Why Visit Montenegro, The Hottest Travel Spot in Europe Right Now

Montenegro could, therefore, be called one of the most charming spots in Europe, providing its visitors with a fine combination of lovely scenery with rich natural areas and authentic cultural experiences.

Montenegro could, therefore, be called one of the most charming spots in Europe, providing its visitors with a fine combination of lovely scenery with rich natural areas and authentic cultural experiences. Despite being less popular than other European countries, this Balkan jewel fits quite a variety of kinds of attractions into its territory.

The statistics for tourism in Montenegro are very promising now, with guest arrivals greater than 22.7 percent in January 2025 compared to the previous month. The interior of the Mediterranean country is not too crowded compared to the neighboring countries; therefore, this is just the right moment to realize some of its charms.

From the Bay of Kotor to the scenic mountains and beautiful beaches, Montenegro promises its travelers a special combination of spectacular natural beauty, sea, mountains, and warm hospitality.

Nature Is The Reason To Love Montenegro

Montenegro means “Black Mountain,” which hints at the dark forests covering Mount Lovcen. This little country has great geographical diversities within its borders. The landscape changes from the picturesque Adriatic coastline and further inland to high mountain ranges.

Nature enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover that Montenegro has five incredible national parks, each offering a diverse ecosystem and outdoor experiences.

Durmitor National Park is among the most popular and has one of the deepest canyons in Europe, the Tara River Canyon, which is 1,300 meters deep. The canyon is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Skadar Lake, bordering Albania, is the largest in Southern Europe and a haven for various wildlife, especially birds.

Montenegro Is An Open Museum

The good location of Montenegro put the country in a changeling position through all its history, due to often wars and political situations.

Indeed, the country possesses an interesting history, having been under Byzantine, Ottoman, and Venetian rule before becoming part of Yugoslavia.

All these have fashioned a great culture and therefrom produced a beautiful tapestry that is evident in the architecture, cuisines, and traditions across the country.

Old Town Kotor, a World Heritage site under UNESCO, possesses the most perfectly preserved medieval architecture with its ancient stone walls, narrow winding streets, and remarkable churches. Even the Kotor Cathedral (St. Tryphon’s Cathedral) is older than Paris’s Notre Dame.

Throughout Montenegro, you’ll find fortresses, monasteries, and historical sites that tell stories of the region’s complex past. The country’s cultural heritage remains active in its traditions, festivals, and daily life. Montenegrins are proud of their history and eager to share their heritage with visitors.

This authentic cultural experience is one reason Montenegro is becoming an increasingly popular travel destination in Europe. Unlike more commercialized tourist spots, Montenegro offers genuine interactions with locals and opportunities to experience traditions that have remained largely unchanged for generations.

The Bay of Kotor

The Bay of Kotor, often called Europe’s southernmost fjord, stands as Montenegro’s natural crown. This distinctive S-shaped bay, surrounded by dramatic mountains, creates one of the Mediterranean’s most popular locations.

Lord Byron eloquently described it as “the most beautiful encounter between land and sea at the birth of the planet.”

The bay’s azure waters reflect the surrounding mountains, creating Instagram perfect views from every angle. Small medieval towns like Perast or Prcanj dot the shoreline, each with its unique charm and history.

Exploring the Bay of Kotor by boat tours offers a different perspective of this beautiful place. Cruise past old finishing villages, blue caves, and the famous islets of Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George island.

The bay’s calm waters make it ideal for swimming, kayaking, and other water activities. As the sun sets behind the mountains, the bay takes on a magical quality that captivates tourists.

Beyond its beauty, the Bay of Kotor holds historical significance as an important maritime center throughout the centuries. Both Kotor and Perast have very popular maritime museums.

The fortifications, palaces, and churches along its coasts tell stories of nautical traditions and noble maritime families.

Getting Around Montenegro

Driving a car is one great way to see the diversity of Montenegro. With this very freedom, you will discover popular locations that the tour bus rarely chooses. As soon as you rent a car in Podgorica, you will be free to explore the rest of the country.

The average car rental in Podgorica goes for about €25 per day, though you may be able to find special off-season deals for as low as €5 per day. January is an off-season for these small-car rentals as they average only €10 per day.

Best Time to Visit Montenegro

Timing your visit to Montenegro significantly impacts your experience. The peak tourist season runs from June through August, when the seaside comes alive with visitors enjoying beaches, cafes and nightlife.

During this period, popular destinations like Kotor and Budva bustle with activity, and the beaches fill with tourists. Water temperatures are perfect for swimming, and all tourist facilities operate at full capacity. However, this is also when accommodation prices reach their highest, and some attractions may feel crowded, particularly when cruise ships dock at Kotor.

For those seeking a more balanced experience, the pre seasons of May-June and September-October offer ideal conditions. During these months, temperatures remain pleasant (typically between 25-30°C), the sea is warm enough for swimming, and tourist places are less crowded.

Accommodation rates drop considerably while most restaurants and attractions remain open. Nature enthusiasts might consider visiting in spring, when the mountains explode with wildflowers or in autumn, when the national parks display vibrant fall colors.

Winter presents an entirely different Montenegro, with the possibility to ski in the morning at mountain resorts like Kolasin and potentially visit the coast in the afternoon on the same day, a unique experience few European destinations can offer.

Travel Budget Tips

Traveling to Montenegro can be affordable compared to Western European destinations. Accommodation options range from luxury resorts to budget-friendly apartments and guesthouses.

In the off-season, quality accommodations can be found for as little as €20-30 per night, while even high-season rates remain reasonable outside the most popular coastal towns. Food and drinks represent good value, a meal at a local konoba (traditional restaurant) typically costs €10-20 per person, with seafood naturally being more expensive along the coast. Local wine and beer are particularly affordable and of great quality.

Transportation costs remain reasonable throughout Montenegro. As mentioned earlier, car rentals can be found for as low as €5 per day in the off-season, providing an economical way to explore.

For those preferring public transportation, intercity buses connect major destinations for just a few euros per trip. Entry fees to national parks and cultural sites are modest – typically 2-5 dollars.

Another money-saving tip is to explore countryside regions like the mountains around Zabljak or the area around Lake Skadar, where prices tend to be lower than in the popular seaside locations.