Montenegro Travel Guide

Overview

Capital:

Podgorica.

Geography:

Montenegro is bordered by Croatia to the north, Bosnia & Herzegovina to the northeast, Serbia to the east and Albania to the south. To the east lie the deep blue waters of the Adriatic Sea, and it is the 293km (183-mile) Montenegrin coastal strip that attracts the majority of visitors, with top destinations being the centuries-old seaside towns of Kotor and Budva. Here one of the most notably features is the stunning Bay of Kotor, a submerged river canyon resembling a fjord.

Inland, the landscape is dominated by dramatic soaring alpine mountains rising over 2,000m (6,562ft), with the highest peak, Bobotov Kuk, reaching 2,523m (8,278ft). Here you’ll find dramatic glacial features, such as lakes and canyons, the most impressive being the River Tara Canyon, and dense forests. In the centre of the country, around Podgorica and Nikšić, lie fertile plains planted with crops and vineyards, while to the south, on the border with Albania, lies Lake Skadar, a vast wetland. Approximately 38% of land is given over to agriculture, but of this only 10% is cultivated, due to difficult terrain and poor soils.

Getting There

Getting There By Air

The national airline is Montenegro Airlines (http://montenegroairlines.com). Flights to Montenegro depart from various European capitals (Belgrade, Moscow, Paris, Rome and Vienna) year-round for Podgorica Airport and Tivat Airport. In summer there are additional flights, including a direct service from London Gatwick to Tivat.

Alternatively, you can fly from London to Vienna with Austrian Airlines (www.austrian.com) and catch a connecting flight to Podgorica. Prices vary dramatically depending on demand and availability.

Air Travel Note

Dubrovnik, in neighbouring Croatia, is better served by flights from the UK, so many visitors choose to fly to Dubrovnik, then drive 16km (10 miles) south, over the border into Montenegro.

Departure Tax

€15.

Flight Times

To Tivat: from London - 2 hours 40 minutes.

To Podgorica: from London - 4 hours 15 minutes (including stopover); New York - 10 hours 30 minutes (including stopover).

Getting There By Water

The main ports are in Bar (www.lukabar.me) and Kotor (www.portofkotor.co.me).

Getting Around

Getting Around By Air

Montenegro is a small country and there are no internal flights between its two airports, Podgorica and Tivat.

Bike

Motorcyclists must wear crash helmets and drive with dipped headlights switched on at all times. Montenegro’s varied landscapes, unspoilt nature and pleasant climate making it an increasingly popular destination for cyclists. The quiet roads of the stunning interior are a haven for mountain biking, though you need to be prepared to tackle some steep slopes.

Breakdown Services

The emergency breakdown service is called Auto-moto Savez Crne Gore (Automobile Association of Montenegro), AMSCG (tel: 19807; www.amscg.org/index.php?lang=en).

Car Hire

Both international and domestic car hire firms are represented in airports and main towns. Most car hire companies stipulate a minimum age of 21, though some companies say 18.

Coach

All main towns, as well as many villages, are connected by an extensive network of long-distance buses, which are reasonably priced but do get crowded, especially along the coast in summer. Major routes include Kotor-Budva-Bar and Bar-Podgorica.

Documentation

An International Driving Licence is required. No customs documents are required but car log books, a Green Card, vehicle registration/ownership documents and a locally valid insurance policy are necessary.

Getting Around By Rail

The national rail network is being upgraded. Due to the country’s mountainous terrain, railways are difficult to build and require tunnels and bridges. Some routes are exceptionally scenic, most notably the stretch from Kolašin to Podgorica.

Bar, Podgorica, Kolašin, Mojkovac and Bijelo Polje are on the main railway line running to Serbia. A local line runs from Podgorica to Nikšić, passing through Danilovgrad en route. Timetables are available from Railway Transport of Montenegro (www.zcg-prevoz.me).

Regulations

Speed limits are 100kph (62mph) on main roads , 80kph (49mph) on regional roads and 50kph (31mph) in towns. Road signs may be poorly marked. Seatbelts must be worn at all times. The minimum driving age is 18. Car headlights must be switched on at all times.

Getting Around By Road

All main towns are connected by decent roads, but caution should be taken on poor roads in rural areas.

Road Classification

There are currently no motorways in Montenegro, though two are planned (the Montenegrin section of the Bar-Belgrade motorway, and the Montenegrin section of the Adriatic-Ionian motorway). All roads are free of charge, and are divided into 'main roads' (M), which are generally single carriageway; 'regional roads' (R); and 'local roads', which are often poorly surfaced.

Road Quality

There are no motorways in Montenegro, but main roads connecting the larger towns, such as the Bar-Podgorica route, are well maintained. The 4km (3-mile) Sozina Tunnel (toll payable) means that it's possible to drive from Podgorica to Bar in just 30 minutes. The so-called Adriatic highway, running the length of the coast from Igalo (on the border with Croatia) to Ulcinj (on the border with Albania) is a beautiful but rather tiring drive, and it does get busy in summer.

Inland, roads in rural areas are often narrow, twisty and poorly maintained. The two-lane Morača Canyon, between Podgorica and Kolašin, is a notoriously bad road and should be avoided when possible. In winter, be prepared for snow in the mountains - by law you should carry snow chains between 15 November and 30 March. Local drivers have a reputation for recklessness.

Side Of Road

r

Taxi

Main cities have metered taxis, which are reasonably priced, though foreigners are sometimes charged higher rates. It is possible to negotiate a fare when the meters are not in use. Only use officially marked taxis.

Urban Travel

Podgorica has a local bus system, but taxis can be a more reliable way to get around. The medieval-walled old towns of Kotor and Budva are pedestrian only, and are a joy to explore on foot. Towns along the coast are connected to one another by public buses.

Travel Advice

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Montenegro set and enforce entry rules. If you're not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Montenegrin Embassy in the UK.

The authorities may close land border crossings at short notice.     

Passport validity requirements

To enter Montenegro, your passport must:

• have a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
• have an 'expiry date' at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can visit Montenegro without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

If you are travelling to Montenegro without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Montenegro within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

Montenegro is not part of the Schengen area, so: 

• visits to Montenegro do not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit in the Schengen area
• visits to other EU or Schengen countries do not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit in Montenegro

The dated entry stamp helps avoid any problems about the length of your stay in the country.

Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period 

To stay longer, you must meet the Montenegrin government's entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you may need with the Montenegrin Embassy in the UK.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro's Montenegro guide.

Registering with the authorities

All visitors to Montenegro must be registered with the local tourism office or police in the town or city where they're staying.    

If you're staying in a hotel or in some holiday lets, the staff or the owner will register you. If you're staying with family or friends, or in rented accommodation, make sure you register within 24 hours of arrival in Montenegro.

If you do not register you may be fined, detained or face a court appearance.

Entry by sea

If you are sailing to Montenegro, enter only at a designated port or harbour. If this is not possible, contact the local harbour master (in Montenegrin) or the police before entering.

Customs rules   

There are strict rules about goods you can take into and out of Montenegro.

Declare items of value like expensive jewellery, photographic and computer equipment or anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking pets into Montenegro

Montenegro accepts pet passports. You can bring up to 5 pets, as long as they meet medical and other requirements.      

Taking food into Montenegro

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into Montenegro. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.

Taking money into Montenegro

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.

Terrorism 

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.     

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Montenegro

Terrorist attacks in Montenegro cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Terrorists may target religious sites, including churches. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.  

Political demonstrations

Protests and demonstrations sometimes take place in Montenegro, often in front of government or religious buildings. They are mostly peaceful but can lead to traffic disruption, clashes with police and the potential for violent incidents.

Crime

Protecting yourself and your belongings    

Take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings from street crime. Do not leave bags unattended and be wary of pickpockets in tourist hot spots, beaches, airports and on public transport. 

Use a hotel safe for your valuables and money if possible. Do not leave your luggage in a parked vehicle.

You can reduce the risk of bag-snatching and mugging by:

• avoiding isolated areas at night, especially if walking alone
• using licensed taxis ordered in advance or using a taxi app

Violent crime

Incidents of violent crime between organised criminal groups can affect others close by. Be cautious, remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings. In the event of any incidents, follow all advice given by the local authorities.

Bank card fraud 

Fraudsters can steal your card details without you noticing. Use ATMs inside banks if possible, and check ATMs on the street for signs of tampering. Keep cards in sight when paying in shops and restaurants. Read more about how to avoid bank card fraud. 

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

You must always carry a form of ID such as a photocard driving licence or passport. If you do not have it with you, the police can give you a fine. Keep a copy of your passport's photo page in a safe place.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Drugs laws are similar to the UK. There are strict penalties and lengthy prison sentences for possession or trafficking of drugs.

Using cameras in secure areas

Taking photographs of police or military installations, personnel or vehicles is illegal and could lead to arrest and prosecution by the authorities.

LGBT+ travellers

While there is a general tolerance of same-sex couples in Montenegro, LGBT+ travellers should be aware that showing affection in public could receive negative attention. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism     

Swimming safety

Take note of warning signs on beaches, follow instructions from lifeguards and observe the flag indicators. Take local advice if jellyfish or sea urchins are present.

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Paragliding, jet-skis and quad bikes

For all extreme sports and water sports, take precautions to prevent injuries and use protective equipment.

Before signing up with paragliding instructors, ask to see their training licence for tandem flights.

When renting a jet-ski, you should always get a safety briefing and clear instructions about where you can and cannot ride. See watersports safety abroad from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

Make sure you have the appropriate licence and insurance when renting outdoor activity vehicles, such as jet-skis and quad bikes. Take precautions to prevent injuries and use protective equipment. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Hiking and mountaineering

If you're hiking in the mountains:

• get expert advice from local guides
• do not underestimate the hike, or factors like weather, landscape, distance and elevation
• take a fully charged mobile phone and enough supplies

Hikers have got lost in the mountains when they have left marked paths. If you get into trouble, call the emergency number 112.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Montenegro, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC's Montenegro guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.

Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.

Road conditions

The standard of roads is fair to poor. Conditions are worse in rural areas, especially in the winter and after bad weather. The 2-lane Moraca Canyon can be dangerous when conditions are poor and there is congestion.

Roads leading to Montenegro's coastal areas are in better condition, but high traffic volumes can lead to delays during the summer season.

Contact the Auto-Moto Association of Montenegro for roadside assistance and information about road closures. Assistance is available in English.

Telephone: +38219807

Traffic penalties

If you break the speed limit by 10kph, police can fine you. Excessive speeding and overtaking under dangerous conditions are both punishable by automatic confiscation of your driving licence.

The drink-driving limit is less than half the limit in England and Wales.

Penalties for traffic offences range from fines of 20 to 6,000 euros to prison sentences.

If you get a fine, you may have to pay at a bank or post office within 8 days or before leaving the country. Unpaid fines for foreign nationals are recorded.

If you are involved in a small traffic accident, you can request a police investigation at a cost of 50 euros. If the other driver is found guilty, they must reimburse you. If you want to appeal the penalty, you have the right to appear in court.

If the drivers agree, they can both complete a European accident report and submit it to their insurance companies without a police investigation.

Sea travel

If you're sailing and want to enter Montenegro, see Entry requirements.

If you have had an accident at sea, call 129, the emergency number of the rescue unit within the Maritime Safety Department (in Montenegrin).

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Wildfires

Wildfires are common in Montenegro from April to October due to the dry and hot weather. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. You should:

• take care when visiting or driving through the countryside
• make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished
• not light fires or barbecues except in designated and marked areas
• not leave any rubbish

If you see a wildfire, call the emergency services on 112. Follow any advice from the police or local authorities.

Flooding

Flooding can be a problem when there is heavy rain and snow melts, causing rivers to flood in winter and spring.

Monitor media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities if flooding occurs in your area.

Earthquakes

Montenegro lies in a seismically active zone and small tremors are recorded throughout the year. Serious earthquakes are less frequent but do happen. The last serious earthquake was in 1979. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency's website tells you about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 124 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you're referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Montenegro
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

 See what health risks you'll face in Montenegro, including:

• biting insects and ticks
• tick-borne encephalitis

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Montenegro. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Montenegro

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Montenegro where some staff will speak English.

Health insurance cards

Montenegro recognises the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).

You will need to take your British passport and GHIC to a local office of the Montenegrin Health Insurance Fund (in Montenegrin) to request a certificate of entitlement to medical care. You need this in advance of medical treatment, or as soon as possible after an urgent admission to hospital. If you do not have a certificate, the hospital will charge for the treatment and paid bills will not be reimbursed.

Any treatment provided is on the same terms as Montenegrin nationals. You'll have to pay for your prescribed medicines and for other medical treatment.

The NHS's getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:

• how to apply for a GHIC
• how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
• what special conditions apply in Montenegro

A GHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC does not cover.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you're living in Montenegro.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Montenegro

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

Ambulance: 124

Fire: 123

Police: 122

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you're involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Montenegro
• dealing with a death in Montenegro
• being arrested in Montenegro
• getting help if you're a victim of crime
• what to do if you're in hospital
• if you're affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow and contact FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Vaccinations

Title	Special Precautions
Typhoid	No
Yellow Fever	No
Tetanus	Yes
Rabies	Sometimes
Malaria	No
Hepatitis A	Yes
Diphtheria	Sometimes

Overview:

Doctors are well trained and generally speak basic English, but medical facilities are generally not to Western European standards. There are seven state-run general hospitals in the country, as well as three specialist hospitals, plus an increasing number of private hospitals. Many medicines and basic medical supplies are often unavailable at state-run pharmacies, so make sure you take an adequate supply of any prescription drugs. There is a gradually increasing number of privately-owned pharmacies, and these tend to be better stocked with essential drugs.

The UK and other EU countries have reciprocal healthcare agreements with Montenegro, so that emergency hospital treatment is free (upon the presentation of your passport and a document such as a European Health Insurance Card, EHIC), though in non-urgent cases you will be expected to pay, normally in hard currency. Note that doctors often expect a small cash bribe from patients in return for priority treatment. Prescribed medicines must also be paid for.

Health insurance with emergency repatriation is strongly recommended for visitors from outside the EU. Visitors may be asked to pay first and seek reimbursement later. If you planning to take part in ‘extreme’ sports, such as bungee jumping or scuba diving while here, you would be advised to take out extra insurance for that. Respective consulates and Podgorica-based embassies can help visitors find hospitals and doctors in Montenegro, should the need arise.

Pharmacists in Montenegro are highly qualified and can offer advice and medication for mild conditions, so for minor problems, a visit to a pharmacy may suffice. In summer, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, and wear sun-cream (SPF 15 or greater) to avoid sunburn. In you go hiking in the mountains, you might also take insect repellent. For emergencies, ring 124 (ambulance). Pharmacies (apoteke) are generally open Mon-Fri 0800-2000 and Sat 0800-1500.

Food Drink:

Mains water is normally chlorinated and, whilst relatively safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

Other Risks:

Vaccinations against tick-borne encephalitis (especially if going to the mountains), tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended.

Currency Information:

Euro (€) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Note: Montenegro does not have its own currency and although it is not a member of the EU, it adopted the Euro as currency in 2002 (having previously used the German Deutsche Mark). The European Central Bank and the European Commission were not altogether happy about this, and when Montenegro was officially recognised as a candidate for EU membership in 2010, the situation became even more complicated. By EU law, member countries have to meet a stringent set of economic criteria before they can adopt the Euro. However, it looks unlikely that Montenegro will be forced to drop the Euro. As Montenegro is not an official member of the Eurozone, it has no issuing rights and cannot mint its own national version of the Euro coins (cents).

Credit Cards:

International credit and debit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, American Express and Maestro are accepted, but cash may be necessary for some payments, especially in small restaurants and shops in remotes areas. ATMs accept all the main international debit cards.

ATMs:

ATMs are widely available in all main towns and resorts.

Travellers Cheques:

Although acceptable in theory, in practice these can be very hard to exchange. It is advisable to take cash and credit or debit cards.

Banking Hours:

Mon-Fri 0800-2000 and Sat 0800-1500.

Currency Restrictions:

There are no restrictions on the import and export of local and foreign currency. Sums equivalent to or exceeding the amount of €10,000 need to be declared.

Currency Exchange:

Money should be exchanged through official exchange offices and banks only.

Currencies

Code	Symbol
EUR	€

Exchange Rates

0.71

1.00

1.19

0.96

Language

The official language is Montenegrin, which is basically the same as Serbian and can be written in either Latin or Cyrillic script. The small Albanian minority (approx 5%) speak Albanian.

Overview:

Public holidays are listed here.

.

List Of Public Holidays

Title	Start Date	To Be Confirmed
New Year's Day	2024-01-01 00:00:00	0
Orthodox Christmas Eve	2024-01-07 00:00:00	0
Orthodox Christmas Day	2024-01-07 00:00:00	0
Labour Day	2024-05-01 00:00:00	0
Orthodox Good Friday	2024-05-03 00:00:00	0
Orthodox Easter Monday	2024-05-06 00:00:00	0
Victory Day	2024-05-09 00:00:00	0
Independence Day	2024-05-21 00:00:00	0
Statehood Day	2024-07-13 00:00:00	0

Overview:

The following items may be imported into Montenegro by travellers aged 17 and over without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 250g of tobacco.
• 2L of alcoholic drinks up to 22% volume or 1L of spirits over 22% volume.
• 4L of non-sparkling wine.
• 16L of beer.
• Goods to the value of €430 if arriving by air or sea or €300 if arriving by land (reduced to €150 for children under 15).

Note that Port Montenegro, the luxury marina-resort in Tivat, offers duty-free and tax-free fuel, at the cost of 45% of retail diesel prices, to both private and commercial yachts.

.

Banned Imports:

Prohibited imports include narcotics and endangered species of flora and fauna (unless authorised). You can only import arms and ammunition if you're bringing them in for sporting or hunting purposes, in which case you must declare them to the police on arrival. 

Telephone:

The cheapest way to call home is from a call centre or internet café. Card-operated public telephones are becoming increasingly scarce.

Mobile Telephone:

Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is mostly good.

Internet:

Internet cafes can be found in the main towns and cities. Internet is fast and efficient. Many hotels and even some private accommodation offer free Wi-Fi to guests.

Post

Postal services, run by the state company, Pošta Crna Gora (www.postacg.me), are reasonably good. It takes approximately seven days for a letter to arrive in the UK and 10 days to the US. However, parcels occasionally go astray, so if sending valuable items, a courier is recommended.

Post Office Hours:

Mon-Sat 0800-2000 (note that some post offices in small resorts only work during the summer season).

Media:

The media in Montenegro is recognised as “partly free”. The main problems are editorial bias (manipulated by business leaders and the government) and the physical intimidation of journalists (there are several cases of journalists being attacked, especially when investigating organised crime). English-language newspapers are available in all the main holiday resorts during the summer. 

There are three Montenegrin daily newspapers: Dan, Vijesti and Pobjeda. The state-run Radio Television of Montenegro (RTCG) operates three TV channels (2 terrestrial, 1 international via satellite) plus one radio station. There are also several private channels, including NTV Montena, RTV Atlas and TV Vijesti. Foreign channels, such as CNN, are available via satellite in most hotels. Regarding radio, Radio Crne Gore is state-run, and Atlas Radio, Montena Radio and Radio Antena Mare privately operated.

Go birdwatching on Lake Skadar

The biggest lake in the Balkans, Lake Skadar, on the border between Montenegro and Albania, is on the Ramsar List of Wetlands and is a haven for birdwatching, hosting some 270 species, many endangered or rare. The National Park office is in Virpazar – from here you can take a boat trip across the lake, and eat fresh carp at waterside restaurants.

Explore the rugged Durmitor National Park

Hike, bike, kayak, raft or paraglide in stunning Durmitor National Park, which has been awarded UNESCO World Natural Heritage status for its glacial landscapes, high peaks, dense pine forests and some of the deepest gorges in Europe. The highlight is the Crno Jezero (Black Lake), a 3km (2-mile) walk from the national park office in Žabljak.

Go primordial at Biogradska Lake

Explore the Biogradska Gora National Park, home one of the last three jungles in Europe. The primal forest spans 5,400 hectares (13,343 acres) between the Lim and Tara Rivers. You can also find eagles inhabiting the soaring Bjelasica Mountains. The national park office is in Kolašin.

Admire the lively port of Kotor

Visit the bustling port of Kotor, sitting at the end of the Kotor Bay. There's plenty to recommend this UNESCO-listed fortified old town, including its Venetian architecture, 17th-century clock tower, 12th-century Romanesque cathedral, naval museum, chic boutique hotels and seafood eateries.

Explore the 700-year-oldHerceg Novi

A 700-year-old town with much to recommend, Herceg Novi is a must-see. Visit the fascinating baroque Savina Monastery and the beaches on Luštica peninsula, which overlook the entrance to the Bay of Kotor and are accessible by boat.

Wander around timeworn Ulcinj

Walk around Ulcinj, one of the oldest towns on the Adriatic coast. Its top attractions include the Balsica Tower and Renaissance Church Mosque, which is also home to the City Museum. The 12km long (7-mile) Velika Plaža is a fine sandy beach, which remains largely underdeveloped and is backed by a flat hinterland.

Go climbing in Lovćen National Park

Take a trip up the rocky mountain massif of Lovćen, towering above Kotor. Its peak, at 1,657m (5,440ft), is home to the Njegoš Mausoleum, dedicated to the Prince-Bishop and poet, Petar II Petrović-Njegoš. From here, you'll enjoy spectacular views, both inland and down onto the Bay of Kotor. The national park office is in Cetinje, which used to be home to the Montenegrin royal family and capital of Montenegro.

Scale the cliff that bears Ostrog Monastery

You'll be amazed by the 17th-century Ostrog Monastery, which is built into a vertical cliff on the road between Danilovgrad and Nikšić. Inside, in a tiny cave church, lie the remains of the founder of the monastery, St Basil of Ostrog.

Meet Tara, the deepest canyon in Europe

The highlight of inland Montenegro, at 82km (51 miles) in length and a depth of 1,300m (4,300ft), is the dramatic Tara Canyon. The deepest canyon in Europe boasts endless rapids, adventure sports such as rafting and canyoning. There's also bungee jumping and zip-lining off the Tara Bridge, a five-arch concrete road bridge with amazing views down into the canyon. The nearest towns are Kolašin and Žabljak.

Enjoy the luxurious Sveti Sfetan

Southeast of Budva, this medieval stone village, perched on a fortified islet, connected to the mainland by a causeway, is a luxury resort. First converted into a hotel during the Yugoslav years, when guests included Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, it reopened as the 5-star Aman Sveti Stefan in 2009.

Take a tipple or two at Plantaže Winery

Montenegro's largest wine producer, Plantaže is best known for its potent red Vranac wine. Vranac means "black horse", which in the past was considered the symbol of strength and beauty, as is this wine. Visit Plantaže's Šipčanik wine cellar, between Podgorica and Lake Skadar, to taste their wines and purchase bottles to bring home.

Charter a yacht

It's possible to charter a private yacht for the day and sail around the Bay of Kotor. Ringed by dramatic soaring mountains, this meandering bay is often described as Europe's southernmost "fjord", though it is in fact a submerged river canyon. Its shores are dotted with waterside villages made up of centuries-old stone houses and fishing harbours filled with coloured wooden boats.

Hit Jaz, the best beach in Montenegro

Widely considered the best beach in Montenegro, Jaz, just west of Budva, is a 1.2km (0.7-mile) stretch of fine pebble beach, lined with sun beds and umbrellas, overlooking a turquoise bay. Open-air concerts are sometimes staged here – The Rolling Stones played in 2007, followed by Madonna in 2008.

Explore the old town of Budva

Protected by medieval walls, Budva's car-free old town is made up of quaint cobbled alleys, lined by Venetian-era buildings, many now hosting restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops. East of town, Slovenska plaža is a long narrow beach overlooked by a string of big modern hotels.

Discover the tiny floating islands of Perast

On the Bay of Kotor, Perast is made up of old stone villas, overlooking two tiny islets, Sveti Đorđe (St. George) and Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks), each capped by a church. The islets can be visited by boat from Perast's waterfront.

Overview

Montenegro is hardly a great shopping destination, but there are a few local products that make good gifts to bring home. Top of the list has to be wine – a bottle of velvety red Vranac being the obvious choice. For something a little stronger, pick up a bottle of potent rakija – there are numerous kinds, ranging from loza (made from distilled grapes) to šljivovica (made from plums) and kruškovac (made from pears). Other unusual presents include pršut (smoked ham) which you might buy vacuum-packed to make it easier to pack, and strings of dried figs, threaded onto a piece of cotton and interspersed with bay leafs. Montenegrins swear by the health benefits of their locally-produced med (honey), which is especially tasty when bought direct from producers in the mountainous interior – some beekeepers also sell other products such as honey with propolis, beeswax candles and honey-based cosmetics. Dried herbal teas are regarded as medicinal in Montenegro, so you might buy kadulja (sage) for sore throats and coughs, metvica (mint) to sooth indigestion and nausea, or kamilica (chamomile) to calm the nervous system for a sound night’s sleep.

Clothes and shoes are generally imported, so you won’t find anything particularly unusual. But, for quirky one-off items of clothing and accessories, try the small luxurious (and very expensive) boutiques at Porto Montenegro in Tivat, several of which stock the works of young up-and-coming Montenegrin and Serbian designers.

Town markets sell locally-produced fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables, cheese, meat and fish, as well as cheap clothing and household goods. Herceg Novi's old town is renowned for its jewellery shops and artists' galleries. Podgorica has a wide range of clothes shops and shopping centres.

Opening Hours

Mon-Fri 0900-2100, Sat 0800-1500 (many shops are open all day Sat). Grocery stores open at 0600. Shops in tourist resorts often stay open until midnight in high season. Some family-run shops close for siesta 1400-1700.

Overview

Montenegrins take great pleasure in wining and dining. As a visitor, you can eat at a restoran (a formal type of restaurant) or konoba (a tavern, which is more informal, normally with a rustic stone and wood interior).

Cuisine varies greatly from one region to another. Along the coast, fresh fish and seafood from the Adriatic predominate, while meat and cheese are more popular inland. Many meals begin with a platter of thinly sliced pršut (smoked ham, similar to Italian prosciutto) and flavoursome ovčji sir (sheep's cheese) or kožji sir (goat's cheese).

Lake Skadar is known for its excellent fresh šaran (carp) and the River Tara is home to delicious pastrmka (trout). For a quick meal, try a pizzeria – some are surprisingly good, comparable to the best in Italy.

Regional Specialities

Tipping

It is normal to leave a 10% tip in change for your waiter or waitress if you were satisfied with the service.

Drinking Age

18.

Hotels

You’ll find the best hotels in Montenegro in Kotor and Budva, on the coast. While Kotor offers a fine choice of boutique hotels, occupying restored medieval stone buildings in the old town and offering personalised service, Budva is known for its big modern hotels with good sports facilities, which date from the Yugoslav-era, and are gradually being renovated to include minimalist interiors and luxury wellness centres. The country’s most prestigious hotel in is the 5-star Aman Sveti Stefan, occupying a totally restructured medieval fortified village on a tiny island, close to Budva. In both Kotor and Budva, the best hotels are heavily booked in peak season (when prices rise accordingly), so advance booking is essential.

Grading: Like in most other European countries, hotels in Montenegro are classified using a star rating from 1 to 5.

Camping Caravaning

Left over from the Yugoslav-era, there are plenty of well-equipped campsites, which are generally open from June through to September, and are concentrated along the coast. You'll also find some basic campsites in the mountainous interior. Off-site camping is prohibited, mainly because of the danger of forest fires.

Other

History

Montenegro is often considered a new country, having only gained independence from Serbia in 2006. However, its history goes back millennia, and it is closely intertwined with that of its Balkan neighbours.

Montenegro's first known inhabitants were the Illyrians, a warlike Bronze Age people present along much of the East Adriatic coast. The Ancient Greeks arrived in the 4th century BC, founding the coastal town of Budva, though by the 1st century AD the entire area was absorbed into Roman Empire. It is around this point that the Illyrians proper were extinct.

The Slavs arrived in the 7th century, mixed with descendants of the Romanised Illyrians, and adopted Christianity. A proud warrior people, they lived in clans, established their own royal family and secured independence from the Byzantines in the 11th century.

The Slavs inhabited much of present-day Montenegro, then known as Duklja, which became the front line in various wars between the Byzantine Empire and Serbian Kingdom. In 1186, Duklja, which had been weakened by infighting, was incorporated into the Serbian Kingdom.

The Serbian Empire, which evolved from the Serbian Kingdom, fell apart in the 14th century allowing the region to fall under the spell of the Ottoman Empire. WWI brought the Ottoman Empire to a dramatic end, with modern-day Montenegro forming part of a new country, Yugoslavia, in 1918.

After WWII, Yugoslavia was governed by Josip Tito, a “benevolent dictator” whose authoritarian regime kept a lid on the ethnic tensions that existed within Yugoslavia. Tito was a socialist revolutionary and under his rule most businesses were run as workers’ co-operatives. Being a non-aligned country, Yugoslavia kept good relations with both West and East, and allowed its people more freedoms than their socialist counterparts in the USSR.

When Yugoslavia began to break up during the 1990s, Montenegro remained loyal to Belgrade. Although there was no actual fighting on Montenegrin territory, the people suffered much economic hardship during that time. Eventually, in May 2006, Montenegro held a referendum and the people voted for independence from Serbia.

In 2008, Montenegro applied for EU membership, and in 2012, having proved that it was serious about tackling corruption and organised crime, it opened accession negotiations with the EU.

Did you know?
• Having no currency of its own, Montenegro has unilaterally adopted the Euro, the first non-EU fully recognised country to do so (Kosovo has also adopted the Euro unilaterally).
• Tito’s brand of socialism, often referred to as Titoism, pulled off the enviable feat of appealing to both communists and non-communists.
• Brad Pitt's first lead role was back in 1988, in Dark Side of the Sun, which was filmed by former Yugoslav director, Bozidar Nikolic, in Kotor, Montenegro.

Religion

Majority Eastern Orthodox (72%, according to the 2011 census), with a Muslim minority (19%) and a Roman Catholic minority (3.5%). The remainder are either Atheist or “other”.

Social Conventions

As in any other foreign country, you should respect local laws and social customs when visiting Montenegro. This is an Eastern Orthodox country, so you should dress respectably for visiting churches and monasteries – legs and shoulders covered, for both men and women.

Be cautious when talking about the war and the break-up of Yugoslavia - many people come from mixed families (which might include Eastern Orthodox Serbs, Roman Catholic Croats and Muslim Bosniaks), and “who was right” and “who was wrong” cannot be clearly defined. Also be aware that there is an Albanian minority (predominantly Muslim) in Montenegro, concentrated around Ulcinj. What various individuals think about the current situation in Kosovo will vary from person to person, so avoid entering into heated debate on this topic.

Montenegrins are traditional and patriarchal, and the society has a deeply ingrained aversion to homosexuality. Gay visitors are advised to limit public displays of affection. In October 2013, 60 people were injured at the Gay Pride march in Podgorica, when anti-gay protestors threw stones at the demonstrators, and the police responded with tear-gas.

Montenegrins enjoy drinking immensely but being able to hold one’s alcohol is a matter of pride, and public displays of drunken behaviour are considered degrading.

Nudism is allowed on designated beaches and topless bathing for women is generally accepted on all beaches.

Best Time To Visit:

Montenegro has a Mediterranean climate on the coast, with alpine conditions in the mountains. The average summer coastal temperature is 27°C (81°F), and this is peak season (Jul-Aug), when the majority of visitors come here. Those who can’t bear the summer heat would do well to head inland for the mountains, where summer night time temperatures drop as low as 12°C (54°F).

In shoulder season (May-Jun and Sep-Oct) you can expect sunny days on the shores of the Adriatic – the sea is warm enough to swim, but without the crowds, and average daytime temperatures are 20°C (69°F). This is the ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling, though bear in mind that there will be sporadic rain in the mountains.

In low season (Nov-Apr), many hotels and restaurants along the coast shut completely. The weather remains mild, with the average daytime winter temperature being 7°C (44°F). Inland, however, there is substantial snowfall in the mountains, with the average daytime winter temperature in Kolašin hovering around 0°C (32°F). In fact, Dec-Mar is peak season for inland towns such as Kolašin and Žabljak, which are popular ski resorts.

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Required Clothing

In winter, medium weight clothing and heavy overcoat and boots if travelling in the mountains; in summer, lightweight clothing, swimwear and sun cream required on the coast, plus a jumper or jacket for colder nights in the mountains.

Dialing Code:

+382

Area(sq km):

13812

Population:

628.066

Population Density(per sq km):

47

Population Year:

2020

EU Member:

No

Main emergency number

112