MONTENEGRO COAST FAQS

How do I get to the Montenegro Coast?

Montenegro has two international airports, one in the capital city of Podgorica, and the other on the coast in Tivat. The best way to reach the coast is to fly into Tivat, the airport is located 2.5 miles away from the town center. Tivat International Airport services the Montenegrin coastal towns. There are rental cars and taxis available at the airport. There are no internal flights between Podgorica and Tivat.

If you have not booked a private transfer through us then you have the option of renting a car at the airport through international companies such as Avis, Hertz, and Sixt. Car rental desks can be found inside the terminal.

How do I get from the airport to my hotel?

There are several international rental car companies at the airport, your best bet is to rent a car from Tivat International Airport and drive to your final destination. There are taxis available, but the price may add up quickly depending on the time and distance traveled.

How do I get around the city using public transportation?

The public bus system in Montenegro offers a good network of buses that link all the cities and connects with other countries such as Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia, and Albania. Many of the buses that link to the surrounding cities may not run regularly, intercity buses will run more frequently. The main hub in the country is the capital city of Podgorica, the main bus station is located in front of the main railway station. From Podgorica daily buses travel to bigger and smaller towns throughout the country. There tend to be many more buses traveling around the country in the summertime which is the high season for travelers.

Trains are an option to travel around parts of the Montenegro coast including a route from Bar through to Virpazar, and on to Lake Skadar, then up to Podgorica. Trains can connect you from the beach to the mountains or ski fields. Trains are a cheap way to travel but networks are limited and can be old and hot.

Should I rent a car on the Montenegro Coast?

Renting a car when visiting the Montenegro Coast is your best option to travel around and see as many of the coastal cities as possible. Hiring a car will give you the freedom to explore the scenic coastal roads and charming locations while also allowing access to other areas of the country. Keep in mind that Montenegrin drivers can be terrifying and crazy, narrow, winding roads can be a hair raising experience.

How do I call/hail a taxi?

Taxis are available in all the local towns and cities, most can be hailed from the street or found at a taxi stand. They are usually quite affordable for a short distance journey, be sure to agree upon a rate before getting in. You can also ask your hotel for a local taxi recommendation and they will most likely be able to order you one over the phone.

Is the Montenegro Coast a walking city?

One of the main ways to get around the quaint, coastal towns is by walking. The weather, attractions, and views are rewarding. There are many popular hiking excursions in the mountainous region. And a walk along one of the many magnificent beaches on the Montenegro coast is one of the main reasons most tourists visit the area.

Can I ride a bike on Montenegro’s Coast?

Riding a bicycle through the charming coastal towns on Montenegro’s coast is a wonderful experience. Many of the towns and cities are small enough to explore by bicycle, most of them have beaches, easily reached on a bike.

Is Montenegro Coast a dangerous city, is there anything I should be aware of?

The Montenegro Coast is a very safe place to visit, with a low crime in the city and rarely directed towards foreigners. Petty theft and certain scams do exist, but no different to any other major city. Practice safe street smarts when out exploring and keep your valuables close when in crowded areas. Don’t wander into unlit areas at night, stick to the crowded streets, and take a taxi from your destination back to your hotel to stay safe.

What are some popular areas for shopping?

Montenegro has a lot to offer when it comes to shopping with open-air markets, malls, local shops, and upscale boutiques selling world-famous brands. Budva and Kotor’s Old Town districts are both great places for shopping on the Montenegro coast, upscale stores and everyday shops are offering local and international brand names, and counterfeits. The local markets are charming and set up most days along the coast from sunrise until early afternoon with a wide array of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to footwear, local olive oils, cured ham, and inexpensive clothing.

Some of the favored souvenirs that can be picked up on the Montenegro coast include beautiful handmade silver and gold filigree jewelry, hand-carved wood images, home decor crafts, and leather goods like purses and shoes. Other traditional items include lace-making, crochet, embroidery, metalwork, and traditional musical instruments. Budva Leather is a store that is popular with the locals and visitors alike, with leather jackets, skirts, trousers, and other clothing made of top-notch quality Turkish leather.

Here are a few that are popularly purchased along the Montenegro coast; A Kapa, a type of cap that is round, and black with a red top and embroidered with a design modeled after Montenegro’s coat of arms, sold in markets and gift shops.

Olive Oil is an essential component of Montenegro’s cuisine with many olive groves around the country, a great gift or souvenir, found in grocery stores and markets.

Vranac wine is also another popular staple in the country and is served in many restaurants and bars. Montenegro is home to a wide array of vineyards where the Vranac grape is grown and yields a variety of flavors from black currant to cherry and chocolate.

Grape vinegar is another Montenegro staple made from sour grapes with a unique flavor used in salads, sauces, and pickling, bottles are sold in grocery stores and local markets.

Rakija is a local brandy-like spirit made from fermented grapes, bottles are widely available in grocery stores and markets

Different types of honey including flower, sage, chestnut, and black locust can be purchased in stores.

What is the language spoken on Montenegro Coast?

Serbo-Croatian, many people speak English especially in the service industry at hotels and restaurants, and many locals speak Italian. We recommend you get a good English-Albanian guidebook and learn the common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, and numbers 1-10.

What is the best time to visit Montenegro Coast?

The peak season in Montenegro is July and August, an expensive and busy time of year to visit the coast with beautiful beaches, sunshine, and plenty of outdoor dining and activities. Montenegro enjoys beautiful weather with 240 days of sunlight and 180 days good for swimming. A great time to visit the coast is during May and June and September, and October when visitors can experience some of the best weather.

What are the best beaches along the Montenegro Coast?

There are plenty of beaches dotted along the Montenegro coast to visit. The beaches on the Montenegro Riviera are some of the main attractions to the area boasting soft sand or pebbles and lovely warm waters with exceptional views. The Mediterranean climate offers long balmy summers which are a top draw for lounging on the beaches and enjoying plenty of water sports. The sparkling Mediterranean coast stretches for 183 miles with endless opportunities to visit beaches in Kotor, Tivat, Perasat, Bar, Sveti Stefan, and Petrovac. The Budva Riviera is by far the best, covering 22 miles from Tresteno to Buljarica, dotted with modern seaside resorts, beachfront bars and restaurants, rocky coves, sunbeds and parasols, and the glistening waters of the Adriatic Sea.

What is the currency? Can I pay/tip in US dollars?

The currency of Montenegro is the Euro (€). You will need to exchange your currency for the Euro which can be done upon arrival at the airport currency exchange desks, or banks and specialized stores called Foreign Exchange Bureaus.

What is the food like?

The cuisine on the Montenegro coast features lots of fresh local fish and seafood due to the distance to the sea. There are charming local bakeries and coffee shops in the coastal towns to start your day with a slice of burek, the Balkan’s answer to a meat pie with layers of filo pastry.

Along the Mediterranean coast, there are plenty of outdoor dining opportunities to choose from with Balkan grills serving up delicious burgers, seafood restaurants serving delicious fresh menu items, beachside bars, and restaurants with spectacular views.

Dine on delicious salads made from fresh local produce and dressings made from local olive oil and Vranac wine drizzled over fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions creating the perfect summer salad.

Dishes along the Mediterranean coast are highly influenced by neighboring countries like Macedonia, Croatia, Albanian, and Greece. Try some freshly caught octopus grilled and drizzled with authentic olive oil, served alongside sarma (cabbage leaves stuffed with mincemeat).

Balkan dishes include delicious hearty slabs of lamb kebabs, meat stews, smoked ham, pork rashers, and cevapcici (grilled southeaster dish made of mincemeat from sausages).

On the stunning island of Sveti Stefan visitors can find the world-renowned Nobu restaurants opened by Robert De Niro serving up delicious fish like the famous black cod and other locally caught seafood like mussels, clams, octopus, and prawns.

What is the nightlife like?

The coastal regions of Montenegro have plenty to offer visitors in the form of exhilarating nightlife. Budva is the best bet and is fast becoming a summer vacation destination for those seeking exciting nights on the town and beaches, Budva has been nicknamed the “Montenegrin Miami” for its vibrant nightlife. During the summertime nights on the Montenegro coast are simply fantastic with beachside bars, cafes, and restaurants offering outdoor seating with views of the beaches and sea. The days and evenings along the coast are balmy during the summer months, meaning visitors can spend their evenings dining and drinking outdoors and experiencing the best of the Montenegrin nightlife.

Budva is the most famous city on the coast when it comes to nightlife guaranteeing visitors a good time in its plethora of bars, pubs, clubs, and discos on the riviera. The party never really ends in Budva especially near the marina and along the sparkling waterfront and the famed Top Hill, which is the largest disco in the city renowned for being one of the most beautifully designed nightclubs in the Balkans. The club has a capacity for 5,000 partygoers!! And features performances by various musical artists and DJs. Trocadero is nestled on the Slovenian beach, near the promenade recognized due to its resemblance to the Eiffel Tower. Famous DJs and regional stars often perform here.

What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?

In case of Emergency dial 112, 122 for police, 123 for fire, and 124 for an ambulance.