7 days in Montenegro

Picture yourself standing atop ancient city walls, the Adriatic Sea stretching endlessly before you in shades of sapphire and turquoise, while terracotta roofs cascade down to the water's edge. Behind you, dramatic limestone mountains pierce the clouds, creating a backdrop that seems almost too perfect to be real. Welcome to Montenegro, where Balkan spirit meets Mediterranean charm in a country smaller than Connecticut but packed with enough wonders to fill a continent.

Montenegro (Црна Гора/Crna Gora) may be one of Europe's youngest nations, having gained independence in 2006, but its history stretches back centuries. Home to just 621,000 people, this compact country offers everything from pristine beaches to rugged mountains, medieval towns to modern marinas, all accessible within a few hours' drive.

Quick Facts

• Currency: Euro (€)
• Language: Montenegrin (similar to Serbian)
• Best Time to Visit: May-June or September-October
• Visa: Not required for EU, UK, US citizens (90 days)
• Population: 621,000
• Capital: Podgorica

Why Montenegro, Why Now

Montenegro is experiencing a renaissance, emerging as the Adriatic's next luxury destination while maintaining its authentic charm. Unlike its more famous neighbor Croatia, Montenegro still feels genuinely undiscovered in many places, offering a perfect balance of infrastructure and adventure.

Trip Planning Essentials

Getting There

The primary entry points are:

• Podgorica Airport (TGD): Capital city, central location
• Tivat Airport (TIV): Coastal location, near Porto Montenegro
• Dubrovnik Airport (DBV): Often cheaper flights, 1-hour drive to Montenegro

Pro Tip: Book flights to Dubrovnik for more options and better prices, then arrange a transfer to Montenegro (€80-100).

Getting Around

• Rental Car: Highly recommended, €30-50/day
• Intercity Buses: Reliable, extensive network, €5-15 per journey
• Taxis: Affordable in cities (€0.80/km)
• Boat Transfers: Essential for coastal exploration

Budget Expectations

• Budget: €50-80/day
• Mid-range: €100-200/day
• Luxury: €200+/day

Mobile/Internet

• Local SIM cards available at airports (€10-20)
• Good 4G coverage in tourist areas
• Free Wi-Fi common in cafes and restaurants

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Kotor and the Bay

Morning: Arrive in Kotor

• Transfer from your arrival airport
• Check into your hotel in Kotor Old Town
• First glimpse of UNESCO-listed Kotor Bay

Afternoon: Kotor Old Town Exploration

• Climb the City Walls (€8, 1,350 steps)
• Visit St. Tryphon's Cathedral (€2)
• Wander the marble-paved squares
• Photo Spot: City walls at sunset
• Local Tip: Start the wall climb before 9 AM to avoid crowds and heat

Evening: Welcome Dinner

• Restaurant recommendation: Stari Mlini
• Try local prosciutto and cheese
• Sample Vranac wine
• Cost: €30-40/person

Day 2: Perast and Island Hopping

Morning: Perast

• Take a boat taxi to Our Lady of the Rocks (€5)
• Visit the maritime museum (€4)
• Photo Spot: Bell tower viewpoint

Afternoon: Bay of Kotor Cruise

• Private boat tour (€100 for 4 hours)
• Swimming in Blue Cave
• Visit abandoned submarine tunnels
• Hidden Gem: Fishing village of Dražin Vrt

Evening: Sunset in Perast

• Dinner at Hotel Conte
• Watch fishing boats return
• Cost: €25-35/person

Day 3: Lovćen National Park

Morning: Mountain Adventure

• Drive the serpentine road (25 hairpin turns)
• Visit Njeguši village
• Sample traditional smoked ham and cheese
• Photo Spot: Valley view from serpentine road

Afternoon: Lovćen Summit

• Climb to Njegos Mausoleum (€5)
• 360° views of Montenegro
• Optional: Hiking trails
• Local Tip: Bring layers, temperature drops significantly

Evening: Return to Kotor

• Traditional dinner at Tanjga
• Try local lamb under the bell
• Cost: €20-25/person

Day 4: Budva Riviera

Morning: Transfer to Budva

• Explore Old Town walls
• Visit Citadela (€3)
• Beach time at Mogren Beach
• Photo Spot: Dancing Girl statue

Afternoon: Sveti Stefan Viewpoint

• Walk the coastal path
• Visit Praskvica Monastery
• Hidden Gem: Král's Beach
• Optional: Book spa treatment at Aman resort

Evening: Budva Night Scene

• Dinner at Demižana
• Walk the marina
• Optional: Porto Montenegro visit
• Cost: €35-45/person

Day 5: Lake Skadar National Park

Morning: Lake Tour

• Boat trip from Virpazar (€25)
• Bird watching
• Visit island monasteries
• Photo Spot: Pavlova Strana viewpoint

Afternoon: Wine Tasting

• Visit Plantaže winery
• Tour the largest vineyard in Europe
• Sample Vranac and Krstač wines
• Local Tip: Buy wine here, prices are excellent

Evening: Return to Budva

• Seafood dinner at Konoba Langust
• Watch sunset from the citadel
• Cost: €30-40/person

Day 6: Durmitor National Park

Morning: Early drive to Durmitor

• Stop at Tara Bridge
• Zip line over Europe's deepest canyon (optional, €20)
• Photo Spot: Tara Bridge viewpoint

Afternoon: Black Lake

• Walking trail around the lake (1.5 hours)
• Optional: Mountain biking
• Visit ethno village
• Hidden Gem: Tiny lake-view café

Evening: Žabljak

• Traditional mountain dinner
• Try local trout
• Cost: €20-30/person

Day 7: Coastal Farewell

Morning: Return to Coast

• Stop at Ostrog Monastery
• Built into vertical cliff face
• Photo Spot: Monastery approach

Afternoon: Final Beach Time

• Jaz Beach or Trsteno
• Water sports available
• Local Tip: Beach clubs accept advance bookings

Evening: Farewell Dinner

• Porto Montenegro
• Sunset yacht watching
• Final souvenir shopping
• Cost: €40-50/person

Practical Details

Navigation

Download offline maps:

• Maps.me works well
• Google Maps for cities
• Waze for driving

Money Matters

• ATMs widely available
• Credit cards accepted in tourist areas
• Keep cash for small towns
• Tipping: 10% standard

Food Journey

Must-Try Dishes

• Njeguški prosciutto
• Black risotto
• Grilled octopus
• Priganice (donuts with honey)
• Lake Skadar carp

Dining Times

• Breakfast: 7-10 AM
• Lunch: 1-3 PM
• Dinner: 8-10 PM

Cultural Insights

Local Customs

• Greet with "Dobar dan" (Good day)
• Remove shoes when entering homes
• Dress modestly for monasteries
• Coffee drinking is a social ritual

Religious Etiquette

• Cover shoulders in churches
• Women need headscarves for some monasteries
• Photos usually permitted (check first)

Seasonal Variations

Summer (June-August)

• Busiest season
• Book accommodations early
• Higher prices
• Perfect beach weather
• Some hiking routes too hot

Shoulder Season (May, September-October)

• Ideal temperatures
• Lower prices
• Fewer crowds
• All activities possible

Winter (November-April)

• Skiing in Kolašin
• Many coastal businesses closed
• Lower prices
• Durmitor winter sports
• Some mountain roads closed

Money-Saving Tips

1. Visit in shoulder season
2. Use local buses between cities
3. Stay in private accommodations
4. Eat at konobas (traditional restaurants)
5. Buy food at green markets
6. Use free walking tours
7. Get multi-day national park passes

Essential Phrases

• Hello: Zdravo
• Thank you: Hvala
• Please: Molim
• Yes/No: Da/Ne
• Good: Dobro
• How much?: Koliko košta?
• Goodbye: Doviđenja

Apps to Download

1. Maps.me
2. Moovit (for bus schedules)
3. XE Currency
4. Google Translate
5. Booking.com
6. Montenegro Travel

Remember, Montenegro operates on a different rhythm than Western Europe. Embrace the laid-back pace, be flexible with plans, and don't try to pack too much into each day. The joy of Montenegro lies in its ability to surprise you with unexpected moments of beauty and hospitality.

The country's motto is "Wild Beauty," and after seven days here, you'll understand why. From the sun-drenched coast to the rugged mountains, from medieval towns to modern marinas, Montenegro offers a diversity of experiences that belies its size. Take your time, talk to locals, and let the country's magic unfold at its own pace.