Are you going to Montenegro and want to know where to go, where to stay and what to do?
I have discovered the best spots in this beautiful country! And I want to help you have a perfect trip to this magical part of Europe. To make the planning easier I have prepared a 5-day itinerary and have selected the best hotels, restaurants and activities including those secret spots only the locals know about. Enjoy!
When is the best time to go?
If I had to choose a perfect month, May and September are probably the best. The weather during this time is pleasant and warm, perfect for exploring the country's beautiful coastlines, mountains, and historic cities. The beaches and towns aren't crowded, and all the restaurants are open! However, July and August have a full summer feel and warm sea water, the only downside - much more people around. Between October and April, there are fewer places available, but there are still a good amount of activities to do, and the whole region feels more authentic with much less tourism around.
Getting there
Montenegro has two main international airports: Podgorica (which is the capital city and located in the center of the country) and Tivat (the closest to the coastal part, located in the Boka Bay). Here are some options for reaching your destination from both airports:
Podgorica Airport:
- Taxi: Taxis are available at the airport and can take you to your destination. It's about a 10-15 minute drive to Podgorica city center. If you take the taxi to the coast, agree on the fare beforehand. In Podgorica you can also find Tesla taxi (application TeslaGoApp where you can pay with card, it's rare for Montenegro).
- Car Rental: if you’ve had your driving license for more than 2 years you can use rental services. And it's the most convenient way!
Tivat Airport:
- Bus: The most affordable way to get to Tivat or any other nearby towns is by bus. Buses do not go directly to the airport, you need to walk about 100 m on foot and go to the highway, there will be bus stops on both sides of the road. Buses to Tivat, Budva, Podgorica and other cities run about once every 30 minutes.
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the airport. The ride to Tivat town center should take around 10 minutes, while Kotor is around a 15-minute drive. Agree on the fare beforehand.
- Car Rental
Anything else you need to know?
- All tourists must be registered for the entire period of their stay and pay a tax. It is 1 euro per day per person. The registration of tourists and the payment of the tax are handled by the owners in officially registered apartments and in hotels. However, I recommend you to check with the host. For self-registration, it is necessary to go to a tourist office; their kiosks are present in almost every town. You must present your passports, a copy of the property documents and pay the tourist tax. CAUTION: Failure to register may result in a fine of 140 euros per person at the border when leaving the country !
- Montenegro uses the Euro as its official currency, even though it’s not a member of the EU.
- There are three main mobile network providers in Montenegro: Mtel, Telekom and ONE. You can purchase a prepaid SIM card from any of these providers. You can find them: at the airport, in town, in supermarkets and kiosks. You can register E-SIM, just go to the M-tel website.
Do I need a car for this itinerary?
If you have a possibility, make sure to rent a car because using public transportation would make it quite tricky and rather slow to explore Montenegro! It will also give you all the flexibility you need to see all the less known places we will tell you about!
DAY 1
Arrival in Tivat & exploring Porto Montenegro
Take a walk in Porto Montenegro, admiring the luxury yachts and enjoying restaurants and boutiques. You can find Dior, Rolex, Cartier, Dolce&Gabbana, Max Mara and other stores. Even if you don’t have your own boat, you can arrange yachtspotting for yourself with Boataround service. For coffee and freshly baked croissants, visit the hotel's Gourmet Corner café, for the best gelato and croissants - Goddo Delizia Italiana, for the best breakfast in town - Babi Resto Bar. If you want to enjoy your dinner with seafood with amazing sunset view, Punto crudo is a perfect option. You can try traditional dishes in Bokka Modern restaurant overlooking the yachts. Spend the night in Regent Porto Montenegro.
DAY 2
Kotor & Dobrota
Take a trip to one of the country’s most iconic places – Kotor. Start your way from the Sea Gate and the Clock tower. Let yourself get lost in the narrow streets of Old Town and see the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, the Church of St. Luke, the Church of St. Mary and the Maritime Museum. Hike up the 1,350 steps to the top of the fortress which offers stunning panoramic views over the Bay. Stay in the lovely town of Dobrota for the night. Palazzo Radomiri Heritage Boutique Hotel can be a great option. Have dinner at Moments Restaurant for refined dining experience with fusion cuisine.
DAY 3
Perast
Head over to the picturesque Perast. It shouldn’t be missed under any circumstances. Trust me, it is very, very beautiful! Take a boat ride to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks. Enjoy the maritime museum on the island and the views. If you are lucky enough and the door is open, you can climb the bell tower of the Church of St. Nicholas for a charming view. Spend the sunset with a great view in Conte restaurant (seafood plate is really worth trying here). Try the best ice cream at Moritz Eis. Stay for a night.
DAY 4
The Bay of Kotor, Herceg-Novi, Porto Novi
Have breakfast in the beautiful restaurant named "Verige65", which is situated at the narrowest part of Boka Bay. It’s an ideal spot to observe and admire the beauty of cruise ships and yachts passing by. After that head to Herceg Novi - a charming town located closer to the border with Croatia. You will go up and down endless stairs, wander around the Old Town and touch the mighty wall of the centuries-old fortress. The wonderland around hides one of the best wine-making secrets in Montenegro - the vineyard "Savina" (named after a nearby monastery built in 1030 AD) where you can try local wine and enjoy spectacular views. Don’t forget to book your visit in advance. Drive in luxurious Portonovi, visit NOA for asian food.In the end of the day head to Budva with the ferry and overnight there in Hotel Reset or Iberostar Slavija.
DAY 5
Budva, Sveti Stefan, Petrovac
Have breakfast in Vista Vidicovac restaurant located above Budva. This town is one of the oldest in the Adriatic, whose history goes back more than 2500 years. Walk along the streets of the Old Town and find the most photographed symbol: the Statue of the Girl. You can climb the fortress walls and walk around at roof level. There’s an observation deck with a panorama of Budva and a library. Don’t miss Casper coffee bar and Pizzeria Luka's for light snack during your walk. You can find the best souvenirs in Budva shop near Goddo Delizia Italiana (their sandwitches are really worth trying). Then drive to the small picturesque Sveti Stefan. Don’t leave without taking a walk along the rocky path towards Milocer beach and olive trees. Go to Petrovac, walk along the path to Reževići. Try fish or pasta with shrimps in Tramontana and overnight in Hotel AMI.
I am happy to present you with a guide to the country that has become my home. Now, through its pages, I can share a piece of my soul with you. Incredible landscapes that sometimes seem too beautiful to be real, await you. With this guide in hand, you will have everything you need for an unforgettable trip. Welcome to the country where the mountains embrace the azure sea!
