Montenegro Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, hiking and biking routes, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation options, and nearby destinations in Montenegro.


Discover Montenegro - Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Montenegro is a country located in the Balkans, in Southern Europe, known for its rugged mountains, medieval villages, and pristine beaches. This small but vibrant country offers the perfect mix of culture, nature, and adventure, making it a popular destination among travelers. In this comprehensive travel guide to Montenegro, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your trip, from the best places to visit to where to stay, what to eat and drink, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Montenegro

Montenegro has something to offer for everyone, whether you’re looking for cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, or stunning natural scenery. Here are some must-visit places to include in your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Kotor Old Town: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Montenegro’s most picturesque places. Wander through the winding streets and alleys of the Old Town, visit the medieval fortifications, and soak up the atmosphere of this ancient city.
  • Ostrog Monastery: This stunning monastery is built into the side of a mountain and attracts visitors from all over the world. It’s one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Balkans, with stunning frescoes and a serene atmosphere.
  • Cetinje: Montenegro’s former royal capital is known for its grand architecture, cultural museums, and scenic parks. It’s a must-visit for history and culture lovers.

Natural Attractions of Montenegro: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Durmitor National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a hiker’s paradise, with rugged mountains, deep canyons, and crystal-clear lakes. You can spend days exploring the park, with highlights including the Black Lake, Bobotov Kuk peak, and the Tara River Canyon.
  • Bay of Kotor: This stunning bay is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, with clear blue waters and charming coastal towns. Take a boat tour or rent a kayak to explore the bay, with stops at the charming villages of Perast and Herceg Novi.
  • Skadar Lake: This largest lake in the Balkans is known for its diverse wildlife, including rare birds and fish species. Take a boat tour to explore the hidden coves and islands of the lake, or rent a bike to explore the surrounding countryside.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Montenegro

Montenegro is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore. Some of the best routes include:

  • Hiking in Durmitor National Park: There are numerous hiking trails in this stunning park, with options for all fitness levels. Some of the most popular routes include the hike to Bobotov Kuk, the highest peak in the park, and the Crno Jezero (Black Lake) trail.
  • Biking in Lovcen National Park: This park is known for its stunning mountain scenery and offers some great biking trails. You can rent a bike and explore the park on your own or join a guided tour.
  • Hiking in Biogradska Gora National Park: This protected area is known for its ancient woodlands, crystal-clear rivers, and stunning mountain scenery. You can hike the Biogradska Gora circular route or explore the surrounding trails on your own.

Best Things to Do in Montenegro: Activities and Tours

Montenegro offers a range of activities and tours to suit all interests and budgets. Here are some of the best options:

  • Kayaking in the Bay of Kotor: Explore the stunning coastal scenery of the Bay of Kotor by kayak, with stops at charming villages and secluded coves.
  • Wine Tasting in Crmnica: This wine region is known for its delicious reds and whites, with vineyards and wineries dotted throughout the countryside. Join a guided wine tasting tour and sample some of the best wines in the region.
  • Rafting on the Tara River: This wild river is one of the best spots in Europe for white-water rafting, with rapids ranging from class II to V. Join a rafting tour for an adrenaline-packed adventure.

Week-Long Itinerary for Montenegro

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Montenegro, here’s a sample itinerary to follow:

Day Activity
1 Explore Kotor Old Town
2 Visit Ostrog Monastery
3 Hike in Durmitor National Park
4 Bike in Lovcen National Park
5 Kayak in the Bay of Kotor
6 Wine tasting in Crmnica
7 Rafting on the Tara River

Food and Drink Scene of Montenegro

Montenegro’s cuisine is influenced by its Mediterranean climate, with fresh seafood, grilled meats, and plenty of fresh vegetables. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cevapi: Grilled meat sausages served with flatbread and onion salad
  • Burek: A flaky pastry filled with meat, cheese, or spinach
  • Sarma: Stuffed cabbage rolls filled with meat and rice

Local Beverages

  • Rakija: A strong fruit brandy, similar to grappa
  • Vranac: A full-bodied red wine with distinctive fruity notes
  • Niksicko Pivo: A popular local beer

Where to Stay in Montenegro: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Montenegro offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Here are some top picks:

  • The Chedi Lustica Bay: This 5-star hotel is located on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, with stunning views and luxurious amenities.
  • Hostel Old Town Kotor: This budget-friendly hostel is located in the heart of Kotor Old Town, with comfortable dorms and private rooms.
  • Apartments Vucinic: These cozy apartments are located in the charming village of Perast, with stunning coastal views and fully equipped kitchens.

What to Buy in Montenegro: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Montenegro is known for its unique souvenirs and local products. Here are some ideas of what to buy:

  • Olive oil: Montenegro produces some of the best olive oil in the Mediterranean, with a distinctive nutty flavor.
  • Handmade ceramics: From colorful plates to intricate vases, Montenegro is known for its beautiful ceramics.
  • Bee products: Montenegro is home to many beekeepers, producing high-quality honey and beeswax products.

Local Culture and Customs of Montenegro

Montenegro is a welcoming country with a rich cultural heritage. Some customs and traditions to keep in mind include:

  • Dress modestly: When visiting churches and monasteries, dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering.
  • Greeting customs: When meeting someone for the first time, a handshake is customary for both men and women.
  • Respect for elders: In Montenegrin culture, showing respect for elders is highly valued.

Best Time to Visit Montenegro

Montenegro has a mild Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is between May and September, when the weather is mild and sunny. July and August are the busiest months, with crowds and high prices.

Do’s and Don’ts of Montenegro

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while visiting Montenegro:

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine: Montenegrin cuisine is delicious and varied, with plenty of fresh seafood and grilled meats.
  • Respect local customs: Montenegro is a conservative country, so dress modestly and be respectful of local customs and traditions.
  • Explore the great outdoors: Montenegro is known for its stunning natural scenery, so take advantage of the hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities on offer.

Don’t:

  • Expect everyone to speak English: While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, many locals speak only Montenegrin.
  • Disrespect religious sites: Montenegro is a deeply Catholic country, so be respectful when visiting churches and monasteries.
  • Underestimate the sun: The sun can be strong in Montenegro, so make sure to wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water.

Safety and Health

Montenegro is a safe country to travel to, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. Here are some safety and health tips to keep in mind:

Safety in Montenegro

  • Watch out for pickpockets: Like in any tourist destination, be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables close to you.
  • Be cautious when driving: Montenegro’s roads can be winding and narrow, so drive carefully and obey traffic rules.
  • Stay informed: Check local news and weather reports regularly, especially if you’re planning outdoor activities.

Health in Montenegro

  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially in the summer months when temperatures can be high.
  • Watch out for mosquitoes: Montenegro has a high number of mosquitoes, so bring insect repellent and wear protective clothing.
  • Pack a first-aid kit: Make sure to pack any necessary medications and a first-aid kit.

Getting to Montenegro: Transportation Options and Logistics

Montenegro is well-connected by air, land, and sea. Here are some options for getting to and around the country:

Airports Near Montenegro

  • Podgorica Airport: The largest airport in Montenegro serves international and domestic flights.
  • Tivat Airport: This small airport serves mostly charter flights to European destinations.

Bus Stations Near Montenegro

  • Dubrovnik Bus Station: This bus station in neighboring Croatia offers frequent bus connections to Montenegro.
  • Herceg Novi Bus Station: This Montenegrin bus station serves routes to other cities in the country.

Other Options

  • Ferry: There are regular ferry connections between Bar in Montenegro and Bari in Italy.
  • Car rental: Renting a car is a good option for exploring Montenegro’s scenic countryside and national parks.

How to Get Around in Montenegro

Montenegro is a small country, making it easy to get around. Here are some options for getting around the country:

  • Bus: Montenegro has a reliable and frequent bus network, with connections between major cities and towns.
  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Montenegro, but make sure to negotiate the price before getting in.
  • Rent a car: Renting a car is a good option if you want to explore the countryside or national parks at your own pace.

Where to Go Next from Montenegro: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Montenegro is a great base for exploring neighboring countries and destinations. Here are some nearby places to consider:

  • Dubrovnik, Croatia: This picturesque coastal city is just a short drive from Montenegro and known for its medieval Old Town and stunning coastal scenery.
  • Tirana, Albania: Montenegro’s neighboring country Albania offers a vibrant capital city with a rich cultural heritage and delicious cuisine.
  • Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: This historic city is known for its Ottoman architecture, rich history, and delicious street food.

Conclusion

Montenegro is a hidden gem in Europe, offering a unique blend of culture, nature, and adventure. Whether you’re looking to hike in the mountains, explore medieval towns, or relax on pristine beaches, this small but vibrant country has something for everyone. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your itinerary, learn about local customs, and make the most of your visit to Montenegro.

The monastery at Mount Ostrog The monastery at Mount Ostrog The flag of Montenegro in Kotor The flag of Montenegro in Kotor Visa policy of Montenegro Visa policy of Montenegro Podgorica Airport Podgorica Airport The railway network of Montenegro consists essentially of two intersecting lines; while there is passenger service from Serbia, the line to Albania is only used for freight The railway network of Montenegro consists essentially of two intersecting lines; while there is passenger service from Serbia, the line to Albania is only used for freight Beach of Becici Beach of Becici View of Sveti Stefan from Budva View of Sveti Stefan from Budva The main square, Herceg Novi The main square, Herceg Novi Tara river canyon Tara river canyon Mall of Montenegro in Podgorica Mall of Montenegro in Podgorica Njeguški pršut Njeguški pršut Police car in Montenegro Police car in Montenegro


    Bay of Kotor
    Budva Riviera
    Central Montenegro
    Montenegrin South Coast
    North Montenegrin Mountains