While I chose Montenegro as a place to explore outside the Schengen zone, I quickly discovered the breathtaking views, good food and historic towns that make this country a must visit! If you are looking to avoid the much more touristy Croatia (though I still recommend it), Montenegro’s position on the Adriatic Sea provides similar beaches, gorgeous coastlines and a quickly booming tourism industry. From hiking to white water rafting to scuba diving, Montenegro has adventures for everyone.
History of Montenegro
The Balkan state of Montenegro hosts just over 650,000 people, smaller than Nashville and many cities around the world. Montenegro declared its independence from Serbia in 2006, so the country as we know it today is still in its infancy. It was originally inhabited by the Illyrian and Celtic tribes before falling under Roman rule. Montenegro eventually became part of the Byzantine Empire and fought against Ottoman invaders. After WWI, it was incorporated into Yugoslavia. Today, Montenegro is a parliamentary democracy and hopes to become a full member of the Eurozone. Even though the country is about the size of Connecticut, it boasts 115 beaches along the Adriatic coast, including Long Beach, a 13 km sandy beach. Montenegro is home to the Tara River, the second-deepest canyon in the world (behind the Grand Canyon).
Is Montenegro Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Yes! Montenegro is generally safe for solo female travelers and the majority of locals are very welcoming and friendly. While English is not widely spoken outside the tourist’s areas, the people are more than willing to help, and translator apps or hand motions worked well. As always, be aware of your surroundings, especially at night and keep your belongings secure. Be sure to keep your rental car locked and nothing valuable left in sight (as with anywhere). I had no issues in the country and felt extremely safe driving around the country, hiking alone and being out in the evenings.
Currency of Montenegro
While Montenegro is not a full-fledged member of the European Union, Montenegro uses the Euro (€) as its official currency, making it convenient for travelers visiting other areas in Europe. Credit cards are not as widely accepted in the smaller towns, so it’s a good idea to carry some cash, especially for smaller transactions. For more information on the best debit cards for travel, read this post. If you are wondering about currency exchange, check out our post here.
What Language is Spoken in Montenegro?
Montenegro has several official languages, but the primary language is Montenegrin. Serbian, Bosnia, Albanian and Croatian are also official languages and spoken throughout Montenegro. English is spoken by the younger generations and throughout the tourist areas. I would encourage you to learn a few words in Montenegrin, such as hello (zdravo) or thank you (hvala). The locals are generally helpful and want the tourism industry to boost the local economy. As such, they try to assist the tourist whenever possible. If you need directions or advice on local restaurants, just stop someone and ask! A friendly smile goes a long way.
Visa for Entry into Montenegro
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Montenegro for stays up to 90 days. If you plan to stay longer, you will need a temporary residence permit. They are not a part of the Schengen zone, so your visit will not count toward the 90-day limit every 180 days in the Schengen countries. For more information about the Schengen zone, read our post here.
Infrastructure
Montenegro is rapidly boosting their tourism industry, but infrastructure is a little slower to develop. Some roads can be narrow and difficult to navigate, so I recommend getting a compact rental car. Public transportation does exist, with a bus network connecting major towns, but they can be crowded and have limited stops. There are trains, but I don’t currently recommend them for your travels as the destinations are limited and more in line with local needs and not tourist locations. If you want to reach more remote areas like the Tara River or Ostrog Monastery, I recommend booking a tour or renting a car. I have no doubt that the infrastructure will catch up to the rapidly expanding needs but take care and exercise patience at this time.
Things to Do in Montenegro
Montenegro sits on the Adriatic Sea, offering coastal towns from Kotor to Budva with crystal-clear waters and beautiful beaches. Central Montenegro is home to dramatic mountains and scenic national parks like Durmitor and Lovćen that offer amazing hiking trails and epic views. Montenegro is a blend of cultures from Mediterranean, Ottoman and Slavic empires making the towns well-preserved historical sites and an architect’s dream. Raft down the Tara River or kayak in the Adriatic Sea if you are an outdoor adventure enthusiast. The compact size of the country makes it easy to travel between destinations.
Whether you’re a history buff or adventure junkie, Montenegro has something for everyone. Even those looking for a peaceful retreat away from the tourist’s crowds of Croatia, Italy and Greece will find solace in Montenegro. The diverse culture, scenic landscapes and local cuisine make Montenegro worth visiting.
Check out our 7-day itinerary for the best Montenegro road trip that includes all the highlights!
Some content may contain affiliate or referral links. As an Amazon Associate, I also earn from qualifying purchases. When you click on and/or make a purchase through an affiliate link placed on Lifetime Tidbits, I may receive a small commission or other form of compensation at no additional cost to you. Please see my Disclaimers Page for more information. Thank you for reading!
Kommentarer