Montenegro

🏛️ Why Visit Montenegro?

Montenegro – the charming Balkan gem that's basically Croatia's cooler, less crowded next-door neighbour. This brilliant country might be smaller than Wales, but it's absolutely crammed with jaw-dropping coastline, medieval towns that'll make you feel like you've stepped into a fairy-tale, and beaches that are proper lush. Once a small and quiet coastal town, Budva is now a metropolis of Montenegrin tourism and one of the most happening towns on the Montenegrin coast during the summer, whilst if you’re after tranquility, there are other, smaller spots available.

Montenegro translates to 'black mountains', and with its rustic mountainscapes, climbing roads and poetic history, it's just as mysterious as it sounds. Walk the seaside promenade that runs from Budva all the way to Sveti Stefan admiring those crystal-clear waters and you'll be you questioning whether you even need those fancy Maldives jollies after all. Plus, it's proper easy to get to – just a quick three-hour flight from the UK and you're sorted!

Top reasons to visit Montenegro:

• 🏖️ Epic beaches without the crowds – Bečići Beach won the Grand Prix prize as the most beautiful beach in Europe in 1935 and it's still absolutely stunning

• 🎉 Budva's banging nightlife – From Top Hill's open-air nightclub high above the coast to beachfront party spots, this is basically the Miami of Montenegro

• 🏰 Medieval magic everywhere – Budva's old town is like a smaller, condensed version of Dubrovnik with picture-perfect stone buildings and orange tiled roofs

• 🌊 Bay of Kotor UNESCO vibes – This spectacular natural environment combines dramatic mountains with authentic Venetian history

• ☀️ Brilliant value for money – You get five-star luxury and gorg views without the eye-watering price tags of other Mediterranean hotspots

🏙️ Montenegro's Top Resorts

Budva & Bečići – Budva is Montenegro's tourism capital and it's absolutely buzzing. Bečići is basically it's beachy suburb, a smaller resort next door spread along a gorgy 2km sand and shingle beach. Budva is a bustling, beautiful city which leads a double life – one in the old, and the other in the new. If you want liveliness, Budvar is as lively as this country gets. If you want something quieter, and beachier, with the benefits of having a major city nearby, then Bečići is the one for you. Plus, if you stay in either you can walk between them along the gorgeous promenade!

Petrovac is your go-to for a more chilled-out jollie. It's a calmer resort, in contrast to the lively and developed nearby Budva, making it brilliant for families with little ones. The thick pine forests and olive groves, the clean sea, and the wonderful beaches make this place perfect for a family holiday. It's got that lovely laid-back Mediterranean vibe without losing any of the charm.

Montenegro Riviera covers the stunning Bay of Kotor area including Herceg Novi, Igalo, Dobrota and Kotor itself. Herceg Novi is known for its small pebble beaches and clear water, offering the best beaches in the Bay of Kotor. This area's all about dramatic fjord-like scenery, ancient fortresses, and that proper romantic atmosphere – ideal for couples who want something a bit special.

🎭 Top Things to Do in Montenegro

Beach Lovers & Sun Worshippers 🏖️ Bečići Beach – A 2km long stretch of fine pebble and sand that won the Grand Prix as Europe's most beautiful beach. Talk about credentials! 🏝️ Sveti Nikola Island – Also known as Hawaii Island, this outcrop is inhabited only by deer and has crystal-clear waters perfect for escaping the crowds 🌹 Sveti Stefan – One of Montenegro's most famous sites with pink pebble beaches and picture-perfect views of the 15th-century island village

Culture & History Buffs 🏰 Budva Old Town – A historic walled city that juts out into the sea, filled with stone buildings and orange tiled roofs, plus you can walk along the city walls ⛪ Kotor UNESCO Site – The Bay of Kotor combines spectacular natural environment with rich Venetian historical legacy 🏛️ Petrovac's Kastell Lastva – A 16th-century Venetian fortress at the edge of town with stunning views over two nearby islets

Adventure Seekers 🪂 Paragliding in Budva – Take off from the Brajiči hills and get a bird's-eye view of the coast that's been loved for thousands of years 🚣 Island Hopping – Visit Sveta Nedjelja and Katič islands from Petrovac, where legend says the little church brings luck and good health 🥾 Hiking Trails – The Petrovac to Reževići trail offers protective natural shade, benches, and tunnels through gorgeous pine forests

Nightlife & Entertainment 🎵 Sea Dance Festival – Named one of the Top 10 Europe Summer Festivals by Forbes, featuring massive headliners like David Guetta and Skrillex on Jaz Beach 🍸 Top Hill Nightclub – An open-air nightclub situated high above the coast with ever-changing electronic music lineups during summer 🎰 Casino Royale – Try your luck at Montenegro's most stylish casino right on the beach

🏨 Where to Stay on your Montenegro Holidays

For Couples - Romance & Luxury

🏨 Iberostar Waves Slavija, Budva - This gorgeous 5-star beauty built in 2019 sits right in the heart of Budva with a stylish rooftop infinity pool overlooking the city, an adults-only spa with hammam and sauna, plus beautiful modern rooms just 15 minutes' walk from the medieval old town. If you want luxury with spectacular sea and city views, this might be your number!

🏨 Lazure Hotel & Marina, Herceg Novi - The top-rated hotel in Herceg Novi on TripAdvisor! This 5-star boutique gem sits in an 18th-century building overlooking Kotor Bay with its own marina. You'll get elegant rooms, a spa with indoor pool and five saunas, plus two restaurants including the waterfront Rosemarine. Perfect for couples who fancy something proper special with UNESCO World Heritage views.

🏨 Boutique Hotel & Spa Casa del Mare Mediterraneo, Herceg Novi - A gorgeous boutique property right on Boka Bay, just 15 metres from the beach with 17 unique Mediterranean-themed rooms. Located perfectly between Herceg Novi and Kotor, you're sorted for exploring whilst enjoying that intimate, luxury feel.

For Mid-Range - Perfect Balance

🏨 Kadmo, Budva - A brilliant choice right in the heart of Budva, perfect for those who want to be in the thick of the action with easy access to the old town's medieval charm and buzzing nightlife. This is your spot if you fancy being central to everything Montenegro's tourism capital has to offer.

🏨 Iberostar Waves Bellevue, Bečići - The top-rated hotel in Bečići on TripAdvisor! Located right on beautiful Bečići Beach with direct access, this All-Inclusive family-friendly gem offers 4 swimming pools (including indoor), Star Camp kids club, tennis courts, and brilliant entertainment. Plus you're just 2km from medieval Budva – talk about location, location, location!

🏨 Iberostar Waves Herceg Novi, Igalo - This All-Inclusive 4-star retreat is very popular on TripAdvisor for its stunning fjord-like location and spotless cleanliness. Known for fantastic food, friendly staff, and amazing bay views, plus it's perfectly positioned for exploring Kotor, Perast and the Bay of Kotor UNESCO sites.

🏨 Sea Star, Montenegro Riviera - A solid choice for those wanting a proper beach holiday with good facilities and that relaxed Montenegro vibe. Perfect for families or couples who want reliable comfort without the fuss, plus you're well-positioned for exploring the gorgeous Adriatic coastline.

For Value & Budget

🏨 Hotel Harmony, Petrovac - A cracking little 4-star family-run gem that's one of the top-rated spots in Petrovac! Just 350m from the beach with a seasonal outdoor pool, this modern beauty offers brilliant breakfast, friendly staff, and that proper personal touch. If you want great value with quality, this one's for you!

🏨 Riva, Petrovac - A chic and stylish boutique hotel just steps from Petrovac's sands with comfortable accommodations and its very own wine cellar. Located right along the promenade with calming sea views from the restaurant terrace, this is perfect for couples wanting something a bit special without breaking the bank.

🏨 Apart Hotel MS Katunjanin, Montenegro - A brilliant aparthotel option that's perfect for families or groups who want a bit more space and flexibility. With apartment-style accommodation, you get that home-away-from-home feel whilst still enjoying hotel services. Ideal if you fancy doing your own thing whilst being sorted for your Montenegro jollie!

💰 How to Have a Very Cheap Montenegro Holiday (that's still brilliant)

🗓️ When to Go

Shoulder season (May and September) offers the best balance of weather, crowds and hotel prices, with May and September being generally warm and the best months to visit. You'll dodge the summer madness but still get proper gorgeous weather! 🌤️

💡 Smart Savings

🚌 Skip the transfers - Tivat Airport is just 6-50km from most resorts, so a quick bus ride saves you a fortune on private transfers 🍽️ Eat like a local - Venture beyond hotel restaurants to find brilliant seafood spots where the locals go 🏖️ Free beach vibes - Montenegro's beaches have sunbeds and umbrellas for just a few euros, with handy bars for cocktails

🎉 Free Fun

🚶‍♀️ Walk the seaside promenade from Budva to Sveti Stefan for epic coastal views 🌊 Swim at dozens of little beaches like local favourite Drobnji Pijesak 🏛️ Explore Gradište Monastery hidden in the hills above Petrovac for stunning bay views 📸 Snap pics at Sveti Stefan's fairy-tale island connected by a narrow bridge

🚌 Getting About

Regular buses connect all the main resorts for just a couple of euros 🚌 Buses run regularly to Bar, Kotor, Cetinje and Niksic from Petrovac 🚕 Taxis between nearby resorts won't break the bank 🚗 Car rental gives you freedom to explore hidden coves and mountain villages

Montenegro's all about that 'samo polako' lifestyle – take it easy and enjoy the simple pleasures without spending a fortune! 😎 Your wallet will thank you, and you'll still have the most brilliant jollie discovering this gorgeous country that's managed to stay properly authentic. Sorted! ✨