Montenegro, nestled on the Adriatic coast, is a small but captivating gem known for its breathtaking landscapes, medieval towns, and Adriatic charm. From the rugged mountains to the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea, Montenegro offers a diverse array of experiences. This travel guide will lead you through the enchanting coast, historic towns, and natural wonders of Montenegro, providing essential information on prices for accommodation, dining, transportation, and activities.

General Information

• Languages: Montenegrin is the official language, and many locals speak English, especially in tourist areas.
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Geographical Diversity: Montenegro boasts diverse landscapes, including the Bay of Kotor, Tara River Canyon, and Lovćen National Park.
• Cultural Heritage: Explore the mix of Venetian, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian influences in architecture and cuisine.
  

Main Attractions

1. Bay of Kotor: Begin your exploration in the stunning Bay of Kotor, surrounded by medieval towns and mountainous landscapes.
2. Sveti Stefan: Visit the iconic islet and resort town, connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway.
3. Durmitor National Park: Explore the majestic Tara River Canyon and the scenic landscapes of Durmitor.
   

Transportation Examples

• Buses: Buses are a common and affordable means of inter-city transportation, with fares ranging from 5 EUR for short distances.
• Taxis: Taxis are available, and fares depend on the distance, starting from 1 EUR per kilometer.
• Car Rentals: Renting a car provides flexibility, with prices starting from 20 EUR per day.
  

Itinerary

Day 1-3: Bay of Kotor Exploration

• Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Kotor
• Hike up to the fortress for panoramic views
• Visit the charming town of Perast and take a boat to Our Lady of the Rocks
  

Day 4-6: Coastal Beauty and Sveti Stefan

• Relax on the beaches of Budva
• Explore the ancient town of Budva and its fortifications
• Visit the iconic islet of Sveti Stefan
  

Day 7-9: Nature and Adventure in Durmitor

• Discover the stunning landscapes of Durmitor National Park
• Raft on the Tara River, Europe’s deepest canyon
• Hike to Black Lake and enjoy the serene surroundings
  

Prices

Accommodation:

• Guesthouses and Hostels: Budget accommodations start from approximately 20 EUR to 50 EUR per night.
• Mid-Range Hotels: Comfortable mid-range hotels may cost between 50 EUR and 100 EUR per night.
• Mountain Chalets:* In Durmitor, mountain chalets offer a unique stay, with prices ranging from 30 EUR to 80 EUR per night.
  

Dining:

• Local Eateries: Enjoy budget-friendly meals at local eateries, with prices ranging from 10 EUR to 20 EUR per person.
• Mid-Range Restaurants: Dining in mid-range restaurants may cost between 20 EUR and 40 EUR per person.
• Seafood Dinners:* Indulge in seafood dinners along the coast, with prices starting from 30 EUR per person and going higher.
  

Transportation:

• Buses: Intercity bus fares start from 5 EUR for short distances.
• Taxis: Taxis charge around 1 EUR per kilometer.
• Car Rentals: Renting a car starts from approximately 20 EUR per day.
  

Activities:

• Boat Tours: Boat tours to Our Lady of the Rocks or around the Bay of Kotor can range from 10 EUR to 30 EUR.
• Rafting on Tara River: Rafting experiences on the Tara River may cost around 40 EUR to 60 EUR.
  

Miscellaneous:

• SIM Cards: Prepaid SIM cards with data can be purchased for around 5 EUR to 10 EUR.
• Bottled Water: A bottle of water is typically around 1 EUR to 2 EUR.
• National Park Entrance Fees: Entrance fees to national parks like Durmitor may range from 3 EUR to 7 EUR.

Cellphone Communication:

• Montenegro has a well-developed mobile network, especially in urban areas.
• Major carriers include Telenor and m:tel.
• SIM cards are available for purchase, and 3G/4G networks are prevalent.

Best Time to Visit:

• Late Spring (May to June) and Early Autumn (September to October) offer pleasant weather.
• Summer (July to August) is the high tourist season with warm temperatures.
• Winter (December to February) is less crowded, and coastal areas have milder temperatures.

Possible itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Kotor
  • Check-in at Forza Mare Hotel.
  • Sunset walk around Kotor Bay.
    
• Day 2: Kotor Old Town
  • Explore Kotor’s UNESCO-listed Old Town.
  • Climb the city walls for panoramic views.
    
• Day 3: Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks
  • Boat trip to Perast.
  • Visit Our Lady of the Rocks.
    
• Day 4: Lovćen National Park
  • Day trip to Lovćen National Park.
  • Visit Njegos Mausoleum.
    
• Day 5: Relaxation Day
  • Relax at Dobrota Beach.
  • Leisurely evening at Kotor’s waterfront.
    
• Day 6: Kayaking in Kotor Bay
  • Kayak in the Bay of Kotor.
  • Visit the Church of Our Lady of Health.
    
• Day 7: Jaz Beach and Budva
  • Relax at Jaz Beach.
  • Explore the historic town of Budva.
    
• Day 8: Ostrog Monastery Excursion
  • Day trip to Ostrog Monastery.
  • Explore the cliffside monastery.
    
• Day 9: Perast and Bay Cruise
  • Cruise around Kotor Bay from Perast.
  • Visit the Maritime Museum in Kotor.
    
• Day 10: Kotor Fortress Hike and Departure
• Hike to Kotor Fortress.
• Depart Kotor with breathtaking memories.

Montenegro: Podgorica

• Day 1: Arrival in Podgorica
  • Check-in at the Hilton Podgorica Crna Gora.
  • Stroll along the Moraca River.
    
• Day 2: Millennium Bridge and Clock Tower
  • Visit the Millennium Bridge.
  • Explore the Clock Tower.
    
• Day 3: Lake Skadar Boat Tour
  • Take a boat tour on Lake Skadar.
  • Visit the picturesque villages around the lake.
    
• Day 4: Ostrog Monastery Day Trip
  • Day trip to Ostrog Monastery.
  • Explore the surroundings.
    
• Day 5: Departure
  • Explore Podgorica’s Modern Art Gallery.
  • Depart with memories of Montenegro’s capital.
    

Montenegro: Budva

• Day 1: Arrival in Budva
  • Check-in at Hotel Astoria.
  • Explore the Budva Old Town.
    
• Day 2: Mogren Beach and Citadel
  • Relax at Mogren Beach.
  • Explore the Budva Citadel.
    
• Day 3: Budva Riviera Boat Tour
  • Take a boat tour along the Budva Riviera.
  • Swim in secluded coves.
    
• Day 4: Sveti Stefan Island
  • Day trip to Sveti Stefan Island.
  • Explore the island and its beaches.
    
• Day 5: Departure
  • Visit the Budva City Walls.
  • Depart Budva with memories of its coastal beauty.

Podgorica to Kotor

• Distance: Approximately 85 km
• Travel Time by Car: Around 1.5 hours
• Travel Time by Bus: Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours
  

Montenegro: Perast to Budva

• Distance: Approximately 20 km
• Travel Time by Car/Bus: Around 30 to 40 minutes
• Travel Time by Boat: Approximately 30 minutes
  

Kotor to Perast

• Distance: Approximately 12 km
• Travel Time by Car/Bus: Around 20 to 30 minutes
• Travel Time by Boat: Approximately 15 minutes

Montenegro, with its scenic beauty and cultural richness, invites you to explore its diverse landscapes and historic treasures. Use this guide to plan your itinerary and budget, ensuring you make the most of your time in this Adriatic gem. Montenegro awaits, ready to offer you a journey through its natural wonders and cultural heritage.