Travel Tips for a Roadtrip In Montenegro
Montenegro surprised us during our road trip through the Balkans and is our favorite country of this region! It has everything for an epic outdoor road trip: rugged mountains, a stunning coastline, charming villages and a rich history. During our summer road trip in 2024, we combined some essentials travel tips you need to know before starting your roadtrip in Montenegro.
Why Choose Montenegro for Your Road Trip?
Montenegro is ideal for a road trip thanks to its compact size and incredibly diverse landscapes. Did you know the country only became independent in 2006? Over the centuries, Montenegro has absorbed influences from various cultures, from the Ottoman Empire to the Venetian period. This blend makes it a unique and fascinating place to explore.
Whether you’re into nature, culture, or adventure, Montenegro has something for everyone. There is the wonderful Bay of Kotor, the untouched peaks of Durmitor National Park and the crystal clear Tara river. We were blown away by the country’s natural beauty and diversity!
The Most Beautiful Town: Kotor
One of Montenegro’s most iconic places to visit is Kotor, located along the breathtaking Bay of Kotor. Take the Serpentine Road (a dramatic mountain pass with a lot of hairpin turns). You’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views over this town. Be cautious, though; the road is narrow and can get quite chaotic, especially when buses are driving tourists upwards to the viewpoint.
Kotor itself is a delightful town. The city has a rich historical vibe and has many nice alleys and squares. There may be many tourists. However, we think it is absolutely worth it to visit this nice town. Don’t miss climbing the city walls for a spectacular view of the bay!
The Tara Canyon for Outdoor Activities
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the Tara Canyon, one of the deepest gorges in Europe. At its base flows the turquoise Tara River, perfect for adventurous activities like rafting. We joined a rafting tour with Camp Budečevica, an affordable option. Make sure to check out the famous bridge spanning the canyon near this camp site!
Besides the canyon, Durmitor National Park offers endless natural beauty. Alongside the Tara Canyon, we explored the Sedlo mountain pass and several viewpoints on roads P4 and P5, which provided really nice scenery.
Practical Tips for Your Montenegro Road Trip
Traveling through Montenegro is easy, budget-friendly, and incredibly rewarding. Here are some practical tips based on our personal experience.
Border Crossings: Keep your passport or ID with you, as you’ll always need to stop at the border. Choose smaller border crossings to avoid long waits.
Driving: The roads are surprisingly good! We used the ViaMichelin app to check whether a route was paved or not. While not always perfect, we found it reliable for planning our drives.
Currency: Montenegro uses the euro, similar to many other European countries. The country is highly affordable compared to other countries in Western Europe.
Camping: Affordable Overnight Stay
While we opted for hotels in other Balkan countries, we mostly camped in Montenegro. Campsites are basic but have all the necessary facilities, and camping is incredibly cheap. For around $15 per night, you’ll enjoy a peaceful stay, often surrounded by nature.
Dining Out in Montenegro
Eating out in Montenegro is a treat that won’t break the bank. For under $10, you can enjoy a delicious local dish or a pizza! Coffee is also half the price of what you’d pay in Western Europe and often comes with a complimentary glass of water. For safety, we used our Water-to-Go filter since tap water here isn’t as reliable as in other Western European countries.
The Warm Hospitality of Locals
We were truly touched by the kindness and hospitality of the Montenegrin people. If you’re open to conversation, locals will happily share fascinating stories about their history and traditions.
Ready for Your Montenegro Adventure?
Do you have plans for a road trip through Montenegro? Be sure to check out our complete 3-week Balkan itinerary or take a look at our Google Maps travel guide Balkans!
