Get Ready for Adventure-Filled Journeys! Survival Kit Series for Travelers: Montenegro

Montenegro, one of Europe’s hidden paradises, is a treasure waiting to be discovered with its natural beauty, historical charm, and unique culture. Nestled along the Adriatic Sea, this small Balkan country offers a captivating travel experience with stunning beaches, impressive mountain views, and medieval towns. From the capital city of Podgorica to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bay of Kotor, from Herceg Novi to the beautiful beaches of Budva, every corner of Montenegro holds a unique charm. It’s the perfect destination for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility. Let’s explore this enchanting country together!

Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Montenegro

If you’re planning to travel to Montenegro, there are some important things you should know before your trip. You should check the latest visa information before making your travel plans. The official currency of Montenegro is the Euro (EUR), so it’s helpful to have enough cash with you during your trip. While credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas, cash is often preferred in smaller towns. The official language of Montenegro is Montenegrin, but English is also widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. You can easily communicate with basic English skills. Montenegro is generally a safe country with good healthcare services, but it is recommended to have travel insurance. Transportation in Montenegro is mostly provided by buses and taxis. Bus services between major cities are frequent and reliable. Renting a car is also an option and a fantastic way to explore the country. We traveled around by renting a car, and if you’re looking for a quick and easy trip, this could be a great choice. There are affordable car rental options available.

Montenegro’s climate varies, with a Mediterranean climate along the coast and a continental climate in the interior. Be sure to consider the weather when planning your travel dates.

Cultural awareness is important, especially when visiting religious sites. Modest attire is recommended for entering churches and cathedrals, as there are several notable ones to visit. Additionally, when staying in Montenegro, keep in mind the city tax. It’s a significant detail since border security checks this upon leaving the country. AAdditionally, you should be aware of the city tax when staying in Montenegro. This is an important matter, as border security checks it upon your departure. The tax is a small daily fee charged for the duration of your stay in hotels or other accommodations and is used to improve the country’s tourism infrastructure. When making your accommodation reservations, it’s crucial to inquire about the city tax and include this fee in your budget to avoid unexpected surprises. For Airbnb stays, the host typically collects this payment. If they haven’t, you can settle the payment at Tourist Information Centers located in city centers.

During our return, someone at passport control was found not to have paid, and they were charged a penalty. Let’s respect the country’s rules!

We visited Kotor, Budva, Cetinje, Herceg Novi, Perast, and Podgorica in Montenegro.

First, Kotor: Known as the pearl of the Adriatic Sea, Kotor is one of the most captivating stops you should explore in Montenegro. This historic city stands out as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and every corner feels like an open-air museum. With its narrow streets, stone buildings, and medieval walls, Kotor will transport you back in time. The stunning views of Kotor Bay, with its deep blue sea and the steep mountains surrounding it, offer breathtaking beauty. The heart of the city, the Old Town of Kotor, is filled with impressive cathedrals, enchanting churches, and fascinating museums. Kotor has a lively and dynamic atmosphere both during the day and at night, making it a must-visit destination on your Montenegro trip. We stayed in a hotel within the Old Town. You can find our Google Maps review of the hotel below. We definitely recommend staying in a hotel within the city, as spending the night in the historical atmosphere of the town is truly a wonderful experience.

Kotor offers a variety of restaurants and cafes both in the Old Town and along the coastal area. The Old Town is filled with unique spots that ooze history and culture at every corner. A great starting point for your visit should be the St. Tryphon Cathedral, built in the 12th century, famous for its stunning frescoes. Afterward, you can enjoy the magnificent views of Kotor and the Bay of Kotor with a walk along the city walls. For those interested in maritime history, the Maritime Museum offers an exploration of ship models and historical artifacts. St. Nicholas Church and St. Luke's Church are other must-see stops, captivating visitors with their architectural beauty and historical ambiance. The Piazza of the Arms, the largest square in the Old Town, is the perfect place to relax with its surrounding cafes and restaurants. The Napoleon Theater, built in the early 19th century, is another important cultural landmark that reflects Kotor’s rich heritage. As you stroll through the narrow streets, you can visit the Kotor Market for local handicrafts and souvenirs, or pass through the Gurdić Gate to savor the historical atmosphere. These stops provide an ideal route for discovering Kotor’s enchanting ambiance. Additionally, along the road leading to the coastal area, there is a marina where you can embark on an affordable speedboat tour around the bay.

They also offer discounts for larger groups. If you decide to take the tour, we recommend bringing a windbreaker jacket or sweater, even if it’s summer, and maybe even a hat. :) We were freezing, but hopefully, you won’t be! These speedboats also stop at the famous site of Our Lady of the Rocks Island. For just 5 EUR, you can visit the church on the island.

Since you're already in Kotor, you can't miss visiting Perast.

Located just 12 kilometers from Kotor, the jewel of Montenegro, Perast is like a time capsule that will take you back in time. Getting from Kotor to Perast is easy with regular bus services, and you can also reach it quickly by renting a car. This small town will captivate you with its stunning Baroque architecture and serene atmosphere.

Top attractions in Perast include St. Nicholas Church and the clock tower. You can stroll through Perast's narrow streets, discover the historic stone houses and elegant churches, or relax in one of the seaside cafes while savoring local delicacies. Perast, a perfect escape for those seeking silence and tranquility, offers an unforgettable travel experience with breathtaking views of the Bay of Kotor. You can also enjoy wine tasting from local wineries. The pomegranate wines are especially delightful.

Although it's a bit far, Herceg Novi is worth the trip from Kotor.

Located at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, Herceg Novi is situated in the western part of Montenegro, near the Croatian border. About 40 kilometers from Kotor, you can enjoy a scenic drive to this beautiful seaside town. Herceg Novi promises unforgettable experiences with its rich history, diverse cultural events, and natural beauty. One of the most notable landmarks in the city is the Bloody Tower, which offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. By walking through the Old Town (Stari Grad) area, you can explore historical buildings dating back to the Ottoman, Venetian, and Austro-Hungarian periods. If you have a Schengen visa, you can even cross from here to Dubrovnik.

yakın bir konumda yer alıyor.

Next up is Budva.

Located along the Adriatic Sea, Budva is one of Montenegro's most popular holiday destinations. Situated about 23 kilometers from Kotor, Budva is easily accessible and offers a comfortable journey. This city blends history with modernity, and during the summer months, it stands out for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and cultural events. The Old Town (Stari Grad) of Budva enchants visitors with its narrow streets, historic stone buildings, and impressive city walls. The St. Ivan Church and Budva Citadel, located at the heart of the city, are must-see attractions for history enthusiasts.

The beauty of Budva isn’t limited to its historic buildings. The city is also famous for its stunning beaches. Slovenska Plaza and Mogren Beach, with their clean waters and white sands, are among the favorite spots for holidaymakers. For water sports enthusiasts, Budva offers a wide range of activities, including diving, jet skiing, and sailing.

Famous for its vibrant nightlife, Budva is lined with bars, nightclubs, and restaurants along the coastline. In addition, the annual Budva Theatre Festival and music events offer great options for those seeking cultural richness. Budva provides an unforgettable holiday experience in Montenegro, with both its historical charm and modern amenities.

One of the city's landmarks is the Dancing Girl Statue, located near Mogren Beach and overlooking the sea. This elegant statue symbolizes balance and beauty, reflecting the spirit of the city. The walking paths around the statue are perfect for those who want to enjoy the view or take a relaxing stroll.

Located 9 kilometers from Budva, Sveti Stefan is a stunning island connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway and has been transformed into a luxury resort. However, due to its status as private property, access to Sveti Stefan is no longer allowed, and it is only open to hotel guests. As a result, you can still admire the island from the sea by taking boat tours that depart from Budva marina. On a boat tour, you can also visit Sveti Nikola Island, located just across from Budva. It offers a beautiful and serene spot for swimming, and you can enjoy the peaceful waters at the Halfmoon Beach, one of the most beautiful and tranquil places to swim near Budva.

In one day, Cetinje, Lipa Cave, and the capital city Podgorica.

This route is ideal for those with a car. If you’ve rented a car in Montenegro, you can visit all three locations in one day. If you want to discover both historical and natural beauty in a single day in Montenegro, a route including Cetinje, Lipa Cave, and the capital Podgorica is a perfect choice.

Your journey should start early in the morning with Cetinje, the former capital and cultural center of Montenegro, as your first stop. Located about an hour’s drive from Kotor, this city is rich in history and architecture. In Cetinje, you can visit significant landmarks such as the Royal Palace, Cetinje Monastery, and the Academy of Sciences and Arts, and take a stroll through the city’s historical streets to closely experience Montenegro’s cultural heritage. The peaceful atmosphere and historic ambiance of the city will make your morning a truly enjoyable experience.

The next stop after Cetinje will be Lipa Cave, renowned for its natural beauty. A short drive from Cetinje will take you to this fascinating cave, one of Montenegro's largest and most impressive. During a guided tour of Lipa Cave, you’ll explore stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations, vast underground galleries, and captivating natural landscapes. Cave tours usually last around an hour, giving you plenty of time to take photos and enjoy this unique natural wonder. The cool and mystical atmosphere of the cave offers a refreshing break, especially on hot summer days.

The final stop of your day will be Podgorica, the dynamic capital of Montenegro. Located about 30 kilometers from Lipa Cave, Podgorica will greet you with its modern face and vibrant atmosphere. In Podgorica, you can take a walk around Republic Square, visit the old stone bridge along the Ribnica River, and explore the historic neighborhood known as Stara Varos. The city's many cafes and restaurants offer a chance to taste Montenegrin cuisine, and you can shop at shopping malls and local markets. This well-rounded route, covering Cetinje, Lipa Cave, and Podgorica, will allow you to experience Montenegro’s historical, natural, and modern sides all in one day.

Food in Montenegro

In Montenegro, all restaurants offer hamburgers, pizza, and pasta. Generally, most of them are quite delicious. Seafood is also very popular, but since we’re not fans of seafood, we didn’t try it. It’s recommended to try Brudet (a fish stew) and Black Risotto at fish restaurants in Montenegro. Ćevapi is also famous, just like in Serbia, but there are places in Serbia that make it really well. :)

Šopska Salad is also very popular in Montenegro. You should also try Krempita, a delicious custard-filled pastry. We recommend trying the local beer Niksicko (#notanad) at the places where you eat. Additionally, the pastries are excellent. Their croissants and börek are really tasty. We ate so many pastries during our one-week stay that when we got home, we didn’t want to eat any for a long time.