Montenegro is a hidden gem in the Balkans. It offers dramatic coastal landscapes, medieval towns, and spectacular national parks. Whether you’re an adventure junkie, a history lover, or a fan of stunning views, this country delivers. This 10-day Montenegro itinerary takes you through iconic destinations—from the UNESCO town of Kotor to the wild beauty of Durmitor National Park.
Things to Know Before You Go
Visa Requirements
Philippine passport holders need a visa to enter Montenegro. The Consulate of Montenegro is in Makati City. Processing time is about 30 days. Apply five to seven weeks before your departure date to avoid delays.
In May 2024, I used a valid, multiple-entry Japan visa as a substitute—Montenegro allows this under specific conditions. Check the embassy website for the full list of accepted visas. Always confirm details with the embassy before your trip.
Weather
Montenegro has two climates. The coast enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Inland, the weather is more continental. Spring (March to May) and early autumn (September to October) offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is hot and perfect for beach activities. Winter brings snow in the mountains—great for skiing and snowboarding.
Currency
Montenegro uses the Euro, even though it’s not part of the EU. Cards are widely accepted, especially Visa and Mastercard. I brought US dollars but couldn’t exchange them easily, even in Kotor. Some banks don’t convert USD to EUR. Bring Euros directly or use ATMs and your debit card.
Language
Montenegrin is the official language. English is commonly spoken in tourist spots. Communication is rarely an issue for travelers.
Connection and Activities
SIM Cards: Local SIMs are easy to find. I got an M:tel card at Tivat Airport—EUR 15 for 500GB valid for 15 days.
Tours: I joined three tours booked via GetYourGuide.com. These were:
Getting to Montenegro from Manila
Flights to Montenegro from Manila usually include layovers. Major options include Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Emirates. I flew Turkish Airlines via Istanbul to Tivat. My total travel time was 17 hours including layover.
Getting Around
Public buses are affordable and widely used for intercity travel. Though timing isn’t always accurate, they’re reliable. Car rentals offer more freedom for remote areas. Ferries provide scenic shortcuts in Boka Bay.
10-Day Montenegro Itinerary
Day 1: Lovćen National Park
We drove from Splendid Resort to Lovćen National Park via the M2.3 highway. We stopped briefly at Cetinje. After entering the park (€3), we climbed 461 steps to Njegoš Mausoleum (€8). The panoramic views were worth the effort. We had lunch under pine trees at Vladika Restaurant before descending via Serpentine Road overlooking Kotor Bay.
Day 2: Old Town Budva
Budva was both lively and peaceful in May. I began at the Roman Necropolis, then wandered into Old Town. Highlights included Santa Maria in Punta, Holy Trinity Church, and the Citadel. I explored hidden corners and relaxed in quiet plazas.
Day 3: Southern Montenegro Road Trip
Third day was planned for a road trip down south visiting the cities of Bar and Ulcinj. We left Budva mid-morning and visited the famous Sveti Stefan viewpoint. At Stari Bar (€5), we explored the ruins. I had grilled squid at Kaldrma before continuing to Ulcinj. We arrived just in time for sunset. I returned to Kotor by taxi that evening.
Day 4: Boka Bay Tour
We boarded a boat in Kotor and cruised across Boka Bay. We visited Our Lady of the Rocks and submarine tunnels. At the Blue Cave, some swam while I enjoyed the electric-blue views from the boat. We ended the trip with a quiet return ride under glowing cliffs.
Day 5: Durmitor National Park
The Durmitor National Park tour with 360 Monte started with a stop near Niksic. At Tara Bridge, I tried the zipline (€30). Black Lake was still and reflective. We visited Ostrog Monastery, dramatically built into a cliffside. A light thunderstorm accompanied us back to Kotor.
Day 6: Perast
I took a BlueLine bus from Kotor to Perast (€1.50). The route followed the bay with amazing views. Perast is small and scenic. I skipped the boat trip and had lunch by the water instead. Mussels and rosé at Konoba Otok Bronza were the highlights of the day.
Day 7: Great Montenegro Tour
How about spending around 12 hours to explore two national parks? The day started with a cable car ride over Kotor Bay. We entered Lovćen again and visited Cetinje’s historic sites. At Skadar National Park, we enjoyed lunch and a river cruise. We missed Sveti Stefan but caught a stunning sunset in Budva.
Day 8: Herceg Novi
I took a bus to Herceg Novi and began at Savina Monastery. The walk along Pet Danica Promenade led me to Fort Mare, where I explored the seaside ruins. At Belavista Bistro in Old Town, I enjoyed a rich squid ink risotto that matched the moody, historic setting. A passing shower at Kanli Kula added atmosphere.
Day 9: Kotor Old Town
I spent the day in Kotor Old Town, starting at the Sea Gate. I visited St. Tryphon Cathedral and the market for fresh berries. Dinner at Little Bay by the harbor offered a relaxing end to the day.
Day 10: Kotor Fortress
After lunch, I hiked to Kotor Fortress in slip-on slippers—spontaneously and unprepared. I climbed a hidden trail and paused at a lookout. I skipped the summit, already satisfied by the panoramic view of the bay.
Montenegro Itinerary: Where to Stay
I stayed in Kotor at Hostel Pupa. A bed in the 8-bed dorm cost EUR 27.5 per night. Tourist tax added EUR 1.65 per night. The hostel had great views and a communal kitchen. Before exploring Montenegro, I attended a conference and spent a few nights at Splendid Conference and Spa Resort in Budva. Rooms start at USD160.
Other options based on reviews: Freedom Hostel in Budva (USD18 dorm), Hotel Moskva in Budva (USD85, breakfast included), Guesthouse Zmukic in Perast (USD55, sea view), and Boscovich Boutique Hotel in Podgorica (USD90, with breakfast).
Montenegro Itinerary: Where and What to Eat
Montenegrin cuisine blends Mediterranean and Balkan flavors. Must-tries include čevapi at House Tanjga and squid at Scala Santa. In Herceg Novi, Belavista Bistro served an unforgettable black risotto. Mussels at Konoba Otok Bronza were fresh and flavorful.
Seafood risotto in Budva’s El Gusto had bold flavors. Squid stuffed with cheese and prosciutto is another regional favorite. Marshall’s Black gelato in Kotor was incredibly rich and creamy. For local-style breakfast, Floyd Food Factory in Niksic served sausages, eggs, cheese, and creamy kajmak.
Sample Expenses: 10-Day Montenegro Itinerary
Here’s a sample expenses breakdown based on my actual 10-day Montenegro itinerary, excluding flights and conference-related transfers (like airport pickup/drop-off or car rentals with friends). This guide can help if you’re planning to build your own itinerary and want to get an idea of how much you might spend. Just note that costs vary depending on travel style—whether you’re a budget traveler, prefer comfort, or are somewhere in between.
Accommodation (EUR 291.5)
I stayed in Hostel Pupa in Kotor throughout my 10-day stay. I booked an 8-bed mixed dorm for a total of EUR 275 (or EUR 27.5 per night), plus a tourist tax of EUR 1.65 per night, totaling EUR 16.5.
Food Budget (EUR 350)
I mostly ate at restaurants, spending around EUR 325 in total over 10 days, or roughly EUR 32.5 per day. I also bought essentials like water and snacks from groceries, which added another EUR 25.
Transportation (EUR 55)
This covers personal transport costs during my solo travel. I took a taxi from Budva to Kotor for EUR 40. I also visited Perast and Herceg Novi via bus: round trip Kotor–Perast is EUR 3, while round trip Kotor–Herceg Novi for EUR 12.
Tours, Activities, and Park Fees (EUR 255)
Here’s a list of the tours and entrance fees I personally paid for:
Lovćen National Park Fee – EUR 3Njegoš Mausoleum Entrance – EUR 8
Old Bar Ruins Entrance – EUR 5
Durmitor National Park Fee – EUR 5
Lake Skadar Park Fee – EUR 5
Zipline at Tara Canyon – EUR 30
Zipline Photos – EUR 10
Durmitor Tour via GetYourGuide – EUR 73
Great Montenegro Tour via GetYourGuide – EUR 77
Boka Bay Tour via GetYourGuide – EUR 39
Miscellaneous (EUR 35)
For a local SIM card, I got 500GB of data valid for 15 days for EUR 15. I also gave EUR 10 in tips to the guides, that’s EUR 20 for the two full-day tours.
Shopping (EUR 77)
I kept shopping to a minimum—mostly fridge magnets (EUR 1–2 each), a few shirts, and gifts for family.
ESTIMATED TOTAL: EUR 1,063.5 (~USD 1250)
That’s about EUR 106 per day. Budget travelers can lower this by cooking or skipping some tours. But if you want boat trips, ziplining, and multi-city tours, plan to spend around this amount.
