Montenegro is a small but charming country in the Balkans, known for its diverse landscapes, rich history, and charming coastal towns. Here are some of the best places to visit and explore in Montenegro:
Kotor
- Kotor Old Town: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kotor’s Old Town is a maze of narrow streets, historic buildings, and quaint squares.
- Kotor Bay: Often likened to a fjord, the bay is surrounded by high mountains and dotted with picturesque villages.
Perast
- Our Lady of the Rocks: A small artificial island with a picturesque church and museum, accessible by boat.
- Perast Old Town: A charming town with well-preserved baroque architecture and stunning views of the Bay of Kotor.
Budva
- Budva Old Town: A historic fortified town on the Adriatic coast with narrow streets, ancient churches, and a vibrant nightlife.
- Sveti Stefan: An iconic island connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, now a luxury resort.
Durmitor National Park
- Tara River Canyon: The deepest canyon in Europe, offering exciting rafting opportunities.
- Black Lake (Crno Jezero): A glacial lake surrounded by dense pine forests and mountain peaks.
Lovćen National Park
- Njegoš Mausoleum: Located on the summit of Lovćen Mountain, this mausoleum offers panoramic views of Montenegro.
- Lovćen Mountain: Ideal for hiking, with breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and the surrounding countryside.
Cetinje
- Cetinje Monastery: An important religious site with a rich history and home to relics such as the right hand of John the Baptist.
- King Nicholas Museum: A former royal residence, now a museum showcasing Montenegrin history and culture.
Herceg Novi
- Savina Monastery: A peaceful monastery with beautiful gardens and sea views.
- Forte Mare: A castle with panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor.
Lake Skadar
- Lake Skadar National Park: The largest lake in the Balkans, shared by Montenegro and Albania, is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
- Virpazar: A charming village that is a popular starting point for boat tours on the lake.
Ulcinj
- Velika Plaža (Long Beach): A 13-kilometer sandy beach, perfect for sunbathing and water sports.
- Ada Bojana: A triangular island at the mouth of the Bojana River, known for its pristine beaches and nudist resorts.
Biogradska Gora National Park
- Biogradska Lake: A tranquil glacial lake surrounded by one of the last virgin forests in Europe.
- Hiking Trails: Numerous trails offer the chance to explore the park’s diverse flora and fauna.
Montenegro is rich in natural beauty and historical sites, making it a great destination for both adventure seekers and those looking to relax.
Things to consider when traveling to Montenegro
Things to Consider When Traveling to Montenegro
When planning a trip to Montenegro, there are a few important factors to consider to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June to August): Ideal for beach holidays with warm weather and lively coastal towns. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so you are likely to encounter crowds and higher prices.
Shoulder Seasons (May and September): Quieter and more affordable, great for exploring both the coast and the mountains with pleasant weather.
Winter (December to February): Good for winter sports in mountainous areas like Durmitor, but coastal areas are much quieter and cooler.
Visa Requirements
EU/EEA Citizens: No visa required for stays up to 90 days.
US, Canadian, Australian, UK Citizens: Visa-free for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Other Nationalities: Check with Montenegrin consulates or embassies for specific requirements.
Currency
Euro (€): Although Montenegro is not part of the Eurozone, it uses the Euro as its official currency.
ATMs and Credit Cards: Widely available in urban areas and popular tourist spots, but keep some cash handy for smaller towns or remote areas.
Language
Montenegrin: The official language, similar to Serbian, Croatian and Bosnian.
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, especially by the younger generation and in hospitality services.
Transportation
Public Transport: Buses are the main form of public transport, with regular services connecting major towns and cities. Trains are limited but available on certain routes, such as between Bar and Podgorica.
Car Rental: Recommended for exploring rural areas and national parks, as public transport can be limited. Roads are generally good, but some mountain roads can be narrow and winding.
Taxis: Taxis are available in cities and towns, but it is recommended to agree on a fare before you start your journey. It is especially beneficial to choose taxis with company information on them to avoid possible scams.
Health and Safety
Health: The quality of healthcare is generally good in urban areas, and hospitals and clinics are available. Travel insurance with health coverage is highly recommended.
Security: Montenegro is considered safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, it is always wise to be vigilant, especially in crowded places.
Cultural Etiquette
Dress Modestly: When visiting religious sites such as monasteries and churches, dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees.
Greetings: Shaking hands is a common greeting. When invited to someone’s home, it is polite to bring a small gift such as flowers or sweets.
Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not required. In restaurants, it is customary to round up the bill or leave a 10% tip.
Connectivity
Internet Access: Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes and restaurants in urban and tourist areas.
SIM Cards: Local SIM cards with data plans can be purchased at airports, shops and kiosks.
Electricity
Voltage: 230V, 50Hz
Plug Type: Type C and F (same as most of Europe). Make sure you have the appropriate adapter if your devices use a different plug type.
Local Cuisine
Must-Try Dishes: These include Njeguški pršut (smoked ham),
Cevapi (grilled meatballs),
Kačamak (a hearty dish made of potatoes and cheese), and fresh seafood along the coast.
Beverages: Rakija (fruit brandy) is a traditional alcoholic beverage, and Montenegrin wines, especially from the Skadar Lake region, are worth a try.
Environmental Responsibility
Respect for Nature: Montenegro has stunning natural landscapes. Follow local guidelines for waste disposal, stay on marked paths, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Emergency Numbers
General Emergencies: 112
Police: 122
Fire: 123
Medical Emergencies: 124
Being prepared and aware of these issues will help you get the most out of your trip to Montenegro.
IF YOU ARE GOING TO RENTAL A CAR IN MONTENEGRO, MUST READ IT?
If you are going to travel to Montenegro and will be using a rental car from a different country during your trip, let us share with you some issues that you should definitely pay attention to and information about the daily accommodation tax.
Especially in the city of Podgorica, prefer parking lots with barriers and payment points as much as possible. Or, make sure to read the signs in the areas reserved for parking very well and put the receipt or invoice that you can prove that you paid the parking fee in a visible place in your vehicle.
Especially if you have rented a car from Albania and Kosovo, they can tow your car without question and they can get ugly.
They will bother you with absurd issues such as you need an ID card to drive in Montenegro and they will come up with various excuses such as you cannot take the car, the owner of the car has to come.
The only purpose here is to get more money from you.
Believe me, the parking fees you will pay to avoid such situations will be very innocent and you will not experience any morale problems and you will not worry about whether your car will be towed while traveling.
If you are renting a house from Airbnb, ask the host if the house has a parking lot and confirm, even if it is stated in the listing details.
One of the most wondered about issues and many people do not know how to do is the tourist tax.
You need to pay 1 euro tourist tax per day for each day you stay in Montenegro. You need to make this payment within the first 24 hours after entering Montenegro. If you are staying in Podgorica, you need to pay it to the Tourist Information Center in Podgorica, and in other cities, to the Tourist Information Centers in the districts/municipalities where your accommodation is located.
For example, you will stay 3 days in Podgorica and 4 days in Budva. First of all, you need to pay the fee for the 3 days you will stay in Podgorica to the Podgorica Tourist Information Center.
You can click here for the address and location information.
You need to make your next 4-day stay in Budva at any Tourist Information Center in Budva. The tourist information centers will ask for the address of your accommodation and the host’s information.
Having this information ready will ensure that your transactions are completed quickly and smoothly. Some hosts may cover the daily tourist tax themselves. Again, you can confirm this with the host when you rent the house. When you rent from sites like Airbnb and Booking, the host’s information and address information are automatically shared with you. You can carry out your transactions with this information from tourist information.
