegro, and know that you will too.

Are you ready to travel in Montenegro? We spent a week there, and think it was the perfect amount to get a taste of the highlights. However, we definitely could have easily spent a few more days exploring the hidden gems of the country.

Want to explore more great Balkan destinations? We have tons of different Eastern European travel guides coming each week to share with you. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest updates, as well as exclusive deals.

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