This Montenegro travel guide has the following sections below.
- Why Visit
- Covid-19 Restrictions
- When to Visit
- Safety
- Top 3 Things
- Accommodation
- Costs
- Overall Rating
- More Information
Montenegro is easily reachable from many European cities. You can land in Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro. You will probably want to leave relatively soon as Podgorica has few attractions.
Secondly, you can arrive on a bus from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia or Albania. Montenegro can be “done” as a stand alone trip. However, when you are in the neighborhood, why not see a couple of adjacent countries. They are all within a few hours bus ride with straightforward border crossing.
The easiest way to travel around is by minibus which can stop at any place you request. For longer distances, in the Bay of Kotor, the bus station in Kotor has the best connections to almost anywhere in any country in the Balkans.
You can catch a bus to Serbia (Belgrade, Novi Sad, Nis), Bosnia and Herzegovina (Trebinje, Mostar, Sarajevo), Croatia (Dubrovnik, Split) or Kosovo (Prishtina).
Why Visit?
Montenegro. Once a hidden gem in Europe, now less hidden but still a gem.
Located in the Balkans, Montenegro is a small country that packs a big punch when it comes to breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This hidden gem in Europe is often overlooked by travelers, but it’s definitely worth a visit. From the stunning Adriatic coastline to the soaring peaks of Durmitor National Park, Montenegro has something for everyone.
Durmitor National Park
One of the highlights of Montenegro is Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This park is home to the deepest canyon in Europe, the stunning Black Lake, and the famous Durmitor mountain range. The park offers a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and skiing in the winter to rafting and kayaking in the summer. You can even take a scenic drive along the park’s winding roads for breathtaking views of the peaks and valleys.
Adriatic Coastline
Montenegro’s Adriatic coastline is a must-visit for those who love sun, sea, and sand. This stretch of pristine beaches is home to a number of charming seaside towns, such as Budva, Kotor, Herceg Novi and Perast. Each town offers its own unique personality, from the historic old town of Kotor to the lively nightlife of Budva. The Adriatic coastline is also a great starting point for island-hopping in the nearby Bay of Kotor.
Just take a regular bus or a minibus from one town to next and spend a one-two days in each. Kotor Bay is beautiful, a bit like the fjords in Norway but without the Norwegian prices. Sunshine, excellent views, good food and friendly people make Montenegro a perennial favorite.
Cultural Heritage
Montenegro has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its architecture, food, and traditions. From the medieval old town of Cetinje to the Ottoman-era architecture of Kotor, the country is full of historical landmarks and museums that offer insight into its past. The country’s cuisine is a fusion of Balkan, Mediterranean, and Ottoman influences, and is definitely worth trying.
Covid-19 Restrictions
As of February 2023, none.
When to Visit
An all-round destination. Spring and fall are best.
If you cannot come during spring or fall, come anyway. It will probably be sunny, not too cold (at least for the northern Europeans) or extremely hot (especially in the bay of Kotor or in the mountains).
Safety
No issues, felt safe everywhere.
Top 3 Things
Brief history of Montenegro
As I was told in a few different Balkan countries, to understand them we would have to understand the history of the last 500 years. Or 1000 to make it even better.
The history of the Montenegro can be traced back to the 9th century when the Slavic tribes established the Principality of Duklja. Over the next several centuries, the country was ruled by various powers including the Byzantine Empire, the Kingdom of Serbia, and the Ottoman Empire. In the 19th century, Montenegro gained independence and became a kingdom in its own right. During World War I, Montenegro was occupied by Austro-Hungarian forces but regained independence after the war.
In 1918, Montenegro merged with Serbia to form the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, which later became the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. After World War II, Yugoslavia became a socialist state under the rule of Josip Broz Tito. In 1991, following the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe, the various republics of Yugoslavia declared independence, including Montenegro.
In 2006, Montenegro declared independence.
Overall, we will find sunshine, amazing scenery and great food with influences of all those cultures. Plus some of the freshest oysters and fish which will make their way from the water to your table within minutes. Not exaggerated: definitely try one of the small oyster farms near Perast in the Kotor Bay.
(1) Perast (this Montenegro travel guide’s favorite)
Perast is a charming coastal town located on the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. This historic town is known for its stunning baroque architecture, stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture lover, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, Perast is a must-visit destination.
Historic Sites
Perast is famous for its excellent baroque architecture, and the town is dotted with historic churches and palaces that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Some of the must-visit historic sites in Perast include the Church of St. Nicolas, the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks, and the Palace of the Škurlević family.
The picture at the top of this page is a panorama of Perast taken by a human (your correspondent).
Scenic Views
One of the highlights of Perast is its stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the Bay of Kotor. The town is surrounded by rolling hills and the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic, making it a great destination for those who love scenic views. You can take a walk along the town’s seaside promenade, go for a swim in the sea, or just relax on the beach and take in the stunning scenery.
Island-Hopping
Perast is a great starting point for island-hopping in the Bay of Kotor. The two most famous islands in the bay are Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George. Our Lady of the Rocks is a man-made island that is home to a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and it offers stunning views of the bay. St. George is a larger island that is home to a historic castle and a beautiful beach. Both islands are accessible by boat from Perast and offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
(2) Herzig Novi
Herzeg Novi is a small coastal town located in the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. This hidden gem is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant coastal atmosphere.
Whereas Perast is located along the shore, Herzig Novi feels more of a town with atmospheric historical buildings.
Herzeg Novi has a rich cultural heritage that dates back to the 15th century. The town is dotted with historic landmarks, including churches, palaces, and fortifications that offer a glimpse into its long and storied history. Some of the must-visit cultural sites in Herzeg Novi include the Old Town, the Citadel, and the Maritime Museum.
In addition to that, food here is excellent. Try the fresh salads or stews in the Old Town. Amazingly good.
(3) Kotor
Of all the coastal towns in the bay, Kotor made the least impression. Yes, the old town is nice with the fortifications that you can climb and all the small squares and restaurants.
However, the town is the docking place for all the cruisers which dominate the small harbor and overflow the small town with tourists. Kotor also has a modern part and has many cute cafes and restaurants along the shore in the direction of Perast. Walk for 15 minutes and leave all the tourists behind and you will be rewarded by even better views and serenity.
Accommodation
Given a steady influx of tourists over the years, you will find a wide spectrum from international hotels to family-based accommodations. Especially in the latter ones you will be greeted with the traditional Balkan hospitality.
You will meet interesting visitors from the Balkans and all over Europe (plus the international arrivals on the cruisers).
In Perast, we highly recommend Apartments Jovanović. Amazing views with the friendliest family in Montenegro.
Costs
Still an excellent price-value relationship.
Overall Rating
Highly recommended by this Montenegro travel guide. A serene and atmospheric destination with interesting culture mix and welcoming people.
No requirement to rush to must-see museums, so take your time and enjoy the south European good life and hospitality.
More Information About Balkans
Beyond this Montenegro travel guide, Bosnia and Herzegovina is next door and different but fascinating.
For more history, excellent food and balmy weather, Southern Spain Itinerary is a high-level overview of the Andalusia region.
