The Ultimate Montenegro Travel Guide; Top Things To Do

We sent Travelista Contributor Em Hope to explore the small but mighty country of Montenegro, a destination that is attracting a new wave of jet-setters and travellers, hungry to uncover more of South East Europe. Read on for Travelista’s exclusive Montenegro Travel Guide.

This experience was supported as part of a press trip with Jet2Holidays. All words and views in this Montenegro Travel Guide are that of the author.

The Ultimate Montenegro Travel Guide

Welcome to Montenegro

Once a lesser-known country nestled in the Balkan Peninsula, Montenegro has emerged over recent years as a sought-after area for jetsetters looking for a mix of adventure, history, and natural beauty. Bordering Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia, Montenegro (although modest in size) invites its visitors to enjoy vast, picturesque coastlines, national parks and plenty of rocky mountains. The local language of Montenegro is Montenegrin, although Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian and Albanian are also recognised languages.

One thing that really struck me during my first trip here was the genuine friendliness of the locals, their humour and their desire to proudly show their country to its visitors. From my short time in this place, it was clear to see how laid-back Montenegrin life is and even better, how safe and welcoming it felt, making this an ideal location, in my opinion for the solo traveller as well as families and couples.

Besides its welcoming people, Montenegro features a vibrant cultural setting. Its mixture of architectural influences from neighbouring countries and rich history can be witnessed through its multiple old towns and ancient sites. The country’s national currency is the Euro and the average temperatures in Montenegro range from around 25°C to 30°C in the summer and 7°C to 13°C in the winter, offering visitors fair conditions to engage in outdoor activities most of the year.

Getting There

Tivat Airport is only a 30 minute drive from Kotor, where many visitors choose to base themselves for a holiday in Montenegro. If you’re flying from the UK, flights to Tivat with Jet2 are available from London Stansted and Manchester Airport (at the time of writing), making the journey accessible from both the North and South of England. If you have no local airports connecting to Tivat, another option is to fly into Dubrovnik, spend a few days there, and then cross the border into Montenegro. The drive is about 2 hours.

On my first Jet2 flight, I was pleasantly surprised by the comfort of the journey and the attentiveness of the staff. As someone who feeds off good energy, I loved the Jet2 Radio playing those catchy tunes to kick-start our holiday spirit. Flights from London Stansted airport take around just 2 hours and 40 minutes making it a breeze for those who prefer shorter flights.

The journey from Tivat to the Hyatt Regency Resort in Kotor’s Boka Bay ended up taking longer than expected due to road works and the general build-up of peak season traffic, but typically it’s just about a half-hour trip. Despite the delay, the unreal views made it all worthwhile. As I checked into this luxurious hotel and took in the incredible bay views, I knew this trip was going to be very special, and I was certainly right.

So, if you’re considering a visit to this hidden gem of a country, keep reading this Montenegro travel guide to discover why this stunning destination deserves a top spot on your travel radar and how to best utilise your time here.

Top 8 Things to do in Montenegro

1. Visit The Old Town of Kotor

A visit to Montenegro would not be complete without exploring Kotor Old Town. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, set against the backdrop of robust mountains and the bay, features plenty of medieval architecture and beautiful natural scenery. It’s here that you can find the ancient city walls, climb the Fortress of Saint John and admire the iconic Clock Tower in Arms Square. If you’re a cat lover, a visit to Cat Square, a sweet little sanctuary for Kotor’s beloved feline friends is a must-visit too.

Old Town of Kotor Clock Tower Arms Square

2 Hike the Ladder of Kotor

Montenegro is not shy of its amount of tall fortresses. If you enjoy a hike, don’t miss the opportunity to hike The Ladder of Kotor where another beautiful viewpoint opportunity awaits. Although there are around 1350 steps to the top, the area is marked by pretty, historic churches, so it’ll be well worth the climb. Just remember to bring plenty of water and sun cream with you for this one, as it’s a long way up.

3. Jeep ride to Gornji Stoliv

For a romantic getaway or simply to enjoy picturesque views, be sure to visit the hidden stone village of Gornji Stoliv. Although this secret destination can be reached by foot, Go Baloo to Gornji Stoliv offer a fun jeep ride to the top of the village where you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of Boka Bay and beyond. This off-road expedition guides you through Montenegro’s craggy countryside, where you’ll come across various flowing rivers and green forests. This ancient site dates all the way back to the 1600’s and is mostly desolate now, so it’s quite a nice activity if you’re looking for a quieter area to explore.

The archaic village itself is its own little oasis away from the bustle of Kotor, surrounded by wild pomegranate, fig and olive trees, old stone buildings and the charming Church of St.Elijah. As part of the tour, you’ll be taken to the ‘No Name’ café at the summit to enjoy some local chilled, homemade pomegranate juice while soaking in those stunning mountainous views.

4. Take the Kotor Cable Car to the summit of Lovćen

For another amazing viewpoint, head to the summit of Lovćen, where you can enjoy via a cable car ride with panoramic views of Montenegro’s natural beauty, giving you ample time to grab some gorgeous pictures and videos along the way.

5. Ride on the Alpine Coaster of Mount Lovćen

If you’re a thrill seeker you will love Mount Lovćen’s Alpine Coaster, a relatively new ‘self-drive’ attraction that allows visitors to control their speed as they twist and turn over great heights. This is a great way to enjoy the views of Kotor, the Adriatic coast and beyond, before you head deeper into Lovćen National Park for a further explore of its stunning landscape.

6. Visit the Medieval Town of Perast

Perast, another of Montenegro’s charming medieval towns, is a hidden gem bursting with history and local legends. Its quaint location tucked between a cove and a cliff provides a gorgeous view of the Bay of Kotor, and the town, one of Montenegro’s oldest settlements, is surrounded with pretty restaurants, old churches and cute shops. We visited here by BarbaRosa boats a gorgeous rental maritime experience that gave us a unique way of getting to and from Perast. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Catholic church of Our Lady of The Rocks, one of the two islets off the coast of Perast with a fascinating history, on the way.

7. Explore Herceg Novi, the gateway to the Bay of Kotor

As one of my favourite places on the trip, I would strongly recommend a visit to the friendly Herceg Novi, one of the smaller towns close to Kotor. Established in 1382, the town’s fortress serves as the gateway to the breathtaking Bay of Kotor. Be sure to explore the charming Old Town to witness plenty of local culture through vibrant markets, historic bell towers, charming restaurants, and romantic points of interest like Belavista Square and the Old Square.

8. Book a boat trip to the Blue Cave

If you’re adventure hungry, a boat trip to the Blue Cave in the Bay of Kotor is a must. The cave, is one of the largest in the region and boats can easily navigate through it. But the real highlight, is the stunning blue waters that illuminate the inside of the cave. Visitors can enjoy a swim and jump from a cliff face there at their leisure, however this does get pretty busy.

If you prefer somewhere more low key, there are also other quieter caves in the vicinity ideal for a peaceful dip. Special thanks to Vladimir’s Boat Charter for a fun, informative and thrilling tour of the caves and surrounding coastal towns- a definite highlight of our trip! Hiring a private boat to these locations is also an option for a higher price.

Browse and book Montenegro tours and experiences with Get Your Guide.

Where to Eat: Best Restaurants in Montenegro

If you’re a foodie, then Montenegro will absolutely satisfy. This country offers an array of delicious dishes and a dedication to sourcing fresh ingredients, particularly their seafood.

Restaurant Conte, Perast

Restaurant Conte is a gorgeous dining option. Overlooking the Bay of Kotor, the restaurant specialises in Montenegrin and Mediterranean dishes. It has to be said, their homemade fresh Shrimp Gnocchi cooked in a garlic, butter, and parmesan sauce was heaven on a plate. That, together with a basket of their freshly baked bread and aromatic olive oil left my stomach fully satisfied – I can’t recommend enough.

Konoba Skver, Herceg Novi

Konoba Skver is a charming, nautical restaurant nestled beside Herceg Novi Marina. This place is famous amongst the locals for its exceptional fresh seafood and attentive service, and you’ll find that you need to book ahead if you want to eat here, as it does book up fast. I thoroughly enjoyed dining here, and if I were to recommend a dish, it would be their signature creamy, garlic Shrimp and Saffron Risotto. The thought of this unreal dish still lives rent free in my mind.

Catovica Mlini, Morinj

If you’re looking for a fancy, upmarket dining experience or a super romantic dinner date, Catovica Mlini is another of my recommendations. Based in the small village of Morinj, this hidden gem was originally a flour mill. The setting is utterly gorgeous and features various picturesque bridges and ponds that provide the perfect photo opportunity. Every year, the restaurant brings many visitors from around the world – including VIP’s like Gerard Butler, Ralph Fiennes and Novak Djokovic – but with its enchanting location, friendly staff, amazing wine selection and rustic charm, it’s not hard to see why.

OLE!, Boka Bay

Whether you’re savouring a leisurely meal or unwinding with a signature cocktail, OLE! Café and Bar at the Hyatt Regency Resort promises a chilled dining experience. This pretty, beachside venue is set along the resort’s private beach on Boka Bay and offers a delicious array of Mediterranean inspired dishes, including fresh juices and salads, tasty tacos and much more.

Where to Stay in Montenegro

The picturesque coastal area of Boka Bay offers a perfect, accessible base for day trips to Kotor and other charming Montenegrin towns and villages.

For ultimate relaxation, the five-star Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort with Jet2Holidays offers a luxurious retreat. Nestled on the waterfront of Boka Bay, this elegant luxury hotel provides breathtaking views. Whilst staying there, guests can unwind in two of their gorgeous outdoor pools (complete with their own poolside bars), lounge on their private beach, or dine at their various eateries. Guests can also enjoy a range of wellbeing amenities including a spa and fitness centre. Plus, if you’re looking for other activities, they have a super friendly team of staff and a concierge at reception who will be more than happy to recommend and help you put together an itinerary.

If one of your highlights of a hotel stay is their breakfast options (I know this is one of the things I get most excited about) you won’t be disappointed. Every morning there was a delicious range of food items on offer, from cold dishes like fresh fruit, pastries, muesli and salads to hot tapas style dishes, pancakes and waffles!

This resort has an excellent range of rooms to choose from, and I had the pleasure of staying in one of their Deluxe rooms, complete with a balcony and pool view, delightfully comfy king-sized bed, air conditioning, large bathroom with a walk-in shower and other useful amenities. If you’re looking for a fuss-free stay and somewhere that you can feel your very best, the Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort had me feeling like a true Queen for the 4 days that we were staying in Montenegro.

Book the Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort.

Browse all the best hotels in Kotor, Montenegro.

How Long To Stay in Montenegro

Holidays to Montenegro don’t have to be for a week or more. During my recent visit to Montenegro with Jet2Holidays, we spent four days and five nights exploring and I would say that it definitely felt like enough time to fully enjoy the country’s beauty and really explore its highlights. However, if I had a few more days to spare, I would have probably spent it exploring more of the country’s rich cultural heritage by visiting notable places, like Budva, which I hear is also a lovely town too.

While four days certainly provides a solid introduction to this stunning country, if you’re a fan of multi-destination trips, it’s also worth noting that Croatia is super close, so you could always opt for a Jet2 flight to Dubrovnik, and then from there get to Montenegro via bus, car or boat or visa versa.

Getting Around Montenegro

Public transportation by way of buses, boats and taxis are available in Montenegro and getting a cheap hire car is also an option.

I would say getting around Montenegro is relatively easy and convenient. While some areas, like the old towns of Kotor and Budva, are easily walkable and perfect for enjoying leisurely strolls, other destinations, such as the small village of Morinj mentioned earlier for example, would definitely require transportation. Taxis are available and as with anywhere, prices vary based on the distance travelled, but in general shorter journeys are charged at reasonable fares.

Buses and even boats are usually used for longer distances and reaching more remote locations in the country, which especially if you’re travelling with others, provides a cost-effective way to travel around Montenegro. For accurate and up to date pricing estimates, its worth researching reputable taxi or bus companies before you travel.

Browse cheap flights to Montenegro.

Packing Essentials for Montenegro

Here are a few essential items to pack to Montenegro, having been and experienced the destination myself.

Beach Towel
Beachwear
Flip flops or swimshoes – a lot of the beaches are more stones and shingles than sand
Hiking shoes or sturdy trainers
Windbreaker or light coat – Montenegrin weather can be a little cooler on the summits
Portable first aid kit – just in case
Hydration tablets – in the hotter weather this is super useful if you’re on a hiking day.
A few dressy evening outfits – for those fancier restaurants mentioned
Camera
Small day back pack

6 Top Tips for Visiting Montenegro

1. Book yourself a window seat when flying into Tivat Airport for incredible views

If you can, I 100% recommend trying to book a window seat on your flight to Montenegro. As your flight approaches Montenegro, you’ll be welcomed with a birds-eye view of paradise: think deep blue waters, rugged mountains, hidden coves and bustling beaches as far as the eye can see. If flying with Jet2, you can book a window seat can by accessing MyJet2.

2. Plan where you’re going to eat and make reservations

If you’re particularly chilled about where you eat then you should be fine. However, if you have somewhere in particular in mind, I would suggest making a reservation for your preferred restaurant in advance. Montenegro’s popular dining spots can fill up very quickly we were told, so booking ahead ensures you can enjoy the best spots without any disappointment.

3. Be prepared for Tivat Airport – the facilities are extremely basic

More of a heads up than anything. Tivat is a very small airport with two terminals. On the way back we were in Terminal 2, which was very small and offers limited facilities. It’s a good idea to prepare for a more compact airport experience by arriving early, carrying essential items (like water and snacks, for example) and managing your expectations to ensure a smooth transition through the airport.

4. Go for a sunrise dip

Start your day by hitting the beach early to beat the crowds and just enjoy the utter peace of Montenegrin waters. One of the best things you can do whilst you’re away is catch a sunrise over the Adriatic Sea – its such a magical experience.

5. Allow plenty of travel time

We found that Montenegro journeys can be delayed by road works and other unpredictable factors. Take the stress out of your journeys and just be sure to factor in plenty of travel time between destinations to allow for a relaxed and enjoyable journey without having to rush from one destination to the next.

6. Don’t forget to Disconnect and Recharge

I think it might be the combination of chilled Montengrin life and the country’s gorgeous scenery that makes you truly feel at home here. So, take a break from your mobile phone and set aside some downtime to stay present and truly immerse yourself in the beauty and utter peace of Montenegro. You will certainly miss it when you fly home back to reality.

Montenegro Boat Trip — Image: Catherine Frawley

Final Words

As I think back on my trip to Montenegro, all I can say is how breathtakingly beautiful it is and how I didn’t catch this place earlier!? This hidden gem of the Balkans is a destination well worth exploring, and I am already planning suggested itineraries for friends and family who are now also wishing to visit.

So, if you’re up for a beautiful adventure, stunning scenery and a haven of peace and indulgence, look to Montenegro as it will give you all of that and much more.