A crucial question for every traveler visiting Montenegro for the first time. This guide will provide everything you need to know about resorts in Montenegro—where to stay, their pros and cons, and which one suits you best. Most importantly, Montenegrin resorts differ significantly from each other, making the choice an essential one.
Table of contents:
- Resorts in Montenegro: Map & Overview
- Best Places to Stay: Pros & Cons of Montenegrin Resorts
- Tips for Choosing the Right Resort
It will be difficult for you to plan your dream trip to Montenegro without these websites
Resorts in Montenegro: Map & Overview
Montenegro is a small country with direct access to the Adriatic Sea. If we compare it geographically, its coastal neighbors are Croatia to the north and Albania to the south.
While Albania’s beaches differ significantly from Montenegro’s, distinguishing Croatian resorts from Montenegrin ones can be challenging. They share the same climate, similar landscapes, identical coastlines, and even medieval architecture.
A common question I get asked is: Where is it better to vacation—Croatia or Montenegro? You can find a detailed comparison of both countries.
Now, let’s dive into the specifics of Montenegro’s resorts.
Montenegro’s coastline stretches for about 200 kilometers, and within this span, there are three main tourist regions, each with its own distinct characteristics.
Sometimes, these differences can be quite significant.
Below is a map of all Montenegrin resorts for your convenience.
Best Places to Stay: Pros & Cons of Montenegrin Resorts
Now, let’s examine the three main resort areas separately. I’ll outline the advantages and drawbacks of each, helping you determine which factors might impact your vacation.
Important:
Most beaches in Montenegro are pebble beaches, as this is a characteristic of the region. There are some sandy beaches, but they are less common. If beach type is crucial for you, check out the detailed beach reviews for each town below.
Bay of Kotor and Its Resorts
Good to know:
When Montenegrins refer to the Bay of Kotor, they may also call it the Kotor Bay or simply Kotor Gulf—it’s all the same. The entire area on the map is officially known as the Bay of Kotor.
The most popular tourist towns in the Bay of Kotor include: Herceg Novi, Perast, Kotor, Tivat
Cons of Staying in the Bay of Kotor:
- Very few beaches. Most tourists sunbathe on concrete platforms or tiny patches of shoreline.
- Shorter daylight hours. The bay is surrounded by towering cliffs, meaning the sun appears an hour later and sets 1.5 hours earlier than in other resorts.
- Cooler seawater. Many cold mountain springs flow into the bay, making the water colder than in other coastal areas.
- Crowds from cruise ships. Between 1 to 3 massive cruise ships dock in Kotor daily, bringing thousands of tourists into the small old town.
- No open sea views. Unlike other Montenegrin resorts, here, you’ll only see the bay, not the vast Adriatic Sea.
- Steep terrain. All towns in the bay are built on mountain slopes, meaning you’ll be constantly walking uphill or downhill—which can be challenging, especially with a stroller or young children.
Who Will Love It Here?
Despite these drawbacks, the Bay of Kotor is a paradise for history and architecture lovers. It’s filled with medieval streets, fortresses, and churches, making it a dream destination for romantic strolls and cultural exploration.
Best towns for cultural tourism:
- Kotor – rich in medieval history and architecture
- Perast – a romantic, postcard-perfect town
- Herceg Novi – famous for its 8-km-long promenade
Budva and the Budva Riviera
I’m sure most readers have heard of the Montenegrin city of Budva. Budva and the small surrounding villages proudly bear the name Budva Riviera.
For reference, the distance between Budva and Kotor is just 22 km (about a 30-minute drive). You can stay in Budva and take day trips to explore the Bay of Kotor.
- Long beaches where you’ll be relaxing right by the sea
- Warmer water: about 3-4 degrees warmer than in the Bay of Kotor
- Stunning daily sunsets
- The city is mostly flat, making it convenient for families with strollers. Hills begin about 2-3 km from the beach.
- Budva also has a charming Old Town, a fortress, and narrow medieval streets.
Budva is the most developed resort town in Montenegro, offering:
✔ Large supermarkets
✔ Markets
✔ Hospitals
✔ A full range of services
Additionally, it is centrally located, making it easy to explore Montenegro’s attractions.
Both international airports (Tivat and Podgorica) are within 60 km of Budva.
Towns of the Budva Riviera
- Budva
- Bečići
- Sveti Stefan – the famous island hotel (there’s a separate article about it)
- Petrovac – a charming seaside town
- Sutomore
However, the Budva Riviera has a downside: it is the most popular resort in the country, meaning it is crowded in peak season.
✔ July-August: Expect packed beaches and high prices in cafes and restaurants.
✔ April-May & October: A much better time to visit—beautiful and peaceful.
✔ One of the best locations for families with children.
Montenegro’s Southern Resorts: From Bar to Ulcinj
The third vacation zone in Montenegro stretches from Bar to Ulcinj, near the Albanian border.
What to Know About This Region:
Bar is not very interesting for tourists. It is:
- A major port city
- Home to a military base (taking up much of the coastline)
- Montenegro’s largest railway cargo terminal
Yes, Bar has a beach and a promenade, but…
However, Bar is a key transportation hub, with ferries departing for Italy. It is also the country’s shopping capital (more on that in the articles linked).
Better Options in the South: Dobra Voda & Ulcinj
Dobra Voda and Ulcinj are the best places for a beach vacation in southern Montenegro.
✔ 300+ sunny days per year
✔ Warm sea & breathtaking sunsets
✔ A small Old Town with medieval streets (not as large as Kotor or Budva)
✔ Velika Plaža – Montenegro’s longest beach (13 km), with rare sandy shores
These towns are quiet and not as crowded with tourists, but still have all the necessary infrastructure for a comfortable stay.
One downside: They are far from Montenegro’s main attractions and airports. If you plan to explore the country, Ulcinj is not the best base. However, if your goal is to relax on the beach, this is a fantastic choice!
Read more:
- Overview of Ulcinj
- Dobra Voda – a cute city of the Adriatic
Where to Stay in Montenegro: Tourist Tips
Final Thoughts: Which Resort is Right for You?
Good to know:
If you’re traveling independently (without a vacation package), the best option is to stay in multiple locations – especially if you have a car. Many tourists split their time, for example: One week in Budva + One week in Ulcinj – a perfect combo!
- Budva and the Budva Riviera are the #1 choice for a reason:
- ✅ Everything you need for a perfect vacation.
- ✅ The most popular and well-developed resort.
- ✅ Ideal base for day trips across Montenegro.
- Peak Season Alert (July-August)
- Expect crowds everywhere in Montenegro, especially in Budva.
- If you prefer peace, book accommodation in nearby towns.
Best Resorts for Different Travel Styles
✔ For families & beach lovers → Budva Riviera or Ulcinj’s beaches.
✔ For history & architecture enthusiasts → Kotor & Herceg Novi.
✔ For exploring Montenegro’s sights → Budva is the best base.
Personal Favorite
I personally love Ulcinj – it’s calm, beautiful, and peaceful.
Final Word
Montenegro’s resorts are all great. The only drawback for me (as a bit of an introvert) is the summer crowds. But with 3 million tourists visiting a country of only 600,000 people, you won’t find anywhere completely tourist-free.
Ultimately, the choice is yours, but most travelers prefer the Budva Riviera.
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