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.
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It will be difficult for you to plan your dream trip to Montenegro without these websites

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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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.

Pros and Cons of Montenegro: General Tips
The cons mentioned above are hardly noticeable. Perhaps the only real annoyance is the crowded beaches during the high season, where it’s sometimes impossible to find a spot for your towel. On the other hand, Croatia has even fewer proper beaches and just as many tourists.
In conclusion, every country has its peculiarities. Montenegro is no exception. But the millions of tourists who visit each year are a testament to the fact that the positives here far outweigh the negatives. Come and see for yourself — you’ll love it. And your kids will too!
Resources to help you plan your dream trip to Montenegro
- WayAway: Cheap flights and best deals.
- Car rental in Montenegro:
- LocalRent – works with local rental companies. Leader in car rental in Montenegro.
- DiscoverCars – a large international platform.
- Budget-friendly vacation packages to Montenegro: CheapOair.
- Hotels and apartments all over the country:
- Trip.com – the most popular accommodation booking platform
- TripAdvisor compares the prices among dozens of other booking services and offer the best price
- Tours, excursions and activities (including extreme ones):
- GetYourGuide – more than 800 tours
- Viator – 1000+ excursions and activities throughout the country
- Comprehensive travel insurance: EKTA
- Internet and Calls:
- Airalo eSIM in Montenegro
- Drimsim – universal sim card for frequent traveler
- Taxi and airport transfers: Intui.Travel