Summer in Montenegro: Best Beaches, Coastal Towns and Where to Stay

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Whether you’re exploring its Adriatic coastline or breathtakingly picturesque countryside, Montenegro is often described as one of the best places to visit in Europe for its wild beauty.

Although there is much to see in the realm of culture and history, Montenegro is, first and foremost, a place to experience for its nature. Its outdoor playground is the best reason anyone should plan a trip to Montenegro in the summer.

The summer months in Montenegro are wondrous and absolutely ideal whether you’re looking to sit back on the beach, go camping or trek to the top of the country’s tallest peak.

While the beaches of Montenegro make a strong argument as the perfect place to holiday in the summer, the glacial lakes, rivers and meadows of the countryside are just as compelling.

In this guide, discover the best places in Montenegro to visit during the summer including beaches, coastal towns, and inland highlights.

The Essentials for Visiting Montenegro in Summer

🤑 The official currency used in Montenegro is the euro. Although the country is not part of the European Union and there isn’t a formal agreement of the euro currency adaptation, you will see need to use the euro for any transactions. Additionally, many places will also accept USD if you’re in a touristy area.

📞 Since Montenegro isn’t part of the EU, your European data plan for your phone will likely not work. Purchase an eSIM card that’s specific to Montenegro or a global plan so you can use your cell’s data.

🚗 Public transportation is not Montenegro’s strong suit. Unless you’re interested in a summer holiday that keeps you in one place (like Kotor Bay) during the entire time, you need to rent a car to get around Montenegro.

🚐 While vacationing in a popular destination during your summer in Montenegro, you can get by with booking local tours as your form of transportation if you want to do some sightseeing.

🗣 Montenegrin is the primary language spoken in Montenegro but you will also notice a mix of Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian and Albanian. Unless you’re visiting a frequented destination like Kotor Bay, do not expect to regularly hear a ton of English.

Summer in Montenegro Tourist Map

Best Places on the Montenegro Coast

Kotor Bay

Kotor Bay is a defining and unique feature to Montenegro’s overall appeal. Unquestionably, it’s the most well known destination in Montenegro, even among foreign tourists.

As a place to spend summer in Montenegro, it’s quite ideal in every aspect and has the complete package as a place to vacation.

From beautiful hotels, attractions, landmarks and places to lounge by the water, Kotor Bay is an excellent summer holiday for both couples and families.

Resembling a fjord, the Bay of Kotor is a stunning body of water which touches the Adriatic Sea and reaches inland through a series of winding waterways to the historic village of Kotor. Along the bay, you’ll also find additional quintessentially charming coastal towns such as Rose, Herceg Novi, and Perast.

Additionally, Kotor Bay is home to some of Montenegro’s most iconic attractions like the Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks church on an island.

⚓️ See the Highlights of Kotor Bay: Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks Boat Tour

For swimming, there are beaches dotted around the entirety of Kotor Bay, some of which you’ll find yourself completely alone while visiting

Kotor Bay is also surrounded by mountains which makes it a great compromise between enjoying both land and sea during a summer trip.

Where to Stay in Kotor Bay

Rose

💰 Villa del Mare – 1-Bedroom Apartment with Balcony

💰💰 Agape Rose – 4-star Hotel with Pool

💰💰💰 Villa Male Rose – Entire Villa with Private Beach

Herceg Novi

💰 Apartments Belvedere – Budget Friendly Studio Apartment

💰💰 Apartments Porobic – Apartment with Seaview and Balcony

💰💰💰 Hotel Perla – Hotel with Beachfront Location and Pool

Perast

💰 Apartmani Armonia – Best Value and Great Location

💰💰 Conte Hotel & Restaurant – Stone Hotel in the Town Square

💰💰💰 Heritage Grand Perast By Rixos – Luxury Hotel in 18th-Century Palace

Kotor

💰 Apartment Miguel – Centrally Located and Budget Friendly

💰💰 Apartments Hun – Design Oriented Boutique Style Apartments

💰💰💰 Historic Boutique Hotel Cattaro – 4-star Hotel with Rooftop Terrace and Dining

→ 📸 Find the best things to do in Bay of Kotor ←

Budva

The resort town of Budva is famously known for its nightlife, which makes it the perfect place to go in the summer for groups or anyone looking to party.

At the center of Budva is one large half-moon bay which is divided into numerous beach clubs, waterfront bars, and restaurants. The area is packed with higher-end hotels, all-inclusive resorts, and a bustling energy.

On the edge of a peninsula in Budva, you’ll find the small yet delightful few streets of the historic town center, defined by the Budva Citadel. There is also an active port in Budva, which means it’s very easy to charter a boat or join a boat ride tour.

For those who enjoy a summer holiday with excitement and activities, Budva is the best coastal option.

🛶 Top Rated Activity: Budva Cave Tour by Paddle Board or Kayak

Sveti Stefan

Among the most dreamy places in Montenegro is the miniature island of Sveti Stefan. Merely connected by a narrow sandbank to the mainland, Sveti Stefan is a revived 15th-century fishing village.

By the year 1954, there were only 20 inhabitants left behind which were eventually forced out by the authorities of the Communist Party of Yugoslavia.

It may be an undiscovered gem for many, but Sveti Stefan has long been in the spotlight for those who knew where to look. Celebrities including Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, and members of the British royal family have all enjoyed Sveti Stefan.

Sveti Stefan is unquestionably among the most photogenic places to visit in Montenegro, especially in the summer. Surrounding the island, there are a handful of beaches on the mainland along with no shortage of 4 and 5-star hotels to complete the iconic experience.

For the best view of Sveti Stefan from above, head to the hilltop Monastery Praskvica.

🍾 Most Exclusive Hotel in Sveti Stefan: Maestral Resort & Casino

Petrovac

The seafront village of Petrovac is tucked away at the base of green mountains and is located halfway between the two big cities of Budva and Bar. Petrovac is historic as it is picture perfect and known to have origins dating back to Roman times.

From the shore of the gorgeous Petrovac Beach, you can catch a glimpse of two uninhabited islets in the near distance. You can take a quick boat ride to visit the St. Nedjelja Church, located on the top of tall rock that sits in the middle of the sea.

Comparatively, Petrovac is much more quaint than its larger neighbours and also features a handful of hiking trails along the wooded riviera. At the edge of town, sits Kastio Castle, a Venetian fortress. It is the best location in Petrovac to catch the sunset and dive into the turquoise water from its terrace.

👍 Top Rated Hotel in Petrovac: Hotel Harmony

Bar

Bar is a port city along the coast of Montenegro and even connects passengers coming from southern Italy. The direct city of Bar is not an ideal destination to consider for a summer holiday because it is rather industrial and doesn’t exactly scream “vacation spot.”

However, venture a little north to the smaller villages between Vrelo Brca and Mrčele to find secluded beaches and beautiful villas to rent.

Above the seaport and in the hills, you’ll come across the real gem in Bar, old Bar (also known as Stari Bar). The Old Fortress of Bar consists of an ancient neighborhood-like complex with many churches, a clock tower, and ruins of the palace which are continuously being restored.

It is here where you’ll find the best panoramic view of new Bar and its coastline.

🛌 Find a place to stay in Bar, Montenegro

Ulcinj

As one of the oldest settlements on the coast of the Adriatic, Ulcinj is believed to have been founded sometime in the 5th century. After Ulcinj was exchanged through the hands of various empires, the city has been touched by influence from the ancient Byzantines, Greeks, and Venetians.

Today, it is uniquely defined throughout Montenegro for having a majority of its population identify as Albanian.

After centuries of accumulating layers from notable periods in history, the Old Town of Ulcinj was protected in 1961 as a national treasure. The historic center of Ulcinj still sits on the UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites.

The Ulcinj Fortress and Museum of Local History in Ulcinj are impressive sites for those keen on leaning into the city’s cultural significance.

Vacationers looking to spend summer in Montenegro will undoubtedly be drawn to Ulcinj’s sandy beaches as well as picturesque clifftop beach clubs, ideal for lounging.

🥘 Top Rated Activity: Local Cooking Class in Ulcinj

10 Best Beaches in Montenegro

🏖 Plaža means beach in Montenegrin. Keep a lookout for this while traveling in Montenegro in summer!

1. Jaz Beach

• Located here near Budva
• Enormous beach with both paid beach clubs and free areas
• Mostly sandy and ideal for young children

2. Kamenovo Beach (Kamenovo Plaža)

• Located here near Sveti Stefan
• Exceptionally gorgeous turquoise water
• Abundant parking nearby
• Can be hiked to through this pedestrian tunnel

3. Mogren 2 Beach

• Located here near Budva
• Scenic location underneath a cliffside
• Easily accessible by walking from old town Budva

4. Drobni Pijesak Beach

• Located here between Sveti Stefan and Petrovac
• Sandy beach with a shallow entrance that’s perfect for kids
• Waterfront restaurant
• Inclusive of both paid umbrellas and public beach

5. Perazica Do Beach

• Located here near Petrovac
• Crystal clear water fantastic for snorkelling
• Off-the-beaten-path location with just a couple of snack bars
• Small pebble beach

6. Buljarica Beach (Buljarica Plaža)

• Located here near Petrovac
• Ideal water conditions for snorkelling
• Gigantic in size and plenty of space to find privacy

7. Kraljichina Beach (Kraljičina Plaža)

• Located here near Čanj and Sutomore
• Wild and secluded beach that is only accessible by sea
• To reach the beach, you can kayak or take a quick water taxi from Čanj

8. Mali Pijesak Beach

• Located here near Dubrava
• Small pebble beach that is small in size but big in beauty
• Sheltered by big rocks which creates a calm place to swim
• Can be reached by a pedestrian-only path

9. Plavi Horizonti Plaža

• Located here near Kotor Bay
• Large and sandy half-moon bay with clear water
• Protected as an inlet which means the water is often still
• Parking is offered on-site and the beach is surrounded by forest in each direction

10. Peskovita Plaža Perast

• Located here near Perast
• Thin strip of beach comprised of sand and fine pebble
• Free to visit with many public areas for seating
• Incredibly scenic setting with views of Kotor Bay and Perast town

⛵️ Top Rated Boat Tour: Perast Old Town & Our Lady of the Rocks

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Non Coastal Summer Holiday Destinations in Montenegro

Durmitor National Park

As one of four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Montenegro, Durmitor National Park is the top natural attraction in the country. It covers an impressive area of 32,100 hectares (79,000 acres), comprised of farmland, shepherds, and their flocks, and picturesque countryside.

Visiting Durmitor National Park is a must-do for spending summer in Montenegro if you are an outdoor lover.

Durmitor National Park is considerably well protected and even recognized internationally for its natural importance. Many projects and guidelines have been put into place to evade threats to the park’s ecosystem, glaciers, numerous lakes, geological heritage and more.

Comparatively, it does not feel touristy and instead, rightfully wild.

Dinaric Alps

The Durmitor National Park consists of a limestone massif belonging to a larger mountain range, the Dinaric Alps (also known as the Dinarides). The Dinaric Alps act as a common denominator among the Balkan states and additionally run through Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Kosovo, Albania and Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Bobotov Kuk

The highest mountain in Montenegro is found in Durmitor National Park and goes by the name of Bobotov Kuk. It sits at an altitude of 2,523 metres (8,278 feet) and is a favorable goal for both beginners and expert mountaineers who are determined to reach the peak.

Crno Jezero

Durmitor is home to nearly 20 glacial lakes within its borders. The largest among them is the Black Lake, also known as Crno Jezero. It is a popular hiking destination for those visiting the national park and also one of the most dreamy sceneries in Montenegro. Crno Jezero sits in the middle of a forest with a stunning backdrop of the Bobotov Kuk peak in the background.

Tara River Canyon

Montenegro is home to the deepest gorge in Europe, the Tara Canyon (also known as the Tara River Gorge). It measures roughly 1,300 meters (4,300 feet) and consists of the rushing river that extends for over 145 km (90 miles). The extraordinary Tara River Canyon is an admired destination in Montenegro for river rafting and zip lining.

→ 🎒Book a tour of the Black Lake and Tara Canyon ←

Đurđevića Tara Bridge

While the Tara River Gorge can be admired in many locations throughout the national park, there’s no place like the Đurđevića Tara Bridge to fully understand the sheer greatness of the canyon. Just outside of the Žabljak municipality lines is the Đurđevića Tara Bridge which towers over the river at 172 m (564 ft).

Completed in 1940, it features five arches and a skillful architectural design that curves with the body of the gorge.

→ 📸 Top Rated Activity: Tara River Canyon and Bridge Tour ←

Pešića Lake

The Berane Municipality of eastern Montenegro is among the top places for hikers and campers. Characterised by picturesque valleys, plateaus, rolling hills, and surrounding mountain summits, this piece of natural paradise is located near the Biogradska Gora National Park.

Consisting of countless trails, the Pešića Lake is a destination for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone looking to enjoy summer camping in Montenegro. Pešića Lake and its surrounding beauty is among the least touristy places one can visit in Montenegro.

Grebaje Valley

Situated in the Accursed Mountains which is also known as the National Park Prokletije, a visit to the Grebaje Valley is worth the journey, despite its name that implies misfortune.

From the nearby town of Gusinje, the remote Grebaje Valley is just 10 minutes away but has the magic to make you feel entirely secluded. Many outdoor fanatics will visit the Grebaje Valley for day-long treks, mountain biking, and climbing excursions.

The Grbaje Valley is a hidden highlight of Montenegro’s nature. When visiting in the summer, you’ll be engulfed by a wild flower meadow and extraordinary views of the jagged pointy cliffs on both sides, just towering above you.

This is a must-visit destination for adventurers looking to embrace the wild beauty of Montenegro’s landscapes.

Lake Plav

Summer in Montenegro doesn’t have to only be spent by the sea. During the summer months, many local tourists choose to experience a vacation by the lake instead.

Lake Plav is a glacial lake and among the largest of its kind in Montenegro. It has an altitude of just over 900 metres (2,952 feet) and is an absolute dream for enduring the hot days of summer.

With clear and calm water, it’s a beloved summer holiday hot spot for families. The town of Plav sits just behind the perimeter of the lake and is a haven for finding the perfect vacation rental.

High-end hotels, camping sites, guesthouses, and entire villas can all be booked for a summer trip in Montenegro on Lake Plav.

Lake Shkodra (Lake Skadar)

Divided and shared by both Montenegro and Albania, Shkodra Lake is the largest lake on the Balkan peninsula. It is largely known as a treasure of an ecosystem as much as it is famous for its history.

The shores of Lake Shkodra consist of swamps, which makes the area densely rich in biodiversity and a paradise for flourishing flora and fauna. Lake Skadar is home to almost 300 different species of birds, in addition to toads, tortoises, and other slimy critters.

Once belonging to the territory of the Slav kingdom of Zeta, proof of settlements on the lake extend even further to the Iron and Stone Ages. Today, it is a bucket list destination for bird watchers, wildlife and plant life enthusiasts.

→ 👍 Top Rated Activity: Guided Lake Skadar Cruise ←

Pavlova Strana Viewpoint

The Crnojevica River snakes its way through Montenegro’s lush green landscape before reaching Skadar Lake. It may only be 13 km (8 miles) long, but the route is undoubtedly magnificent as it flows through the lily-filled river bends.

Among the most iconic and stunning sceneries in Montenegro is found at the Pavlova Strana Viewpoint. Additionally, it’s possible to hop on a boat cruise from the small village of Rijeka Crnojevića and float on through to Lake Skadar.

→ 🍷 Book a history and winery tour of Skadar Lake ←

Lovćen National Park

To reach the best view in Montenegro, you must visit the Lovćen National Park located near Kotor Bay. The journey to reach Lovćen is half the experience as you trail along one of the craziest hairpin roads, also known as the Kotor Serpentine, to get to the top.

The road could be wider and the cliffside is certainly steep, so you may want to keep your eyes closed if you’re afraid of heights.

🍇 Top Rated Tour: Lovcen National Park with Food & Wine Tasting

Along the route, there are a handful of places to pull over and soak in the best panoramic view of Kotor Bay. Once you reach the summit, you will also find the Mausoleum of Petar II Petrovic-Njegosh.

This unique attraction and must-see landmark in Montenegro is the burial ground for a former Prince-Bishop of Montenegro. Clearly, it’s not a bad place to be laid to rest because the view from the top is absolutely mesmerizing.

The mausoleum in Lovćen National Park has an entrance fee, and you must climb 400 steps to reach the peak from the parking lot. We happened to visit outside of opening hours (9am – 5pm) and were able to access the stairway for free.

🚖 Book private transportation to the Mausoleum of Njegoš

Is Montenegro a Good Destination for a Summer Holiday?

The smaller country of Montenegro is often overshadowed by Croatia, its popular neighbour in the north. The great news is – while foreigners are gathering in Croatia to go island hopping, you can enjoy a more laid-back version of summer in Montenegro.

Montenegro may not be the flashy summer hotspot that Croatia is known for, but it still boasts a coastline of beautiful Adriatic Sea beaches, coastal towns, and mountain lakes to enjoy during an ideal summer vacation.

→ 🌞 Find flights to Montenegro for the summer ←

Does Montenegro Have Nice Beaches?

For most travellers seeking the perfect summer destination, beaches are a must. Montenegro proudly possesses nearly 300 km of Adriatic Sea shoreline and consists of beaches, resort towns and bays.

The beaches in Montenegro are a jumble of everything from long half-moon bays, skinny coves, and amenity-filled beach clubs. Although a majority are pebble beaches, Montenegro also has a ton of sandy beaches.

→ 🌊 Book a Montenegro Coast Excursion ←

Is Montenegro Hot Enough in June?

June temperatures in Montenegro will typically remain below 25°C / 77°F. The sea is just beginning to warm up so it’s definitely not at its hottest point like it would be in August but still acceptable for swimming.

Visiting Montenegro beaches in June is ideal because the crowds (consisting of families with kids in school) have not yet made their way on vacation.

→ ☀️ Find summer flights to Montenegro ←

Final Thoughts on Spending Summer in Montenegro

• Kotor Bay is the best inclusive destination in Montenegro for a summer trip. It has everything you’d want from a vacation including fantastic beaches, incredible scenery, historic landmarks, and exciting attractions.
• Staying in Kotor Bay allows for you to not have to rent a car since alternative modes of transportation exist such as guided tours.
• For those that aren’t interested in booking tours to see the top sights in Montenegro, you need to rent a car in order to get around.
• Do not spend all of your time just on the coast. Summer in Montenegro is just as enjoyable when visiting the national parks with their many lakes and rivers.
• If possible, plan a summer holiday in Montenegro during June instead of July and August. This will help you steer clear of crowded beaches and higher-priced accommodation.

✈️ Find flights to Montenegro in June

Summer in Montenegro Travel Resources

☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com

🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com

🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries

🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago

☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator