Hidden Gems in Europe: Guide to Traveling Montenegro

Traveling Montenegro may not be the first place you think of, but that’s why it’s a hidden gem in Europe! From beaches to mountains, this country has it all. Nestled between the Dalmatian coast and the mountains of Durmitor, this hidden gem is starting to make a name for itself in the eyes of tourism.

Quick facts about Montenegro

My first trip to Montenegro was just passing through, and partially by accident. However, after being amazed by the scenery from the window of my furgon, I decided Montenegro deserves more than just a passing glance.

Since then, the Balkans have completely taken my heart, but especially so Montenegro.

Where is Montenegro?

Montenegro is a former Yugoslavian country that not many people think of to visit! However, because of its geography on the Adriatic Sea, it has world class beaches on one side, and mountainous area on the other.

Is Montenegro good for tourists?

Traveling Montenegro is great because it’s relatively cheap and safe. The country also uses the euro, which is super convenient for European travelers.

Is it safe to travel Montenegro?

I have done a lot of solo travel in Montenegro, and I have never felt threatened. Sometimes in Western Europe you may worry about leaving your stuff on the beach when you go for a swim. In Montenegro, everyone leaves their things on the beach! Just have some common sense when it comes to safety and I think you should be fine!

Is Montenegro cheap to travel?

Depending on where you visit in Montenegro, it can be very cheap! More touristy places will be a bit more expensive, although still cheaper in comparison to neighboring Croatia. Non-touristy places will have prices more aligned with the rest of the Balkan countries.

For an idea, a hostel bed in a tourist area will cost 15 euros a night. A typical meal in a restaurant in a tourist area can be about 15 euros for one person, or cheaper. The farther south you go and the farther away from the Bay of Kotor, the cheaper it is.

Do people in Montenegro speak English?

Although it’s starting to become more common, most people do not speak English. Be prepared to use your translator any time you buy a bus ticket! While the locals may not speak English, I did find most of them to be really nice! They want to help, even if they don’t speak English, so you may have a conversation with a local with just hand gestures!

What is the best time of year to visit Montenegro?

You can visit Montenegro year-round, although to take advantage of the amazing beaches you should probably go in the warmer months. May/early June and September are a perfect time to beat the crowds, but still be able to swim.

However, Montenegro is also very mountainous so you can visit in the winter as well! Plan your trip based on what you would like to see the most.

Is Montenegro easy to travel around?

Public transport in the Balkans can be difficult.

Renting a car is usually the best way to go, but also the most expensive, especially when you’re crossing borders. In Montenegro, there are no highways, so prepare to be going veryyyy slow. The locals drive extremely slowly, but also a bit like maniacs. I was starting to wonder if cars in Montenegro even had blinkers! They also like to drive in the middle of lanes so any rule kind of goes. You will be hard pressed to find parking in certain areas, but paid parking is still pretty cheap.

Buses are common and widely used, and are easy to find based on the bus stations. Trains exist as well, although the majority of them tend to be slower than the bus. Probably the most common type of transport in the Balkans though, is the furgon.

Furgons are usually vans (or just someone’s car if there aren’t enough people!) that pick up locals from city to city, as well as anything else they need to transport. I’ve seen people transport anything from a gift for their niece to an air conditioning unit. Furgons don’t really have a bus station, and sometimes don’t even have a schedule! Hotels don’t always know where the furgons pick up, so the best way to find one is by asking a taxi driver to take you to one.

Traveling Montenegro

The capital of Montenegro is Podgorica. It has an airport, but really not much to see besides that. The beauty of Montenegro lies on its coasts and national parks.

Besides Podgorica, you can also reach the country from Albania or from Croatia. From Albania you need to take a bus or furgon from Shkodër to Ulcinj, then Ulcinj to the rest of the cities. From Dubrovnik, Croatia, you can head south into Kotor, Budva, Bar, and some other coastal cities.

There are many amazing destinations to see when traveling Montenegro, but these are a few of my favorites!

Best Destinations to Visit in Montenegro

Ulcinj

Ulcinj is in the south, close to Albania and fairly small. However, you’ll find turquoise blue waters and a castle to explore, as well as parties on the beach at night. Ulcinj is nice to see if you’re headed from Albania to the north, but the other coastal cities farther inward tend to outshine Ulcinj, although they are a bit more touristy. However, Ulcinj has the longest coastline and the only really sandy beaches in Montenegro, which makes it perfect for a relaxing beach holiday.

Things to do in Ulcinj:

• Explore the Old Town
• Kite surf in Veliza Plaza
• Visit a nudist beach at Ada Bojana

Budva

Ah Budva. My love, my life. Budva is a lively city with lots of beaches and parties. Many celebrities are drawn to Budva, and the exceptionally wealthy stay at Sveti Stefan, a 5 Star resort located on a nearby peninsula. Budva has many beaches to explore along its coast, as well as water sports and summer festivals. It’s about 2 hours by bus from Ulcinj and 2.5 hours from Dubrovnik, Croatia (plus the border control).

Things to do in Budva:

• Party at Plôce Beach Club
• Visit Sveti Stefan
• Take a boat or paragliding tour
• Wander around the Old Town
• Visit some other hidden beaches by car or bus

Kotor (Both city and bay)

Kotor is a bit quieter than Budva and more relaxed, but less of a beach town. It is located in the Bay of Kotor and houses many cruises docking for the day. The Old Town, called Stari Grad, is filled with friendly cats and interesting shops, and a trail you can take to the castle fortress if you want a view like this. Also in Kotor there are many boat trips around the city, or to small islands nearby, such as Our Lady of the Rocks. Kotor is 2 hours from Dubrovnik and half an hour from Budva.

Things to do in Kotor:

• Take a boat to Our Lady of the Rocks
• Climb the castle fortress
• Dine and shop in the Old Town

Besides Kotor, there are many other villages to visit in the area if you have flexibility, such as Tivat and Herceg Novi.

Durmitor National Park

Durmitor National Park is in the northern part of the country, near the Bosnian border. In the summer there are lots of hiking trails and Tara Canyon, where you can go whitewater rafting. In the winter the park is converted into a ski resort. The base city, Zabljak, is located about three and a half hours from Kotor. Definitely worth visiting if you have the time. Read more about Durmitor here.

Things to do in Durmitor:

• Go whitewater rafting
• Take a hike to Bobotov Kuk

If you have even a little bit of time, I strongly recommend Hidden Gem: Montenegro. It’s my favorite Balkan country and I can’t wait for my next visit!