This is a brief yet insightful article for travelers. You’ll learn about the dominant religion in Montenegro and how it coexists harmoniously with other faiths in the country. The Montenegrin example is valuable for many nations. I’ll also explain how religion affects tourism and what visitors should be prepared for.
Table of contents:
- Religion in Montenegro: Key Points
- A Brief Overview of Orthodox Christianity in Montenegro
- Islam and Judaism in Montenegro
- Travel Tips for Tourists
It will be difficult for you to plan your dream trip to Montenegro without these websites
Religion in Montenegro: Key Points
Montenegro is a very small country, measuring just 250 km by 200 km, with a population of a little over half a million. However, its history spans nearly 30 centuries. Over the years, Montenegro has experienced hundreds of wars and countless rulers. The country has been conquered and incorporated into various empires, including the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires.
As a result, different religions have dominated at various points in Montenegrin history, sometimes even being imposed by force. Perhaps this explains why Montenegrins today are so tolerant of different faiths. Various religious communities coexist peacefully in the country, without conflicts, oppression, or discrimination.
To better understand how religion has evolved in Montenegro, I highly recommend an interesting read on the country’s history—from the Roman era to Yugoslavia.
Good to know:
The primary religion in Montenegro is Orthodox Christianity. Around 72% of the population identifies as Orthodox Christians.
Here’s how Montenegro’s population is distributed by religious affiliation, based on the latest census:
- Orthodox Christianity – 72%
- Islam – 18%
- Judaism – 7%
- Catholicism – Less than 3%
A Brief Overview of Orthodox Christianity in Montenegro
As the statistics show, Orthodox Christianity is the dominant faith in the country. Montenegro is home to a vast number of churches and monasteries, some of which are not only religious landmarks but also significant architectural heritage sites.
One of the most remarkable sites is Ostrog Monastery, built entirely into a cliff at nearly a kilometer above sea level. But Ostrog is just one of many:
- Morača Monastery
- Cetinje Monastery. Overview of the first capital of Montenegro – Cetinje and the monastery.
- Piva Monastery
…and this is just a fraction of Montenegro’s sacred landmarks.
Religious tourism is quite popular in Montenegro, with many pilgrimage tours and routes through the country’s sacred sites. You can read more about Montenegrin monasteries in a dedicated article.
Good to know:
While Orthodox Christianity dominates throughout Montenegro, there are two regions where nearly half the population follows Islam.
Islam and Judaism in Montenegro
Judaism in Montenegro
Jewish communities are scattered across the country rather than concentrated in any specific region. Judaism accounts for just 7% of Montenegro’s religious population, and there are no distinct Jewish neighborhoods or settlements. Synagogues are also scarce—I know of only one, located in Podgorica.
Islam in Montenegro
Islam is practiced by 18% of the population, and most of Montenegrin Muslims reside in just two or three regions:
- Plav, Gusinje, and the Prokletije Mountains, near the borders of Albania and Kosovo
- Ulcinj, Montenegro’s southernmost town, also bordering Albania
- Areas along the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina
Good to know:
Both Bosnia and Albania are predominantly Muslim countries. Historically, the Montenegrin regions where Bosniaks and Albanians live have remained largely Muslim. Notably, only about 15% of Montenegro’s Muslims are ethnic Montenegrins—the rest are mainly Albanians and Bosniaks.
In central Montenegro, mosques are rare, but in the small town of Plav, there are seven, and in Ulcinj, there are over ten. Several times a day, the call to prayer can be heard from the minarets.
By the way, Ulcinj is one of my favorite Montenegrin coastal destinations—check out my in-depth guide on it.
Religion in Montenegro: Tips for Tourists
Different religions have coexisted peacefully in Montenegro for centuries. There is no religious hostility or prejudice here. Montenegrin Muslims are generally moderate in their beliefs—for example, many drink alcohol, which is almost a necessity in Montenegro’s social culture! Additionally, by appearance alone, it’s often impossible to distinguish between Muslims and Orthodox Christians.
As a tourist, you have nothing to worry about—Montenegro is completely safe, regardless of your faith. No one will judge you for wearing a swimsuit on the beach, and even in Muslim-majority areas, there are nudist beaches and a women-only beach where men are not allowed. This reflects the country’s tolerant approach to religion, free from radicalism.
Some universal travel etiquette to follow, not just in Montenegro but anywhere:
✅ Respect all faiths and local customs.
✅ Avoid discussing religion or politics with strangers.
In Conclusion:
Montenegro’s main religion is Orthodox Christianity, followed by Islam. However, the country has no religious prejudice or tensions. Montenegrins have learned a lot from their history, and tolerance toward others is one of their greatest strengths.
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