Montenegro Summer Trip

General Information

Montenegro is one of Europe’s most underrated summer destinations, offering dramatic mountains, stunning Adriatic coastline, old towns, and scenic drives—all packed into a relatively small country.

Visa Tip (for weaker passports) : One of the reasons we chose Montenegro is that many nationalities with a valid multiple-entry US, UK, Schengen, or Irish/UK residence permit can enter Montenegro without obtaining a separate Montenegrin visa. This makes it a fantastic option for a European summer if you already hold one of these visas. Be sure to check the latest requirements based on your nationality before booking.

Arrival

We flew into Podgorica Airport from London. The airport is quite small and even though arrival immigration was pretty quick for us, it was pretty packed during our departure.

Currency

Montenegro uses the Euro (€) even though it isn’t part of the European Union. Carry some cash, as many smaller places prefer cash or don’t accept cards.

City Tax

Most hotels include the local tourist (city) tax in your booking. However, if you’re staying in a private apartment or Airbnb, you may need to visit the local tourist office yourself and this needs to be done within 24 hours to avoid any fines.

Tap Water

Tap water quality varies depending on where you are. In Kotor, the tap water is salty and undrinkable.

Budva vs. Kotor

Budva is Montenegro’s nightlife capital, known for its beaches, beach clubs, and lively party atmosphere.
Kotor has a completely different vibe—romantic, charming, and much more relaxed. Its medieval Old Town is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Language

The official language is Montenegrin, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, restaurants, and hotels and we didn’t have any problem.

Best Time to Visit

We visited Montenegro in summer, so that we could have a proper summer vacation and get in the water. We had fewer hotel options (we did book last minute) and it was more expensive since July is peak season. Budva was super busy, but Kotor was less crowded.

May–June: One of the best times to visit with pleasant temperatures, blooming landscapes, and fewer tourists.
July–August: Peak season with hot weather, lively beaches, and the best time for swimming and boat tours—but expect higher prices and traffic, especially around Budva and Kotor.
September: Another excellent month with warm sea temperatures, smaller crowds, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

If your itinerary focuses on sightseeing rather than beach clubs, we’d definitely recommend visiting during the shoulder season. Keep in mind that the water could be cold to get into during that time.

Local Food

Montenegrin cuisine is a delicious mix of Balkan and Mediterranean influences, with hearty mountain dishes and incredibly fresh seafood along the coast.

Ćevapi (Kuzina, Budva • BBQ Tanjga, Kotor)
Grilled minced meat sausages served with flatbread, onions, and ajvar. A Balkan classic and perfect for a casual meal.
Burek (Pita Kod Nena, Budva)
A flaky pastry filled with cheese, spinach, or potato. Locals often enjoy it for breakfast with a drinkable yogurt.
Njeguški Pršut
Montenegro’s famous smoked prosciutto from the mountain village of Njeguši, traditionally air-dried and smoked in the mountain climate.
Njeguški Steak (Kuzina, Budva)
A pork steak stuffed with local cheese and ham, then breaded and fried. Rich, hearty, and one of Montenegro’s signature dishes.
Ispod Sača (Kuzina, Budva)
A traditional mountain dish where lamb, veal, or goat is slow-cooked with potatoes under a cast-iron bell covered with hot coals, resulting in incredibly tender meat.
Mussels in Buzara Sauce (Jadran, Budva • Konoba Portun, Kotor)
Fresh Adriatic mussels cooked in a fragrant white wine, garlic, parsley, and olive oil sauce—perfect with crusty bread.
Kolašin Cheese
A rich cow’s milk cheese from northern Montenegro that’s often served alongside cured meats or as part of a traditional appetizer platter.
Priganice
Small deep-fried dough balls served with local cheese, honey, or jam. Think of them as Montenegro’s version of savory or sweet beignets.

Desserts

Krempita (Sandrella Bakery, Kotor)
A light vanilla custard layered between flaky puff pastry—a classic Balkan dessert.
Trileće
A soft sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk and topped with caramel. Rich, creamy, and incredibly popular across the Balkans.
Perast Cake
A traditional dessert from the town of Perast made with almonds and maraschino liqueur, often served with gelato. Dense, crumbly, and perfect for sharing.

Local Drinks

Montenegro has a long tradition of wine and fruit brandy production, making both worth trying during your visit.

Rakija – The country’s national spirit, Rakija is a strong fruit brandy distilled from grapes, plums, pears, or other fruits. Along the coast, Loza (grape rakija) is the most common variety. It’s typically served at room temperature as a welcome drink, and if you’re offered homemade rakija, don’t pass up the opportunity to try it. Recommendation: Rakija & Wine Bar (Kotor)
Vranac – Montenegro’s signature red wine, made from indigenous Vranac grapes grown around Skadar Lake. It’s full-bodied with notes of dark berries and pairs beautifully with grilled meats and hearty dishes.
Krstač – A crisp, dry white wine unique to Montenegro. It’s light, refreshing, and an excellent match for seafood along the Adriatic coast.
Local Beer – If you prefer beer, try Nikšićko, Montenegro’s national beer. It’s the country’s most popular lager and is available in almost every restaurant, bar, and supermarket.

Transportation

We highly recommend renting a car. While public buses connect the main towns, having a car makes it much easier to explore the coastline, national parks, and scenic viewpoints at your own pace. Just be prepared for narrow, winding roads around the Bay of Kotor.

We booked a car from – https://www.localrent.com/en/ for 170 Euros (for 5 days) and they coordinate the pick up and drop off from the airport. They do charge 10 Euros for cleaning fee if you dont get the car washed before return.

Stay

1. Budva – Casa Mia

We stayed at Casa Mia in Budva, and it was an excellent base for exploring the town.

What we loved:

Beautiful swimming pool to relax after a day of sightseeing.
Walking distance to Budva Riviera, the Old Town, restaurants, and the waterfront.
Exceptionally friendly and helpful staff who made us feel very welcome.
10 Euro for parking located just a short walk from the property rather than directly on-site.

If you’re looking for a comfortable stay with a great location, we’d happily recommend Casa Mia. Pro tip – Book directly through them for a discount.

2. Kotor – Solaris Lux Apartments (Dobrota)

This was easily one of our favorite stays of the trip.

Located in Dobrota, Solaris Lux Apartments offered breathtaking views of the Bay of Kotor right from the apartment. Waking up to the mountains reflected in the bay each morning was unforgettable.

What we loved:

Stunning panoramic views over the Bay of Kotor.
Located along the beautiful Dobrota waterfront promenade.
Around a 20–25 minute scenic walk to Kotor Old Town, with plenty of cafés and restaurants along the way.
Free on-site parking included, making it very convenient if you’re renting a car.
Apartment stocked with all necessities.

The peaceful location away from the crowds, combined with the incredible views, made this one of our favorite accommodations in Montenegro.

Restaurants

Restaurants we tried and what we ate

Budva

Pasta Bar ⭐ → Must-try: Black squid ink risotto.
Moritz Eis ⭐ → Banana Caramel gelato tasted just like Magnolia Bakery’s Banana Pudding.
Rakija & Wine Bar ⭐ → Great spot to try traditional Montenegrin rakija and local wines.
Pizzeria Boccocino → Tried the Margherita pizza; decent but nothing memorable.
Amigos Gyros → Loved the chicken wrap stuffed with fries.
Coco Bar → Go for the waterfront views and drinks.
Tropicana Beach Bar → Touristy and a little pricey, but a good iced latte right by the beach.
Delfin → Decent chicken wrap if you’re nearby.
Hotel California (Sveti Stefan) ⭐→ Food was average, but the sunset views are worth the visit.
Pita Kod Nena → Fresh beef burek with a drinkable yogurt; our first burek and I really enjoyed it.
Le Petit Café → Lovely ambience for a coffee break; coffee was okay.
Monte Bar 1350 ⭐ → Beautiful sunset views, cocktails, and tried the Njeguški pršut bruschetta. Must visit.

Kotor/Dobrota

BBQ Tanjga ⭐ ⭐⭐ → My favorite meal in Montenegro! The Ćevapi sandwich was incredible, and you can choose your own toppings.
Marshall’s ⭐ → Tried the Marshall Special ice cream.
Gospar → Great waterfront breakfast spot with lovely views and friendly service; the Montenegrin breakfast was average.
Sandrella Bakery ⭐→ Tried the Krempita; light, creamy, and not overly sweet.

Perast

Đjardin ⭐ → Most restaurants book out for sunset, so reserve ahead. Perfect for watching the sunset by the ocean. Loved the mussels in buzara sauce, seafood strudel, and Perast cake; gnocchi was okay.

Reservations

Blue Cave Boat Tour → The only activity we booked in advance. Highly recommended, especially during summer, as tours can sell out.

Kotor Alpine Coaster → We bought tickets on arrival without any issues. But you can also book ahead if you want to.

Itinerary

Day 1 (Arrival + Budva Old Town & Budva Riveria)

Pick up rental car from Podgorica airport → Drive to Budva
Lunch → Pasta Bar (Black Squid Ink Risotto)
Walk around Budva waterfront
Dessert → Moritz Eis (Banana Caramel Gelato—tasted just like Magnolia Bakery’s Banana Pudding!)
Hotel check-in → Casa Mia
Relax → Freshen up after the journey
Walk around the buzzing Budva Riveria
Rakija & Wine Bar → Try Montenegro’s traditional fruit brandy
Dinner → Grab street food while wandering through the Old Town. We tried pizza at Pizzeria Boccocino and chicken wrap at Amigos Gyros.
End the night with drinks along the waterfront at Coco Bar

Day 2 (Beach Day + Sveti Stefan Sunset)

Slow morning → Budva beach
Tropicana Beach Bar → Iced coffee and pancakes by the beach
Beach time → Swim, relax, and take photos
Snack → Corn on the cob from one of the beach vendors
Hotel → Relax by Casa Mia’s pool
Grab quick lunch to go
Drive to Sveti Stefan → One of Montenegro’s most iconic viewpoints
Dinner → Hotel California (average food but beautiful sunset views overlooking Sveti Stefan)

Day 3 (Budva to Kotor + Alpine Coaster)

Breakfast → Beef burek at Pita Kod Nena with a yogurt drink
Coffee → Le Petit Café
Drive to Kotor
Kotor Alpine Coaster → Amazing views over the Bay of Kotor
Late lunch → Monte Bar 1350 (cocktails, bruschetta, and beautiful waterfront views)
Check in → Solaris Lux Apartments, Dobrota
Walk along the Dobrota waterfront → One of our favorite evening strolls
Laguna Beach → Stop for photos
Explore Kotor Old Town → Wander the charming medieval streets
Dessert → Marshall’s Gelato (Marshall Special)
Evening → Watched the FIFA World Cup Final at Citadella Restaurant with incredible views over the bay

Day 4 (Blue Cave + Perast)

Early morning → Blue Cave Boat Tour. Stops included: Blue Cave, Our Lady of the Rocks (Euro 5 extra for entry), Former submarine tunnels.
Lunch → BBQ Tanjga (our favorite meal of the trip—don’t miss the Ćevapi!)
Dessert → Marshall’s Gelato (again!)
Drive to Perast – most picturesque town and very romantic
Golden hour → Walk around the waterfront
Dinner → Đjardin (every restaurant was fully booked for sunset, so reserve in advance). Must try: Mussels in Buzara Sauce, Vranac Red Wine, Perast Cake.
Night → Beautiful moonlit walk along the waterfront

Day 5 (One Last Morning in Kotor)

Brunch → Gospar (great waterfront views and a relaxed atmosphere)
Take one final stroll along the bay
Dessert → Krempita from Sandrella Bakery before driving to the airport

Highlights & Additional Tips

Alpine Coaster – This ride is so fun and so worth it. We were having second thought while waiting in line, but no regrets! Gets super crowded during sunset, we choose to go earlier and catch sunset at Monte Bar 1350 instead. The queue is better in the afternoon but still takes sometime to move. If you want to catch the sunset I recommend getting the fast track tickets.
Boat Tour- Your skipper can make or break your trip. If you want to jump in the water but need a life jacket check in advance. Our tour mentioned life jackets but our skipper was pretty rude and refused to let us jump with it. The speed boat experience and sitting at the front of the boat was definitely a highlight though.
Monte Bar 1350 at sunset chilling in the hammock seats they also have a dj set in the evening.
Dobrota, Kotot and Perast – charming waterfront
Sveti Stefan sunset

Bonus

Kuzina (Budva) → One of the most recommended traditional restaurants in Budva. We couldn’t fit it into our itinerary, but it’s high on our list for next time.
Underwater Wine Experience → Montenegro is famous for wines aged beneath the Adriatic Sea. Reservations are essential if you want to visit the underwater wine cellar.
Mussel Farm Tour → A unique experience around the Bay of Kotor where you can learn about mussel farming and enjoy incredibly fresh seafood.
Lake Skadar National Park → If you have an extra day, consider visiting Montenegro’s largest lake for boat tours, birdwatching, wineries, and beautiful scenery.