I had long dreamed of sitting on Lake Como and channeling my own Amal Clooney vibes. The celebrity infested lake is one of 3 of the large lakes north of Milan, including Lake Garda and Lake Lugano. When I finally arrived on the shores of Lake Como, I had mixed feelings. I kept thinking about the underrated country of Montenegro. Is Lake Como worth visiting? Let’s compare a vacation to both Montenegro and Lake Como. Should you visit underrated Montenegro or glamorous Lake Como?
Location
Montenegro – Montenegro sits on the Adriatic Sea south of Croatia, offering crystal-clear lakes and beautiful coastlines. It’s known for its rugged mountains, the Bay of Kotor and Lovćen National Park. The natural scenery is particular stunning.
Lake Como – Lake Como is famous for the ritzy towns like Bellagio and Varenna. George Clooney has made Lake Como a household name, but it’s the dramatic mountain scenery and charming lakeside towns that keep people coming back. Surrounded by glamorous villas, Lake Como boast high-end shopping and celebrity sightings.
Activities
Montenegro – Montenegro is a history buff’s dream. Montenegro declared its independence from Serbia in 2006, but it was incorporated into Yugoslavia after WWI. 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. The historical towns offer architectural marvels and rich cultural diversity. Montenegro is also the perfect destination for adventure seekers with white water rafting, kayaking, hiking and boating available. For more on Montenegro, check out our road trip post!
Lake Como – The first activities that come to mind at Lake Como are spas and wellness retreats. The area has boating and hiking as well, but visiting luxurious villas is certainly a favorite pastime. We filled our days taking ferries to the different picturesque villages. Since we were stationed in Como City, we enjoyed leisurely evenings in the square and indulged in lots of boutique shopping.
Cultural Experience
Montenegro – Montenegro has a rich cultural heritage due to its varied history. The country offers many medieval towns, traditional cuisine and even local festivals. Due to its cultural diversity, many different languages are spoken through the country.
Lake Como – Lake Como is known more for attracting international celebrities than ensuring local customs are widespread. It has a more glamorous reputation, offering high-end restaurants and high fashion boutiques. The elegant villas offer privacy and custom vacations for the world’s elite. For more information about Lake Como, check out our post that answers the 10 most common questions about Lake Como.
Affordability
Montenegro – Due to its up-and-coming vibes as the next tourist destination tends to offer lower prices and more affordability compared to its neighbors like Croatia or Italy. However, infrastructure is still developing, making some tourist destinations harder to reach and public transportation is limited. Local restaurants offer fresh seafood and traditional dishes at a reasonable price and your budget will go further here than Lake Como. Accommodations can be $75/night for a midrange hotel.
Lake Como – If you haven’t already picked up on it, Lake Como is the vacation spot of the rich and famous. As such, lakeside towns like Bellagio or Tremezzo offer premium accommodations with access by ferry or private yacht. If you are looking for more affordable accommodations, consider staying in Como city, which still offers access to the rest of the lake but for less. Accommodations can be $200/night for a midrange apartment in Como City. Expect to pay more in one of the local villages like Bellagio or Varenna.
Accessibility
Montenegro – While Montenegro is becoming more popular as a tourist destination, it’s still relatively off the beaten path. As such, it offers a more authentic experience, though international flights are limited into the capital city of Podgorica. A rental car is encouraged to make attractions more accessible and allow you to maximize your trip.
Lake Como – Unless you are flying by private jet, most tourists will enter Lake Como by train from Milan. Much of the lake is well-connected and the local ferries allow easy access to accommodations around the lake. You can drive around the lake, but the ferry system is largely used by tourists. We were able to walk around Como City during our stay, taking cabs once or twice for further out restaurants.
Safety
Montenegro – Generally speaking, Montenegro is 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.
Lake Como – Due to the wealthy tourists and celebrities, Lake Como has more security than other areas of Italy. However, that means additional security is needed due to pickpocketing and some petty theft. It’s important to keep your valuables protected and in sight. Remember to stay aware of your surroundings, especially on crowded ferries or while shopping in the villages. We didn’t have any issues, but I carry my Travelon fanny pack locked at all times.
For more safety tips, check out our post on ways to keep your valuables safe when traveling or read about our favorite personal safety devices.
Conclusion: If you are looking for a little off-the-beaten path adventure with authentic local experiences, Montenegro might be the better choice with its cultural heritage and natural beauty. On the other hand, if luxury and glamour and the chance to rub elbows with the rich and famous appeals to you, then Lake Como could be the perfect destination.
Which one appeals to you more?
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