Pros and cons of Montenegro

11.02.2025

2 Min Read

This article will primarily cover the pros and cons of Montenegro for tourists. However, if you’re planning to live here, you’ll find some valuable insights as well. We all know that living in a country and traveling through it are entirely different experiences. The little quirks that may amuse you as a tourist could start to irritate you after six months, and vice versa.

Table of contents:

Cons of Montenegro for Tourists
Pros of Montenegro
General Tips

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Disadvantages of Montenegro — This is what the beaches of Montenegro look like in the high season 🙁

Cons of Montenegro for Tourists

Let’s start with the drawbacks — these are what most people are curious about. I’ll list them briefly, providing comments where necessary. Many points will be self-explanatory.

Montenegrins are heavy smokers. Both men and women smoke a lot. People often light up in unexpected places, like train cars or restaurants.
- Despite a smoking ban in public dining places in 2020, ashtrays are still everywhere, and smoking is still common. Finding a non-smoking section in a café can be quite challenging.
Families with young children may face mobility challenges. Many resort towns are located on hills, sidewalks are narrow and often blocked by parked cars, and you’ll encounter cobblestone streets, stairs, and steep inclines. The most stroller-friendly towns with flatter streets are Budva and Bar.
- All about holidays with kids in Montenegro
Montenegro lacks wide, long beaches. There is one 13-kilometer beach called Velika Plaža near Ulcinj on the Albanian border. However, most other beaches are small, often just 50 to 100 meters long, and often consist of pebbles or even concrete slabs. The beaches in the Bay of Kotor are particularly problematic.
- About the resorts of Montenegro and where is the best vacation
Crowds during the high season. The coastline is just over 200 km long, yet Montenegro receives about 3 million tourists annually. On the beaches, it often feels like only the top layer of people is sunbathing. Expect traffic jams, crowded beaches, and litter during peak season. Things calm down significantly by September.

pros and cons of montenegro beaches — Most urban beaches, especially in the Bay of Kotor, are crowded during peak season. The photo was taken in late October; in July, there wouldn’t be a single free spot.

Pros of Montenegro

Now let’s move on to the positives, which far outweigh the drawbacks.

No visa required for half the world’s countries.
Euro currency. This is incredibly convenient. Upon arriving at the airport, there’s no need to exchange money.
- Interestingly, Montenegro isn’t part of the EU or the Eurozone — they use the Euro “illegally.” Read more in the article The currency of Montenegro..
Fantastic Mediterranean climate with mild winters. Even during winter months, coastal temperatures hover around 15°C (59°F).
300+ sunny days a year.
Short flights from anywhere in Europe.
Much cheaper than neighboring Croatia, yet with warmer weather and similarly stunning landscapes, sea views, and nature.
- Where is it better to spend your holidays: in Montenegro or Croatia?

Extremely hospitable people. Montenegrins are exceptionally friendly, treating tourists like old friends. They have a special fondness for children.
Delicious cuisine with generous portions — a paradise for meat lovers. Vegetarians won’t go hungry either. Read more about Montenegro’s National Cuisine and Must-Try Dishes.
A perfect blend of nature, mountains, and medieval architecture. Whether you love hiking, enjoying the sea, or wandering through charming old streets, Montenegro has it all.
It’s safe. Yes, there are occasional petty thieves, but that’s the case in any tourist destination. All about safety in Montenegro.
Compact size. Active travelers can explore the entire country in two weeks.