I’ll tell you what gifts and souvenirs from Montenegro are popular, how much they cost, and what is worth bringing back for your loved ones. This article will help you prepare for souvenir shopping and give you an idea of what Montenegro has to offer.
Table of contents:
- Gifts and Souvenirs From Montenegro: General Points
- What Souvenirs to Bring Back from Montenegro
- Culinary Delicacies from Montenegro
- Alcoholic Gifts for Colleagues and Friends
It will be difficult for you to plan your dream trip to Montenegro without these websites
Gifts and souvenirs from Montenegro: general points
If you’ve read other articles on this topic, they often mention shopping and affordable Italian brands.
First of all, what does that have to do with Montenegro? A leather belt can be bought in Turkey, Albania, Montenegro, or Italy, and it will likely come from the same factory.
Secondly, I often hear that shopping here is incredibly cheap. Yes, it might be cheaper than in some other countries, but that’s not unique to Montenegro. Prices are also lower in Poland, and Turkey, for example. Montenegro is no exception.
Good to know
Montenegro’s proximity to Italy and Europe in general, along with low import duties, makes shopping here quite affordable. You’ll find many European brands and outlet stores. While you won’t find the latest collections—that’s what Milan is for—there is a decent selection, and prices are generally reasonable.
- For detailed information about shopping and stores in Montenegro, check out our separate article.
- Want to know how to get to Italy from Montenegro by plane or ferry? Read about it here.
But this article focuses specifically on gifts and souvenirs that are associated with Montenegro—things that will remind you of this country and that you can bring back as presents rather than just for yourself.
Souvenirs from Montenegro
To be honest, Montenegro doesn’t have many unique souvenirs that are exclusively tied to the country. There’s no signature item that immediately screams, “This is definitely from Montenegro!”
Most Montenegrin souvenirs are mass-market products. Here’s what you’ll find in tourist shops:
- Magnets – from €2
- Plates, keychains, bells, and similar trinkets – from €2
- T-shirts with “Montenegro” prints – from €5
- Scarves, tote bags, and accessories – from €5
There are also souvenirs featuring national symbols and items designed to look handmade, but most of them are factory-produced.
- Traditional clothing – from €10
- Gusle (a traditional stringed instrument) – from €7
- Montenegrin caps – probably the most authentic national gift, costing around €10–15
- Wooden and wicker handicrafts – from €5
- Textiles with national symbols
- Religious items – such as chalices, candlesticks, crosses, and even icons. Read more about religion in Montenegro at the link.
That’s about it when it comes to Montenegrin souvenirs. While there are plenty of souvenir shops packed with items, truly unique products are rare. In the end, you’ll likely find yourself choosing from a sea of fridge magnets.
Food, on the other hand, is a completely different story. Culinary souvenirs are often much more appreciated than a simple fridge magnet.
Food gifts from Montenegro
Montenegro is a paradise for food lovers. The cuisine is delicious, portions are generous, and ingredients are fresh and locally sourced. Best of all, many of these treats can be taken home. Here’s what to look for:
- Prosciutto (Pršut, the Balkan version of Spanish jamón) – from €12/kg
- In the village of Njeguši, located on the slopes of Mount Lovćen, every household sells homemade pršut. It’s incredibly flavorful.
- Cheese (made from cow, goat, or sheep milk) – from €7/kg
- Olives – from €5/kg
- Extra virgin olive oil – from €7 per 0.7L
- Mountain honey – from €7 per 250g jar
- Ajvar – from €3 per 500g jar
Ajvar is a traditional spread made from roasted red bell peppers. It’s available in every store, produced by various brands.
⚠ Be careful: If you see “Ljuti ajvar” on the label, it means it’s spicy! If you prefer a milder taste, go for the regular ajvar.
Most of these food products are vacuum-sealed, so they’ll easily survive the journey home.
Looking for more details about Montenegrin cuisine and what to try? Read here.
Good to know:
People often ask about Montenegrin cosmetics. The truth is, Montenegro doesn’t have its own cosmetics industry. With a population of just 600,000, the country imports nearly all cosmetics from Italy or Serbia. This means prices can be even higher than at home. For example, it’s nearly impossible to find sunscreen here for less than €15, so it’s best to bring it with you.
Alcoholic Souvenirs from Montenegro
Now, when it comes to alcohol, Montenegro is a fantastic place for gifts. Every household makes its own rakija and wine, yet you won’t see drunken locals—only the occasional tipsy tourist. Montenegrins know how to drink in moderation.
So, what alcoholic souvenirs should you bring back?
- Rakija (homemade fruit brandy, similar to moonshine)
- Made from grapes, pears, apples, raspberries, blackberries, etc.
- Prices start at €8 per 0.5L
- Wine
- Montenegro’s most famous wines are Vranac and Krstac
- Vranac – a dry red wine made from local grapes
- Krstac – a dry white wine
- Prices start at €3 per bottle
- Montenegro’s most famous wines are Vranac and Krstac
- Gorki List – a 40% herbal liqueur
- Pelinkovac – another herbal liqueur, similar to Jägermeister but stronger
- Beer – from €0.5 per 0.5L
- Montenegro has only one major brewery: Nikšićko. It produces a standard European lager. If you’re looking for craft beer, wheat beer, or radlers, you’ll have to buy imported brands, which cost around €1 per 0.33L.
For a more detailed guide on Montenegrin wines, beer, and other alcoholic drinks, check out our dedicated article. You’ll also learn why tourists can’t buy beer in glass bottles at local stores.
Conclusion: What to Bring Back from Montenegro
Choosing gifts and souvenirs from Montenegro is fairly straightforward. The country doesn’t have a huge variety of unique souvenirs, so you’ll be picking from what’s available. The most popular gifts to bring home are Montenegrin pršut, olive oil, and local alcohol—items that truly capture the essence of the country.
gro are not very diverse. But most often, guests of the country bring home Montenegrin prsut, olive oil and local alcohol.
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