Montenegro β the charming Balkan gem that's basically Croatia's cooler, less crowded next-door neighbour.
ποΈ Holidays in Montenegro 2026
It might be smaller than Wales, but it's 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 one of the most happening towns on the Montenegrin coast but there are also other, more relaxing, spots available.
Montenegro Highlights
ποΈ Epic beaches without the crowds β BeΔiΔi Beach won the Grand Prix prize as the most beautiful beach in Europe in 1935 and it's still absolutely stunning
π Budva's banging nightlife β From Top Hill's open-air nightclub high above the coast to beachfront party spots, this is basically the Miami of Montenegro
π° Medieval magic everywhere β Budva's old town is like a smaller, condensed version of Dubrovnik with picture-perfect stone buildings and orange tiled roofs
π Bay of Kotor UNESCO vibes β This spectacular natural environment combines dramatic mountains with authentic Venetian history
βοΈ Brilliant value for money β You get five-star luxury and gorg views without the eye-watering price tags of other Mediterranean hotspots
ποΈ Top Resorts for your 2026 Holidays to Montenegro
Budva & BeΔiΔi β Budva is Montenegro's tourism capital and it's absolutely buzzing. BeΔiΔi 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 β one in the old, and the other in the new. If you want liveliness, Budva is as lively as this country gets. If you want something quieter, and beachier, with the benefits of having a major city nearby, then BeΔiΔi 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 β ideal for couples who want something a bit special.
π¨ Top Hotels in Montenegro
For Families
Iberostar Waves Bellevue, BeΔiΔi β The top-rated hotel in BeΔiΔi! Located right on that award-winning beach with direct access, this All-Inclusive gem offers 4 swimming pools (including indoor), Star Camp kids club, tennis courts, and brilliant entertainment. Plus you're just 2km from medieval Budva.
Iberostar Selection Kumbor, Herceg Novi β A gorgeous 5-star resort with private beach, infinity pools, and modern luxury on the Bay of Kotor. There's a playground and kids club to keep the little ones busy whilst you relax on those stylish sun terraces with stunning Herceg Novi views.
Iberostar Waves Herceg Novi, Igalo β This All-Inclusive 4-star retreat sits on the beachfront with stunning fjord-like views. Kids will love the Star Camp activity programme, and you're perfectly positioned for day trips to Kotor and Perast.
For Couples
Lazure Hotel & Marina, Herceg Novi β The top-rated hotel in Herceg Novi! This 5-star boutique gem sits in an 18th-century building overlooking Kotor Bay with its own marina. Elegant rooms, a spa with indoor pool and five saunas, plus waterfront dining. Proper romantic.
Iberostar Waves Slavija, Budva β This gorgeous 5-star beauty 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.
Riva, Petrovac β A chic boutique hotel just steps from Petrovac's sands with its very own wine cellar. The restaurant terrace has calming sea views β ideal for couples wanting something special without the fuss.
For Groups
Kadmo, Budva β Right in the heart of Budva with rooftop terrace views, outdoor pools, and you're just a 7-minute walk to the old town's medieval charm and buzzing nightlife. Perfect base for exploring by day and partying by night.
Apart Hotel MS Katunjanin, Igalo β Brilliant for groups who want space and flexibility. Apartment-style rooms give you that home-away-from-home feel with hotel services, and you're just 300m from the beach near Herceg Novi.
Hotel Tara, BeΔiΔi β A contemporary hotel with large swimming pool and poolside bar, just 300m from a private beach section. Close enough to Budva for evening adventures along the promenade.
For Value
Hotel Harmony, Petrovac β A cracking 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, brilliant breakfast, and that proper personal touch.
Palmon Bay Hotel & Spa, Igalo β A stylish spa hotel on the coast with gorgeous pool area, full-service spa with Jacuzzi, sauna and salt room. The Olive Terrace serves up dinners with stunning bay views β luxury feel without the luxury price tag.
π Top Things to Do on your Montenegro Holidays
Beach Lovers & Sun Worshippers
ποΈ BeΔiΔi Beach β A gorgeous 2km stretch of sand and pebble that won the Grand Prix as Europe's most beautiful beach. The calm, shallow waters are brilliant for families, and there are sunbeds and umbrellas for hire.
ποΈ Sveti Nikola Island β Known locally as "Hawaii", this car-free island just off Budva is home to deer, crystal-clear swimming spots, and a couple of beach bars. A water taxi from Budva takes about 10 minutes.
πΉ Sveti Stefan β One of Montenegro's most famous sites with pink pebble beaches and picture-perfect views of the 15th-century island village
Culture & History Buffs
π° Budva Old Town β A medieval walled city that juts right out into the sea, packed with stone buildings, orange-tiled roofs, and ancient churches. You can walk along the city walls for stunning coastal views β it's like a smaller, less crowded Dubrovnik.
βͺ Kotor UNESCO World Heritage Site β This spectacular medieval city sits dramatically at the head of Europe's southernmost fjord. Climb the 1,350 steps to San Giovanni Fortress for one of the best views in the Mediterranean, then lose yourself in the maze of Venetian streets below.
ποΈ Petrovac's Kastell Lastva β A 16th-century Venetian fortress at the edge of town with stunning views over two nearby islets
Adventure Seekers
πͺ Paragliding over Budva β Launch from BrajiΔi hill at 760m and soar over the coastline for 15-30 minutes, taking in bird's-eye views of the old town, BeΔiΔi Beach, and Sveti Stefan. No experience needed β tandem flights run from around β¬65.
π£ Island hopping from Petrovac β Boat trips run to the tiny islands of Sveta Nedjelja and KatiΔ, where legend says the little church brings good luck and good health.
π₯Ύ Hiking trails β The Petrovac to ReΕΎeviΔi trail offers natural shade through pine forests, benches, and tunnels carved through the rock, ending at a stunning medieval monastery with panoramic sea views.
Nightlife & Entertainment
π Top Hill Nightclub β An open-air club perched on a hilltop above Budva with panoramic Adriatic views and international DJ lineups. It's one of the biggest open-air clubs in Europe with a 5,000 capacity β proper epic. Open during summer season (July-August).
πΈ Budva bar scene β The old town and beachfront are lined with cocktail bars, live music spots, and late-night haunts that keep the party going all summer. Budva's nightlife is easily the best in Montenegro.
π Bay of Kotor boat trips β For something more chilled, evening cruises around the fjord-like bay take in the baroque village of Perast and the tiny island church of Our Lady of the Rocks, with dramatic mountains as your backdrop. Proper romantic.
π° How to Have a Very Cheap Montenegro Holiday (that's still brilliant)
ποΈ 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! π€οΈ
π‘ Smart Savings
π Skip the transfers - Tivat Airport is just 6-50km from most resorts, so a quick bus ride saves you a fortune on private transfers π½οΈ Eat like a local - Venture beyond hotel restaurants to find brilliant seafood spots where the locals go ποΈ Free beach vibes - Montenegro's beaches have sunbeds and umbrellas for just a few euros, with handy bars for cocktails
π Free Fun
πΆββοΈ Walk the seaside promenade from Budva to Sveti Stefan for epic coastal views π Swim at dozens of little beaches like local favourite Drobnji Pijesak ποΈ Explore GradiΕ‘te Monastery hidden in the hills above Petrovac for stunning bay views πΈ Snap pics at Sveti Stefan's fairy-tale island connected by a narrow bridge
π Getting About
Regular buses connect all the main resorts for just a couple of euros π Buses run regularly to Bar, Kotor, Cetinje and Niksic from Petrovac π Taxis between nearby resorts won't break the bank π Car rental gives you freedom to explore hidden coves and mountain villages
Montenegro's all about that 'samo polako' lifestyle β take it easy and enjoy the simple pleasures without spending a fortune! π Your wallet will thank you, and you'll still have the most brilliant jolly discovering this gorgeous country that's managed to stay authentic. Sorted! β¨
βοΈ When to Visit Montenegro
Summer (June β September) βοΈ
Peak jolly season. Coastal temps hit 25β30Β°C with barely any rain, and the sea's a lovely 24β25Β°C. July and August are the busiest months, especially in Budva and BeΔiΔi. June and September are the sweet spot β still proper warm but fewer crowds and better prices.
πΆ KotorArt Festival β Every July to August, music, theatre, and arts across Kotor
β΅ FaΕ‘inada β Every 22nd July, a 500-year-old boat procession to Our Lady of the Rocks in Perast
π’ Bokeljska NoΔ β Every mid-August, decorated boat parades, open-air concerts, and fireworks in Kotor
Spring (April β May) πΈ
Temps climb from 15Β°C to around 20Β°C. Too fresh for serious sunbathing but brilliant for exploring Kotor's old town and hiking the city walls without melting. Hotels are cheaper too.
πΌ Mimosa Festival β Every February to March, parades and concerts in Herceg Novi
πͺ Budva Spring Carnival β Every April to May, folk music, DJs, and parades through Budva's old town
Autumn (October β November) π
Coastal temps around 18β22Β°C and the sea's still swimmable in early October. Quieter, cheaper, and the autumn colours around the Bay of Kotor are stunning. By November the rain picks up, so it's more of a sightseeing and foodie trip.
π Ε irun Day β Every first Saturday in October, Budva says goodbye to summer with grilled mackerel, local wine, and live music
π· Olive and wine harvest season β Every October, tastings and tours around Bar and the Skadar Lake vineyards
Winter (December β March) βοΈ
Mild on the coast at 9β12Β°C with occasional rain. Not beach weather, but Kotor without the crowds is gorgeous, and prices are proper bargain.
π Kotor Winter Carnival β Every February, Venetian-style masked balls and costume parades through the medieval streets
Popular Montenegro hotels
More Montenegro hotelsStunning Montenegro resorts
Weather in Montenegro
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Montenegro is blessed with a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers along the coast and mild winters which are graced with cooler temperatures and occasional showers in more inland areas. Coastal temperatures between May and October average at 25Β°C, with highs of 27Β°C in July. The sea stays relatively warm during winter months, and is usually 24-25Β°C in summer - perfect for a relaxing dip.
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FAQs
How long is the flight to Montenegro from the UK & Ireland?
How long is the flight to Montenegro from the UK & Ireland?
About 2.5-3 hours to either Tivat or Podgorica airports. Tivat is handier for the coastal resorts β you can be on the beach in Budva within 30 minutes of landing.
Do I need a visa for Montenegro?
Do I need a visa for Montenegro?
Nope! UK & Ireland passport holders can visit Montenegro visa-free for up to 90 days. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 3 months after your return date.
What currency does Montenegro use?
What currency does Montenegro use?
Montenegro uses the Euro (β¬), which makes things nice and easy. Cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants, but it's worth having some cash for smaller beach bars and local shops.
When is the best time to visit Montenegro?
When is the best time to visit Montenegro?
May-June and September are brilliant β gorgeous weather, warm seas, and you'll dodge the peak summer crowds. July and August are hottest (up to 30Β°C) and busiest, perfect if you want that full-on summer buzz.
What's the time difference between the UK & Ireland and Montenegro?
What's the time difference between the UK & Ireland and Montenegro?
Montenegro is 1 hour ahead of the UK & Ireland all year round. Barely any jet lag β you'll be sipping cocktails by the pool in no time.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
Tivat Airport is the handiest for coastal resorts β Budva is about 25 minutes away, BeΔiΔi around 30 minutes, and Herceg Novi about 20 minutes. Podgorica Airport is further inland, roughly an hour to the coast. You can always add transfers to your booking when you book your Montenegro holiday with us β it's the easiest way to get sorted.
Is Montenegro expensive?
Is Montenegro expensive?
It's brilliant value. A pint will set you back around β¬3-4, a meal for two with wine is about β¬30-40, and even upmarket restaurants won't rinse you. You get that Mediterranean luxury feel without the eye-watering prices.
Can I visit Croatia from Montenegro?
Can I visit Croatia from Montenegro?
Definitely! Dubrovnik is just over the border β about 45 minutes from Herceg Novi. Day trips are easy to organise, or you can explore the Bay of Kotor with boat trips to Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks.