Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Montenegro

Before visiting, I expected beautiful beaches and historic towns, but I quickly discovered there was much more to it. From local customs to unexpected challenges, there were quite a few things I wish I had known before my trip. Here are the most useful things to know before visiting Montenegro.

Montenegro is smaller than you think

Many first-time visitors are surprised by how small Montenegro is. On a map, it may not look tiny, but you can drive from the Adriatic coast to the mountains in just a few hours. This makes it possible to experience very different landscapes during one trip.

One day you can be exploring the historic streets of Kotor, and the next you can be hiking in Durmitor National Park surrounded by mountains and glacial lakes. Few countries offer such variety in such a compact area.

This is one of the things I loved most about Montenegro. You don't have to spend hours traveling between destinations, which means you can see a lot even during a short visit.

Check out all the amazing places you can't miss out when in Montenegro ➡️ Montenegro Travel Guide!

Exploring with a car is the best way in Montenegro

If there is one piece of advice I would give anyone visiting Montenegro, it is to rent a car. Public transport exists and can work well between larger towns, but having your own vehicle gives you much more freedom. Some of the country's most beautiful viewpoints, monasteries, beaches, and mountain villages are difficult to reach without a car.

Driving also allows you to explore at your own pace and make spontaneous stops along the way. Considering how small Montenegro is, a rental car can help you see far more of the country during your trip.

For me personally, Montenegro was a stop on my Balkans roadtrip, so I had my own car. And honestly, I can't imagine exploring Montenegro without a car, just purely for the aircon ahah. But honestly, so many places I went to had no bus stops in sight.

If you are entering Montenegro with your own car, make sure you have the appropriate car insurance. Although Montenegro is next on the list to join the EU, most car insurances issued in the EU or the UK don't have Montenegro included on their policies. Normally, there should be a little car insurance office just across the border but on the day I crossed, from Albania, there was none, so we got car insurance the next day in the town where we stayed. It was Sunday, so that might have played a role in no offices too.

Summer traffic can be brutal

Montenegro may be small, but don't let that fool you when planning your itinerary. During the summer months, especially July and August, traffic along the coast can be surprisingly heavy. If you are visiting in summer, I recommend starting your day early whenever possible.

The routes between Kotor and Budva, Tivat and Kotor, and around the Bay of Kotor are particularly known for traffic jams. A journey that looks like it should take 30 minutes on Google Maps can easily take an hour or more during peak season.

When planning a road trip around Montenegro, always allow extra travel time during the summer months. And honestly, I think half of it could be avoided if it weren't for the local driving culture. Locals just stop and park wherever they want. They will park in the middle of the road on the narrowest streets. They also cut in a lot and put their nose out, blocking the traffic opposite way. Mentality is - if I am not moving, you are not moving. So many traffic jams are created just from a very unorganized, selfish local driving style.

Money in Montenegro: Euros and cash

Despite not being a member of the European Union or the Eurozone...yet...Montenegro uses Euros. This makes traveling here very easy.

What doesn't make it easy - still cash is needed. Cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, supermarkets, and tourist areas. However, several times in smaller restaurants and beach bars, I was told cash only. Also, for example, I travel with a dog, and all the services, like groomer and sitter, have been in cash. So especially if you are planning to stay in Montenegro for a longer trip, you will need cash at some point.

ATMs are quite easy to find, but they all charge at least 5 Euros. I wasn't able to find one that doesn't charge, unfortunately.

Best time to visit Montenegro

The best time to visit Montenegro depends on the type of trip you are planning.

For beaches, swimming, and coastal towns, June and September are my favorite months. The weather is warm, the sea is pleasant, and there are far fewer crowds compared to July and August. The atmosphere is lively, and many events take place during July and August, but accommodation prices are higher, beaches are crowded, and traffic can be frustrating.

If you plan to hike, explore national parks, or spend time in the mountains, late spring and early autumn are ideal. Temperatures are comfortable, and the landscapes are beautiful.

Montenegro is very safe

Violent crime is rare, and most visitors have no issues exploring the country independently. Whether you're walking through Kotor's Old Town at night, driving through the mountains, or relaxing in a small coastal village, Montenegro generally feels very relaxed and welcoming. Of course, normal travel precautions still apply, especially in busy tourist areas, but overall, Montenegro is considered one of the safest destinations in the Balkans.

For your peace of mind, consider getting travel insurance! 

Don't be surprised if everything is closed on Sunday

This is something many visitors discover the hard way. Since 2019, most shops and supermarkets in Montenegro have been required to close on Sundays.

In larger tourist destinations, restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and attractions will usually remain open. However, if you're staying in a smaller town or village, don't be surprised if much of the town feels closed for the day.

I recommend doing any grocery shopping on Saturday, especially if you're staying somewhere remote or planning a road trip.

Learn a few local words

You can get by with English in most tourist areas, but locals always appreciate it when visitors make an effort to learn a few words.

Some useful phrases include:

• Dobar dan – Hello

• Hvala – Thank you

• Molim – Please / You're welcome

Even a simple greeting can often lead to a warmer interaction and a smile. I feel like, from my experience, locals first seem a bit cold and borderline rude, but once you start to interact with them, they are very warm and nice people.

2 personal things I disliked

Something you will face 100% is cigarette smoke in your face and stray dogs.

I personally do not smoke, so that occasionally ruined my outside terrace experiences.

And I have a small reactive dog that I travel with, so bumping into so many stray dogs is not fun.

These 2 things are in the Balkans in general, and they are personal dislikes to my lifestyle. If you smoke and have no or chill dog, then these 2 points are not for you, of course.

Also, I think where you will base yourself in Montenegro will massively influence your trip. Based on your travel style and priorities, here are the best areas to stay in Montenegro!