Montenegro is an underrated beautiful country in the Balkans. It is cheap, safe, and unique. Visitors should go and explore this small country by the Adriatic sea. Below is the list on what you should know and prepare before you travel to Montenegro!
NOTE: Before travelling, make sure to get the latest Government advise of your Destination. Click here for more information
Montenegro – Where is it?
Montenegro is a Balkan (also known as the Balkan Peninsula, a south eastern area in Europe) country. Its strip of coastline is along the Adriatic Sea. The name Montenegro translates to ‘Black Mountain’, as it is known to have numerous black mountains. Its old capital was Cetinje and Podgorica is the current one. Montenegro’s bordering countries are Albania in the South, Serbia in the east and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Northeast. Croatia connects the country by the barest land too in Montenegro’s coastal area.
Photo from Wikimedia Commons
Visa Information
EU Nationals, Schengen visa holders can enter and stay in Montenegro for 30 days upon entry per 180 days period. Filipino citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter Montenegro.
Currency
In 1999, they abandoned the dinar currency to avoid inflation. Today, the country uses the euro currency, even if it is not part of the EU. They use the currency but they cannot reproduce the money in their country itself. Only by foreigners coming to the country will they gain new euros.
Photo by Martha posemuckel
Weather & Climate
Montenegro has a Mediterranean climate; dry summers, mild wet winters. Its mountains however are relatively cold. During summer, the country is dry, averaging to 27 °C (81 °F). During May-Jun and Sept-Oct, the country is sunny, with day temperatures averaging to 20 °C (69 °F).
Medium weight clothing is to be worn during the winters and boots, and heavy overcoats are needed when taking a hike to the mountains on winter. During summer, lightweight clothes are to be worn but for the colder nights, jackets and jumper are a must.
Transportation
Public transportation of Montenegro is a bit different. Trains are more comfortable and cheaper than buses. Transportation is usually only connected with cities and it is not so with the smaller towns. Cities are small and the locals prefer to walk although this might be challenging to visitors.
Car rentals tend to be more expensive during summer if you have plans to rent a car for your visit.
Photo by JK
Country Landscape
The coastal areas of the country feature the old towns of Kotor and Budva which is frequently visited for its grandeur and medieval beauty. Soaring alpine mountains lie in the upper part of the country, with Bobotov Kuk as its highest peak, located in the Durmitor National Park. The Tara River Canyon also lies in the park with dense forests. The country’s centre is a vast plain land where some are used for agriculture but poor terrain and soils allow only 10% to be cultivated. The South part of the country is a vast wetland, with the Lake Skadar as its center.
Photo by Shant Dem
Photo by Bear Lissimo
Language
Montenegrin is the Balkan country’s official language. Serbian, Croatian, Albanian and Bosnian are also used officially.
Locals have their hands full of their juggling language and English is not practiced though there are some of them who do speak English in tourist centers. Visitors might have to learn a few Montenegrin phrases if they don’t have company who speaks and understand both English and the Montenegrin language.
Food
The country’s food is cheap and can be purchased below 15 euros aside from Sveti Stefan. Tap water of the country is safe to drink except for Herceg Novi during May when it is cleaned. Vegetarians may find it difficult to look for non-meat and non-dairy food options during the stay as Montenegrins often opts for meat in all their meals. They even believe that the best salad is meat! Fruits and bread might be the only food available.
Montenegrin cuisine is generally influenced with its neighboring countries together with its long history. Their cuisine in the Adriatic coast has an Italian influence. It is also traditionally the representative of Mediterranean cuisine. Its regional dishes are commonly on the grill side of the meat. It is often eaten with salad, chips and fried potato.
Some of the common and must try dishes of Montenegrin cuisine are: Brav u Mlijeku (Lamb in milk), Njegusi Prosciutto, Kacamak with kajmak (Balkan porridge), Buzara, and Njegus Stek (Steak).
Photo by Mgg Vitchakorn
Photo by Louis Hansel
Additional Information
- Montenegro is generally safe. The only case of crime visitors have to be wary of might be minor theft and pickpockets.
- Tourist tax is collected by your accommodation but it is cheap with at least 1 euro for a day only.
- Infrastructure is not that great as some of Montenegro’s roads are bumpy, not pleasant to drive and even dangerous.
- Smoking recently is banned and frowned upon in other countries but in Montenegro, everyone is welcome to smoke literally everywhere in bars, restaurants, and even public transport!
- May to Sep is the best time to visit Montenegro. Their famous coastal areas however can be crowded in peak summer. Jul – Aug, accommodations might be fully booked.
What do you think? If you are a local of Montenegro, is there anything you can add? Post it in the comments!
If you are interested, contact us to arrange your trip! But before you do travel, check the latest news for the COVID-19 Travel Advisory
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