Solo Travel In Montenegro (Ultimate Guide!)
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Looking to experience Montenegro solo travel for yourself, but need some help with the planning?
Then youโre in the right place!
When I flew into Podgorica Airport, I arrived with just myself and a backpackโand not a clue of how I was going to travel solo around Montenegro.
But that didn’t stop me from being determined to do so. ๐
At the time, I hadn’t met anyone who’d visited Montenegro before, and was curious about exploring on my own terms. I ended up staying for about two weeks, navigating the country as a woman traveling alone.
The outcome was an introduction to the Balkans I couldnโt have expectedโmeeting wonderful people who were eager to show me their country, seeing astounding natural beauty, and tasting some of the best food I’ve ever had on my travels.
This guide includes my top tips for traveling solo in Montenegro, including the best places to go, how to navigate the country, and must-knows for a smooth trip.
โ๏ธ Short on time? Here are some quick tips for planning your Montenegro itinerary:
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Is Montenegro Good For Solo Travel?
Yes, Montenegro is good for solo travelers. A few reasons why:
- It’s safe, and your risk of being the target of a violent crime is low.
- The natural scenery is stunning, especially in its five national parks.
- It’s a fascinating place to learn about history and immerse yourself in local culture.
- The people are generally friendly and welcoming.
- I still dream about the food (it was so delicious!).
This being said, I don’t recommend Montenegro for first-time solo travelers unless you’re very comfortable driving on difficult roads.
Montenegro has limited public transportation; buses are sometimes a rarity and there is no Uber.
This makes driving one of the best ways of getting around, though the serpentine roads and hairpin turns can be unforgiving.
Montenegro Solo Travel Logistics
Although navigating the country comes with its unique challenges, itโs all very do-able with a bit of patience and pre-planning.
Where is Montenegro?
Montenegro is a Balkan country in Europe wedged between Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Albania. The eastern side is rugged, Alpine mountains, while the west coast hugs the Adriatic sea. Depending on where youโre standing, you might be overlooking a sweeping, hilly vista or you could see endless ocean blue.
Best time to visit Montenegro
Montenegro is a country best experienced with warm weather so you can enjoy both mountainscapes and beach life. I visited in June, before the majority of the summer crowds arrived, and thought it was the perfect time to explore.
Not only were there fewer crowds in Kotor, one of the most stunning medieval cities Iโve seen, but it was the perfect temperature to spend a few hours in the water.
Interestingly, while the coast gets hot and humid, the mountains are usually pretty chilly no matter the time of year. Even if you visit at the peak of summer, the eastern side of the country could be brisk.
Getting to Montenegro
Despite the fact that Montenegro has limited transportation within the country, getting there is super easy.
First of all, the country has two international airports: Podgorica Airport (TGD) in the capital as well as Tivat Airport (TIV).
As an example, a flight from Rome to Podgorica is about an hour and a half and can cost as little as $30 on a budget airline like Wizz or Ryanair.
If traveling from a closer country like Albania or Croatia, you could hop on a bus that crosses the border or take a ferry. A bus from Dubrovnik, Croatia to Kotor, Montenegro will take a little less than three hours and cost about $40 one way.
For about the same amount of time, you could also hop on a ferry leaving from Dubrovnik and reach either Budva or Kotor. Keep in mind that ferries are seasonal, usually starting service at the beginning of June and ending in September.
โด๏ธ Tip: You can use Omio to research ferries, buses, and trains and book tickets in English!
Getting around Montenegro as a solo traveler
Local taxis
Ride sharing apps like Uber, Lyft, or Bolt arenโt available in Montenegro. Public transportation is also quite limited. Instead, there are cab companies you can call over the phone.
I suggest choosing one that has a bilingual driver, like ฤIR TAXI in Kotor. You can find this information on their website, or you can ask your hotel for help with this.
As mentioned above, Montenegro is not the easiest country to travel without a vehicle. I chose not to rent a car and ended up with very limited options on where I could go. However, there is always a trade-off depending on what you choose.
As someone who likes meeting locals, taking cabs is a big perk for me. Iโve actually gotten some of my best travel tips from cab drivers.
In Montenegro, I ended up taking a cab the entire two-hour journey from Podgorica to Kotor. My driver was a genuinely kind person who I jokingly called my “vacation dad,” because he gave me a ton of recommendations and wanted to make sure I was comfortable as a solo traveler.
Blue line bus
If you aren’t renting a car but want to save money on taxis, the local Blue Line bus is the most affordable way to get around the Bay of Kotor, which is a popular place to base.
It connects the main hub of Kotor to other local towns around the Bay for just a few euros. Stops are informal and typically marked with the word “BUS” painted in yellow on the road.
Just note that the bus doesn’t really run on a set schedule, so wait times can be very long, sometimes 90 minutes or more. Also, it can get crowded when the cruise ships come in, which is why I preferred to take taxis.
Driving
While I didn’t rent a car, this is a popular way to get around. You can use a platform like DiscoverCars to quickly compare your options and save up to 70% on your rental.
Is Montenegro Safe For Solo Female Travelers?
According to Travel Safe-Abroad, the safety risk of Montenegro is considered to be low, which aligns with my personal experience of solo traveling in the country as a female.
I traveled from Podgorica to Kotor, sailed around the Bay of Kotor for a few days, and headed back up to Podgorica to explore the city.
While I never limit my experiences because Iโm a woman, there are always some things you simply shouldnโt do when traveling alone.
For example, I wouldnโt let my belongings out of sight even for a few minutes. The opportunity for theft increases exponentially when youโre in touristy or crowded areas.
Budva is known for beaches and rowdy nightlife, both of which can be a ton of fun, but Iโd recommend being careful taking drinks or speaking with strangers who donโt give you a good feeling. Always trust your gut.
Ridesharing apps like Uber and Bolt arenโt accessible in Montenegro, so travelers should always have a transportation plan before they arrive. Knowing where you need to walk, or what cab companies to call ahead of time will give you peace of mind and some added safety.
Best Places For Solo Travel In Montenegro
Some of the best places for solo travelers in Montenegro are close to the coast. Occasionally referred to as the “Fjord of the Balkans,” the Bay of Kotor (Boka Bay) is a little inlet surrounded by high mountain peaks.
I recommend visiting the towns within the Bay of Kotor, which are well-connected by car, local buses, and boat taxis. Many travelers find it easiest to stay in the town of Kotor itself and explore the rest of the Bay through day trips or occasional overnight stays to experience the different local atmospheres.
Kotor
Kotor is the most popular destination in northwestern Montenegro. This is where the majority of cruise ships come into the Bay and drop off visitors for day trips, and where people with shorter 3-day itineraries usually base themselves.
While it can be quite crowded in the summer, Kotor is absolutely beautiful in June and September.
The heart of the city is the UNESCO-listed Old Town, a pedestrian-only maze of narrow cobblestone streets, historic churches, and lively plazas filled with outdoor cafรฉs.
If youโre looking to get active, there are a few ways to experience the dramatic cliffs surrounding the city. The main trailheads for the first two hikes are within a 5-minute walk of the Old Town gates:
- The Kotor Fortress Walls: This is the classic tourist hike consisting of about 1,350 stone steps leading up to St. Johnโs Fortress. It costs around 15โฌ, but the views of the red-tiled roofs against the blue bay are worth it.
- Tip: Youโll also find several hidden gems along the way, including the 15th-century Church of Our Lady of Remedy and various stone ruins perfect for a photo op.
- The Ladder of Kotor: For a more rugged (and free!) experience, take this historic mule track. It features over 70 switchbacks outside the city walls. One must-visit spot along the way is the Cheese Shop, a rustic stone hut specializing in homemade goat cheese.
- Tip: You can actually shortcut between the two trails via a small window in the fortress wall.
- Skurda Canyon: Located near the ridge line, this trail requires proper gear as it can be technical and slippery. Youโll veer off the trail to navigate a rocky path between glacial rock walls and thick vegetation. Deep inside the canyon is a hidden waterfall that flows all the way down to the bay.
- Tip: Consider visiting this spot on a guided Canyoning Skurda River Tour for some added adventure.
If you prefer to enjoy the views without a physical challenge involved, the Kotor Cable Car takes you up the southern ridge line with unobstructed views of the Bay. To get there, take a 10-minute taxi ride from Kotor Old Town to the Lower Station in Dub, which is where the cable car departs.
๐จ Kotor Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Kotor
๐ธ Kotor Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Kotor
Perast
Just 20 minutes up the coast from Kotor lies Perast, a quiet stone village that feels like a living museum.
Most people visit on a day trip from Kotor via a Perast Old Town & Our Lady of the Rocks Tour. This 2-hour boat trip includes a stop in Perast and a visit to Our Lady of the Rocks, a unique man-made island featuring a 17th-century church and museum with some of the best views of the Bay.
You can also visit without a tour via car or taxi. If you go, spend some time at Bujoviฤ Palace, home to the Perast City Museum.
Inside, you can explore the townโs maritime history, and for a small entry fee, you can walk out onto a stone balcony for a perfectly framed view of the two island churches, Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George.
๐จ Perast Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Perast
๐ธ Perast Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Perast
Budva
While Budva is famous for its lively nightlife and as a former vacation getaway for celebrities like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, there is much more to the town than just its party reputation.
Situated on the Adriatic Sea about 40 minutes from Kotor, this coastal destination showcases its Venetian history with ancient stone walls that still hug the shoreline.
Travelers often come for the beaches, but the Budva Old Town is a must for history lovers. I recommend visiting the 9th-century Church of Santa Maria in Punta or the Citadela Budva, a medieval fortress built to ward off sea attacks.
Despite the city being busy during the high season, there are plenty of ways to relax. Youโll often see locals rolling out blankets on the Public Dock at sunset, or you can head to Bazen Rondo, a pool at the Hotel Slovenska Plaลพa open to the public that offers some peace away from the beach crowds.
Similar to Kotor, Budva offers great hikes like the trek to Mogren Fortress for coastal views and the Seven Bay Trail, a scenic coastal walk stretching from Stari Grad to Sveti Stefan that passes through several hidden coves and pine forests.
๐จ Budva Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Budva
๐ธ Budva Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Budva
Tivat
Located just 15 minutes from Kotor via the Vrmac tunnel, Tivat is the smallest municipality in the Bay of Kotor.
While parts of the town have a quiet, local feel, it is most famous for Porto Montenegroโa superyacht marina filled with high-end boutiques and palm-lined promenades.
Itโs also home to the small Tivat Airport (TIV), which is a great alternative if you want to fly in from Croatia or Albania instead of Podgorica.
Because Tivat sits on a different section of the Bay, you cannot walk there from Kotor. Instead, take a 30-minute boat ride or a short taxi journey to explore the marina and the surrounding town for an afternoon.
In terms of things to do, I loved the Monastery of Miholjska Prevlaka, a little monastery that occupies its own island. Follow the single lane road from the main land and you’ll first enter into a tidy garden with grass and flowers. There are hidden areas where you can sit on the grass and relax here for a few hours or enjoy the Bay of Kotor views.
Also check out PI Museum & Gallery. It’s relatively small, taking about an hour to walk through, but showcases contemporary work from Montenegrin artists and explains some of the regional history. I came here on a super hot day to get out of the sun and was pleasantly surprised by the exhibits.
Tivat is also known for the beaches, including Belane and Kalardovo. However, there’s a quirk you need to know something about the Bay: you’re going to be hard pressed to find any sand!
Lots of us travelers have this idealized belief that every beach in the Mediterranean will be sandy and pristine like Spain’s Costa del Sol, but that isn’t always the case. Most of the beaches you come across in the Bay of Kotor will have smooth pebbles instead.
๐จ Tivat Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Tivat
๐ธ Tivat Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Tivat
Herceg Novi
Herceg Novi sits near the western entrance of the Bay and is an easy 55-minute boat ride or 45-minute drive from Kotor. The city is truly stunning, with medieval stone structures built up to the very edge of the small peninsulas jutting into the water.
I loved Forte Mare, yet another fortress wall close to the edges of the Herceg Novi facing the Adriatic.
If you arrive by boat, be sure to explore the Former Submarine Tunnel, which was a secret hiding spot for Yugoslavian war ships.
You can find more of Montenegro’s Yugoslavian history at the Old Town Museum. This exhibit demonstrates the historical evolution of Herceg Novi through memorabilia, photography, and preserved relics of the past. A big part of that are the Yugoslavian military objects and framed dinara bills.
If you’re craving a bit of culture, check out Gallery Josip Bepo Benkovic, a little art space with free entry. In less than an hour, you’ll be able to cover the full exhibit and see modern work from local artists.
๐จ Herceg Novi Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Herceg Novi
๐ธ Herceg Novi Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Herceg Novi
Podgorica
Podgorica is the capital of Montenegro and is a bit more inland. This is likely the city you will be flying into if you decide to take a flight to Montenegro.
Although Podgorica is a bit further from the Bay of Kotor, you can still get here by car or cab in about 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Admittedly, Podgorica doesn’t have the same allure that the Bay of Kotor has. It’s an inland city, surrounded by flat land and mountains.
Most people treat Podgorica as a connection hub for the airport, but honestly, I had a lot of fun in the city as a female solo traveler. I found it to be very safe, and the city itself is quite lovely to explore any time of day.
I enjoyed the architecture of the Orthodox Temple of Christ’s Resurrection and walking along the Moraฤa River.
There is also a surprisingly great foodie scene. For the best atmosphere, head to Bokeลกka Street or Njegoลกeva Street in the city center, where pedestrian-only blocks are lined with trendy bistros and cafรฉs, or explore the Capital Plaza for more upscale dining options.
The illuminated Millennium Bridge passes over the Moraฤa River, where you’ll find riverside bars like Na Moraฤu plaลพni bar (my personal favorite) and Itaka Library Bar, which has a very atmospheric vibe at night.
๐จ Podgorica Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Podgorica
๐ธ Podgorica Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Podgorica
Montenegro Solo Travel Map
To help give you a lay of the land, here is a Montenegro solo travel map. It has all of the places mentioned in this guide pre-plotted:
Tips For Traveling To Montenegro Solo
Now that we’ve gone over where to go, let’s go over some tips for making your trip to Montenegro go extra smooth.
Ask waiters for recommendations
I often found they were very friendly and wanted me to try dishes that were unique to Montenegro. Show up to restaurants with an open mind and an empty stomach!
Plan transportation ahead of time
Because transportation in Montenegro can be a bit challenging, I highly recommend you make a plan for getting around the country before arriving. That will significantly lift the burden of figuring it out on the fly.
๐ You can book public transportation on Omio and rental cars on DiscoverCars, which can save you up to 70% with their comparison tool!
Bring euros
Although most places in the tourist destinations will accept major credit cards, you should always plan to bring some cash just in case. This is especially true if you end up wanting to try some snacks at a street food stall or shop at a small vendor.
Book experiences when you arrive
I’ve listed some great tours in this post, but here is a budget tip: if you have some wiggle room in your schedule, wait until you arrive. I found several local operators right in Kotor with prices significantly lower than anything I saw online.
Try the homemade cheese
While Italy and Spain get all the glory for having the best cheese and olives in the world, Montenegro has a quiet yet proud heritage when it comes to homemade cheese.
My cab driver told me that if a restaurant doesnโt make their own cheese, donโt eat there. From then on, I started noticing when menus listed cheese made in-house, and began ordering it everywhere I went.
Download Croatian or Serbian on Google Translate
This might seem like an odd tip, but hear me out. If you need to speak with someone who does not know English, you’re going to want to use an app like Google Translate.
However, at the time of writing, Google Translate does not have Montenegrin on their app. As an alternative, you can download a similar language, like Croatian or Serbian.
There are differences in these languages and the translation wonโt be perfect, but you can still use it in an emergency situation in case you donโt have another option.
Top Montenegro Tours For Solo Travelers
One of the best ways to gain a deeper understanding of the places you visit while making new friends as a solo traveler is to book a guided tour. A few top-rated options include:
- โช๏ธ Blue Cave, Secret Tunnels & Our Lady of the Rocks
- ๐ Private Tour with Cable Car, Kotor, Perast & Our Lady of the Rocks
- ๐ข Montenegro Highlights Tour & Lake Cruise
- ๐ฆ Skurda River Canyoning Adventure
- ๐บ Tuk Tuk Tour of Montenegro’s Magnificent Boka Bay
โก๏ธ Click here for a full list of fun Montenegro tours!
Montenegro Travel Insurance
When visiting Montenegro, it’s wise to get travel insurance to protect yourself and your trip.
If you’re looking for something straightforward, comprehensive, and budget-friendly, SafetyWing is an excellent choice. They offer two plan options:
๐ก Essential, for mid-to-short-term travelers
- Covers emergency medical care, trip delays, and evacuations
- Flexible 28-day subscription or fixed-date coverage for specific trips
- Add-ons available for adventure sports, electronics theft, and U.S. coverage
๐ต Complete, for long-term travelers and digital nomads
- Includes most Essential benefits, plus routine care, mental health support, and maternity coverage
- Covers you both abroad and in your home country
- Comes with adventure sports coverage, cancer screenings, outpatient services, and therapies like chiropractic care
โก๏ธ Click here to compare plans and protect your trip.
FAQ About Traveling To Montenegro Alone
Now let’s answer some frequently asked questions from solo travelers visiting Montenegro:
Q) How many days do you need in Montenegro?
To see the best of Montenegroโs coastline and explore some of the countryโs interior, I would recommend at least 4-5 days. Plan your transportation wisely and be sure to explore some of the small villages near the Bay of Kotor.
Q) Is there good hiking in Montenegro?
Montenegro is known for its natural beauty and national parks, so you’ll have plenty of options for hikes. If you have at least 10 days, consider doing the epic Peaks of the Balkans trek through Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo. The accommodation along the hike is also great for cultural immersion, as you’ll stay in guesthouses and interact with locals.
Q) Can you drink tap water in Montenegro?
Tap water is generally safe in Montenegro. I drank water from the sink and public water fountains, and didnโt have an issue.
Q) What is the currency in Montenegro?
Montenegro uses the euro, and most restaurants and museums will accept international credit cards.
Q) Are credit cards widely accepted in Montenegro?
Yes, credit cards are accepted in most major tourist cities like Kotor, Budva, and Podgorica; however, itโs always a good idea to bring cash in case you want to purchase from a small shop or street food stall.
Q) Is English widely spoken in Montenegro?
Yes, while Montenegrin is the official language of the country, a lot of locals do speak English as a second (or first) language. English is most common near the coast, where the majority of the countryโs tourism is concentrated.
Next Steps For Planning A Solo Trip To Montenegro
While solo travel always brings unique challenges, Montenegro is a safe country that offers the chance to explore one of Europe’s more underrated destinations.
If your solo trip is anything like mine, you’ll meet welcoming people, enjoy incredible food, and immerse yourself in a culture where rugged mountain traditions meet a relaxed Adriatic lifestyle.
After returning home, I found myself constantly thinking about my time there and planning a second visit. I have no doubt youโll feel the same way.
Ready to start mapping out your route?
If you’re wondering how to fit all these destinations into one trip, check out my 3-day Montenegro itinerary. It breaks down exactly how to navigate the Bay of Kotor, beat the crowds, and see the best of the coast in a single long weekend.
What tips would you add to this Montenegro solo travel guide?
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