Montenegro
Montenegro has been off the radar for British travellers for many years, that is until now helped initially by cruise lines stopping the beautiful bay of Kotor. As Croatia’s less well-known neighbour, it has one of the most stunning coastlines in the region and is fast becoming one of the luxury hotspots of Europe.
A number of luxury hotel chains have invested in the area. Iberostar, The Chedi, Regent and most recently One&Only opened the stunning Portonovi – so it’s not lacking in somewhere really special to stay. It does however retain its charm and warmth, with lovely small towns and villages, beautiful fjords which rival Norway and is a great place to explore on foot.
Essential Information
BEST TIME TO VISIT
SUMMER – Absolutely a place for the summer holidays, from May through to October.
FLIGHT TIME
Around 2 1/2 hours, and if flying direct a very short transfer of around 15 minutes.
TIME ZONE
GMT/BST +1
CURRENCY
Euros
IDEAL FOR
There is something for everyone in Spain. Great food, architecture, music, scenery and the priority for many great beach resorts.
HOW TO GET THERE
There are some flights to Tivat during the summer – easyJet from Gatwick and Jet2 from Stansted, or you can fly to Dubrovnik and take the transfer across the border.
LANGUAGE
Spanish, with various dialects – most notably Catalan. Although English is widely spoken in most areas, especially in coastal resorts.
IDEAL TO COMBINE WITH
Combine stays with a city and then the beach – Barcelona and the Balearics, Seville and the Andalusian coast, or the historic centre of Spain.
Our Favourite Places in Montenegro
Suggested Itineraries
Belgrade to Bar by Train
8 day holiday
Bar, Belgrade
This 8-day journey offers a unique and scenic way to experience the Balkans, travelling by train from Belgrade to the coastal town of Bar. Begin in Serbia’s lively capital with a half-day city tour taking in the Kalemegdan Fortress, the grand St Sava Cathedral and the charming Knez Mihailova Street. There’s also time to explore independently or take a trip to Novi Sad and Fruška Gora’s monasteries. Then comes the centrepiece: the Belgrade to Bar railway, a remarkable feat of engineering completed in 1976, stretching 475km through dramatic mountains, gorges and valleys. Travellers can choose between a daytime train (seasonal) or an overnight sleeper—both providing spectacular views, particularly the final stretch into Montenegro.
After arriving in Bar, enjoy several days to relax or explore at your own pace. Visit the historic Stari Bar with its fortress ruins and ancient olive trees, or take a day trip along the Montenegrin coast to Budva, Ulcinj or the river delta at Ada Bojana. With time for beaches, sightseeing and the flexibility to tailor your journey, this tour offers a perfect balance of adventure and downtime, all centred around one of Europe’s most unforgettable train rides.
Montenegro Fly-Drive Holiday
8 day holiday
Kotor, Boka Bay, Cetinje, Ulcinj, Virpazar, Lake Skadar
This 8-day fly-drive holiday through Montenegro offers a flexible and scenic journey along the Adriatic coast and into the country’s rural heart. Begin in the UNESCO-listed town of Kotor, where you can explore its marble-paved streets and venture out to the elegant waterfront town of Perast. Take a panoramic drive up to the former royal capital, Cetinje, pausing in Njeguši village to sample local delicacies and capturing unforgettable views from the mountain serpentine road. Continue south, stopping at coastal gems like Sveti Stefan and Petrovac, before arriving in Ulcinj, Montenegro’s southernmost town, known for its Ottoman charm, pristine beaches and exceptional seafood on the Ada Bojana delta.
Your journey then takes you inland to Lake Skadar, a tranquil national park teeming with birdlife and framed by rolling hills and vineyards. Base yourself in the lakeside village of Virpazar, where you can enjoy a boat trip or simply unwind with regional wine and lakeside dining. With the freedom of a hire car, this itinerary blends coastal highlights with authentic inland experiences, giving a well-rounded introduction to Montenegro’s varied landscapes and cultural heritage.
Montenegro Family Adventure
8 day holiday
Bjelasica Jeep Safari, Kolasin, Zabljak, Durmitor National Park, Lustica, Boka Bay
This 8-day self-guided Montenegro family adventure is designed for families seeking an active and scenic escape, combining dramatic mountains, cultural landmarks and coastal charm. The tour begins in the north, with time spent exploring the unspoilt national parks of Biogradska Gora and Durmitor. Activities include a jeep safari through ancient forests, zip-lining over the Tara River Canyon, hiking to glacial lakes, and buggy driving in the mountains—offering plenty of outdoor fun for all ages. Accommodation is family-friendly throughout, including mountain chalets and cottages. The route south includes a stop at the cliffside Ostrog Monastery before reaching the tranquil Lustica Peninsula.
The latter part of the holiday centres on the coast near Kotor, with activities tailored for family enjoyment and adventure. Highlights include a guided jeep tour to Vrmac Fortress and a hike with panoramic views over Boka Bay. You’ll also explore the bay itself on a thrilling speedboat tour, visiting the famous Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks, with a short visit to a former submarine base. For a memorable finale, enjoy a sunset stand-up paddleboard (SUP) experience on calm waters. With a hire car and carefully planned excursions, this trip offers a perfect mix of culture, nature, and active fun—without the crowds.
