Montenegro Vacation Guide
Why Visit Montenegro
-To visit some of Europe’s most captivating historical sites dating back to the 12th century!
-To discover the beauty of “Our Lady on the Rocks”, a charming Roman Catholic church perched atop a hill, offering stunning views of the Bay of Kotor.
-Montenegro is a very safe destination for travelers & families.
-It’s a budget-friendly option, with plenty of value-for-money deals on accommodations, day trips, and excursions.
-Food enthusiasts will delight in the diverse culinary offerings, blending flavors from the Adriatic Sea and Mediterranean traditions.
GET PREPARED BEFORE YOUR VACATION STARTS
GET YOUR SIM DATA CARD
My first recommendation upon arriving in Montenegro (you can even do it while waiting for your luggage) is to get a SIM card with unlimited data for your stay. You’ll come across many ads with QR codes for SIM card activation in the airport, and it’ll greatly enhance your vacation experience.
CHOOSE YOUR TRANSPORTATION
I recommend renting a car or motorcycle for your Montenegro vacation. With large distances to cover, vehicle rentals offer the most flexibility and value, especially considering Montenegro’s well-maintained road network. Plus, local drivers are courteous and respectful, ensuring a smooth and safe travel experience.
THE PARKING SITUATION
USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS
POLICE: 122
AMBULANCE: 124
FIRE DEPARTMENT: 123
HELP ON THE ROAD: 19807
24HR TOURIST SERVICE INFORMATION: 080001300
Discover Kotor
Kotor holds the prestigious title of being at the top of the UNESCO cultural heritage list. Among Montenegro’s many beautiful villages, the Bay of Kotor stands out as the country’s crown jewel, offering a delightful blend of delectable gastronomy and rich historical sites for all travelers to enjoy.
Accommodation: Staying in Kotor is my top choice for accommodation in Montenegro. The area offers a range of beautiful options, from complexes and apartments to peaceful stone houses near the beaches. If you find booking accommodation within Kotor challenging, you can explore options in nearby Perast or Dobrota, both just a 5–10-minute ride from the city center.
KOTOR BAY EXCURSIONS
Embark on a boat trip around the bay and soak in the sights of its treasures, including tunnels, the enchanting Blue Caves, the historic Mamula Fortress, and the iconic Our Lady of the Rocks church. Marvel at the beauty of the bay itself, where charming stone architecture nestles amidst towering green hills, creating a picturesque harmony. The options for an organized excursion in the Bay of Kotor are also very budget friendly and you can choose options from 3hrs to 8hrs tours or even private tours.
EXPLORE THE OLD TOWN
Embark on a stroll through Kotor’s rich history by dedicating an afternoon (as summer mornings can be scorching!) and evening to exploring the Kotor Castle and the charming streets of Old Town. Take in the breathtaking views, browse the souvenir shops, and perhaps indulge in a refreshing drink amidst the Old Town’s ambiance.
SAVOR THE LOCAL CUISINE
Take a leisurely stroll around the Kotor fortress and Kampana Tower, where you’ll find bustling food and street markets offering an array of souvenirs, fruits, and street food delights. Delight your taste buds with a dish from the nearby mussel farms by the beach, indulge in grilled ribs or burgers near the Old Town walls, or perhaps experience the unique taste of underwater-aged wine at a platform overlooking the sea.
Discover Budva
If you’re drawn to vibrant city life and a blend of modern architecture with historic charm, Budva is a must-visit. With tall hotels, bustling streets, and big shopping centers, it offers a dynamic urban experience. Enjoy a variety of local and modern cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and entertainment options, including clubs and casinos.
THE BUDVA RIVIERA
Budva’s beaches boast clear waters, vibrant vibes, and seaside restaurants and bars. Begin your beach adventure at the renowned stretches of Jaz Beach and Mogren Beach.
BUDVA OLD TOWN
This well-preserved medieval walled city features narrow streets, ancient churches, and bustling squares, offering a charming glimpse into its rich history and vibrant culture. You will find plenty of options here to dine or browse for souvenirs. You can also book a walking tour of Budva Old Town and explore its sights with a local guide.
NIGHTLIFE
Discover Budva in the evening and experience firsthand why this magnificent medieval walled city is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and thriving arts scene. From clubs and bars to casinos, Budva offers it all. The combination of modern architecture and tall hotel buildings against the backdrop of the Budva Fortress creates an unforgettable atmosphere.
Visit Sveti Stefan
Sveti Stefan provides numerous viewpoints where you can pause and freely savor the most stunning and colorful sunset views. Sunset holds a special allure in Sveti Stefan, as the hues of the setting sun mingle with the tranquil sea, the crimson pebbles along the shore, and the orange-tinted rooftops of the luxurious residences on the island.
EXPLORE SVETI STEFAN
You can also explore Sveti Stefan in the morning by diving into the red-colored pebble beach or taking the trail to Park Milocer, known for its unique and well-groomed flora and breathtaking views. The coastal road offers an amazing panorama of Budvanska Riviera and Milocer Beach. Sveti Stefan is also an excellent place to stay for your summer vacation if you enjoy tranquil vibes and don’t mind driving to see other attractions. However, it’s worth noting that Sveti Stefan is not a lively nightlife destination, and options for shopping and dining are limited.
Explore Skadar Lake
For an unforgettable experience you can book a 3-5 hour boat excursion starting from Virpazar Village for a day trip to Skadar Lake. These excursions offer scenic rides on traditional wooden boats, chances to take a refreshing dip in the calm waters, and opportunities to spot water lilies, wildlife, and vibrant birdlife. You’ll get to explore UNESCO-protected islands and visit charming fishing villages, or even kayaking in the lake. You will find some organized tours options to Lake Skadar below:
Before departing Virpazar Village, be sure to dine at the local fish taverns, such as Pelican Restaurant or Konoba Demidžana.
On the opposite side of the river, you’ll find endless vineyards producing the renowned red wine known as “Vranac.” If you’re a wine enthusiast, consider arranging a visit to one of these wineries. Make sure you don’t pass up the opportunity to climb up to the Pavlova Strana Viewpoint, where you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic vistas of the Crnojevica River. Don’t forget to snap a photo from this spot—it’s an absolute must!
Visit Nijagara Waterfalls
You really shouldn’t miss the chance to set aside some time to experience the serene beauty of Nijagara Waterfalls, where you can take a refreshing dive into the crystal-clear, emerald-green waters of the Cijevna River.
While the waterfall itself may run dry during the summer months, the surrounding area offers a tranquil and enchanting atmosphere for a leisurely stroll but also for a refreshing swim! Nijagara is just a 10-minute drive from Podgorica but be sure to have your own transportation as there’s no public transit available. The area also offers plenty of parking space for visitors. You can also book organized tours that include a visit to Niagara Falls.
Put on your adventure shoes
If you’re an adventure enthusiast who loves these kinds of activities on vacation, Montenegro has a wide range of organized excursions to choose from, with many offering hotel pick-up services. You can explore hiking trails in Lovcen National Park, embark on a thrilling rafting trip on the Tara River, experience paragliding in Budva or Sveti Stefan, zip-line across the Djurdjevica Tara Bridge, go canyoning in the Skurda River, and much more!
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