Tourism in Montenegro (season 2024)

REST IN MONTENEGRO: UNFORGETTABLE AND AMAZING COUNTRY

ꙭ read in 15 min.            © Sergey Sahackiy                  01/02/2024

Contents:

General information about the country for tourists

In Montenegro without a visa!

How to get there? Options

Where to rest in Montenegro? Pros and cons of resort towns

Cruise in Montenegro

Prices for vacation in Montenegro

Public suburban and intercity transport in Montenegro

Montenegro landmarks and national parks

 This beautiful southern European country is located on the coast of the warm Adriatic Sea,  is bordered by Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to the northwest, Serbia to the north, the Republic of Kosovo to the east, and Albania to the south. Despite its small size of 13,812 square km, Montenegro can boast of four (!) climatic zones:

  1. Mediterranean - to the South of the country along the coast, the total length is 293 km.
  2. Continental - on the flatlands of the country (Skadar pool and adjoining flatlands).
  3. Moderately-continental - in basins and valleys.
  4. Mountain is the most part of the country.

Cruise liner in Kotor Montenegro

 Though  Montenegro is small,and it can take you 4 hours by car to cross it from the North to the South , but please name at least one more  country that would have 3 (!) the official names? Montenegrins and neighboring Balkantsy call it Crna Gora - which means "black mountain", the Europeans use the Italian name of Montenegro, and in the CIS in Slavonic it is called Chernogoria.

Your humble servant lived in this country for 4 years, so I have something to tell you, dear readers...

Country Language

 According to the last 2003 census the country's total population is only 620,145 people! The official language is Montenegrin, it was stated in June 2006, after the separation of the country from the state union of Serbia and Montenegro. In fact it is Serbian with a small dialect. In addition to Montenegro, the Serbian language is spoken in Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia and Slovenia. These countries were former federal states of  Yugoslavia. Communication with Montenegrins will be easy for the Slav tourists as there is no need to switch to the English language. This (Serbian) language is Old Slavonic language and very similar to the Russian, Ukrainian and Belarusian languages. And those Montenegrins who are 35 years or more mandatory learned the Russian language in school in the time of Yugoslavia. In writing both Cyrillic and Latin alphabet (mostly) are used.

Cities in Montenegro

 The country is divided into 21 municipalities (community) with the main cities in: Podgorica, Cetinje, Andrijevica, Bar, Berane, Bijelo Polje, Budva, Danilovgrad, Zabljak, Kolasin, Kotor, Mojkovac, Niksic, Plav, Pluzine, Pljevlja, Rozaje, Tivat, Ulcinj, Herceg Novi and Savnik.  The smallest  municipality is Savnik, it is home to only 3,690 people. Each municipality  has its own budget, the parliament and the executive branch headed by the chairman (predsednik).

Resort towns are, basically, all of the cities, located on the coast. We have listed them below in descending order of their attractiveness for tourism: Budva and the surrounding villages - Becici, Rafailovici, Przno, Milocer, Sveti Stefan, Petrovac. Next come the city of Boka Bay - Herceg Novi, Tivat, Kotor, Dobrota, Perast, Risan and other small villages. Separately should be noted the southernmost city in the country - Ulcinj. Well, and then follow the cities Sutomore and Bar that are in demand among low-budget  tourists. In the mountainous areas of the country with a tourist point of view is very interesting Kolasin and Zabljak - they are in great demand in the winter as a ski resort.

View of Podgorica in Montenegro

 The main city of the country (glavni grad) - Podgorica, formerly had the name of Titograd, in honor of the ruler of Yugoslavia, Josip Broz-Tito. Note: Tito is a nickname that Josip Broz got during the guerrilla war in World War II. Montenegrins are very fond of humor and people say that Tito as probably any leader liked to give instructions: "ti to, ti eto", which means: "you do this, you do that" It should be noted that Podgorica has become a main city  07.13.1946, whereas before it was Cetinje. You can draw an analogy with the history of the change of capitals in Russia, where the coming to power Bolsheviks moved the capital from St. Petersburg to Moscow. Montenegrins being in similar circumstances acted wisely - the capital (prjestonica) remained Cetinje, Podgorica just received the status of the main city. Clearly, this is a play of words,but  the historical capital was not offended.

Currency in Montenegro

 Surprising is also the fact that the national currency of the country since 2002, is the euro. Although Montenegro is not in the EU, and not even in the Schengen area. It is not a secret that many EU countries are still not fully economically integrated into the Union, and continue to use their national currencies, such as Romania and Bulgaria. And Montenegro only on December 15, 2008 wrote declaration of accession to the EU as a candidate and still remain it.

 

In our subjective opinion, the European Central Bank allowed Montenegro to use the Euro calculations because the country is geographically a part of Europe, the economy is very small, was debt free at the time and takes a size equal to tenths of shares of pan-European pie :).

In Montenegro without a visa!

Montenegro can be considered one of the few countries related to visa-free recreation for the citizens of Europe, North and South America, most part of Asia. In short, this country takes tourists without a visa from all developed countries and most of the developing countries. This is done in order to achieve the main objective of the state - to attract the largest possible number of tourists from different countries. In general, for most holidaymakers visa valid standard is 90/180 rule, which means that for half a year a person can stay in the country up to 90 days inclusive. Then the foreigner must leave Montenegro, and only than he has the right to enter again for the next six-month period.

As for the citizens of Ukraine, they too fall under the above mentioned rule. For citizens of the Russian Federation dated 21.11.2008 has been in force and effect "Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of Montenegro on the conditions of mutual trips of Russian citizens and citizens of Montenegro". By this Agreement the country secured visa-free entry and stay up to 30 days for Russian in Montenegro, respectively, for the Montenegrins in Russia. In addition, unilaterally the law was adopted in the republic in 2016 stating that the citizens of the Russian Federation in the period from 15.04. to 31.10. can be in the country without a visa for 90 days within 180 days. You have to have only a valid passport.

View of Risan in Montenegro

In plain language, until 15.04. and after 31.10. Russians can stay in Montenegro for no more than 30 days, then the tourist must leave the country, and then re-enter and stay for another 30 days. It is called a visa run tour: on the 30th day of the visit go to a nearby country and then re-enter to Montenegro. If you have a Schengen, Romanian, Bulgarian and Croatian visa, you can go to Croatia. Only in the summer you can visit Albania, starting from 1 May 2016. Neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina is open for booking during all seasons, and if have the time and opportunity, then after 500 km. you will find a welcoming Serbia! In 2024, nothing changed for citizens of the Russian Federation.

For citizens of Kazakhstan there is also visa-free stay in the country up to 30 days, but only during the summer season from 15 May to 31 October. You have to have only a valid passport. At any other time you need to apply for the visa.

For the citizens of Belarus a visa-free visit to Montenegro is  also allowed up to 30 days. But, unlike Russia and Kazakhstan citizens, in addition to the valid passport Belarusians need to have a travel voucher (hotel reservations), or an invitation from a person residing in the Republic of Montenegro.

Attention: Upon arrival in Montenegro complete tourist registration!

 Here it was called white cardboard :). But in 2015, the cardboards themselves are no longer issued and recorded  electronically. But in any case, a receipt for payment of tourist taxes should be carried in your passport. How much is the tourist tax in Montenegro? Adults older than 18 years - from 0.8 to 1 euro per day; Children from 12 to 18 years - from 0.4 to 0.5 Euro per day and children under 12 years do not pay tourist tax. Payment is due within 24 hours from the moment of entry into the country in tourist organization at the place of stay in each city, and it is usually found in the centre. Sunday is a day off, Saturday is a shorten day. So, if you arrive on  Saturday, then on Monday you need to pay a tax. A fine is up to 200 euros.

It is checked when leaving the country. On practice: Registration is rarely asked on departure at airports, not to cause excessive problems, but when crossing the border by car, is to be sure to be checked. If your travel was arranged through tour operators, the latter should take care of it, even though you can ask the host side. If you're an independent traveller, the owner of the apartment / mini hotel  usually makes it for you , just give him a passport.

How to get there? Options

Traditionally you can get to Montenegro by air plane. Less traditionally  - by you car. And very rarely - get by  train. Furthermore is about all options.

There are two airports in the country: in Tivat and Podgorica. Tivat airport is busier in the summer and takes mostly direct regular flights from other countries, as well as charter flights. It is a former military airfield. It is considered challenging for pilots during take-off and landing. It takes the board only during the good / moderate climates. If weather conditions do not permit, the airplane is redirected to Podgorica airport. Montenegrin climate in summer is particularly moderate, so from a personal long-term practice, I note that in the summer climatic conditions are always good for take-off and landing.

Boko-Kotor Bay, view from above (Montenegro)

 But what  an incredible scenery can be seen through porthole windows during landing! I advise you to prepare your camera  in advance as the landing occurs along the country's gems - Boka Bay / Gulf. According to information from the airport workers, in July 2007, Mick Jagger in the world tour on his private jet with his band Rolling Stones landed in Tivat, and was shocked by the views he had seen. He asked the pilot to contact the airport manager to be allowed to make additional 3 laps around the Boka. It was allowed, though flights density is very high in July :). The Rock concert was held at the spacious beach Jaz near Budva on the football field. Before the concert and during it all the resort coast of the country has turned into a giant traffic jam, people left their cars and walked by foot.

Another plus to arrive / depart via Tivat Airport is its proximity to all the resort towns of the country, so the transfer to / from the hotel for you will be faster and cheaper. The airport itself is very small, but their main functions are performed. Do not be surprised that to get to/ from the plane you have to walk, inspection area and arrival / departure is very close :). Air planes land, off -load /  load the new passengers and take off immediately,  there are almost no awaiting planes. The same applies to the airport in Podgorica, although the port is slightly larger.

Podgorica Airport is 10 kilometres from the main city of the country. For example, to Budva (as a guide), the distance from the airport is 70 km., while from Tivat Airport is only 25 km.

  In Podgorica Airport from Russia mostly fly regular transit flights, and it makes no sense to list them all. As a cheap low flights I advise look the following airlines:

  1. Turkish Airlines with a transfer in Istanbul.
  2. Air Serbia with a transfer in Belgrade.
  3. The Russian low-cost carrier "Pobeda" announced the start of flights to Tivat and Podgorica in the summer, flew, and from March 18, 2020, stopped direct flights to the republic.

To the great regret of connoisseurs of this Balkan country, direct flights between Russia and Montenegro have not resumed until now. Perhaps something will change before the summer season of 2024, but for now, tourists have to get on connecting flights through Serbia or Turkey, or fly to neighboring countries, and from there go by transfer. As an example, they use inexpensive flights to nearby ones: Croatia (Dubrovnik), Albania (Tirana) and even North Macedonia :)

 Montenegro can be reached by train from Moscow, or rather in the trailer car. The train goes to Budapest (Hungary), and then clings to the train "Budapest - Prague - Belgrade" and after to the train "Belgrade - Subotica - Bar." Bar - a resort and port city in Montenegro. It takes 45 km from it to Budva. The transit country on the way: Ukraine, Hungary and Serbia. You have to obtain transit Schengen or Hungarian visa. The total time will take approximately 63 hours. There are tickets in class 1 and 2 and in 2-and 3-seater  compartment. The 2nd class ticket costs about 190 euros. Similarly,  there is the train Montenegro - Moscow. Please specify all about trains online at RZD.

Embankment of the city of Perast (Montenegro)

 More and more tourists come to Montenegro by car. If you have time, energy and opportunity, why not? Moreover you will have a private car, so you can visit all the "top" places of the country, without service of local travel agencies and car rental firms. How to choose the route? It depends on your preferences. The most common route from Russia: Belarus, Poland (Lublin), Hungary (Budapest), Serbia (Belgrade) and Montenegro. Ask at specialized forums and social networks before the trip. To travel to Montenegro by car you need transit Schengen visa, and for your car - international insurance (green form).

For those who came to the country by plane, the car rental service in Montenegro is very popular. The car can be ordered with delivery directly to the airport, thereby saving on the transfer to the hotel / apartment.

Where to rest in Montenegro? Pros and cons of resort towns 

 Of course, everyone has their own needs and the universal answer does not exist. The same option will be for someone pros, but for someone cons. Allow me, on the basis of my personal 10-year experience in Montenegro, make some general theses.

To begin with, the common summer season in the country begins June 1 and ends September 30, when the last charter flight takes off. Although the country is beautiful at any time of the year. According to our observations the period from 1 to 15 October is beautiful too:  usually without rain, not hot, water is still warm, tourists are gone, free beaches, the lowest price for accommodation and meals. Peak season (high season) is July and August. At this time, there are the highest prices for accommodation in tourists hotels and apartments.

For those who are not afraid of the cool and refreshing seawater swimming season opens in May. But in most cases, the weather in May in Montenegro is changeable and rainy. Starting the second half of June the rains increasingly taper off and dry weather lasts until mid-September. Atmospheric temperature and water temperature in August are aligned.

Beach in Przno (Montenegro)

 The temperature range of sea water in May 18-21 ֯ C, June 21-23 ֯ C, July 23-25 ֯ C, August 25-27 ֯ C, September 23-26 ֯ C and October 20-22 ֯ S. Therefore, if you are a lover of warm seawater, or travel with small children, the best time for a beach holiday is from July to September. By its salinity the Adriatic Sea  can be carried to the fifth group, immediately after the Black and Marmara seas with salt share of 35-38% per 1 kg. seawater. The water is quite clear, transparent up to 50 meters. In summer sea surface  acquires a beautiful azure-turquoise hue.

Next, lets rate the cities of Montenegro, in descending order of their summer tourist attraction, as well as note the pros and cons of resting in them. Under the links go to the description of the resort / region, in the same place you will find partners who provide various tourist services in this area. So, let's begin:

1. Budva (Budva) is the tourist capital of the country. Pros and cons of rest in Budva

2. Becici (Bečići), Rafailovići (Rafailovići). Pros and cons of vacation in Becici and Rafailovici

3. Petrovac. Pros and cons of holidays in Petrovac

4. Pržno, Miloćer, Sveti Stefan (not an island). Pros and cons of rest in Przno, Milocer ...

5. Herceg Novi and its suburbs: Meline, Kumbor, Baoshichi, Biela, Morin, etc. Pros and cons of vacation in Herceg Novi

6. Tivat. Pros and cons of vacation in Tivat

7. Ulcinj. Pros and cons of vacation in Ulcinj

8. Kotor and its surroundings: Dobrota, Perast, Risan, Muo, Prcanj, etc. Pros and cons of holidays in Kotor

9. Bar and Sutomore. Pros and cons of rest in Bar

Cruise in Montenegro 

 More recently, a service that is gaining great popularity has appeared in the country - a cruise around the coastal cities of Montenegro on large sailboats (gulets) with luxury cabins in the half-board system. On board is offered its own waiter, chef of the highest category and, of course, the captain (skipper). Breakfast and lunch are included in the price, and tourists dine every day in a new city in one of their favorite restaurants / cafes at their own expense. The standard offer is a 7-day charter with stops in the main resorts of the country.

Gulet-sailing cruise in Montenegro

What are the advantages of such a holiday, unlike a hotel, where tourists only see the beach and their hotel? We describe 5 advantages of such a cruise:
1. The opportunity to see the entire resort of Montenegro without paying for sightseeing tours. Having landed on the pier / parking, vacationers can independently walk or ride bicycles (available on the ship) to see the sights of the republic
2. Passing the whole Boko-Kotor Bay - this miracle of nature, which is best viewed from the sea
3. The calm sea and the absence of storms in the summer period will add comfort to your exquisite rest
4. Swimming in the clear open sea, where there are no sharks. Optionally swims on the boat, which runs along with a sailboat
5. Not a high charter price. There are many advantages of such a holiday, and its price is from 1000 euros per person for a 7-day cruise, which is lower than the prices of most luxury hotels in the country of category 4 and 5 stars 

View of the cabin gulet in Montenegro

 You can clarify the information and ask your questions on the special page of our portal dedicated to charters and rental of yachts / boats in Montenegro.

Prices for vacation in Montenegro

Flight and accommodation costs in the country  can be easily found  on the Internet. Plus add here tourist taxes, which I mentioned earlier in this article. Also you need to get to / from the hotel. Some hotels organize transfer to / from the airport, but you can always choose the best pick for the price / quality of the available options, making a request for our service. In addition, if you want to be mobile from the beginning of your stay, plus save on transfer, it is advisable to rent a car starting from the airport.

Now about the food and cuisine in Montenegro

On the basis of 2 persons, the average bill for breakfast in a café / restaurant is 10 euros (scrambled eggs + salad + coffee). Despite the great length of coastline, Montenegro is a meat country  and  Montenegrins are very good at meat. Although you can also  meet seafood, but these dishes are much more expensive.

The first meat dishes are  chorba (ćorba):  jagnjeća (lamb), teleća (veal), riblja (fish). And, lamb, veal  will be from young lambs and calves. Fish chorba  is made mainly of trout (pastrmka), or carp (krap). A dish of  chorba costs from 2 to 3 euros.

Lunch in Montenegro

The second meat dishes are mainly dishes prepared on grill (roshtile) from various types of meat as whole and minced (mješano mjeso). Patties of minced meat is not served in Montegegro, but there is a very tasty Balkan dish  - kobasitsa (kobasica). These are small sausages on grill (roshtile). If you do not want fried and baked food, then try the stew - Montenegrin national dish of lamb under the sachem (jagnjetina pod saćem). The lamb is stewed for a long time on a low heat, usually served with boiled potatoes. Very Delicious!  Garnish (you can choose) and a little salad are served together with the second dish. The bread is usually baked in the restaurants, and served at the table, and not even always  included in the bill.

Choosing the second for dinner or lunch, pay attention to the weight of the dish in the menu! Often these are huge dishes up to 500 grams that ordinary people simply can't eat. You can always order half a portion (pola porcije) from the menu. But if this time you miss it, at any restaurant  your dish will be politely  wrapped with you.

Salads are mostly the same as elsewhere. The only thing that should be noted is Shopska salad (šopski salad). Fresh tomatoes with cucumbers are sprinkled with grated young and salty cottage cheese. There is no need to salt it. Salads are served in Montenegro without filling and on each table there are bottles with olive and sunflower oil, and the third bottle is vinegar.

In general, pay your attention to homemade cheeses in the country. This is the whole industry. They are made from both cow's and goat's milk. Be sure to visit the morning markets, which are in every city.

The cost of a 2-course dinner is from 3 to 8 euros, salads is from 1.5 to 3 euros.

We will not discuss seafood cuisine, especially since there are no national dishes among it and it's up to everyone own taste.

Mussels for lunch in Montenegro

Desserts and Baking in Montenegro are excellent. Be sure to try their kolachi (kolać) - it is our cakes. They cost 1.5-2 euros. In general, in every corner of the country you can find pavilions Pekara - this is a bakery. There is always fresh bread and pastries. Montenegrins will never eat yesterday bread, only fresh. They did not throw yesterday bread, it is collected for fattening cattle.

Alcoholic drinks in Montenegro are very diverse. National feature is the drinking of only homemade alcoholic beverages. Moreover, it's made not only of the grapes (rakia), but quince (dunya), plums (shliva). It cots 1.5-2 euros per glass, alcoholic content is up to 70 degrees. This is certainly for an acquired taste, but I like Dunya - it is similar to the cognac and has a pleasant aftertaste.

There is a special conversation about Montenegrin wine. The geographical breadth of wine-producing regions of the country coincides with the same areas of the south of France, so the wine is good and cheap. There is own Bulgarian wine grape varieties - Vranac (dark) and Krstats (white). For only 3-4 euros in any store you can buy excellent wine. It is not practised here to add sugar in the wine; wine should take as much sugar as grape has in it. Only for tourists they recently began making semisweet wines.

Montenegrin beer is called Nikshichko (Nikšićko) -is  pretty good quality, especially  draft beer. Draft beer is called here Tocheno (toćeno). All  ingredients for beer are grown in the country, the water is local too.

As a result, the average lunch for two persons will cost 20 euros, excluding drinks. Do not forget to leave tips - 10%. In the words of one Russian tourists, a long time living in the country: "Do not leave more than 10%, think about us, because we live here!" :)

A piece of advice: If you do not know if the food is good in a particular restaurant, just order the first course. Normally, if  chorba is done well, then you will enjoy all the other dishes in this restaurant!

Prices for sunbeds and umbrellas on the beaches of Montenegro range from 5 to 10 Euros per set anywhere near the old town of Budva.

Beach Yaz in Montenegro

The minimum price is in Ulcinj, the highest is in Budva. It includes 2 sunbeds and 1 large parasol. The average price for all the beaches can be  8 euros / set for 1 day. Keep  the receipt with the payment and in the other half of the day, if you come back again - just  show it. Of course, there are also 75 euros per set  - near St. Stephen on the beaches of the king and queen, but there is a distance between the sun beds of 4m  and all day you have a personal waiter.

What do we get as a result?

Average daily direct costs in the season for the two tourists are 50 euros. This is without taking into account transport costs, accommodation, entertainment and excursions.

Public suburban and intercity transport in Montenegro

The country has more than 100 licensed bus companies. 10 major companies have 50 or more different buses. In Montenegro that is more than enough. Montenegro can be considered a bus country - this is the main commuter / intercity way to travel. Let's start with the suburban bus transport in the tourist areas of the country:

→Budva Riviera (region). One large bus company is  Mediteran Express. Buses run in the direction back and forth to / from Budva – Boreti/Bečići (hotel Mediteran) - 0,50 €; Budva – Rafailovići – 1,00 €; Budva – Sv. Stefan - 1,50 €; Budva – Petrovac - 2,00 €; Budva – Buljarica - 2,00€; Budva – Jaz (beach) - 1,00€; Budva – Trsteno – Ploče (beaches) - 2,00€; Sv. Stefan – Petrovac - 1,00€. Payment is made to the conductor in the bus or at the bus stop. You do not need to look for the bus station, simply come to a bus stop, which is clearly seen on the road. No need to remember the schedule because, as the buses run every 15 minutes during the summer season from June 01 to 01 October. It starts at 6 am and ends at 1 am, but it is better to return not later than 22.00 pm.

→The Bay of Kotor.  One major company - Blue Line. There are routes to all the cities / towns of the Gulf, including to / from Herceg Novi, Meljine, Kumbor, Baosici, Bijela, Morinj, Strp, Risan, Perast, Orahovac, Dobrota, Kotor, Muo, Prcanj, etc. Because the settlements are located very close to each other, it makes no sense to count the cost of travel, but  it starts from 0.5 to 3 euros per person. Payment is made to the conductor. Bus stops are located on the road along the way. The summer schedule starts from June 01 to October 01, buses run every 20 minutes from 6 am to 1 am.

→Barska Riviera (region). Here is the same large bus company  Mediteran Express. Buses run in the direction back and forth to / from Bar, Dobra Voda, Joy, Misic, Chan. Also, the enhanced summer schedule starts from June 01 to October 1. Ticket prices are  from 0.5 to 2 euros, pay to conductor. Buses run every 15 minutes from 6 am to 10 pm.

Bus in Montenegro

Regular bus transportation for long distance in Montenegro

  It should be noted that the country has a permanent annual timetable and upon it  goes a season schedule from 01 June to 1 October  that increases the traffic 3 times. Thus, the average waiting time of the bus does not exceed 15 minutes. Summer schedule changes every year and becomes known only on June 1. As part of our service, we will give a reference to the annual schedule, but give the address of the site on which you will find the schedule: balkanviator com

Taxis in Montenegro

In Montenegro, there is a lot of private licensed taxi drivers and large taxi  companies. You will encounter  with the "private taxi" upon arrival in the country on exit from the airports According to the law of the country local regional authorities  have the right to issue licenses, so that taxi drivers forbidden to take passengers outside the region of their licenses, and takes them, but they can go anywhere. To move around the country we suggested to use the services of the major taxi companies, so you'll be saved from unduly high prices and get quality service. Large companies look after their image and reputation. There are some short taxi phone numbers: Tivat RED TAXI 19729; Kotor TAXI RED 19719; Budva SLAVA TAXI 19715, TERRAE CAR TAXI 19717, SANY TAXI 19728, HELLO TAXI 19759; Herceg Novi 19767 NOVI TAXI, TAXI MORE 19730; Ulcinj DE LUX TAXI 19766, KALAJA TAXI 19761, PACAMAMA TAXI 19745, etc.

  If you do not know the address, or you find it difficult to express yourself in the Serbian language, ask for a taxi at the reception or the owner of the apartment will be happy to help you. Or you can order a transfer in Montenegro between cities on our portal and choose a driver who knows the required language.

Montenegro landmarks and national parks

 Wherever you go to Montenegro, made a photo of you, and video, selfie and it will be one of the most memorable, because these pictures will not leave anyone indifferent. Montenegro proclaimed its tourism as an environmentally friendly, and the presence of a large number of cultural and natural attractions, significantly diversify the leisure of  tourist. In addition to the time spending on the beach , which is usually bored after a few days, tourists are invited to visit a lot of interesting places. First, we describe the country's five national parks:

1. Durmitor - Montenegro Mountain National Park. The highest peak is Bobotov kuk, the height is 2523 meters. It was declared a national park in 1952. Located in the northwest of Montenegro, it includes the bulk of Durmitor with canyons of the rivers Tara, Draga and Susica. It occupies an area of 39 000 hectares. The main feature of Durmitor landscape is a vast plateau at an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level, which is intersected by deep canyons and imposing mountain peaks. Along these canyons are paved highways, on them tourists are carried at the tour, which is called: "Canyons" or "Durmitor". At this tour, the tourist sees "the other Montenegro", which is different as heaven and earth from its coastal part. Full day excursion, usually starts from 6-7 am to 22 pm.

Black Lake - Durmitor in Montenegro

All this beauty includes the 18 glacial lakes called black eyes, at an altitude of 1500 m. The biggest and the most attractive is the Black Lake. It is located 2 km from the mountain town of Zabljak, the winter tourist center of Montenegro.

Among the most beautiful ornaments of the park are pure, swift rivers, who gave to this area the amazing valley of canyons. Particularly be impressed by the river Tara, with its azure running water, the deepest canyon in the beautiful mountain scenery, making it one of the most beautiful in the world. At the crossroads between the towns Zabljak, Pljevlja and Mojkovac is Dzhurdzhevich bridge, which in addition to transport infrastructure plays the role of a tourist mecca, which attracts tourists visiting Durmitor.

It is very rich in flora and fauna, ecosystem represents more than 1,300 different species of plants. It grows a special kind of huge pines, which is used to build the ships.

All the wealth of natural beauty, landscape and cultural values of Durmitor and Tara River by the decision of UNESCO  in 1980 , Durmitor National Park is included in the list of World Cultural and Natural Heritage, while the Tara River and its canyon were already included global ecological reserves biosphere in 1977.

2. Biogradska Gora was declared a national park too in 1952. Located in the north-eastern part of Montenegro between the rivers Tara and Lim in the middle of the mountain massif Bjelasica, it covers an area of 5650 hectares. If you go on a tour by the seaside of Montenegro, this park will be on the way, before reaching 14 km. to Durmitor. The park is primarily interesting because it is bordered by mountain peaks, crossed by streams and bays, surrounded by a rich centuries-old forests and meadows. Its rainforest covers an area of 1600 ha and is one of the last three in Europe.

Lake in Biogradska Gora (Montenegro)

Another tourist value is glacial "Biogradsko Lake" located in the center of the national park. Around the lake are made license hiking trails. The lake is small and it is quite possible to go around it for 2 hours. In its clear water reflects the beauty of the ancient forest, giving it a blue-green colour.

3. Lovchen (Lovćen) was declared a national park in 1952, it occupies the central and highest part of Lovcen massive, measuring 6 220 hectares and a height of 1749 m. On the one hand,  a mountain range is on the border with the coastal town of Kotor and Boka Bay, and on the other - Skadar basin and the mountainous part of the country. Due to its location on the border with the sea and the mainland, in the national park Lovcen there is an noticeable influence of both climates , causing the appearance of a very rich and diverse flora and fauna. In addition, this area has significant cultural and historical value.

Before reaching 5 km to Lovcen, in the forests will be a place called Ivanovo Korito - here is the adventurous park, where adults and children over age of 5 years can try the role of Mowgli and climb/fly between the tall trees. Here  5 kinds of different routes are offered in their complexity with age restrictions There are instructors. It is better to organize a trip to Ivanovo Korito yourself because tourists  groups  going to Lovcen do not stop there.

Park in Ivanovo Korito (Montenegro)

Next on the top of the mountain, which annually attracts thousands of tourists, set the mausoleum of Petar II Petrovic Njegos - well known throughout the Balkans Montenegrin ruler, philosopher and poet of the 19th century, a contemporary and friend of Alexander Pushkin. According to the legend, he was very fond of the mountain Lovcen and wanted to be buried there, although people offered to bury him on the highest mountain of Durmitor. From car parking lot up to the peak of the mountain to the mausoleum are almost 500 steps through long tunnels. When travelling here better bring a sweater, as at the top is pretty cool, even in summer. In good weather you can  see on top  the neighbouring countries - Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania.  These sceneries are fascinating!

Lovcen Mountain (National Park in Montenegro)

After visiting Lovcen, on a winding mountain road you get to the ancestral village Njegushi (Njeguši). You can have a little rest here, dine at many national restaurants and enjoy the culture and lifestyle of farming Montenegro. National specialities are right here! Prosciutto (Pršut) - dry-smoked ham, spanish Hamam, homemade red and white wines Vranac and Krstac, homebrew (rakija), domestic goat and cow cheeses, lamb under the sachem (this is a dish) and many more can be found here in excess. You can come in and see how it is all prepared, try (for free) and buy something you like. Locals are always welcome tourists.

The village of Negushi (Montenegro)

 Here is also situated the house-museum of Petar II Petrovic Njegos and his family - the last ruler of Montenegro, King Nikola I Petrovic. The last ruler of the country, but the first laical king! Before King Nikola laical and spiritual powers in the country were concentrated in the hands of the Lord, who was not allowed to marry, and power in the country passed from uncle to nephew. In the house-museum in addition to household goods and weapons of those years, you can see a diploma in Russian, issued to Peter Njegos by St. Petersburg University :).

Photo of the Njegos diploma (Montenegro)

After a guided tour of the village Njegusi it usually continues along the old Austro-Hungarian serpentine road in the town of Kotor. As many as 25 hairpin bends on the mountain slope with indescribable views of the entire Boka Bay. That's where you can made the best selfie, which is not ashamed to show on arrival from vacation!

4. Skadar Lake (Skadarsko jezero) - the first-largest national park, stretching up to 40 000 hectares. It was declared a national park in 1983. Located on the border of the states where Montenegro has the right to 60% of the lake, while the remaining 40% belong to the territory of the Republic of Albania.

Skadar Lake in Montenegro

 The lake is the biggest in the Balkans, an area is from 370 to 530 km depending on the water level, less in summer and more in winter. Here is exceptional richness of bird fauna and fish fauna, abundant marsh vegetation.

Some parts of the bottom of Lake Skadar are below sea level. These places are called sub-lacustrine springs or dampers. There are about 30. The deepest of them has a depth of 60 meters, while the average depth of the lake is about 6 m. Its coastline is rugged with many bays, islands, peninsulas and capes, mostly swampy, overgrown with reeds. The flora is rich and diverse.

   It is an important habitat for water birds, in 1996 Skadar Lake was included by The Ramsar Convention in the World Journal of Wetlands of International Importance. The lake is a bird haven for 264 species of birds. A rare Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus), it is called "the pink pelican", became the hallmark of the lake.

Here is concentrated and Montenegrin historic heritage - numerous cultural and historical monuments, monastery complexes and fortifications scattered in a wide range of basin of Lake Skadar, it is said that in the XIV and XV centuries this area was an important cultural center.

Crnojevic River in Montenegro

Trips here especially in the summer season is a mass phenomenon and a favorite excursion for tourists from all over the world. Why worth visiting tour to Lake Skadar:

- This national park is located near the coast (Budva 60 km.). The very brief tour, usually lasts 5-6 hours, you have time to go back and go to beach;

- In late July, August, water in the lake warms up to 28 ֯ C (warmer then sea). During a tour to the lake the tourists can swim in fresh water so that it is possible to compare it with sea water;

- In city Virpazar where tourists go by boat on the lake, there is a lot of restaurants where you can try freshly caught lake fish and drink  delicious house wine;

-Prices for these tours are quite acceptable.

For independent travelers, traveling on an individual tour to the Skadar Lake, we advise to combine this tour with a visit to the Museum of National Parks of Montenegro, where there are many interesting things to see. For example, the natural models of the country's national parks, and the famous stuffed rare animals,  thematic movies. Moreover, there is no need pay an entrance fee to the museum, it is sufficient to show a receipt for payment of tourism fees for park entry. A fee is paid together with the tickets to the boat before the cruise on Lake Skadar. It costs 3 euros for adults and 1.5 euros for children (under 18 years).

Scarecrow Pelican in the Museum of Montenegro

As a reference point, this museum is located in front of the liquor store "Plantage", which is carved into the rock. Also it is recommend for individual tourists to gather in groups of at least 5-6 people, so you can save on a boat rent.

5. Prokletije is the last and the fifth national park in Montenegro, declared so in 2009. It covers an area of 16,630 hectares, it has two nature reserves - Hridsko  lake and Volushnitsa (Volušnica). The protective zone around the park is 6252 hectares. National Park Prokletije from the south is limited by high mountain ranges and the Albanian border in the west of the river Grnčar, in the valley to the north of the city Plav.

As a mass tourism destination this national park is not popular. It is more interesting for the climbers.

The average price for entry to all national parks of Montenegro for adults is € 3, for children under 18 years is 1.5 euros.

 Visiting the above national parks is included in the major sightseeing destinations. Continuing the theme tours of Montenegro, it should be noted that the country is famous for its tourism of the Orthodox shrines. In Montenegro, there is a record number of Orthodox churches, spread over such a small area. There are more than 600 Orthodox and 100 Roman Catholic! I especially want to mention trips to Ostrog - a monastery near the town of Niksic, built into the rock at a height of 840 m above sea level.

Monastery Ostrog in the Rock (Montenegro)

The monastery was founded in the 17th century by the Bishop of Herzegovina Basil, Basil of Ostrog was later buried in the monastery, and elevated to the rank of saints. It is the most revered saint in all the Balkans. In addition to a large Christian values this place is very beautiful, it is considered the third most important after the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, and Mount Sinai in Egypt.

 Next, we note Cetinje Monastery, founded in the late 15th century. It  is the residence of Montenegrin metropolitans for over 5 centuries. It is located in the historic capital  Cetinje. Excursions in Cetinje Monastery is usually combined as part of a guided tour "Montenegro Tour", which includes a visit to Cetinje, Lovcen, Njegusi and old Kotor, or "Mini Montenegro tour" - the same thing, only without Lovcen or Negushi or as part of the tour "Three Orthodox shrines" - with a visit to the monastery Dajbabe (Podgorica) and Ostrog.

Male Monastery in Cetinje (Montenegro)

 One of the oldest monasteries in Montenegro is the Moraca monastery, founded in the 13th century. It is located in the canyon of the Moraca river near the highway, not reaching 25 km. to the town of Kolasin. Visiting the Moraca monastery usually comes as a part of the tour "The canyons of Tara and Moraca. Durmitor. Bridge Dzhurdzhevicha".

Also trips from Montenegro to other countries are very popular. Without a visa, you can visit Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the visa - Croatia. These countries are close, so all excursions to Montenegro start and end on the same day. 

If you are in Montenegro for the first time, limited in time or finances, or just want to spend more time on the beach, but still want to visit one of the most important and informative tours of the country, we recommend you to go on "Montenegro tour". This is the tour, which you must visit while being in Montenegro!

To view the description of cities and to find advantageous offers for tourist services from the bottom ↓ of this page, click on a specific city.


in Montenegro they are also looking for

Popular cities in Montenegro