Travelling to Montenegro - Travel Hub
Conjure up images of the most beautiful places in the world for mountains, aqua seas and elegant palazzo squares, add sunny days and clear skies and you are probably thinking about travelling in Montenegro! If you want wilderness and wildlife AND beaches – absolutely consider a road trip in your motorhome to Montenegro.
Mongenegro shares its borders with Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo and Albania. It is approx 1450 miles away from London if you avoid the toll roads like we do, 1448 if you take the toll roads! The savings are obviously in time but actually, the time saved for toll and non-toll routes is only about 5 hours.
Travelling to Montenegro is a relatively new arrival for the more adventurous motorhomer and a great addition for the Schengen Shuffle that now needs to take place for British passport holders (or non EU passport holders). Montenegro is outside of the Schengen at the moment but this could change.
If you have found yourself on this page to find out the essentials of motorhoming in Montenegro, the chances are that you have more than a week off work – otherwise you will just get there – and have to leave again after one day!Â
This handy Montenegro travel guide will give you all the practical information that you need to know before you go! Get in now before all the crowds do!
Montenegro Travel Hub - Jump Tp
Key Fast Facts for Travelling to Montenegro
Language
Montenegrin is the official language, but Croatian, Bosnian, Serbian & Albanian recognised.
Currency
The currency used in Montenegro is the Euro. They adopted it!
Schengen
Not part of the Schengen and no plans until at least 2035.
Time Zone
Montenegro is in the Central European Timezone, which is GMT +1.
ATM & Credit Cards
ATMs are plentiful, credit cards accepted in most shops/bars. Carry small amounts of cash.
Plugs and Voltage
2 plug types - C (round pin) and F (earthed round pin). 230 standard voltage and 50 Hz.
Sim Cards
M-Tel tourist package. We got 1TB Data for 30 Days for 20 Euros
Visa
UK travellers need a passport. No Visa needed but 90 day limit.
Female Travelling
Safe for female travellers including the evening.
Health
GHIC will cover for genuine emergencies. Not repatriation or additional costs. Recommend additional travel insurance.
Motorhome Parking
Not allowed but tolerated away from the main tourist attractions and beaches. Out of season more so!
Montenegro Roads
The road journeys are almost the destination. Standards are mixed - better closer to the tourist areas, worse in the mountains.
Best Travel Months
April - October. July and August are great around the National Parks.
LPG Available
Pretty much available at all petrol stations.
Airports
Podgorica is the main airport, but Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia is very close to the border.
Motorhome/ Car Insurance
We weren't covered. Check with your insurance. You can buy on the border.
Tipping
Not essential - but nice to show appreciation (10%) . A couple of euros at a bar if you have had several drinks.
Emergency Numbers
Dialing Code - +382
Police - 122
Fire - 123
Medical - 124
Pets
Must be microchipped. Must have Rabies injection. Animal Health Certificate. Tapeworm treatment. Consult your vet too.
Local Foods
Prsut (Baked Ham)
Burek
Buzara
Ispod Saca
Crni Rizoto
Why Visit Montenegro?
Travelling in Montenegro is a captivating experience, offering a diverse landscape that caters to both adventure seekers and those looking to unwind. The country is compact, making it easy to cover significant ground on a road trip without spending too much time driving.Â
The best time to visit Montenegro is between May and October, with the weather being most favourable for outdoor activities and sightseeing. During this period, the Adriatic coast is particularly inviting, with its clear waters and vibrant beach life, although the coastal areas in the months of July and August are really crowded. There actually isn’t so much coast line compared to its neighbour Croatia.
A road trip in Montenegro should definitely include a visit to the Bay of Kotor, known for its stunning fjord-like scenery and historic towns encircled by impressive fortifications. Kotor, the bay’s namesake town, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering cobblestone streets, cozy cafes, and a rich history. Moving inland, Durmitor National Park presents a dramatic change of scenery with its majestic mountains, deep canyons, and pristine lakes. It’s a paradise for hikers, rafters, and nature lovers.
The coastal town of Budva is a real pull for those that are looking for lots of buzzing nightlife, bars and action but it also has a small medieval old town, which is just beautiful. The old town (for us) is best seen in the early morning before the crowds awaken, but if you want to spend time there in the day time, there are loads of cute little restaurants and cafes to eat at, as well as boutique shops. Budva combines busy, trendy bars with historic roots. Nearby, the iconic islet of Sveti Stefan offers postcard-perfect views and luxury accommodations – great for pictures, but it is private.
For those interested in less crowded spots, the Lake Skadar National Park provides a serene escape with its vast lake, abundant wildlife, and quiet monasteries. Here, you can enjoy boat tours, bird watching, and sampling local wines.
Throughout Montenegro, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere, with locals eager to share their culture and traditions. The country’s cuisine is a delightful blend of Mediterranean and Balkan flavours, offering plenty of opportunities to indulge in seafood, grilled meats, and local cheeses. Roadside markets and family-run taverns add to the authentic experience, making your Montenegrin road trip both enriching and memorable.
Download our Handy Road Trip Planner
Use our handy ready made PDF planner to help you plan your trip. We created a 9 day planner to use to plan a 1 week trip. Simply print out more copies for each week of your travels. Capture everything you need from your start and end points to where you will stay. There is space to write all the things you want to see and more. Plenty of room for jotting down notes as you plan too.Â
*Road Trip Planner
*By downloading our planner, you give us permission to send you our newsletter. We send this approx every 6 – 8 weeks.
When to Visit Montenegro
The coast line of Montenegro is approx. 290km long, so in the summer months, it can feel pretty crowded, especially when not all that coastline is beaches – and there are no islands off of it, like there are in Croatia.
Visiting Montenegro in Spring (March to May) Spring is a fantastic time for visiting Montenegro, as the country awakens with vibrant colors and mild temperatures. This season is ideal for exploring the natural beauty of Montenegro’s national parks, such as Durmitor and Biogradska Gora, where you can enjoy hiking, bird watching, and photography. The coastal areas are less crowded, making it a great time to visit the Bay of Kotor and the ancient town of Budva. Montenegro travel during spring allows you to experience the blooming landscapes and traditional Easter celebrations without the summer crowds.
Travelling to Montenegro in Summer (June to August) Summer is the best time to travel in Montenegro if you’re looking for sun, sea, and sand. The Adriatic coast is the main attraction, with popular destinations like Budva, Kotor, and Sveti Stefan offering beautiful beaches, water sports, and vibrant nightlife. The sea temperature is perfect for swimming and sailing. However, these areas can get crowded, so booking accommodations in advance is advisable. For those seeking a quieter experience, the northern mountains provide relief from the heat and an opportunity for hiking and rafting in the Tara River Canyon.
Visiting Montenegro in Autumn (September to November) Autumn is a splendid time for when to visit Montenegro, especially for food and wine enthusiasts. The weather remains warm enough for beach visits in early autumn, while the hinterlands offer spectacular foliage. It’s the season of harvest, with numerous food and wine festivals taking place, particularly in the Lake Skadar region. This period is less crowded, offering a more relaxed atmosphere for exploring the cultural sites and the countryside. Outdoor activities like hiking and cycling are particularly enjoyable, thanks to the cooler temperatures and scenic landscapes.
Travelling to Montenegro in Winter (December to February) Winter in Montenegro transforms the country into a snowy wonderland, especially in the mountainous regions. Skiing and snowboarding are popular in resorts like KolaÅ¡in and Žabljak. This makes it the best time to travel in Montenegro for winter sports enthusiasts. The coastal areas are much quieter, and though swimming is off the table, the historic towns of Kotor and Perast offer a magical experience with fewer tourists and festive decorations. However, some coastal and island attractions may close or have reduced hours, so it’s best to plan accordingly.
In summary, Montenegro offers a rich tapestry of experiences throughout the year, catering to a wide range of interests. Whether you’re drawn to the lush landscapes of spring, the bustling beaches of summer, the culinary delights of autumn, or the snowy adventures of winter, travelling to Montenegro in any season has something unique to offer.
Montenegro Travel Itineraries and Information
All the essential rules of the road that you need to know about driving in Montenegro; Including the speed limits in a motorhome, the mandatory items to carry in the van, winter driving and drink driving rules and regulations.
Everything you need to know to plan your road trip to Montenegro. From your visa and passport requirements to pet passports and currency. We even tell you the local foods to try.
Traditional foods in Montenegro
Whilst travelling in Montenegro, you will find there are many similar foods to that found in Bosnia and Croatia. There are many staples found in all of these areas which take their roots from the Turkish palette – the Burek for example. However, the default position for food in Montenegro is fresh, local and organic – and lots of seafood on the coast – which is heaven for us!
Montenegrin Traditional Foods
Prsut: (Prosciutto, smoke dried ham) – made in the village of Njeguski, anything on the menu that mentions ‘Njeguski’ is going to be a traditional locally made dish.
Burek – the traditional snack food of the region – simply delicious meat or cheese filled filo pastry snack but absolutely loaded with grease! It comes in spirals or long ‘sausage’ shaped pastry. Simply yum – but eat it fresh! These are common all over the Baltic region – so you may already have tried them. For me, the meat ones are the best – the cheese ones are more like cottage cheese filling, which I still enjoy – but Damo doesn’t.
Buzara – a coastal seafood speciality of the country. This is often confused with the Brujet, a stew which is made of fish. Although the Buzara is also a stew – it will be made with prawns or shrimps instead – it only has the one single ingredient. You may find a Seafood Buzara – which focus’s on more than one element.
Ispod Saca – This is lamb, cooked with potatoes, garlic and rosemary, in a traditional pot and under a metal lid which is covered with hot coals. It cooks for a long period of time, so the lamb literally melts in your mouth. You may find it with veal also – so check which meat it is if you are adverse to eating veal. It is often served with the traditional side dish of cabbage, sprinkled with paprika.
Crni Rizoto – A risotto which is coloured and flavoured with squid ink so that it is black. This is also a favourite in Italy and although it might put some off because of the colour – it really is delicious and should be tried.
Essential phrases When Travelling in montenegro
It is always handy to have some useful core phrases to get by in the restaurants or cafe’s. Just by speaking a few words to show some manners and a little respect for the people and the country is always well received.Â
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- Hello – Zdravo (zdrah-voh)Â
- Goodbye – Dovidenja (doh-vee-djen-yah)
- Thank you – Hvala (hvah-lah)
- The bill please –Â Racun Molum (rach-oon mollum)
- Have a good day – Prijatno (pree-at-noh)Â
- Do you speak English? – Da li pricate Engleski? (dah-lee pree-cha-tey lee En-gles-kee?)
- Where can I park my motorhome please? – Gdje mogu parkirati svoj kamper, molim vas?
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