Montenegro Holidays

How to reach Montenegro

• Flight time: Flights to Montenegro take between 2 hours 30 minutes and 3 hours, depending on your departure airport in the UK.

• Transfer time: From Podgorica Airport, the transfer to the city centre takes about 20 minutes by taxi. If you're flying into Tivat Airport, it takes approximately 10 minutes to reach Tivat town and about 30 minutes to get to Kotor.

• Price: A taxi from Podgorica Airport to the city centre costs €12. From Tivat Airport, a taxi to Kotor costs around €20.

Weather and best time to visit Montenegro

Deciding on when to visit Montenegro will depend on the type of experience you’re looking for, whether that’s a beach holiday, cultural tourism or a more active break in the mountainous interior.

• April to June: The optimum months for Montenegro holidays, when sunshine is virtually guaranteed (expect 8-10 hours daily), and there's far less pressure on facilities. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C and rainfall is moderate.

• July to August: The coast can get uncomfortably crowded in July and August, while temperatures range between 18°C and 28°C, but often exceed 35°C. Expect around 12 hours of sunshine daily. Inland is both much cooler and less busy.

• September to November: During September and October, the Mediterranean Sea continues to offer pleasant water temperatures for a beach holiday. By the end of October, temperatures are cooler and there’s increasing rainfall.

• December to March: Average winter temperatures on the Montenegrin coast are around 10°C, which makes this a pleasant time to explore the picturesque old towns and villages. The interior, meanwhile, is cold and sees heavy snow.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Montenegrin is the official language, though it’s essentially the same as Serbian (except that it uses the Roman alphabet rather than Cyrillic). English is widely spoken throughout the country.

• Local habits and customs: Montenegrins are proud of their nationality and are known for their hospitality and laid-back manner. Try to dress modestly if visiting religious buildings. A tip of around 10 percent is the norm in restaurants and taxis.

• Health and safety: Montenegro is a safe country, but do keep an eye on your belongings, especially on crowded beaches. Tap water is safe to drink everywhere, and healthcare facilities are of a high standard.

• Currency: Though not yet a member of the EU, Montenegro uses the euro (€). ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in most places.

• Getting around: The frequency of buses along the coast is high, though few head inland. The only train lines are those between Bar and the Serbian border – a beautiful journey - and from Podgorica to Niksic.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 230V, with type C and F plugs (two round pins). UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Montenegro is in Central European Time (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of GMT. Daylight Saving Time is observed.

• Required travel documentation: UK travellers need a valid passport to enter Montenegro. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Best beaches in Montenegro

Montenegro's coastline is a treasure trove of beautiful beaches, offering everything from bustling seaside resorts to secluded coves. Whether you're seeking lively beach bars, family-friendly spots, or tranquil escapes, Montenegro has a beach to suit every preference. Here are some of the top beaches to explore during your holiday.

Jaz Beach

Perfect for: Families, music lovers

• Jaz Beach: Located near Budva, Jaz Beach is one of Montenegro's most famous and longest beaches. It’s ideal for families with its gentle slope into the sea, making it safe for children. Jaz Beach is also known for hosting major music festivals during the summer, adding a lively atmosphere with international and local artists performing.

Mogren Beach

Perfect for: Scenic beauty, couples

• Mogren Beach: Just a short walk from Budva’s Old Town, Mogren Beach consists of two stunning sandy stretches connected by a tunnel through the cliffs. Surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic rock formations, it offers a picturesque setting perfect for couples looking for a romantic spot to relax.

Sveti Stefan

Perfect for: Luxury seekers, photographers

• Sveti Stefan: Perhaps the most iconic beach in Montenegro, Sveti Stefan offers a unique experience. The beach is divided into two parts, with one side accessible to the public and the other reserved for guests of the luxurious Aman Sveti Stefan resort. This beach is perfect for those looking to enjoy a touch of luxury and capture stunning photographs of the historic island.

Petrovac Beach

Perfect for: Families, laid-back vibe

• Petrovac Beach: This family-friendly beach in the charming town of Petrovac is known for its red sand and pebbles, surrounded by olive groves and pine trees. The calm waters and relaxed atmosphere make it ideal for families and those seeking a quieter beach experience.

Ploče Beach

Perfect for: Party goers, socialising

• Ploče Beach: Located near Kotor, Ploče Beach is a vibrant spot known for its beach parties and lively atmosphere. With plenty of sun loungers, beach bars, and water activities, it’s a great place to socialize and enjoy the energetic vibe. The beach features a mix of concrete platforms and pebbles, with clear blue waters perfect for swimming.

Queen’s Beach

Perfect for: Seclusion, nature lovers

• Queen’s Beach: Situated near the town of Bar, Queen’s Beach (or Kraljičina Plaža) is a secluded gem offering a peaceful retreat. Accessible only by boat, this small sandy beach is surrounded by lush vegetation and offers crystal-clear waters, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers seeking tranquility.

Montenegro's beaches cater to all tastes, from lively and social to quiet and secluded. Whether you're travelling with family, looking for a romantic getaway, or ready to party, there's a perfect beach waiting for you. Explore these beautiful coastal spots and make the most of your Montenegro holiday, enjoying the sun, sea, and stunning scenery this Adriatic gem has to offer.

###Local dishes in Montenegro One of the true joys of Montenegro holidays is the opportunity to sample its food, which is meat-heavy (this is the Balkans after all). You can also indulge in some of the finest, freshest seafood anywhere on the Adriatic. And if you enjoy fiery drinks, you’ve come to the right place.

Some typical dishes

• Prsut: A type of prosciutto traditionally salted and pressed to remove excess liquid, then smoked and dried in the cool mountain air.

• Cicvara: A creamy dish made with cornmeal, cheese and sour cream, often served as a side dish or a hearty breakfast.

Meat dishes

• Karađorđe vasnicla: Artery-clogging and gut-busting - but oh so delicious - this rolled veal steak stuffed with cheese and coated in breadcrumbs is named after the national hero, Karađorđe Petrović.

• Lamb under the bell (Lamb peka): Slow roasted over hot coals under an iron pan, allowing for a juicier, smokier flavour, this is quite simply spectacular.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Buzara: A steaming seafood stew made with mussels, prawns and clams, cooked in a white wine, garlic and tomato sauce.

• Grilled fish: Freshly caught fish, such as sea bass or bream, simply grilled and served with a squeeze of lemon, is a staple on most menus.

Street food

• Burek: A substantial wedge of flaky pastry filled with meat, cheese or spinach, and occasionally mushroom, that’s just the job for a quick snack on the go.

• Ćevapi: These morish rissoles of spiced minced meat served with onion and a cut of thick, doughy bread are sold at street stalls all over town.

Sweets and desserts

The most popular sweet treat is priganice, fluffy, fried doughballs usually served with honey or jam. Look out too for syrupy baklava sweets, while Montenegrin ice cream (sladoled) is excellent, and sold on the streets almost all year round.

Local drinks

• Rakija: A potent fruit brandy that comes in various flavours, such as plum (šljivovica) or grape (loza) - but pace yourself to avoid waking up with a shocked head and raw throat.

• Wine: Looming over Lake Skadar’s western shore, the Crmnica hills are where Montenegro’s finest grapes are harvested, most notably the ubiquitous Vranac.

• Beer: Montenegrin beer is terrific, the best of which is Nikšičko, from Nikšič, which comes in both light and dark (tamno) forms, and is best sampled in its draught version (točeno pivo).

Best things to do in Montenegro

A land exploding with colour, Montenegro’s glittering coastline packs in a diversity of resorts with sandy bays and secluded coves, while the rugged interior is blessed with fierce mountains, precipitous canyons and deep glacial lakes.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Kotor Fortress: Head up to St Ivan’s Castle for jaw-droppingly beautiful views over Montenegro’s prettiest town.

• Sveti Stefan: A small, stunning island fish scaled with orange roofs, its beauty is such that people stop all day long to take pictures from the adjacent main road.

The best districts

• Old Town Kotor: Perched on the edge of a majestic bay, this medieval Old Town is the undisputed jewel in Montenegro’s crown, its timeless delights of cobbled alleyways and secluded piazzas an utter joy.

• Stari Bar: The beauty of its setting is quite staggering – sheer cliffs surround this old town on all sides, and tiny farming communities dot the valleys below.

• Durmitor: A spectacular national park where you can hike through unspoilt pastureland, ski past 2000m-plus peaks, or raft through the colossal Tara Canyon.

Museums

• Naval Heritage Collection, Tivat: Marvellous museum documenting the Boka’s strong naval associations; better still is the opportunity to clamber inside the dry-docked submarine Heroj - not one for claustrophobes mind.

Parks and gardens

• Biogradska Gora National Park: Mountains, lakes and ancient virgin forest constitute this beautiful green landscape, which offers lovely walking opportunities.

Historical monuments

• Ostrog Monastery: Spectacularly, improbably carved into a sheer cliff face, this Orthodox monastery is Montenegro’s most important pilgrimage site.

• Cetinje’s Embassies: Cetinje’s former embassies are quite fascinating, and fun to track down – for example the French embassy, covered with an assortment of lemon and blue tiles; the crumbling British embassy, now a music academy; and the gorgeous, peach-coloured Russian embassy.

• St Tryphon’s Cathedral, Kotor: Superb twin-towered Romanesque structure whose sumptuous, light-filled interior is distinguished by neat columns of robust, reddish-brown pillars and a fine stone rib-vaulted ceiling.

Day trips in the area

• Lake Skadar: Just a short drive from Podgorica, and the largest body of water in the Balkans, Skadar presents opportunities for a spot of birdwatching, kayaking and wine tasting - quite the combination.

• Ulcinj: The coast’s southernmost town, whose colourful Ottoman past is manifest in Turkish-style houses and minaret-topped mosques huddled around the bay.

• Herceg Novi: Abutting the border with Croatia, Herceg Novi’s personable ​​Old Town core is complemented by a tumbledown Spanish Fortress and a long, tidy promenade stretching all the way to Igalo.

Activities for families in Montenegro

It goes without saying that the country’s beaches are the big family draw, but culture vultures and those seeking more adventurous fare won’t be disappointed.

• Beaches: Beaches are of course what Montenegro does best: Budva offers the sandiest beaches anywhere along the Dalmatian coast: both Jaz and Slovenska are fantastic, though the beaches on Sv Nikola Island will appeal to those seeking a more restful time of it.

• Watersports: Jet-skiing, parasailing and zorbing are all family-friendly activities available at various points along the coast – Budva is the prime spot, though kayaking around Kotor Bay is a delight.

Free things to do in Montenegro

Holidays to Montenegro need not be all about spending money. As well as spending time chilling on the local beaches or embracing one of the many festivals, there are simple pleasures to be had just by strolling.

• Free events: The best of the country’s many festivals take place in Kotor, including February's Masked Ball, with processions through the Old Town, April’s Montenegrin Dance Festival, and, best of all, August’s Boka Nights, when boats fill the bay and fireworks electrify the night sky.

• Promenade walks: A lovely way to spend an evening minus the cost, save perhaps for the odd ice cream, is to take a leisurely stroll along any of the coastal town’s nightly korzo, such as Budva or Herceg Novi.

Nature and outdoor activities

Outdoor activity holidays to Montenegro come in two main flavours: mountain and coastal, with superb hikes and skiing in the hinterland complemented by all manner of water-bound thrills - there’s wonderful nature to observe here too.

• Sea-Kayaking: A great way to explore the many gorgeous coves and inlets along the coast, intermittently stopping off at a beach or village for a spot of light refreshment; the best way to go about it is with a reputable operator such as Black Mountain Montenegro.

• Hiking: The country’s most exalted peaks, such as Bobotov kuk and Meded, are in Durmitor, but there’s also the Orjen Massif, an alluring Karst landscape crisscrossed with easy to moderate trails, and the rocky slopes of Lovcen.

• Birdwatching: Lake Skadar is one of Europe’s most important bird reserves, home, among others, to large numbers of Dalmatian Pelicans. Just outside Tivat is the Solina Nature Reserve, home to both migrating and wintering birds, including waders, common crane, herons, snipe, osprey and pygmy cormorant.

• Skiing: Wintertime in Durmitor opens up fabulous skiing possibilities, and snowboarding is on the rise too; the main slopes are accessible from the mountain town of Žabljak.

• White water rafting: The go-to activity for adrenaline junkies, rafting down the Tara River Canyon - Europe’s deepest - is unlike anywhere else on the continent.

• Paragliding: For those with a head for heights, the mountainsides above Budva dropping steeply to the glittering Adriatic offer all the adrenaline you need; Budva Paragliding is an experienced outfit offering tandem flights.