Montenegro Travel Guide: A Summer Escape Between Sea, History, and Mountains

In this Montenegro travel guide, you’ll discover the best summer routes in Montenegro, one of the stunning Adriatic countries, including the bluest beaches, the most scenic viewpoints, Instagram-worthy spots, where to stay, how to get around, the best restaurants, budget-friendly dining options, and the most suitable hotels for your trip.

While researching potential destinations for the summer of 2025, Montenegro immediately caught our attention—and it never disappointed. For this family trip, we were actually a group of seven. Since we dedicated a full week to exploring, staying in a single location would have been a huge waste of time. So, we split our stay: 3 days in Budva and 4 days in Kotor. From Montenegro, we flew to Bari and continued our trip with a week on the Amalfi Coast and through Puglia.

Depending on your location, you can fly directly to Montenegro’s main airports in Podgorica or Tivat. In our case, if reaching these airports is inconvenient, you can also fly to Dubrovnik, rent a car, and drive about 2 hours to Kotor.

Here, you enjoy sun, sand, and sea while also exploring rich history and vibrant city life.

Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Montenegro

Remember that Montenegro is not yet part of the European Union, so when entering from the Schengen area, you are technically leaving the Schengen zone. This means that crossing by land from neighboring countries can be either very quick or take hours if you hit long queues. Don’t rely too much on online tips like “go at this hour, no queue” or “avoid this hour, it will be crowded.”

For live views of border crossings, you can check available camera links. For example, we crossed from Dubrovnik, Croatia around 2 PM—a time usually expected to be the busiest—and waited only about half an hour.

Important — Montenegro is outside the EU: Your European phone plan won’t work without expensive roaming charges. We use Yesim eSIM — Montenegro plans start around $5, scan a QR code at home and you’re online the moment you land in Montenegro.

Even though Montenegro is not in the EU, it uses the Euro as its currency. You can easily buy SIM cards at airport kiosks or local stores with internet access at very reasonable prices. For example, a 7-day SIM with 500GB costs around €10, and a 15-day SIM with 500GB costs about €15.

Finding cheap flights to Montenegro: With 3 viable airports (Tivat TIV, Podgorica TGD, and even Dubrovnik DBV across the border), prices vary significantly between them. Search all three airports at once on Kiwi.com — their multi-city search often finds combinations 30-40% cheaper than booking direct, especially in shoulder season.

When to Visit Montenegro and How Many Days to Stay

If you’re lucky, you can enjoy this country even in March, but the best time for a holiday is from April to November. Being one of the top Adriatic destinations for a beach holiday, the busiest season is summer.

If your time is limited, we recommend to allocate at least 4 days. To avoid crowds and high prices, the best months are May, September, and October.

If you visit in summer, as we did, expect crystal-clear blue seas, golden sandy beaches, and stunning viewpoints. At the same time, prepare for crowds, heavy traffic, parking challenges, and higher prices.

💡 Use the interactive map below to compare hotels and prices across Kotor, Budva, and the Bay of Kotor. Click any pin to see availability for your dates.

Accommodation Guide

Both Kotor and Budva have a single main road running along the coast. The closer your accommodation is to this main road and the sea, the higher the price will be. During the summer months, it’s possible to find double rooms for around €100–€150 per night. You will find very detailed information in this Montenegro travel guide below.

In Budva, we stayed at a place far from the beach for €65 per night. However, since the rooms didn’t have air conditioning and it was farther from the beach than expected, we wouldn’t recommend this hotel 🙂

Budva can be roughly divided into two areas: Budva Center to the west and Becici to the east. Both locations are convenient for reaching all major attractions. We preferred a spot closer to the east since we wanted to swim on that side of the city. However, if you are into nightlife and nice restaurants, staying closer to the city center makes more sense.

In Kotor, we stayed in Dobrota for €80 per night. It sits between the Old Town and nearby towns. If you want a beach holiday, stay near the city center rather than the Old Town. If you visit outside summer and focus on history, staying in the Old Town is a great choice.

Best Bases for Different Itineraries in one paragraph

Kotor Old Town — For history lovers wanting to live inside medieval walls.

• Browse Kotor Old Town hotels

Dobrota (best for summer + sea access) — Where we stayed. Coastal, calmer, with private docks.

• Browse Dobrota stays

Perast (most charming, smallest crowds) — Baroque palaces, slow pace, perfect base for boat trips.

• Browse Perast hotels

Budva Center (for nightlife) — Closer to bars, restaurants, and the lively Old Town.

• Browse Budva Center hotels

Becici (family-friendly, beach access) — Quieter than central Budva but still walkable.

• Browse Becici hotels

💡 Travel tip for groups: If you’re traveling with family or friends (we were 7!), look for vacation rentals and apartments on Booking — full apartments often cost less than multiple hotel rooms and give you kitchen access.

Getting from the Airport to the City Center

If you’re flying to Kotor, you’ll either arrive at Podgorica Airport (TGD), the country’s capital, or Tivat Airport (TIV). However, we recommend comparing ticket prices before booking your flight.

Looking at this list, you might wonder why anyone would fly to Podgorica Airport. The reason is that, as the capital, Podgorica usually has more frequent flights, while finding a flight to Tivat can be more challenging. 🙂

💡 Travel insurance tip: We use SafetyWing for our trips around Europe — it covers both of us for less than the price of a dinner per week. Get a quote here

Is Renting a Car Necessary?

If you’re planning a holiday during the peak summer months, based on our experience, the most practical solution is to rent a car. With public transportation, you can only move from one point to another along the coastal road, and if your hotel is located a bit inland, you’ll find yourself walking and waiting frequently. Additionally, the only public transport option—the buses—often struggle to keep to schedules due to traffic and congestion.

For car rentals in Montenegro, we recommend LocalRent — they specialize in local Balkan rental agencies with transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and pickup directly at Tivat (TIV) or Podgorica (TGD) airports. Compact automatic cars start around €30/day in summer, and you’ll save 25-35% compared to international chains like Rentalcars or Hertz.

Some hotels also have agreements with rental companies, offering cars at more affordable rates, so be sure to check your hotel’s website before renting.

Because of the constant hills, ramps, and stop-and-go traffic, it’s best to choose a small car with automatic transmission. The biggest challenge for us was parking—sometimes it took up to 15 minutes driving around the same neighborhood just to find a spot.

If we’ve covered all the essential information before visiting Montenegro, let’s move on to the places to see and things to do. As mentioned earlier, from a tourist perspective, Montenegro can be divided into two main destinations: Kotor and Budva.

Kotor Travel Guide

Many travelers see only Kotor’s Old Town, but the city shows a much richer side beyond the center.. The surrounding area offers many charming towns to explore, so it’s best to see Kotor as a complete package. Keep in mind that visiting only the Old Town means missing out on a large part of what the city has to offer.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Kotor?

If you’re asking when to visit, the city is accessible year-round, especially if you’re doing a Balkan tour. Cruise ships arrive year-round, and visitors experience the historic city in every season.. However, just stopping briefly while passing through is a shame—you’ll miss many important highlights.

Kotor is a true cruise ship city, and when ships dock, the population can double or even triple. To see which cruise ships are arriving, how many tourists they bring, and how long they stay, you can check the following site: https://cruisedig.com/ports/kotor-montenegro

Where to Park in Kotor?

As mentioned before in this Montenegro travel guide, one of the biggest challenges in this holiday area is parking. When visiting the city center, the most convenient place to leave your car is Parking Benovo Kotor. We used this parking lot consistently during our stay.

Even if there’s a line at the entrance, you can usually park within 20 minutes. Since the road leading to the city center is single-lane, don’t forget to enter the parking lot from the road behind. In summer 2025, the price was €1.9 per hour.

Where to Stay in the Bay of Kotor?

Kotor Old Town is the ideal place to stay if you want to fully experience the historic atmosphere of the region. There are accommodation options to suit every budget.

Dobrota – If your main focus in Montenegro is Kotor, we recommend staying in the coastal town of Dobrota, just outside the city center.

Perast – This charming town in the Bay of Kotor is located close to Kotor city center. Like Dobrota, it’s a great alternative if you prefer to stay slightly outside the center.

Must-See Places in Kotor

San Giovanni Fortress – Rising as if carved into the mountain, this fortress has been a silent guardian protecting Kotor for centuries. Once you reach the top, you’ll understand why it seems determined never to surrender, as the entire city spreads beneath your feet. Reaching this fortress, which offers the best views in Kotor, is not easy. You need to climb approximately 1,300 steps. Don’t worry—since the steps are low, it’s not overly exhausting. However, it’s better to go early in the morning or late afternoon rather than at noon. Since you’ll be stopping often for photos, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to rest. If climbing all the way feels too daunting, reaching the church halfway up is enough—and in fact, the photos can turn out even better from there! 🙂

Sea Gate – Serving as the main entrance to Kotor since 1470, this gate gives your first steps into the city a historical touch. The inscriptions and symbols quietly salute the city’s Venetian era.

Clock Tower – Rising at the heart of Kotor Old Town, this tower has silently witnessed the city’s heartbeat for centuries. Leaned by earthquakes and surrounded by wars, it has never considered stopping time. As you enter the Old Town from the Sea Gate, the Clock Tower welcomes you and stands as one of the most symbolic landmarks of the city.

St. Tryphon Cathedral – Belonging to the Croatian Catholic community, this cathedral also displays the bones of Saint Tryphon. Originally, it had only one tower, but a second one was added later to enhance its appearance. Can you tell which tower is older and which is newer? 🙂

St. Nicholas Church – is an Orthodox church rising in the heart of Kotor, reflecting the city’s rich religious heritage. The church emerged in the mid-19th century and showcases an impressive iconostasis and a majestic dome. Over the centuries, St. Nicholas has stood as a silent witness to Kotor’s multicultural history, serving not just as a place of worship but also as a testament to the city’s enduring past.

St. Luke Church – One of the rare buildings where both Catholic and Orthodox services are held under the same roof, this church alone tells the story of Kotor’s multicultural heritage. Located in one of the squares, it is among the symbolic structures of Old Town.

Bandiera – Nestled among the cobblestone streets of Old Town, this lively spot feels like a place where past and present sit side by side. Once a witness to flags and sailors’ stories, today it is filled with laughter, music, and long conversations. Sitting here, you realize that Kotor’s history doesn’t just live in museums—it’s still flowing through everyday moments.

Pizzeria Pronto – Hidden in the narrow streets of Kotor, this small pizzeria is a delightful secret. The aroma of freshly baked pizzas mingles with centuries-old walls, reminding you that this place is more than just a pizzeria—it’s a small moment of happiness. With a slice in hand and stepping outside, the taste of Kotor is forever imprinted in your memory.

Exploring the Bay of Kotor

Let’s expand our scope a bit and explore the Bay of Kotor.

Perast – This small town faces the narrowest entrance of the Bay of Kotor. Driving into the town is prohibited, but walking from one end to the other takes only about 15–20 minutes. Despite its small size, the stone houses and cobblestone streets make it incredibly charming. With its Baroque palaces and serene atmosphere, it is the most elegant town in the bay. When viewed from the coast, you can truly feel time slowing down. There are parking areas at both the east and west entrances: the east side near Kotor is free, while the west side is paid.

Our Lady of the Rocks – Directly across from Perast, there are two small islands. One is natural and houses a monastery, so it’s closed to visitors. The other is artificial, known as Our Lady of the Rocks, featuring a church and a museum. Small boats from Perast’s waterfront take visitors to the island for about €5 per person.

💡 Want to see more of the bay? Half-day boat tours from Kotor or Perast cover Our Lady of the Rocks, the Blue Cave, and submarine tunnels — all in one trip. Browse Bay of Kotor boat tours on Klook — most tours are 3-5 hours and start around €25-40 per person, often with hotel pickup included.

Lovćen National Park & the Serpentine Road – Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to visit, but it’s definitely a must-see. As you ascend from Kotor, the views become breathtaking. Every turn of the road gives you another reason to fall in love with the Bay of Kotor. This area is one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the region.

Dobrota – Across Montenegro, renting a house rather than a hotel is more common. We recommend staying in Dobrota if you want to combine comfort with access to the sea. During summer, this is the perfect place to rent a seafront house with a view. Many of these houses have private docks and sunbeds where you can swim directly from your doorstep. We stayed here and were extremely satisfied.

How Many Days to Spend in Budva?

Depending on your plans, if you want to swim, you should allocate at least 3 days. If you don’t plan on swimming, 2 days is enough.

Budva Travel Guide

At Becici Beach, you can park your car for free at the IDEA parking lot if you plan to walk around. If you prefer not to walk at all and want to go straight to the beach, the hotels along the coast offer valet parking services. Once parking is sorted, you’ll find plenty of cafes and restaurants along Becici Beach, perfect for an evening meal. We chose Restaurant Tulip, and their pizzas were truly delicious.

In Budva city center, finding free parking close to the beach is almost impossible. You can find spots in municipal parking lots for about €3–€4 per hour, and consider yourself lucky if you get one. Once parked, you can stroll along the beach or choose restaurants like Obala or Jadran to enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Balkan cuisine.

Must-See Places in Budva

Budva Old Town – Citadel (Budva Fortress) – Standing at the edge of the city facing the Adriatic Sea, this fortress served as both a defensive point and the best viewpoint in Budva. Walking inside the old town and along the fortress walls is a great way to explore the city, with souvenir shops, friendly vendors, and perfect spots for a coffee break. Note that navigation apps may not guide you directly to the Old Town. You can park at the paid lot next to the VOLI market for about €2 per hour.

St. John Church (Sv. Ivan) – With its tall bell tower, this church is a symbol of the Old Town skyline. Inside, its icons and serene atmosphere give a sense of Budva’s spiritual side.

Holy Trinity Church – Easily recognizable by its round shape and black-and-white stones, this church is one of the most photogenic spots in the Old Town, especially in the evening.

Budva City Walls & Gates – A short walk through the narrow streets suddenly brings you to the city walls, clearly showing Budva’s medieval identity. You can capture different views from multiple angles with a brief walk.

Mermaid Statue in Budva may be small, but it carries a rich meaning. It symbolizes the city’s historic connection to the sea and reflects the beauty, mystery, and life intertwined with the Adriatic waters. For both locals and tourists, it has become a charming photo spot and a quiet reminder of Budva’s romantic and tranquil coastal vibe.

St. Sava Church – Don’t forget to climb here for the best Instagram photos of Sveti Stefan Island. Skip the viewpoint marked on Maps and enjoy the panorama directly from this church.

Sveti Stefan Island – Although this is the most iconic symbol of Budva, it has been leased to Aman Resorts. Unless you stay at the hotel or dine at its restaurant, entry to the island is not allowed. You can only photograph it from afar and swim in front of it. Aman Resorts claims ownership of Sveti Stefan Beach and Queen’s Beach, restricting public access. However, due to local protests and walks, the Montenegro government reopened these beaches to the public. The legal dispute between the government and the company is still ongoing at the International Court of Arbitration in London (LCIA).

Beaches in Budva

All the beaches we visited in Budva were public, so they were free of charge. The main expense is parking if you have a car, and aside from a few street vendors, there are no cafes or restaurants directly on the beach, so it’s best to come prepared. Note that whether a beach is free or not can change from year to year, as some rights are claimed by Aman Resorts, as mentioned earlier.

The beaches we visited are all located on the eastern side of the city, but it would be unfair not to mention Jaz Beach on the western side, which receives excellent reviews.

Becici Beach – This beach includes popular restaurants like Jadran and Obala. It’s wider, more spacious, and family-friendly, ideal for those seeking a relaxing day away from the Budva crowds.

Milocer Beach – Named after the Villa Milocer located on the beach. Originally built in 1934 as a summer palace for the Queen of Yugoslavia, it is now part of Aman Resort, which includes Sveti Stefan Island and other mainland properties. Due to ongoing legal disputes, the villa grounds are currently closed to the public, and security guards enforce this strictly.

Sveti Stefan Beach – Offering a direct view of the island, this beach is divided into two sections due to the road leading to the island. It’s possible to walk between them via footpaths. With the meeting of blue and green waters, these beautiful beaches are perfect for spending a few hours and cooling off.

Kamenovo Beach – Closer to the city center, this beach is a bit more developed. It has public areas, rentable sunbeds, and a café. Being part of the same coastal strip, it’s another destination you won’t regret. Its unique feature is a tunnel connecting it to the western beach, where walking through the long tunnel eventually opens up to the sea with a light at the end.

Restaurants in Budva

• Citadel Restaurant – The most luxurious restaurant in the city. With its amazing views from the city walls, excellent food, and beautiful ambiance, it’s worth the price. If your budget allows, we highly recommend reserving an evening here. Try not to leave your reservation to the last minute, as tables are often fully booked.
• Mercur – Katunska Trpeza – Located inside the Budva central bus terminal, this restaurant can be a bit tricky to find at first. Mostly frequented by locals, it offers a genuine local experience. You can eat here at any time of the day. Serving traditional Balkan cuisine, our favorites were Ćevapi and grilled chicken, costing about €8–€9 per portion.
• Jadran – With a seaside location, authentic ambiance, and friendly staff, this restaurant draws you in. Typically preferred for dinner, it offers delicious red meat and seafood dishes. Being slightly more touristy, expect to pay around €25 per person.
• Restaurant Tulip – Ideal if you want a quick meal or a delicious pizza. Definitely worth a stop!

Final Thoughts,

Montenegro offers an incredible balance of nature, history, and relaxation — all within short driving distances. Whether you’re swimming in turquoise waters, wandering medieval streets, or enjoying dinner by the bay, the country leaves a lasting impression without overwhelming you.

Continue Exploring the Mediterranean

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