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Page Contents
- Why Montenegro Is Great For Solo Travellers
- Choosing Your Base In Montenegro: Kotor And Budva
- Top Places To Visit As A Solo Traveller In Montenegro
- Making Friends As A Solo Traveller In Montenegro
- Flying To Montenegro
- Safety In Montenegro For Solo Travellers
- Getting A SIM In Montenegro
- Tourist Tax In Montenegro
- And That's A Wrap!
- FAQs for Solo Travellers in Montenegro
Why Montenegro Is Great For Solo Travellers
Montenegro is an underrated summer vacation destination on the southern coast of the Balkans that’s undeniably awesome for solo travellers. It’s a stunning country that has a mix of natural beauty, Adriatic coastal towns, historic sites, and rugged adventurous landscapes. I spent two weeks travelling solo in Montenegro, exploring this incredible country's ins and outs and enjoyed every moment of it. In many ways, Montenegro offers a refreshingly different, yet similar experience to its popular neighbour, Croatia, making it a hidden gem in Eastern Europe.
Montenegro is a very small and accessible country. You can drive end-to-end within 4 hours making it perfect for those travelling alone to explore all its major spots within a short trip. The country is safe, welcoming, and easy to navigate, adding to the appeal for those exploring alone.
The core summer months bring many tourists to the coast which leads to higher prices than other places in the Balkans. However, Montenegro is slightly more affordable than most EU coastal destinations making it a great option for a European summer getaway. With its Eastern European and Mediterranean influences in the culture, food, architecture, and traditions, Montenegro is undoubtedly a fun place to visit!
Choosing Your Base In Montenegro: Kotor And Budva
When visiting Montenegro, I highly recommend choosing Kotor and Budva as your bases – both are fantastic spots for solo travellers. If you’re short on time and can only stay in one place, don’t worry; Kotor and Budva are just 30 minutes apart, making day trips between them an easy option.
However, if you’ve got a few extra days, consider setting up in a third area that interests you like Podgorica, Perast, Tivat, Ulcinj, or Bar. I had some extra time and made Podgorica my base for a few nights, splitting my stay between Kotor, Budva, and Podgorica for a fuller experience.
During my time in Montenegro, I opted for a mix of vacation rentals and hostels and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Montenegro has a ton of social hostels which make it awesome for solo travellers and making new friends. If you like a bit more private space and a more quiet expeirence, there's no shortage of vacation rentals and hotels in Montenegro.
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Kotor
Kotor Old Town is one of the most charming small towns I’ve ever been to. It’s a historic, walled medieval town crafted almost entirely from stone. The Old Town is filled with winding streets that lead you to discover local restaurants, cafes, bars, and boutique shops around every turn.
Some of my personal highlights in Kotor were a hilltop sunset barbecue, exploring the town walls, partying on a boat, and relaxing by Kotor Bay. As one of Montenegro’s top destinations, Kotor is ideal for meeting fellow travellers amidst all its activities and small town feel making it a solid solo travel spot.
Where To Stay As A Solo Traveller In Kotor
For solo travellers, there’s a fantastic range of accommodations that align with different vibes for different travellers. If you enjoy a hostel environment, I highly recommend Old Town Hostel, Montenegro 4U, and Centrum – all these hostels are super social with tons of local activities. For digital nomads, Kotor Nest is an ideal accommodation with a co-working space and a central location in the heart of the Old Town.
You’ll also find a variety of vacation rentals and hotels that make great solo travel bases. Staying within Kotor’s Old Town walls is my recommended choice, but if you’d like a quieter stay, look at nearby areas like Dobrota, which is just a short walk away. You can also consider staying in charming towns along Kotor Bay – Perast, for example, has a stunning historic centre and a great variety of cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Tours & Experiences In Kotor
I've always found booking tours and experiences a great way to explore a city and meet likeminded travellers on solo trips. Check out some of your options with GetYourGuide in Kotor below.
Budva
Just a 30-minute drive from Kotor, is Budva – Montenegro’s lively hub for nightlife, lively beach vibes, and water sports. Larger and more bustling than Kotor, Budva has better beaches, a historic old-town charm, and all-day all-night party vibes. Though Budva’s beaches and party life is better, Kotor’s medieval charm cannot be matched.
While in Budva, I spent the sunny days at beach clubs and kayaking in the Adriatic sea. After the sun went down, I’d spent my nights out at bars in the Old Town and clubs around the promenade with other travellers I befriended on my journey. Known as Montenegro’s party capital, Budva is a must-visit for those who enjoy an energetic social scene – check out my guide to party cities for solo travellers if you’re into nightlife.
Where To Stay As A Solo Traveller In Budva
For the best experience, I recommend staying in either Budva Old Town or along the Budva Promenade. These areas put you right in the heart of the action, with easy access to the beach, historic sites, and the city’s nightlife.
If you’re up for the social hostel life, Freedom Hostel is your highest rated choice. Budva is also packed with vacation rentals and a wide selection of hotels that offer easy access to both beaches and nightlife.
Tours & Experiences In Budva
I've always found booking tours and experiences a great way to explore a city and meet likeminded travellers on solo trips. Check out some of your options with GetYourGuide in Budva below.
Top Places To Visit As A Solo Traveller In Montenegro
The best part about Montenegro is that it’s a tiny country and everything is just a quick drive away. No matter which part of the country you’re staying in, it’s pretty easy to get to the other side of the country within 3 hours making it perfect for day trips. When you’re in Montenegro, here are a couple of options of top places to visit outside of Kotor and Budva:
Lake Skadar: Skadar Lake is the largest lake in southern Europe. It’s ideal for a peaceful solo experience out in nature. You can venture out into the lake on a boat tour or a kayaking tour and spend time among the beautiful lily pads.
Durmitor National Park: This spot is for the hikers and adventurers! Durmitor has some thrilling hikes, breathtaking views, and an epic descent into Europe’s deepest gorge, the Tara River Canyon.
Perast: Perast is a charming, serene town known for its Venetian architecture and historic churches just a few km north of Kotor. It’s tiny and precious and you can likely stroll through the whole town in just 2 hours. Try catching a sunset here if you can!
Podgorica: Montenegro’s capital doesn’t get the love it deserves as it is often overlooked by tourists. I experienced the city’s slow vibes that were, in contrast, different from the heavy tourist buzz of Kotor and Budva.
Bar: Known for its mix of ancient and modern, Bar is a buzzing coastal town with a historic old town in the mountains. This one’s another cute coastal town of many in Montenegro that is worth exploring.
Tivat: If you’re in the mood for a bit of luxury, head to Tivat’s Porto Montenegro, an upscale marina with a handful of chic cafés, designer shops, and yachts. Enjoy a relaxed stroll along the waterfront or grab a coffee with a view.
Sveti Stefan: Just a quick boat ride from Budva, Sveti Stefan is a tiny island resort famous for its ultra-luxurious offerings. While the island is private, you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings from the beach or hike up to get an elevated view of this iconic attraction.
Ulcinj: This gem is known for its sandy beaches, lively atmosphere, and rich history. The Old Town of Ulcinj feels like stepping into another era with its narrow streets and Ottoman influences.
Making Friends As A Solo Traveller In Montenegro
Montenegro has an energetic summer party culture making it a fun and easy place to meet others - especially solo travellers just like you. Many tour companies and hostels host regular events like boat parties, pub crawls, and group dinners - all of which are fun activities for social solo explorers. In popular cities like Budva and Kotor, the nightlife scene is electric, with bars filled with life after sunset.
Booking tours and experiences can also be an effective way to meet like-minded people in Montenegro. Platforms like GetYourGuide and Viator offer plenty of options for small group adventures, where you can gel with others over shared experiences. If you’re looking for more casual meetups, apps like Couchsurfing and Hostelworld allow you to find other travellers nearby who might be up for exploring or linking up for other activies.
Btw, if you’re looking for tips to meet others while travelling solo, check my blog post How To Make Friends While Travelling Solo.
Flying To Montenegro
Tivat Airport is well-connected to numerous international destinations, making it an ideal entry point for your Montenegrin adventure. Located close to both Budva and Kotor, it’s the most convenient airport if you’re planning to explore Montenegro’s coast.
If you haven't booked your trip yet, use our Skyscanner widget below to get an idea of flight prices for the dates you’ve got in mind. If you spot a great deal, you could lock in your tickets to Montenegro today!
Alternatively, you can reach Montenegro by bus or car as well. Many travellers choose to drive from neighbouring coastal countries like Croatia, Serbia, and Albania, enjoying a scenic road trip along the way.
Safety In Montenegro For Solo Travellers
Montenegro is generally a safe destination for solo travellers, with low crime rates and friendly locals. Like any country, it’s wise to not blindly rely on the country’s safe reputation and not go out specifically to find trouble. Honestly, safety isn’t really a concern here and you’ll be just fine on your trip. For all my solo travelling sisters, Travel Ladies App rates it 4.7/5 and ranks it as their #22 safest country for solo female travellers.
The roads can be narrow and winding, so if you rent a car, drive cautiously, especially in the mountains. When hiking or exploring national parks, make sure to stay on marked trails, as some remote areas may lack mobile network.
Though Montenegro is a safe spot, I’ll never take a chance with my health travelling solo far way from home. To stay protected on my travels, I have chosen Genki as my travel insurer. Genki is an insurance company that is literally dedicated to world travellers, backpackers, and digital nomads. They’ll cover you in every country with a flexible month-to-month plan and no long-term commitment. Genki will have your back across activities like kayaking in Lake Skadar and hiking in Durmitor. Knowing that Genki has me covered makes life a little less stressful.
Getting A SIM In Montenegro
When you land in Montenegro, I strongly suggest you purchase a SIM card to stay better connected as a solo traveller. Purchasing a local SIM on your travels is usually better than activating your existing provider’s roaming plan. I managed to get two weeks of 5G data with a generous 500GB for just €15 in Montenegro, which is fantastic value!
Alternatively, I recommend checking out Airalo for an eSIM while travelling in Montenegro. I've used it multiple times on my trips around the world, and it's been a lifesaver. It’ll save you the hassle of hunting for SIM cards at airports and local markets – you can purchase it easily on your phone and you're good to go!
📱 Explore eSIMs For Montenegro With Airalo →
Tourist Tax In Montenegro
Montenegro has a small daily tourist tax of about €1 per day and “technically” all visitors are required to pay this. While they don’t really enforce this rule strictly, it’s best to comply with this to avoid any hassle at the airport when you’re leaving the country. Fortunately, many accommodations and rentals can direct you on how to complete the registration, so it’s worth asking your host or at the reception. It’s a quick process and takes only about 10 minutes, so it’s best to get it done than worry about it later.
And That's A Wrap!
Thanks for taking the time to go through this solo travel guide – I hope you found it useful! If you like offbeat summery beach destinations, Montenegro is an underrated option that is worth exploring! From hiking to partying to relaxing to water sports, Montenegro has a ton to offer for solo travellers. I really enjoyed my solo trip to Montenegro and I truly hope you do too!
Frequently Asked Questions About Solo Travel In Montenegro
How many days do I need for Montenegro?
I’d say around 5-7 days is ideal. Montenegro is small, so you can cover major spots like Kotor, Budva, and Lake Skadar without rushing, and still have time to soak in the beaches and mountains.
Is Montenegro English friendly?
Yes, especially in tourist areas! I found most people in places like Kotor and Budva spoke enough English for basic communication, and younger locals are often quite fluent.
Is Montenegro safe for solo female?
Absolutely. Montenegro is one of the safest countries in the world for solo female travellers Just like anywhere, using common sense goes a long way, but overall, Montenegro has a very welcoming and safe vibe.
Is Montenegro cheap or expensive?
I found Montenegro to have similar prices compared to Western Europe. Popular areas like Budva and Kotor can be pricier in peak season.
Which is cheaper, Croatia or Montenegro?
Montenegro is hand-down cheaper than Croatia. Croatia’s coastlines are beautiful but are more expensive for tourism because of its popularity, especially in hubs like Dubrovnik. Montenegro offers a similar experience but one at a more affordable rate because of its hidden gem status.
Why is Montenegro so famous?
Montenegro is famous for being a fun coastal summer vacation spot with amazing nature and nightlife. It’s known for its stunning Adriatic coastline, dramatic mountains, and charming small town. The country has a lot of different landscapes, which makes it a good spot for both beach lovers and outdoor adventurers.
What is the best time to visit Montenegro?
Shoulder season is perfect for Montenegro i.e. late spring in May-June and early autumn in September. You’ll miss the peak crowds, the weather’s still warm, and you get a more relaxed vibe in popular spots like Kotor and Budva.
