For those looking for a one-word answer to the question of which sea in Montenegro, here it is: the Adriatic. This sea not only embraces Montenegro’s shores but also touches Slovenia, Croatia, northern Albania, and Italy’s eastern coast. The Adriatic Sea is part of the Mediterranean basin. Keep reading this short article, and you might learn even more.
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What sea in Montenegro: general information
You might be surprised to learn that nearly 9,000 people search for this query on Google each month. Some even believe that Montenegro has two seas. In reality, the entire 200 km coastline is washed exclusively by the Adriatic Sea.
The coastline is divided into two distinct zones, both climate-wise and in terms of resorts, each with its own unique atmosphere and beach types:
- The Bay of Kotor and its coastal towns
- The rest of the coast, from Budva to Ulcinj and Ada Bojana Island
Find detailed information about the differences between these zones, their weather conditions, and sea temperatures in the following articles:
- Seasons and Weather in Montenegro: Sea Temperature, Climate, Rain, and Winds
- A Guide to the Bay of Kotor: Why is the Water Colder Here?
Good to know:
The Adriatic Sea, particularly near the shores of Montenegro, is known for its stunning turquoise color and incredible water clarity, with visibility reaching up to 60 meters.
Features of the Adriatic Sea in Montenegro
Now that we’ve settled the question of which sea is in Montenegro, let’s discuss the beaches and coastline. Those who have vacationed in Croatia will find the landscapes quite similar — it’s often hard to tell which country you’re in at first glance.
Montenegro’s Coastline
The coastline is predominantly rugged and rocky. In most areas, mountains come right up to the Adriatic Sea. There are only two relatively flat areas, where the towns of Budva and Bar are located.
The coastline is dotted with Mediterranean pines and olive trees. The climate, views, and atmosphere clearly signal that you’re in the Mediterranean region.
Much of the shoreline is formed by steep cliffs, accessible only by boat. However, there’s an excellent coastal road stretching from Ulcinj in the south to Herceg Novi in the north.
What Sea is in Montenegro? About the Beaches
On the whole, Montenegro is not famous for its beaches. Here’s what you need to know about the Adriatic coastline (similar to Croatia):
- Sandy beaches are rare but become more frequent as you head south. Don’t expect fine white sand — it simply doesn’t exist here.
- Most beaches are pebbly, with stones of varying sizes, or consist of concrete slabs. Some beaches have coarse, dark sand mixed with small pebbles.
Good to know:
Many travelers prefer pebbly beaches over sandy ones. Pebbles don’t stick to your feet or get carried into your room and belongings. Plus, the water remains crystal clear without any sand clouding it.
The typical beach in the Bay of Kotor is about 30 to 50 meters long. South of Budva, you’ll find beaches up to 300 meters long, though most remain under 100 meters.
At the southernmost part of the country, near the Albanian border, lies Montenegro’s largest beach: Velika Plaža (Big Beach), stretching for 13 kilometers. Its closest competitor is less than 2 kilometers long.
Read more about Montenegro’s beaches in our comprehensive article, which includes a ranking of the best beaches along with tips and recommendations.
What Sea is in Montenegro? Popular Resorts
Each resort has its pros and cons. There’s no perfect one — I personally haven’t found one yet. Below are the highlights of the main resort towns (from north to south):
- Herceg Novi: There are no proper beaches here or in any other towns along the Bay of Kotor. You’ll sunbathe wherever you can.
- Kotor: Same as Herceg Novi, plus up to three cruise liners dock here daily in summer, each carrying around 1,500 tourists who flock to the Old Town. Crowds are immense, and prices soar.
- Tivat: Just keep driving.
- Budva: The largest coastal city and the most popular resort among tourists. Excellent infrastructure and relatively good beaches by Montenegrin standards. The downside? Crowds. Expect to sunbathe in layers of people.
- Bar: A port city where cargo ships from Italy dock. The main railway station is also here. The beach? A solid “meh.”
- Ulcinj: A charming city with arguably the best beach. Downsides include its remote location and long travel times to key attractions. Plus, it’s nearly two hours from the airport, especially Tivat.
Find a detailed guide on choosing the best resort and where to stay in Montenegro in our article, complete with pros and cons.
Travel Tips
This article aimed to provide a brief overview and answer the question of which sea is in Montenegro. For more detailed information, follow the links provided above.
Good to know:
When comparing Mediterranean seas by water temperature, the Adriatic isn’t the warmest. Due to the rocky coastline and crystal-clear waters, it doesn’t retain heat well throughout the day. Additionally, the presence of mountains means that cold mountain streams and rivers flow directly into the sea.
- I recommend reading another article: the pros and cons of Montenegro for tourists
In conclusion: I hope this article has not only answered your question but also given you a broader understanding of Montenegro’s beaches, resorts, and coastline. Now you know what to expect when planning your vacation.
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