Montenegro Travel Information

Montenegro is a small but stunning country in southeastern Europe, located on the Adriatic coast. With rugged mountains, pristine beaches, and historic towns, there are plenty of things to see and do in this beautiful country. Here are the top 10 things to do in Montenegro:

1. Visit Kotor Old Town

Kotor Old Town is a well-preserved medieval city, surrounded by a fortress and situated at the end of a winding bay. Its cobbled streets, historic buildings, and charming atmosphere make it a must-visit destination in Montenegro.

2. Explore Durmitor National Park

Durmitor National Park is a wilderness wonderland with glacier-carved peaks, deep canyons, and stunning lakes. Visitors can go hiking, rafting, skiing, and more in this beautiful natural landscape.

3. Take a boat tour of the Bay of Kotor

The Bay of Kotor is a picturesque fjord that boasts stunning views of mountains, cliffs, and waterside towns. A boat tour is the perfect way to explore this scenic location.

4. Relax on the beaches of Budva

Budva is a popular beach resort town, with sandy beaches, clear water, and plenty of sun. It's the perfect spot to relax and soak up the Mediterranean sun.

5. Visit Ostrog Monastery

Ostrog Monastery is a pilgrimage site that sits high on a cliff face, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. This beautiful and historic site is an important religious center in Montenegro.

6. Hike to the Tara River Canyon

The Tara River Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in Europe, and it offers some of the most beautiful scenery in Montenegro. Hiking to the canyon is a popular activity for visitors.

7. Enjoy the nightlife in Podgorica

Podgorica is the capital city of Montenegro, and it's a lively spot with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants. It's the perfect place to enjoy a night out on the town.

8. Go skiing at Kolašin

Kolašin is a popular ski resort in Montenegro, with plenty of slopes for both beginner and advanced skiers. It's the perfect spot for winter sports enthusiasts.

9. Visit Biogradska Gora National Park

Biogradska Gora National Park is a stunning natural area with pristine forests, clear lakes, and wildlife. Visitors can go hiking, camping, and fishing in this beautiful location.

10. Explore the Blue Cave

The Blue Cave is a natural wonder, located on the Lustica Peninsula. Visitors can take a boat tour and explore the beautiful turquoise waters and stunning rock formations.

Montenegro has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The best time to visit Montenegro depends on your travel preferences, as each season offers its own unique experience. Here is some information on the climate and the best time to visit Montenegro:

Climate

Montenegro has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The coastal regions of Montenegro have a slightly different climate, with long, hot summers and short, mild winters. The average temperature in the summer months is around 25-30°C, while in the winter months, it ranges from 5-10°C. The water temperature in the summer months ranges from 21-25°C, making it perfect for swimming and water sports.

Best time to visit Montenegro

The best time to visit Montenegro depends on your travel preferences. Here are the best times to visit Montenegro based on different factors:

Weather

The best time to visit Montenegro for warm and sunny weather is from May to September. During these months, the weather is perfect for outdoor activities, such as swimming, hiking, and sightseeing.

Crowds

Montenegro can be quite busy during the summer months, especially in July and August. If you prefer fewer crowds, the best time to visit Montenegro is from April to June or from September to October.

Festivals

Montenegro hosts a number of festivals throughout the year, including the Kotor Carnival in February, the Herceg Novi Mimosa Festival in March, and the Sea Dance Festival in August.

Skiing

If you're interested in skiing, the best time to visit Montenegro is from December to March, when the ski resorts are open and there is plenty of snow.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

Montenegro has a variety of hotels, ranging from 5-star luxury resorts to budget-friendly options. Hotels are available in many of the major towns and cities, as well as in the more rural areas.

Apartments and Villas

Apartments and villas are popular accommodation options for visitors who prefer more space and privacy. Many apartments and villas are available for rent in the coastal regions of Montenegro, as well as in the mountainous areas.

Guesthouses

Guesthouses are a popular option for budget-conscious travelers who want to stay in a more local and authentic setting. Many guesthouses are located in the historic centers of towns and cities, offering a unique cultural experience.

Hostels

Hostels are another budget-friendly accommodation option, especially for backpackers and solo travelers. Many hostels in Montenegro offer shared dorm rooms and private rooms, as well as communal areas and social events.

Camping

Camping is a popular option for visitors who want to experience the natural beauty of Montenegro. There are several campsites located throughout the country, including near the beach and in national parks.

Agrotourism

Agrotourism is a growing trend in Montenegro, offering visitors the chance to stay on a farm or ranch and experience the traditional way of life in the country. Many agrotourism accommodations offer home-cooked meals and outdoor activities.

Renting a Car

Renting a car is a popular option for visitors who want to explore Montenegro at their own pace. There are several car rental companies located throughout the country, and the major towns and cities are connected by well-maintained roads.

Public Transportation

Public transportation is a cost-effective way to get around in Montenegro, with buses and trains connecting most major towns and cities. The bus network is extensive, with frequent services and reasonable prices.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available in most towns and cities in Montenegro, and they are a convenient way to get around, especially for short distances. However, taxi fares can be quite expensive, especially for longer journeys.

Ferry

Ferries connect the coastal towns of Montenegro, making it easy to explore the beautiful coastline. The ferry service is reliable and affordable, with frequent departures during the summer months.

Cycling

Cycling is becoming increasingly popular in Montenegro, with many beautiful cycling routes available. Visitors can rent bicycles in most major towns and cities, and there are also guided cycling tours available.

Walking

Walking is a great way to explore the historic centers of towns and cities in Montenegro, with many beautiful pedestrianized areas and walking trails. Walking is also a good way to experience the natural beauty of the country, with many hiking trails available.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.