About Montenegro
I recently returned from a trip to the incredible Balkan country of Montenegro. Montenegro is one of the youngest countries in the world, as it became an independent country in 2006 after Yugoslavia was dissolved. Located between Croatia and Albania, Montenegro is not a destination you hear about every day. But I was super interested in visiting, and I am so glad I made the trip! Southeastern Europe is home to some incredible beauty, rugged mountains, the Adriatic coastline, glacial lakes, historic villages, and forests. Montenegro should definitely be on your bucket list!
Black Solo Travel in Montenegro
I honestly hadn’t heard many people talking about Montenegro, so I was really looking forward to seeing this destination for myself. I was a little nervous going into the trip because I wasn’t quite sure how I would be received as a Black woman traveling alone. While there were not tons of other folks that looked like me and I did get a few questions on if I braided my own hair (the answer is no haha), everyone I connected with was kind, helpful and welcoming. It’s funny because I often feel less safe in US cities like Chicago or New York than I did in Montenegro. Everyone I encountered was really friendly, and people were relaxed and willing to help.
It did help that I came toward the end of September so overall, the start of a slower season meant everyone was a little more relaxed. As a Black solo traveler, I would consider Montenegro an intermediate destination. Again, I felt safe during my trip, plus the country was fairly easy to navigate. But things are quite spread out, and I definitely had to do research in advance and have a set itinerary. There also weren’t a ton of hostels if you’re looking to connect with others in that way.
Travel Tips
- I flew into Dubrovnik, Croatia, because it was actually closer to my destination than the main airport in Montenegro, Tivat. It ended up being perfect because I was able to take an Uber and cross the border on land thanks to the visa regulations having a US passport. Montenegro is also very close to Albania, so if you’re looking to stay on the other side of the country, it might be worth looking into flights into Albania.
- Look at a map before you book your hotel and excursions. It took about an hour one way to drive from Herceg-Novi to Kotor. Renting a car will make your life easier because there are a lot of places to visit spread throughout the country. I didn’t rent a car on my trip, but it would have been helpful!
- You’ll need cash, so plan on taking out enough money for your stay. Not everyone takes cards here, especially not taxis.
- I chose to visit Montenegro in September because it was shoulder season, or the travel period between the peak and the off-season. Spring and fall are typically shoulder seasons for Europe, and honestly, it’s the perfect time to enjoy amazing views with few crowds. I recommend going to Montenegro in May or September to avoid crowds and enjoy the great weather. You’ll have a more relaxed experience and just get to see more overall with fewer people around. One note – Kotor is a stop for cruise ships, so it may be congested even during shoulder season.
- If I end up visiting again, I would probably stay a few days in a couple of different places within Montenegro. I loved relaxing seaside but where I stayed ended up being pretty far from Kotor and Porto Montenegro. I’m happy I was able to do some exploring via boat, and I would definitely go back in a heartbeat because there is so much more to explore!
Where I Stayed & Hotel Recommendations
All in all, the accommodations in Montenegro are extremely affordable for the hospitality you get!
Lazure Hotel and Marina
I stayed at Lazure Hotel and Marina because I was looking for a hotel that was a great value and included breakfast as my trip was right before my marathon. I also wanted to have a workspace with an amazing view to inspire me throughout the week, and Lazure definitely delivered!
Located right between the Orjen Mountains and the Adriatic Sea, Lazure opened in 2018 and offers 24 guest rooms in an 18th-century historic building called Lazaret. They have incredible experiences available, from guided tours of Herceg-Novi to kayaking around Perast’s islands. There is no shortage of things to do when you stay here! The property is super affordable, and I loved that it was so close to the water. It was a little bit away from the main sights, but I actually loved that because I was looking for a relaxed week between my work trip in London and a marathon in Berlin. For $200-300 each night, you get an upgraded room with a view of the sea and breakfast included! Other highlights of Lazure included the gym view (check it out here!), an onsite spa, two restaurants, and great service. I also loved my little balcony for relaxation.
@bykwest Loved my room in Montenegro, can’t wait to show y’all the view! #montenegrotrip #solotravels #hoteltours ♬ EVERYTHANG EXCLOOSIVV – ✨ W H A T T A A J O K E E ✨
One&Only Portonovi
Located right on the edge of the Adriatic Sea, One&Only Portonovi is a stunning luxury resort on the western coast of Montenegro. I stumbled upon their restaurant Sabia and enjoyed a great lunch on the beach. This resort is absolutely beautiful, a 10/10 destination. Honestly, this is an underrated honeymoon spot. Their rooms and villas offer views of Boka Bay and have outdoor spaces and fireplaces to cozy up to.
Casa del Mare Boutique Hotel
This boutique hotel brand is a really charming option of cute hotels that are super affordable. There are 6 locations, and one is right near a ferry and beach club, Bocasa Beach and Restaurant. Casa del Mare opened their first hotel in 2009, and the family-run brand has great offerings and higher-end amenities at a very affordable price.
Luxury Stone Villa VRBO
Montenegro is also a great location for vacation rentals! They are super affordable and great for family vacations. There is a lot for families to do there! This vacation rental can hold larger groups and sleeps up to 14. The building is a restored farmhouse with a beautiful pool and deck with great mountain views! This rental runs about $196/night.
What I Ate
Dining at Lazure Hotel and Marina
There were two restaurants at the hotel I stayed at in Herceg-Novi, Rosemarine Restaurant and Augusto Terrace. Rosemarine features a traditional Montenegrin menu with local ingredients and fun fusion recipes. Augusto Terrace is perfect for enjoying the sea breeze with a laid-back meal.
ONE in Porto Montenegro
ONE is a gorgeous brasserie in Porto Montenegro that has a spacious terrace on the prestigious Jetty 1 in Montenegro’s superyacht marina. The menu consists of modern Adriatic/Mediterranean dishes like risotto, fresh seafood, and more.
Sabia at One&Only Portonovi
I stumbled upon this incredible spot in Portonovi around lunchtime. Sabia is a beautiful al fresco spot that serves fine Italian cuisine. I loved being able to enjoy the space and view of the sea without having to stay at the resort. The lunch hour was very quiet and relaxing here.
Konoba Portun in Dobrota
Konoba Portun is a popular Montenegrin restaurant with a fantastic view of the fjords on the coast of Boka Bay. You’ll find a full menu of fish and local soups, as well as an excellent wine selection.
Taverna Pronto Presto in Herceg-Novi
Taverna Pronto Presto is a low-key spot in Herceg-Novi with local bites and vegan and vegetarian options. They have simple traditional dishes at a great price, and you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Bay of Kotor.
Things to Do in Montenegro
Take a boat tour.
There are tons of options for boat tours in Montenegro! The main tour options are:
- Our Lady of the Rocks, an artificial islet in the Bay of Kotor
- Blue Cave, a rock cave where you can also kayak and snorkel
- Old Submarine Base, submarine tunnels built by the Yugoslavian navy
- Mamula Island, a circular islet with a fort that was built in 1853 by the Austro-Hungarian army. The island is currently uninhabited, but there are plans to open a resort on the island soon.
Visit the town of Perast.
20 minutes from Kotor, Perast is a charming seaside town with a lot of history. I wish I would have had a chance to visit the town, but I passed through and would have loved to spend more time here. Perast is one of the best-preserved towns on the Adriatic coast and is full of buildings from centuries ago. Some of the best things to do in Perast include:
- Visiting 28 preserved palaces
- Seeing historic churches
- Taking a boat ride to see Our Lady of the Rocks
- Visiting the Perast Museum
- Trying the town’s specialty dishes, like the Peraška torta
For a full list of things to do in Perast, check out this link!
See Kotor Old Town.
In Kotor, I did an Airbnb photo tour, which is a fun way of getting to know the area. The host was great and shared lots of information and recommendations! I also did a boat tour in Kotor which was incredible!
- Take long walks through historic cities and do some exploring. One of my favorite things to do during my trip was just walking around to see the sights. There is just so much to see here!
- Beach clubs are fun depending on where you’re staying, and Porto Montenegro has a ton of shopping, including a fun Dior store.
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