Southeast Europe
Southeast EuropeMontenegroTravel guide
- Podgorica
- Bar
- Budva
- Cetinje
- Kotor
- Nikšić
Montenegro is a small country in the Balkans, on the Adriatic Sea. Its capital is Podgorica, and it has mountains, historic towns and a busy summer coast.
Why go
Explore historic walled towns along the coast.
Visit Ostrog Monastery, built against a steep rock face.
Cruise in the Bay of Kotor.
Walk or cycle on paths linking villages, churches and mountains.
Getting there
By air
- Podgorica Airport is the main international airport and has budget flights.
- Tivat Airport has flights from Belgrade all year and summer charter flights from major European destinations.
- Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia is about half an hour by car from Herceg Novi, across the border.
By land
- Trains from Belgrade run through Bijelo Polje, Kolašin and Podgorica to Bar. The scheduled journey takes about 10 hours to Podgorica or 11 hours to Bar, but long delays are possible.
- Extra trains run in summer, including a daytime service from Subotica.
- Buses connect Montenegro with neighbouring countries, with more routes in summer. The source lists international tickets as costing under €25.
By sea
- A ferry connects Bari in Italy with Bar throughout the year, with several services a week in summer. The crossing takes about eight hours.
- You can also take a ferry from Bari to Dubrovnik in Croatia, then continue by bus. Dubrovnik's bus station is beside the ferry port.
Getting around
Bus
Buses are frequent, especially in summer, and usually keep to their schedules. Local buses often have no air conditioning. Bus station fees are included in tickets bought at the station but may be extra for online tickets. Pay any extra fee well before departure so you do not miss your bus. Busticket4Me lists routes, times and prices. Tickets bought online must be printed. You can also board at stops along the route, avoiding the station fee. Know the fare before boarding; stops are shown on OpenStreetMap and apps such as OsmAnd or Mapy.cz.
Train
Trains are a cheap way to travel north and south, but the network covers only part of the country. Podgorica has services to Bar, Bijelo Polje via Kolašin and Mojkovac, and Nikšić. The route to Nikšić offers scenic views and a chance to stop for Ostrog Monastery.
Car
Drive on the right. Most roads have two lanes, and many are narrow, winding and mountainous. Speed limits are usually 80 km/h on open roads and 50 km/h in built-up areas. Follow posted signs. Wear a seat belt, keep headlights on during the day and do not use a mobile phone while driving. Expect fast drivers, dangerous overtaking and pedestrians crossing outside marked crossings. Summer traffic jams are common.
What to see and do
Ostrog Monastery
This 17th-century Serbian Orthodox monastery stands against a near-vertical rock face, about 10 km from Danilovgrad. It overlooks the Bjelopavlići plain.
Historic coastal towns
Montenegro has beautiful medieval walled towns. Start sightseeing early in summer to get ahead of the biggest crowds.
Mountain landscapes
The country has dramatic mountain scenery. The railway through the Dinaric Mountains offers especially scenic views.
Rafting
Rafting trips follow a 100-km stretch through Europe's largest canyon, using wooden or rubber boats.
Hiking and cycling
Maintained paths link villages, roads, churches and mountains. Town tourist offices can provide route maps.
Cruising and diving
Explore the Bay of Kotor from the water and reach small historic islands by boat. There are also diving spots along Luštica.
Food and drink
Njeguški pršut
A local smoked ham, often served as a starter.
Local cheeses
Try njeguški cheese or pljevaljski cheese.
Lamb dishes
Northern specialities include boiled lamb and lamb cooked in milk.
Cicvara
A buttered corn porridge made with fresh milk cream.
Kastradina
Dried mutton found in traditional central and coastal cooking.
Fish and seafood
Look for smoked or fresh carp from Skadar Lake, fresh sea fish and seafood.
Money
Euro (€; currency code EUR)
- One euro is divided into 100 cents.
- Euro coins from different countries are accepted regardless of their national design.
- Exchange rates change.
Typical costs
- Domestic bus tickets are listed as costing under €15.
- Example bus fares are €6 from Podgorica to Ulcinj, €3 from Podgorica to Cetinje and €5 from Cetinje to Kotor.
- Domestic train fares are listed as costing no more than €2.80.
- Car rental is listed from €11 at Tivat Airport and €14 at Podgorica Airport.
- In December 2022, the Belgrade train cost €21 for a place in a six-bed compartment or €31.80 in a four-bed compartment.
Language
- Montenegrin is the official language and uses both Latin and Cyrillic writing; Latin is more common.
- Montenegrin is very similar to Serbian, Croatian and Bosnian.
- Albanian is commonly spoken in Ulcinj, Plav, Gusinje and the Malesia district of Podgorica municipality.
- Many people in Podgorica and along the coast speak some English.
- Italian is useful along the coast, and some people know German.
- Many older people speak Russian, and coastal tourist businesses also cater to Russian speakers.
- Slovenian and Macedonian are also understood.
Staying safe
- Montenegro is generally safe, but theft does occur. Keep your bag in front of you and money under your clothing.
- Stay on main roads near the Kosovo border because unexploded landmines may remain. Avoid areas with military activity.
- Take care on roads because aggressive driving, speeding and narrow roads are common.
- Wear footwear in the sea to protect against sea urchins. When snorkelling, avoid brushing against urchins on rocks.
Local customs
Do
- Wear modest clothing when visiting churches and monasteries.
- Look the other person in the eyes when toasting and clinking glasses.
- Sip liquor; this is generally preferred to drinking it in one gulp.
Don't
- Do not wear shorts inside public institutions such as hospitals, where they are usually not permitted.
- Do not remove the bottom part of your swimsuit outside designated nude beaches.
- Avoid being visibly drunk, which is considered poor behaviour.
Staying healthy
- Tap water is generally drinkable, though it may be better to avoid it in some small towns.
- Podgorica's average July temperatures are about 35–40°C.
- Mountain weather varies greatly with height, and northern mountains can keep their snow throughout spring.
Phone and internet
- Most bus stations have Wi-Fi. You may need to ask for the password.
Where to stay
- Hotels are available in towns and summer resorts, including five-star hotels.
- Some hotels offer half-board, meaning breakfast and one other meal, or full-board, meaning breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Outdoor adventures in Montenegro
Montenegro has mountain walks, Tara Canyon rafting and winter skiing in the north. Along the Adriatic coast, you can take boat trips, dive near Luštica, try kite-surfing or visit beaches.
Tara Canyon rafting
RaftingDurmitor National Park, North Montenegrin Mountains
Raft down the Tara Canyon in a wooden or rubber boat. Booking arrangements are not specified.
Bay of Kotor island boat trips
SailingBay of Kotornear Kotor
Take a tourist boat from outside Kotor's old town main gate. Alternatively, take a bus to Perast and then a water taxi to the islands.
- Cost: Tourist boat: €15. Alternative: €1 bus to Perast, then €5 water taxi.
Kotor Fortress steps
HikeBay of Kotornear Kotor
30 minutes to 1 hour for the ascentUse a paid entrance near the north or south gate of the old town. Follow 1,350 steps up to St John's Fortress.
- Cost: €15
- Recommended only for people who are reasonably physically fit.
- Some steps are broken.
Trail outside Kotor Fortress
HikeBay of Kotornear Kotor
Leave the old town through the north gate and cross the bridge. Turn right at the main road, then find the small path left of the house at the top of the road. It leads behind the abandoned power station. Use OsmAnd or Google Maps to follow the trail.
- Cost: Free for the outside trail.
- This trail is more demanding and takes longer than the paid fortress steps.
- Bring plenty of water.
Kotor to the Mausoleum of Njegoš
HikeLovćen National Park, Central Montenegronear Kotor
Hard Full dayContinue uphill on the route outside Kotor's fortifications and into Lovćen National Park, towards the mausoleum.
- The 13 km route climbs from sea level to 1,700 m.
Prokletije National Park hiking and climbing
HikeProkletije National Park
Visit the park for hiking or mountain climbing. Specific routes and access arrangements are not given.
- Watch your steps while hiking and leave snakes undisturbed.
- Near the Kosovo border, keep to main roads because unexploded landmines may remain.
Skadar Lake National Park
WildlifeCentral Montenegro
Visit Skadar Lake for nature and lakeside walks. It is also listed as a picnic destination from Podgorica; transport details are not given.
Biogradska Gora forest and lake fishing
More to doBiogradska Gora National Park
Visit the national park's forest and small lake, where fishing is possible. Access and fishing arrangements are not specified.
Žabljak skiing and snowboarding
SkiingNorth Montenegrin Mountainsnear Žabljak
WinterUse the ski resorts in Žabljak for downhill skiing or snowboarding.
Kolašin skiing and snowboarding
SkiingNorth Montenegrin Mountainsnear Kolašin
WinterUse the ski resorts in Kolašin for downhill skiing or snowboarding.
Luštica diving
Scuba divingLuštica, Bay of Kotor area
Dive at spots along Luštica. Specific dive sites, operators and booking arrangements are not given.
Ada Bojana kite-surfing
SurfingMontenegrin South Coastnear Ulcinj
Head to Ada Bojana near Ulcinj for kite-surfing. Lesson and equipment arrangements are not specified.
Brajici paragliding over Budva Riviera
ParaglidingBudva Rivieranear Budva
The paragliding spot is at Brajici, above Budva. Operators and booking arrangements are not specified.
Brajici to Sveti Stefan coastal road hike
HikeBudva Rivieranear Budva
Easy 3 hoursTake a bus to Brajici, then walk five minutes to Kosmac Castle. Follow the old road downhill towards Sveti Stefan.
- Watch your steps while hiking and leave snakes undisturbed.
Budva Riviera boat trip
SailingBudva Rivieranear Budva
Rent or board a boat at the harbour beside Budva's old town. Trips can include St. Nicholas Island or beaches along the coast.
- Cost: €6–20
Mogren Beach
BeacheBudva Rivieranear Budva
Walk from near the old town citadel to Mogren 1. Continue through the coves at the far end to reach Mogren 2.
- Wear water shoes when walking in the sea because sea urchins are common.
- When snorkelling, avoid brushing against sea urchins on rocks.
Bečići Beach
BeacheBudva Riviera
Visit Bečići for its beach. Transport details are not given.
- Wear water shoes when walking in the sea because sea urchins are common.
Lipa Cave tour
CaveLipa village, Central Montenegronear Cetinje
Go to Lipa village, 5 km from Cetinje. Entry is by tour only, with tours starting from the parking lot.
- Cost: Adults: €16.90; children up to age 5: €2; children aged 5–15: €5.90.
- The cave stays at 8–12°C throughout the year.
- Enter only on a tour.
Šušanj beaches
BeacheMontenegrin South Coastnear Bar
Walk north from Bar's city centre along the promenade to the beaches in Šušanj.
- Wear water shoes when walking in the sea because sea urchins are common.
Rogami Beach and Morača River swimming
BeachePodgorica areanear Podgorica
Summer for swimming in the Morača RiverTake a taxi from downtown Podgorica to Rogami Beach on the Morača River. The ride takes about 30 minutes.
Krupačko Jezero swimming and sunbathing
More to doNikšić areanear Nikšić
Head to Krupačko Jezero, an artificial lake 6 km northwest of Nikšić's city centre. Transport details are not given.
Trebjesa Forest Park walk
HikeNikšić areanear Nikšić
EasyWalk about 10 minutes southeast from Nikšić's city centre to reach the forest park.
Acrobranche tree-climbing park
ClimbingLovćen mountain road, Central Montenegronear Cetinje
Find the tree-climbing attraction on the mountain road towards the Lovćen Mausoleum.
Budva beach bungee jumping
More to doBudva Rivieranear Budva
Bungee jumping is offered on the beach in Budva. The exact beach, operator and booking arrangements are not specified.
Airports, metros and trains in Montenegro
Airports with scheduled flights
- TGDPodgorica Airport / Podgorica Golubovci AirbasePodgoricaMain international airport
Trains
- Rail network
- 250 km
- Electrified
- 225 km
People and safety in Montenegro
Religion
Most people are Christian. Mixed.
- Christian78%
- Muslim19%
- No religion3%
LGBT+ travellers
Legal
- Same-sex couples can form civil unions, but not marry.
- Legal gender change is recognised.
- Laws protect against discrimination.
Women travellers
Ranked #61 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.
85% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Who can visit without a visa
Travellers from 94 of 198 countries can visit Montenegro easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Visa not required94
- Visa required104
Who can visit easily, by part of the world
For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Europe43 of 45 countries
- Oceania11 of 14 countries
- Americas26 of 35 countries
- Asia12 of 50 countries
- Africa2 of 54 countries
Questions
What money does Montenegro use?
Montenegro uses the euro (€). One euro is divided into 100 cents.
Which airport can I fly into?
Podgorica is the main international airport, and Tivat is another option. Dubrovnik Airport in neighbouring Croatia is also close to Herceg Novi.
Can I buy bus tickets at the station?
Yes, and the station fee is included in tickets bought there. Online tickets must be printed and may require a separate station fee.
Will I be able to speak English?
Many people in Podgorica and along the coast speak some English. Montenegrin is the official language.
Can I drink the tap water?
Tap water is generally drinkable, though it may be better to avoid it in some small towns.
What is the weather like?
The coast has dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Inland temperatures vary with height, and northern mountains can remain snowy through spring.
Is driving easy?
Many roads are narrow, winding and mountainous, and local drivers can be aggressive. Drive on the right, wear a seat belt and keep headlights on during the day.
What local food should I try?
Local specialities include njeguški smoked ham, cheeses, lamb cooked in milk and cicvara corn porridge. Coastal dishes include fish and seafood.
What should I wear when visiting a monastery?
Wear modest clothing when visiting monasteries and churches.
What plugs and electricity does Montenegro use?
The electricity supply is 230 volts at 50 hertz. Europlug and Schuko plugs are used.
Reviewed by @snuck