In August 2024, I went on a girls’ trip to Montenegro with a friend, and it was honestly the perfect mix of fun and adventure. We had those “we’re young, so let’s order that bottle of Champagne” moments at beach clubs, but also made time for kayaking and exploring some amazing cities. The whole trip was just spot on, and I can’t recommend Montenegro enough! It’s such an underrated European destination – full of energy but without the big crowds or high prices. I’ll share more about the trip, our itinerary, and tips on how to prepare just below!
What to know before you travel to Montenegro
What is the currency in Montenegro?
The official currency of Montenegro is the Euro.
Will my EU SIM work in Montenegro?
Montenegro isn’t part of the European Union, so your roaming may incur extra charges depending on your plan. I recommend getting an eSIM, which is super convenient. Just download the “Saily” app, select Montenegro and your travel dates, and activate the eSIM as your primary or secondary card in your phone settings.
You can use both simultaneously or not. You can set this up before your flight and activate it upon arrival.
Use my discount code for 3€ off: EXPLOR6364.
How expensive are taxis in Montenegro?
Public taxis are affordable at just 1.50€ per km. Private taxis charge about three times more, so watch out for that.
Do I need a car for Montenegro?
To fully experience Montenegro, renting a car is the best option. Check out DiscoverCars to compare the best car rental deals, or rent locally if you prefer to be more spontaneous. Both options are reliable and safe. It’s cheaper to rent locally rather than at the airport – expect to pay around 40€ per day with a 100€ deposit. Don’t accept a higher price than this! You don’t need a credit card; cash is accepted.
Also, if you choose to rent from a local rental car shop, you don’t need to book in advance – most shops allow walk-ins. Of course, it’s always better to organize things ahead of time for peace of mind.
What about the traffic rules and driving conditions in Montenegro?
Keep in mind that driving in Montenegro’s mountainous areas can be slow-going – it can take 30 minutes to cover just 10 km. Be prepared for heavy traffic; it’s best to leave before 9 a.m. or after 9 p.m. More about the driving conditions and the traffic rules here.
DAY 1
Arrival in Budva
On our first day, we arrived in Budva early in the morning after landing at Tivat Airport, which is about an hour’s drive away. We stayed at the Iberostar Waves Slavija, and we absolutely loved it. The staff was incredibly friendly, professional, and attentive. Even though check-in wasn’t officially until 3 p.m., they let us check in at 10 a.m. and welcomed us with a drink and a complimentary bottle, which was a really nice touch. The hotel also made it super convenient to rent a car directly through them.
We spent the first day relaxing by the hotel’s infinity pool.
DAY 2
Visiting Budva: Mogren Beach, Old Town (Stari Grad), Sunset Dinner
On the second day, we headed to Mogren Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Budva.
Mogren Beach – All you need to know
- Mogren Beach is just a short 150-meter walk from Budva’s Old Town, along a beautiful path by the cliffs.
- When you arrive, you’ll see the famous “dancing girl” statue, which is a popular spot for photos.
- The beach is divided into two sections, Mogren I and Mogren II, connected by a narrow passage through the rocks. Both are beautiful and known for their clear water and surrounding cliffs.
- The beach is pebbled, so it’s a good idea to bring water shoes for comfort.
- Mogren I is a bit more developed, with beach bars, sunbeds, umbrellas, and water sports available for rent.
- You can rent sunbeds for 10-20 euros, or just bring your own towel.
10 Best Beaches in Budva
- Galija Beach
- Slovenska Plaza
- Mogren Beach
- Old Town Beach
- Jaz Beach
- Ploce Beach
- St. Nichola’s Island a.k.a. Hawaii
- Ricardova Glava Beach
- Sveti Stefan
- Milocer Beach
In the late afternoon, we explored Budva’s Old Town (Stari Grad) and we followed it up with a lovely sunset dinner at the Citadela restaurant.
The old town of Budva is a charming maze of narrow streets lined with clothing and souvenir shops, cafés, bars, and restaurants. What’s great is that the shops stay open until it 1 a.m., so you can enjoy a leisurely dinner and then do some shopping when the temperatures have cooled down. Just keep in mind that evenings tend to be busier with more people out and about.
Best Things to do in Budva
- Citadel Fortress (tickets required)
- Saint Ivan Church (free to enter)
- Holy Trinity Church (free to enter)
- Ruins of Roman Era Necropolis
- Old Town City Walls (2€ to enter)
- Sveti Stefan (25€ to enter)
Top restaurant in Budva for a romantic sunset dinner: Citadela
We booked this restaurant mainly for its incredible location in the old citadel, thinking the view would outshine the food. But we were so wrong! The dinner ended up being a real surprise, with dishes that were refined and beautifully presented. While the prices, especially for the wine, are a bit higher than usual for the area, it’s totally worth it. The service was spot on – attentive without being overbearing – and the friendly welcome, both when booking and upon arrival, made the experience even better. Overall, it was a fantastic evening in a one-of-a-kind setting.
Best restaurants in Budva
Montenegrin Cuisine & Seafood
- Restoran Tiffany
- Konoba Galeb
- Kuzina
- Rivijera
- Vista Vidikovak
- Olimp
- Jadran
Mediterranean Cuisine
- Citadela
- Pizza Lav
- Pasta Bar
DAY 3
Nikki Beach Club in Tivat
On our first day, we went to the renowned Nikki Beach club. We contacted them a week in advance (you can find their email on their website) and easily booked a poolside cabana. Their prices vary depending on the day of the week and the type of seating – whether it’s a poolside cabana or just a sunbed. Keep in mind, they have a mandatory champagne bottle order, so plan your budget accordingly. The club opens at 12 p.m.
Nikki Beach is one of my favorite beach clubs in the world – amazing service, great DJ music, a beautiful setting, dancing people, and pure luxury!
DAY 4
Kayaking on Lake Skadar (Lake Shkodër)
Did you know that Montenegro also looks like this? This is Lake Skadar (Shkoder).
It is a freshwater lake covering about 400-500 km (depending on the time of year) on the border between Montenegro East and Albania East. It is the largest lake in the Balkan Peninsula.
How to get to Lake Skadar National Park?
- Take a bus to Virpazar (from Podgorica, Budva, or Kotor) and let the driver know you’re heading to the park – this can save you an 800m walk!
- Driving? It’s an easy trip from major towns.
- Or hop on a train from Podgorica or Bar, with a quick 800m walk from Virpazar station to the park entrance.
First Stop: Rijeka Crnojevica
We drove for an hour from Budva to see the stunning panoramic view of Rijeka Crnojevica and to have lunch in its charming little village (though the lunch wasn’t that great, so I wouldn’t recommend it) before going kayaking on Lake Skadar.
Second Stop: Virpazar
Then, from Rijeka Crnojevica, we had another one-hour drive to Virpazar, where we rented the kayak. Virpazar is the main place to rent kayaks, book boat tours, and more on Lake Skadar.
We booked the individual kayaking tour via Get YourGuide for only 12€ per person. I would recommend going for at least 3 hours to have time to rest a bit and enjoy the sun, but 4 hours would be ideal to explore the area a little further.
You can also have a guided tour on a traditional wooden boat, which will take you to explore much more than you could see by kayaking
Other things to do around Lake Skadar
- Winery and Gastronomy Tours: Explore family-owned wineries and taste local wines, rakija (grape brandy), and other flavored liquors like plum and cherry. Enjoy traditional cuisine like prosciutto, cheeses, nuts, and homemade bread—most organic and locally grown.
- Cycling: Choose from five bike trails around the lake. Rent bikes and explore the scenic routes, stopping at old fortresses and lake villages along the way.
- Hiking: Discover various hiking trails around Skadar Lake, either with a guide or on your own, such as the Waterfalls and Springs of Walnut Valley.
- Beaches: Relax at freshwater beaches like Pješačac and Murići, which offer swimming, loungers, and nearby restaurants. The lake temperature reaches about 26°C in summer.
- Besac Fortress: Visit this 1487 Ottoman fortress above Virpazar for panoramic views. Entrance is €1 per person.
- Grmožur Island: Known as “Montenegrin Alcatraz”, this island is now a bird sanctuary and can be visited on a boat cruise or kayak tour.
- Festival of Wine and Bleak: Held annually in Virpazar, this festival celebrates local wines and the lake fish “bleak,” along with olives, honey, and cheeses, topped off with live music.
DAY 5
A Day in Tivat: Porto Montenegro & Buddha Bar Beach Club
We drove for 1h30 from Budva to Tivat (beware of heavy traffic – it’s best to leave before 9:30 a.m.!) with plans to spend the morning and midday sunbathing at the much-hyped ‘Island of Flowers’. Unfortunately, the island is quite small, with no facilities or proper places to lay down, just a few locals and dry grass. I wouldn’t recommend it. However, we decided to stay anyway to avoid losing more time.
In the afternoon, we headed to Porto Montenegro for a late lunch and a stroll, and for sunset, we went to Buddha Bar Beach Club for drinks and dinner.
Porto Montenegro is nestled in the heart of the UNESCO-protected Bay of Kotor. It’s a true gem of the Balkans, offering a range of luxurious and sophisticated amenities. One of its highlights is the 450-berth marina, perfectly located in the central Mediterranean, making it an ideal spot to dock your yacht!
Things to do around Tivat
- Porto Montenegro
- Buca-Lukovic Museum and Gallery
- Naval Museum
- Monastery of St. Michael the Archangel.
- Big City Park: Navy
- Solila Nature Reserve
- Maritime Heritage Museum
- Lustica Bay
- Buca Gallery
Best Beach Clubs in Tivat
- Nikki Beach
- Buddha Bar
- Ramla Beach Club
- Portonovi Beach Club
- The Kok
Best Restaurants in Tivat
Seafood & Meat
- Bokka Restaurant
- Ponta Veranda
- Konoba Mala Barka
- Ombra Restaurant
- Punto Crudo
Montenegrin Cuisine & Meat
- Bokka Restaurant
- Ponta Veranda
- Konoba Mala Barka
- Ombra Restaurant
- Punto Crudo
Mediterranean Cuisine
- Big Ben
- Bevanda Ristorante & Pizzeria
- Napa Restaurant & Wine bar
- 360° Rooftop Cocktail Bar & Restaurant
- The Spot
- Milã
- Il Pescatore
- Palladium
- Bonjour
- Sofi
- La Trattoria Della Signorina
DAY 6
Day Trip to Kotor
Kotor is definitely one of my favorite towns in Montenegro! This charming town on the stunning Adriatic coast is a must-visit. Its narrow, historic streets are filled with a mix of local and international shops, and, most importantly, plenty of local restaurants, bars, and pubs. By evening, the town comes alive with a vibrant nightlife – every corner is buzzing with people dancing and enjoying themselves.
Best Things to do in Kotor
- Kotor Cable Car
- Mountain Coaster
- Old Town (Stari Grad)
- St. Tryphon Cathedral
- Maritime Museum of Montenegro
- Kotor City Walls
- Church of Our Lady of Remedy
- St. Nicholas Church
- Hike to the Fortress of San
- Giovanni (St. John’s Fortress)
- Boat Tour of Kotor Bay Kayaking in Kotor Bay
- Swimming at Plavi Horizonti Beach
- Drive the Serpentine Road to
- Loven National Park
- Visit the Blue Cave (Plava Spilja)
Best Restaurants in Kotor
Seafood & Montenegrin Cuisine
- Cesarica
- Konoba Scala Santa Kotor
- Tanjga Kotor
- Pescaria Dekaderon
- Konoba Portun
- Astoria Restaurant
- Galion Restaurant
- Konoba Timun
- Konoba Bonaca
- Catovica Mlini
- Mediterranean
- & others
- Galion Kotor
- Pepe Nero
- La Ricetta
- Marenda Steakhouse
- Atrium
- Tiha Noc
- La Catedral Pasta Bar
Best Bars and Pubs in Kotor
- Galion Kotor
- Pepe Nero
- La Ricetta
- Marenda Steakhouse
- Atrium
- Tiha Noc
- La Catedral Pasta Bar
- The “Nitrox” Pub and Eatery (From where I had the cocktail in the picture.)
- Letrika
- Jazz Club “Evergreen”
- “Square” Pub
- Pub “AS”
- Pub “Old Town
- Maximus
- Bokun Wine Bar
- Przun
DAY 7
Last Day: Beach Day at Ulcinj
On our last day, we drove a bit further to Ulcinj, about two hours away from Budva and near the Albanian border. Unlike most beaches in Montenegro, which are rocky or pebbled, this one had black sand.
Unfortunately, I wouldn’t recommend this beach club, as the staff was quite rude and unfriendly. However, it was still nice to spend the day at a sandy beach. There are many beach clubs in the area, so I would definitely recommend a day trip!
