What You Need to Know When Visiting Montenegro
Planning your trip to Montenegro? Look no further. :)
If you are planning on visiting Montenegro, follow these tips and hacks (our guests find them very useful) and make the most of your holiday experience.
Follow these great tips and hacks when visiting Montenegro
Montenegro is a country in Southern Europe on the Adriatic Sea that's often overlooked. After all, why would you want to go to a place so close to countries like Italy, Croatia, and Greece? What Montenegro lacks in buzz, it makes up for in unique attractions, relatively cheap flight costs, affordable costs and much smaller crowds then the nearby countries.
Montenegro private tours - from coastal Montenegro to far North.
1. Montenegro is a tiny country - Everything is so close
This country is one of a kind. Montenegro is a tiny country, slightly smaller than the state of Connecticut and with a population of just a bit over half a million. It takes you two and a half hours across the country. This means you can see a lot of its top spots in short amount of time, it is easy to explore it (almost) all in one week.
2. The scenery is magical everywhere you turn – beautiful view points are everywhere
The scenery is magical everywhere you turn – beautiful view points are everywhere
Unlike majority of countries in Europe, Montenegro is more about the great outdoors rather than the city life – with the exception of Kotor and Budva old towns which should not be missed.
When you step your foot in here, you will realize just how amazing is this country and how remarkable its nature is – even just riding along the road in countryside or the mountains or the Adriatic coast.
Magical Katic & St. Sunday islands across Perastt
With 5 national parks, bubbling waterfalls, sandy & rocky beaches, snow-capped mountains, one of the most beautiful bays in the world, Skadar lake with its pelicans and over 10,000 species of plants growing in the mountains alone, Montenegro is not to be missed.
2. You will need a car or alternatively let someone drive you
How to make sure you’ve seen the best of Montenegro? Rent a car or alternatively book the tours to specific location.
The local transportation is not very well organized and most of the time you use a bus, you’ll end up using also a taxi. Our suggestion – rent a car - you will have freedom to explore and go off the beaten track and be able to stop along the way for some breath taking sights and make incredible photos. Alternatively, book a private tour – you can always say to your driver to stop, or just do a taxi ride ll the way. The prices are fixed from one city to another.
3. The driving is really fast
Roads in Montenegro
Bear in mind that Montenegrins do have a slightly looser interpretation of the road rules. Unlike in other parts of Europe, here people tend to rive really fast, even in certain spots that require caution. Therefore, always take care and look how the people are behaving while driving. The roads are curvy and unpredictable, so be careful, and follow the road signs. Or book a private tour.
4. Montenegro is still undiscovered, unlike its neighbor Croatia
Don`t overlook Montenegro if you're looking for a (more quiet) vacation.
Montenegro is still unexplored by masses of people. It is a hidden gem in the Balkans and you will be amazed by the beauty of the scenery and kind people. It is still possible to find places in the middle of the summer, without the crowds ruining the moment.
5. Montenegro is very affordable (but still more expensive than other countries in the region)
As opposed to Budva, where you will pay coffee 3.5 euros, in Podgorica, it might cost you 1.5 - 2.5 euros
Montenegro is affordable, the food is great and people are friendly and approachable.
Visiting Montenegro is easily accessible compared to the Western Europe prices. The prices also tend to differ from one city to another, Budva, Kotor and Tivat being most expensive. The further you go inland – everything is cheaper. Expect to pay abot 20 – 25% less in Cetinje, Niksic and Podgorica, and even less in Bijelo Polje & Pljevlja.
6. We use Euro as a currency
The official currency of Montenegro is Euro since 2002
Even though Montenegro is not in European Union, the official currency of Montenegro is Euro, and we have been using it since 2002.
Also, speaking of money, do have at least some cash with you as some bars, restaurants and shops do not accept credit cards. Majority of the places will have credit card terminals, but the smaller family owned shops still don’t. Also, the northern part of Montenegro mostly uses cash as a method of payment.
7. Montenegro is safest country in the region
Montenegro is very safe for both tourists and locals. On the photo - Budva coast
Montenegro is very safe for both tourists and locals. You can safely walk everywhere, even in the late hours. Crime level is very low. With the population of just above half million in the whole country – ‘everyone knows everyone’ and there is low to none possibility that someone will steal something. You do not have to be extra careful while on your trip, however be cautious of the big crowds as well as crowded beaches.
8. Parking can be a challenge
If you are planning to visit Budva Old Town, Kotor & Perast, parking could be a bit of a challenge, especially in the summer, the peak of season, July and August. Make sure you check in advance the parking areas in the city you are travelling to.
9. Majority of shops are closed on Sunday
Majority of shops are closd on Sunday, except in major tourist hubs
Except from gas stations and tobacco shops, everything else is closed on Sunday, so be sure to get everything you need on the days before. Also, in Kotor and Budva old towns, as well as other touristy spots, the souvenir shops & boutiques will be open.
10. It rains a lot from November to April
It rains a lot from November to April in Montenero
Unlike the rest of the Europe where you have 4 seasons in a day, if it starts raining in Montenegro during these months, most likely it won’t stop for days ahead. On the opposite, during summer months, you will find dry weather with occasional rainy day. Podgorica, Montenegro’s capital, is the wettest city in Europe by a big margin, clocking up an average 1600mm of rainfall over 157 rainy calendar days.
11. Majority of population smokes, but it is not allowed to smoke inside
Majority of population smokes in Montenegro, but it is not allowed to smoke inside
It might come as a surprise that Montenegro has one of the highest rates of smokers in Europe. About 70% of whole population smokes.
12. Montenegrin cuisine is perfectly suited to meat eaters – A lot of meat dishes on the menu
Typical Montenegrin dish - meat + potatoes
If you are vegetarian, you might struggle a bit while eating out, since meat is everywhere on the menu. However, in the last few years, this is slowly changing and the restaurants are adopting to vegetarian cuisine.
If you like meat – then you’ll find yourself in heaven. :)
Check our article on Montenegrin cuisine here.
13. Wine culture
One of the best wineries in Montenegro, Rajkovic winery
Montenegro is a small country with a population of less than half a million people. But despite its size, it's a country that produces some of the best wines in the world.
Montenegro is famous for its wine production, and makes some of the finest reds and whites in Europe. It's also one of the few places where you can drink wine from grapes that have been grown on high altitudes as well as special air conditions - where the sea air collides with the mountain air.
The vineyards are located in the eastern part of Montenegro, close to Podgorica, Lake Skadar and Cetinje. The altitude varies between 200m and 500m + above sea level.
Read more about wine culture here.
BONUS: Don’t skip these incredible experiences in Montenegro
Ride along Serpentine road from Njegusi to Kotor
Kotor serpentine road
The most spectacular and most famous road in Montenegro is the serpentine road from Njegusi to Kotor. This road has been made in such a way that no two turns are alike, and it twists and turns through the mountains, from 1000m altitude to sea level. It is about 25 kilometers long and it takes about 45 minutes to drive through it. The most famous section of the road is called Kotor Serpentine: about 16km long stretch, very steep, with 25 hairpin turns.
Views along the road
The serpentine road is a must see while you are in Montenegro, if you are looking to experience something breathtaking. The views along the way are awe inspiring, with a dose of fear included, so you will definitely remember this drive all your life.
Take a Scenic boat ride in Skadar Lake
Scenic ride on Scadar Lake
Skadar Lake is an important wetland and biodiversity hotspot. It is home to more than 270 bird species, including rare pelicans and spoonbills. In spring nesting season, you can see herons, spoonbills, eagles and much more.
About 90% of all bird population is migratory, creating spectacular show when they are flying in thousands. The rare
Dalmatian pelican actually lives here – and in order to stabilize (and grow) the pelican population, the park service created floating islands that allow them to nest without being affected by the rising and receding waters. If you’re lucky you might see a few of them.
Stunning scenery with water lilies on Lake Skadar
Interestingly, some 38% of the total freshwater fauna appears to be endemic, exceeding world-famous lakes such as Lake Malawi and Lake Titicaca.
The lake itself is surrounded by mountains and forests, with more then 20 small islands which are worth visiting.
Relax and rewind at Ada Bojana
Ada Bojana is a unique island, surrounded by two sides with the river Bojana, and on the third side with the Adriatic sea. On one side you will find the wooden houses located on shore of the river which you can rent and fish restaurants. The Adriatic side features long sandy beach, unique flora & fauna and amazingly fresh air. Across the river, on the mainland, you will find long sandy brach of 13 km with restaurants and bars, kitesurfing, and amazing music
Taste Montenegrin Vranac from Skadar Lake area
The most famous variety of grapes grown in Montenegro is Vranac, red wine which is indigenous to this region and has been cultivated here for centuries. This grape variety produces wines that are dry, full bodied with rich aromas, fruitiness and soft tannins.
Try Fire water - rakija - at least once
Quince Rakija from Montenegro
Rakia is a brandy from the Balkans, distilled from fermented fruit (usually plums or grapes), but can also be made of other fruits such as apples, pears, peaches or rasberries. We also have honey rakija. The most common variety is loza (grape) and sljivovica (plum). Other varieties include cherry rakia, peach rakia, apricot rakia and honey rakia. Rakija has about 40% alchohol, while the homemade onegoes up to 50% - we call it fire water! A healthy shot of rakia before dinner is a great way to warm up your appetite!
Climb 461 stairs to the highest mausoleum in the world
There are many things to do in Montenegro, and you'll never run out of places to see. One spot that you absolutely MUST visit is Lovcen Mountain. Lovcen is a stunning national park in Montenegro.
Exactly 461 stairs will bring you to Jezerski Vrh, which is located at an altitude of 1660 m above sea level, and you will see the Mausoleum dedicated to one of our most important rulers, Petar II Petrovic. It is officially the highest mausoleum in the world and it offers stunning views of the mountains, Kotor Bay and Adriatic sea.
Montenegro is an amazing country worth seeing; make it one of your bucket destinations.