Montenegro is a small country with amazing diversity: in one day, you can swim in the Adriatic, climb into the mountains to an altitude of more than 2,000 meters, and in the evening stroll through ancient towns where history lives side by side with modern resort life.
To help you plan the perfect itinerary, we have prepared an entire series of detailed guides by region and theme. Each article includes not only sights, but also practical advice: where to eat well, how to get there, which routes to choose, and which hidden places are worth discovering for yourself.
All articles in the “Montenegro Guide” series
- Traveling around Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor: what to visit, where to eat
- Budva Riviera and Montenegro’s new resorts: a guide to luxury towns and marinas
- Guide to central Montenegro: Podgorica, Cetinje, and the Njegoš Mausoleum on Mount Lovćen
- Northern Montenegro: Durmitor, Đurđevića Tara Bridge, the Tara Canyon, and mountain lakes
- The southern charm of Montenegro: Lake Skadar, Old Bar, Ulcinj, and Ada Bojana
- Montenegro’s beaches: your complete guide to the Adriatic coast
- Montenegro’s national parks: a complete guide to the jewels of the wilderness
In this article, we have gatheredthe main highlights and only the most useful factsto help you quickly get oriented and choose the routes that suit you best. And in each of the individual guides, you’ll find expanded recommendations, itineraries, lists of venues, and tips from travelers.
Enjoy reading!
- The cleanest beaches in Montenegro
- Beach holidays and prices
- What to do in Montenegro: activities and leisure
- Shopping guide to Montenegro
- Ready-made Montenegro itineraries from 5 to 14 days
- Where to eat in Montenegro: prices and the best restaurants
The cleanest beaches in Montenegro
Montenegro’s coastline is dotted with dozens of beaches for every taste — from wide sandy stretches to secluded pebble coves. Many of them receive the prestigious “Blue Flag” award year after year for water cleanliness and the high quality of their infrastructure.
RegionPopular beachesTypeBudva RivieraMogren, Jaz, Bečići, Kamenovo, Sveti Stefan, Queen’s Beach (Kraljičina plaža, Miločer), Crvena Glavica, Drobni PijesakSand, fine and coarse pebblesBay of KotorLuštica beaches, hotel beaches in Dobrota, PerastPebbles, concrete platformsBar RivieraRed Beach, Sutomore beachesPebbles, sandUlcinj RivieraVelika Plaža, Ada BojanaFine dark sandBeach holidays and prices
A beach holiday in Montenegro can be organized on any budget, but it is important to understand in advance the pricing policy of local beach clubs. The cost of a set of two sun loungers and an umbrella starts from15-20 euros per dayat less popular beaches. On average along the coast, especially at the popular beaches of the Budva Riviera, the price ranges from30-50 euros.
However, at premium resorts and beach clubs, the cost can be significantly higher. For example, atPortonovi Beach Clubthe price for a front-row set in high season can reach200 euros. At exclusive places such asDukley Gardens, rental prices also startfrom 100 euros.
It is important to note that many upscale venues operate on a deposit system: the amount paid for entry and sun loungers can be fully spent on food and drinks at the beach bar or restaurant. So always check the terms before settling in for the day.
Portonovi Beach ClubWhat to do in Montenegro: activities and leisure
Whatever you enjoy, Montenegro has something for you.
- Water sports:Along the entire coast, you can rent jet skis, kayaks, SUP boards, go wakeboarding or diving. The most entertainment is in the Budva Riviera area. Scenic spots include Lake Skadar and the Bay of Kotor. Ada Bojana is Europe’s kitesurfing center.
- Active holidays in the mountains:The north of the country offers endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, rafting, canyoning, and zip-lining.
- Sea excursions:From group tours to private yacht charters, exploring the coast from the water is a must.
- Gastronomic tours:Tastings at oyster farms, family wineries, or cheese dairies will let you get to know the country’s culture more deeply.
- Horseback riding:In several places, including the north and the Lake Skadar area, horseback rides are organized along scenic routes.
Shopping guide to Montenegro
Although Montenegro cannot be called a shopping capital, you can still make some great purchases here. Don’t forget that non-residentscan apply for Tax Freeand get part of the VAT back.
- Podgorica:The capital offers the best selection. Many international brands are available at theBIG FashionandCity Mallshopping centers. We also recommend stopping by the small craft storeLOFT DESIGN STOREand picking up a cute handmade souvenir from Montenegro;
- Budva:There are theTQ PlazaandMega Mallshopping centers. You can also find multibrand storesMix&MatchandFashion&Friends, and theBar-kodperfume store. In the Old Town, there are many souvenir and jewelry shops.
- Tivatremains the main destination for premium shopping in Montenegro, especially with the opening of the newBoka Placedistrict inPorto Montenegro. Here you can already find stores such as Pinko, MaxMara, Celine, BVLGARI, Heidi Klein, Liu Jo, Fashion&Friends, BOSS, Polo, Sport Vision, Beosport, Belodore Parfum, L'occitane, Body Shop, as well as Kicks&Heelz, Manor Living, and many others.
- Bar:The selection is more modest, but you can also find Italian and Turkish clothing stores here.
- Herceg Novi:
Ready-made Montenegro itineraries from 5 to 14 days
Montenegro is a country of amazing diversity, capable of giving unforgettable experiences to any traveler — the main thing is to plan the route according to your interests and time.
For trips of 5-7 days
If you have5-7 days, it is best to focus on one region so you can experience it without rushing: the classic choice is the Bay of Kotor combined with the Budva Riviera, which lets you combine historical sights, sea excursions, and beach relaxation.
If you have 10-14 days
For a longer trip of10-14 days, you have the chance to take a “grand tour”: spend a week on the coast, then set aside 3-4 days to head north to the Durmitor or Prokletije national parks to see a completely different, wild, and majestic Montenegro.
For beach lovers
Those who are looking fora beach holiday onlyshould settle on the Budva Riviera, choosing between lively Budva, family-friendly Bečići and Rafailovići, or cozy Petrovac, and take trips to different beaches along the coast.
For active travelers
Foractive travelers, the route is obvious: the north of the country with its endless opportunities for hiking, rafting on the Tara, and canyoning, and on the coast — kayaking, SUP boarding, and hiking trails in the Lovćen and Vrmac mountains.
For families with children
For familieswith children, resorts with developed infrastructure and convenient beaches are ideal, such as Petrovac with its “Health Trail” or Bečići with its wide promenade, and for entertainment — an easy walk around Black Lake or a cable car ride up Lovćen.
For those without a car
Travelingwithout a caris possible, but it requires planning: it is best to base yourself in a larger town like Budva or Kotor, from where it is convenient to reach neighboring towns by bus and book organized excursions to visit national parks or Lake Skadar, sacrificing freedom of movement but not the experience.
Đurđevića Tara Bridge. Photo:Viacheslav VolodinWhere to eat in Montenegro: prices and the best restaurants
To make it easier for you to navigate the variety of flavors, we have gathered all the recommended places in one spot. From luxurious restaurants with sea views to authentic mountain konobas, this guide will help you find the perfect place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in any part of the country.
Dish prices vary. In casual places such as grill restaurants or pizzerias, you can have a filling and tasty lunch for just€10-€15per person. Dinner in a traditional konoba with a main course of fresh fish or meat and a glass of house wine will cost about€25-€40per person. At the same time, in premium restaurants located in luxury marinas or unique historic settings, the price of just one main course can start from€35-€50, and a full dinner for two with wine can easily exceed€150-€200.
Overall, it is worth noting that prices in the mountain areas of the north are usually slightly lower than at the popular seaside resorts.
Bay of Kotor
Kotor and surroundings
- Konoba Scala Santa (Old Town Kotor):The oldest restaurant in the city, an ideal place to discover traditional fish cuisine in an authentic atmosphere.
- Pizzeria PRONTO (Old Town Kotor):A legendary hole-in-the-wall selling huge and delicious slices of pizza to go.
- BBQ Tanjga (near the Old Town):A mecca for meat lovers, famous for its “gourmet pljeskavica” and considered one of the best grill restaurants in the country.
- Rere Nero (Old Town Kotor):A stylish place for a refined dinner in an elegant setting.
- Moritz Eis (Old Town Kotor):Artisan ice cream with the most unusual and daring flavors.
- Stari Mlini (Ljuta):A luxurious restaurant in a 300-year-old mill building. Ideal for special occasions, famous for fresh fish baked in salt.
- Oyster farm (Dražin Vrt):A colorful place on the water serving the freshest oysters and huge portions of mussels in buzara sauce.
- Horizont Bar (Lovćen serpentine):A café with one of the best panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor, ideal for morning coffee.
Perast
- Hotel Restaurant Conte:A restaurant with a terrace right by the water and postcard-perfect views of the islands. Be sure to try the traditional “priganice” breakfast here.
- Dardin:A great alternative to Conte with equally beautiful views and delicious food.
- Perast Pizza Bocalibre:A place praised for authentic Neapolitan pizza and a cozy atmosphere.
Ferry crossing area and Herceg Novi
- Verige 65 (Kostanjica):A restaurant with modern architecture and panoramic views of the narrowest part of the bay. Ideal for sunset dinner.
- Limoneto, Bocasa Beach & Adriatica Restaurant (Kamenari):Premium restaurants by the ferry crossing with magnificent views.
- Konoba Feral (Herceg Novi):The best fish restaurant in town, loved by locals. Their signature dish is small grilled squid.
- Porto Montenegro (Tivat):
- Gallardo:
- Specializes in steaks. Bokka Modern:
- A modern take on Montenegrin cuisine. Ma Chérie & Kafeterija:
- The best places for coffee and desserts. MILA Restaurant Montenegro:
- Excellent Asian cuisine in a cozy boutique hotel. Mala Bevanda La Pasteria:
- A great place to enjoy Italian cuisine. Tanjga:
- A famous grill restaurant located nearby. Moritz Eis:
- Another branch of the popular ice cream café.
Osteria Grano (near Tivat Airport):- A great Italian restaurant where you can watch planes land. Portonovi (Kumbor):
- NOA Portonovi:
- A restaurant with Asian fusion cuisine and a stylish atmosphere.
Luštica Bay:- The Spot:
- An elegant restaurant in one of the best hotels on the coast. The Japanese & Ciao Bella:
- Great places for lovers of Japanese cuisine and Italian gelato.
- Jadran Kod Krsta & Restaurant Porto:
- Classic waterfront restaurants with authentic Montenegrin cuisine and beautiful sea views. International cuisine restaurants:
- El Greco Budva (Greek), Korean Food Montenegro (Korean), Taste of Asia (Thai), Amber restaurant Budva (Georgian), The House Kebab & Grill Restaurant (Turkish). Cafés:
- Casper, North Coffee Shop, Polako Coffee Shop & Bar, Caffe Fiorino, CUPS, More Coffee, Lokal, Akacia — the best places for lovers of good coffee. Bars:
- Barduck, Strix Bar, Hemingway — for signature cocktails in the Old Town.
- Two Captains (Bečići):
- A wonderful restaurant with excellent cuisine. Voronka (Bečići):
- A cozy café near Two Captains, where you can also enjoy a tasty snack. Restaurants in Rafailovići:
- Tri Ribara, Porat, the restaurant at Hotel Aleksandar — this settlement is known for the best fish restaurants on the Riviera. Gastro Bar Piazza, M.U.N., Konoba Tramontana (Petrovac):
- Local restaurants for a cozy dinner. Fini porat, La Mar, Konoba More (Pržno):
- Excellent and more affordable sea-view restaurants located near Sveti Stefan. Oliva Restaurant (Sveti Stefan):
- A restaurant with a beautiful view of the famous island. Muse Restaurant & Bar (Sveti Stefan):
- An exclusive restaurant at Villa Geba with an unmatched view.
- Pečenjara Gurman & Porto:
- The best places to discover the country’s meat cuisine. Spago, DI MARCO, Luce:
- Restaurants with high-quality European and Italian cuisine. NAMA sushi and coffee:
- For lovers of Japanese cuisine. Noa:
- A great pizzeria. Hard Rock Cafe:
- A world-famous chain serving classic American dishes. Oliva & Cioccolatitaliani:
- The city’s best cafés with excellent desserts.
- Zlatni Bor (Žabljak):
- A place praised for excellent lamb cooked under the bell. Restaurant Og'o (Žabljak):
- Another great option for getting to know northern cuisine. Restaurant at Katun Eco Village & Camp ethno-village (Žabljak):
- Authentic food in a colorful setting. Amanet (on the way to Kolašin):
- A good and affordable restaurant for a stop along the way.
- Konoba Bedem (Old Bar):
- An authentic konoba within the walls of an ancient fortress. Stara Čaršija Hotel & SPA (Old Bar):
- A luxurious restaurant with an oriental feel. Konoba Kod Ranka & Misko (Ulcinj):
- Two tried-and-tested places serving excellent fresh fish.
Эта страна — не место для спешки и туристических «галочек». Ее истинная красота и глубина раскрываются лишь тем, кто готов принять ее ритм, ее философию «полако». Замедлиться, чтобы увидеть, как закатное солнце окрашивает горы в фиолетовый цвет. Остановиться, чтобы выпить чашку терпкого кофе с местным жителем. Свернуть с основной дороги, чтобы найти затерянную «конобу» или безлюдный пляж. Черногория щедро вознаграждает любопытных и неторопливых. Она очаровывает, удивляет и заставляет желать одного — вернуться сюда снова.