Best Places to Stay in Montenegro
- Jun 13
- 5 min read
One of the biggest questions when planning a trip to Montenegro is where to stay. Despite being a small country, Montenegro offers very different experiences depending on where you base yourself. Some destinations are perfect for beach holidays, others are better for hiking, road trips, or exploring historic towns. The good news is that there is no wrong choice. It simply depends on the type of trip you're looking for.
Here's my guide to the best places to stay in Montenegro based on different travel styles.
Quick Comparison
Destination | Best For | Vibe |
First-time visitors | Historic, scenic | |
Beaches & nightlife | Lively, touristy | |
Couples & romance | Quiet, elegant | |
Relaxed coastal holiday | Local, laid-back | |
Hiking & nature | Mountain adventure | |
Sandy beaches | Relaxed, diverse | |
Luxury & convenience | Modern, upscale |
Kotor: Best for First-Time Visitors
If it's your first time visiting Montenegro, I would recommend Kotor. The town combines history, beautiful scenery, great restaurants, boat tours, and easy access to many of the country's top attractions. The Bay of Kotor is one of the most beautiful places in Montenegro, and staying here puts you right in the middle of it. From Kotor, you can easily visit Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks, Lovćen National Park, and many of the viewpoints around the bay.
➡️ Full Kotor Travel Guide
Budva: Best for Beaches and Nightlife
If your ideal holiday involves beaches, restaurants, boat trips, and lively evenings, Budva is probably the best choice. Budva is Montenegro's most popular tourist destination and has some of the country's best-known beaches, including Mogren Beach and nearby Jaz Beach. During summer, the atmosphere is energetic, with beach clubs, bars, and events taking place almost every night. At the same time, Budva's charming Old Town provides a nice balance to all the beach activity.
➡️ Full Budva Travel Guide
Kotor vs Budva: Which One Should You Choose?
This is probably the most common question first-time visitors ask when planning a trip to Montenegro. The truth is that both are excellent choices, but they offer very different experiences.
Kotor | Budva |
Better for sightseeing | Better for beaches |
Historic Old Town | Lively coastal atmosphere |
Stunning bay views | More nightlife |
Great boat tours | More beach clubs |
Romantic atmosphere | Better for groups of friends |
Quieter evenings | More energetic nightlife |
If you're visiting Montenegro for the first time and want to explore the country, I would personally choose Kotor. If your priority is beaches, nightlife, and a classic summer holiday, Budva is probably the better option.
Perast: Best for Couples
Perast is one of the most beautiful towns in Montenegro and one of my favorite places along the coast. Unlike nearby Kotor, Perast is small, peaceful, and romantic. There are no large crowds, no nightlife scene, and very little traffic. Instead, you'll find elegant stone buildings, waterfront restaurants, and beautiful views across the bay. The famous island of Our Lady of the Rocks sits just offshore, adding even more charm to the setting.
Herceg Novi: Best for a Relaxed Coastal Stay
Herceg Novi often gets overlooked by visitors, which is exactly why some people love it. Located at the entrance of the Bay of Kotor, the town feels more local and less crowded than Budva or Kotor. It has a lovely waterfront promenade, historic Old Town, beaches, and plenty of restaurants. If you're looking for a slower-paced coastal holiday, Herceg Novi is a fantastic choice.
Žabljak: Best for Hiking and Nature
Most visitors focus on Montenegro's coastline, but if you're visiting for nature and outdoor activities, Žabljak is the place to stay. Located in the heart of Durmitor National Park, Žabljak is the gateway to some of Montenegro's most spectacular landscapes. You'll find hiking trails, mountain viewpoints, glacial lakes, and access to Tara Canyon. The atmosphere is completely different from the coast and feels more like an alpine mountain destination.
Ulcinj: Best for Sandy Beaches
Many travelers are surprised to learn that Montenegro has sandy beaches. Located in the south of the country, Ulcinj is home to Velika Plaža, a 13-kilometer-long sandy beach that feels completely different from the pebble beaches found elsewhere in Montenegro. The town also has a fascinating mix of Montenegrin and Albanian influences, giving it a unique character compared to the rest of the country.
Tivat: Best for Luxury Travelers
Tivat has transformed dramatically in recent years and is now one of Montenegro's most modern destinations. The center of this transformation is Porto Montenegro, a luxury marina filled with yachts, waterfront restaurants, designer shops, and upscale hotels. Tivat also has the country's main international airport, making it one of the most convenient places to stay.
Which Area Should You Choose?
If you're still undecided, here's a simple breakdown:
One of the best things about Montenegro is that you don't have to choose just one experience. The country is small enough that you can easily combine the coast, mountains, historic towns, and national parks in a single trip. No matter where you stay, you'll never be too far from beautiful scenery, great food, and some of the most underrated destinations in Europe.
If you are planning a trip to Montenegro, make sure to check out all the amazing places you can't miss out on, and things I wish I knew when traveling to Montenegro!
FAQ: Where to Stay in Montenegro
What is the best area in Montenegro for beaches?
Budva is the most popular beach destination in Montenegro, with easy access to beaches like Mogren, Jaz, and Becici. If you're specifically looking for sandy beaches, Ulcinj is the best option.
Is Montenegro expensive?
Compared to many Western European destinations, Montenegro is still relatively affordable. Prices vary depending on the season and destination, with places like Kotor, Budva, and Tivat generally being more expensive during summer.
How many days should I spend in Montenegro?
I would recommend at least 5 to 7 days to experience both the coast and the mountains. If you only have a few days, staying in Kotor or Budva and taking day trips is a great option.
Is it worth staying in Podgorica?
For most travelers, I wouldn't recommend staying in Podgorica for more than a night. While the capital has some interesting sights, most visitors come to Montenegro for the coast, mountains, and historic towns.
Can you visit Montenegro without a car?
Yes, it's possible to visit Montenegro without a car, especially if you're staying in popular destinations like Kotor, Budva, or Tivat. However, renting a car gives you much more freedom to explore national parks, viewpoints, monasteries, and smaller towns.
