Montenegro
Dos & Don’ts in Montenegro
A little Balkan know-how goes a long way.
✅ Do:
Greet people with a friendly “Zdravo!” – It’s a warm, casual hello.
Carry cash – Many small towns and beaches are still cash-preferred.
Drive along the coast – The Adriatic views are unreal. Think fjords-meet-riviera.
Respect local pace – Montenegrins are chill. Rushing feels out of sync here.
Dress modestly at monasteries or churches – Shoulders and knees covered.
❌ Don’t:
Expect everything to run on time – “Montenegro Time” is real. Trains and ferries can be flexible with schedules.
Ignore nature etiquette – The Bay of Kotor and Durmitor are protected — don’t litter or stray from trails.
Assume everyone speaks English – Most young people do, but outside major towns, basic phrases help.
Bring up politics or identity topics – Ethnic history here is sensitive and deeply personal.
Underestimate the mountains – Driving inland gets very twisty. Make sure your rental has decent brakes.
🪪 What’s the Vibe in 2025?
Montenegro is booming… quietly. It's still a hidden gem, but word is out. Coastal towns now have summer crowds, especially from cruise ships and Balkan road-trippers.
There's visible tourism development (some new resorts, ports) but much of the inland and northern areas remain peacefully rustic.
While not facing the same immigration wave as Western Europe, there’s increased border scrutiny (especially for road-trippers from Albania or Serbia), so make sure your docs are tight.
→ Rhodes Tip: Shoulder season (May & September) is when Montenegro really shines. Fewer crowds, full sun, and warm sea — minus the cruise mobs.
🌊 Coastal Cool:
Kotor is stunning but packed – Cruise ships drop 1,000+ people daily in summer. Explore at dawn or overnight it in nearby Perast.
Skip Budva’s beaches in July – Instead, hit Petrovac or Luštica Bay for clearer water and fewer boom-boxes.
Don’t overlook Herceg Novi – A charming hill town near the Croatian border with chill cafés and sunset views.
⛰️ Mountains, Lakes, and Quiet Places:
Durmitor National Park is a hiker’s dream – lakes, canyons, and pine-scented air.
Ostrog Monastery is jaw-droppingly built into a cliff. Go early — it gets busy and spiritual.
🚗 Travel Notes:
Driving is the move – Public transport is patchy, especially in the north.
Rent a boat in the Bay of Kotor – It’s the only way to really understand the geography. Bring snacks and float all day.