In anticipation of constant changes in the restrictions caused by the coronavirus, we decided to go on vacation in Montenegro. At the time, there were no rigorous constraints. To cross the border, a negative test was not required. Cafes, restaurants and some shops were open until 10 PM. Our most southern neighbor Montenegro pleasantly surprised us with its unique beauty and kindness of the people.
Currency, internet and corona test
The currency used is the euro.
Entering Montenegro at the gas station, we bought a tourist SIM card of the mobile operator Telenor including 500GB of internet. The price for 15 days usages is €10, while for 30 days usages it is €15. For Samsung, the mobile operator’s APN settings need to be set for the card to work properly.
Montenegro introduced free testing [antigen and PCR test] in May for all tourists who need a test to return to their home country. We checked information at the tourist center in Podgorica. We were instructed to contact the Institute of Public Health with our passports. Normally, PCR test price in private labs is €49 and the rapid antigen is €15.
For free tests you need to book an appointment by email 3 days in advance. We received this information at the epidemiological department at the Institute of Public Health in Podgorica.
How we traveled
We set off on a journey from Zagreb via Dubrovnik, which is also one of the shorter routes when going to the Montenegrin coast. Otherwise, there are two more options, one of which is through BiH and the other through Serbia. Which way to go depends on the destinations you want to visit. We started our journey by sightseeing Herceg Novi and continued further towards Saint Stephen and Podgorica.
Where we were accommodated
The destinations we wanted to visit were Herceg Novi, Kotor, Tivat, Budva, Sveti Stefan and Podgorica. We imagined the accommodation as an oasis of relaxation and peace that will charge our batteries, without being too far from all the locations and attractions we wanted to see. We found just such an apartment only 10 minutes drive from Budva, and literally 2 minutes from Sveti Stefan in Blizikuće – Guest house Harmonia. The hosts are very kind and constantly make sure that their guests do not miss anything. The accommodation is arranged as a complex of bungalows with access to the pool and a view of the island of Sveti Stefan, so we really enjoyed it. In the season, accommodation also offers transfers and trips to various places in Montenegro.
What we saw
Herceg Novi
We set off with a tour of the interior of the city. We parked the car in the parking lot 2 minutes from the church of Sv. Mihaela and walked to the entrance to the Španjola fortress. Unfortunately, it was closed at that time because we arrived in Herceg Novi in the evening. Otherwise, the entrance to the fortress is charged €2. Then we went to the seafront promenade.
Kotor
We started sightseeing the old town and headed to the fortress of Sv. van with a beautiful view of the city. There is an ascent to the fortress in about an hour. Admission is charged around €8 (so we were told by a lady who works at the tourist information desk). At the time we were (mid-May) admission was free.
Tivat
This place is a total contrast to Kotor due to its urban planning. In the evening it is very nice to walk around the marina and sit down to dinner or have a drink by the sea. It is also possible to find stores of the world famous brands. Prices are a bit more expensive than in other places in Montenegro, but still acceptable. In the marina itself there are let’s call them “fancy” restaurants and cafes that are a bit more expensive, while in the other part of the waterfront are restaurants and cafes with lower prices. In Tivat we saw nothing but a beautiful marina.
Budva
It is recommended to see and walk through the old part of the city where the Citadel Fortress is located. Entrance is charged €3.5 per person. In high season, there is a cafe inside the fortress, while from the top of the fortress you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Also, inside the fortress there are a library and an exhibition gallery with models of old ships. We also planned to visit the famous ballerina statue, however, the attraction is in the renovation phase because it was unfortunately destroyed due to large gusts of waves and wind.
Saint Stephen
Approaching Sveti Stefan, it is possible to park along the road. We paid €2 for the most expensive parking right next to Saint Stephen. Otherwise, parking prices vary from €0.40 to €1. When we were there the entrance to the island was not allowed. We received information from residents that it is sometimes open to visitors and sometimes not. Near the island are two beautiful beaches of the same name with a beautiful promenade.
Podgorica
Although it is the capital of Montenegro, we were not overly impressed. Podgorica is about an hour’s drive from Budva. Just a few hours are enough to tour all the sights. Coast offers much more content. Of the sights, we would highlight the tower Sahat, which is one of the oldest symbols of the city. Next to the tower is a famous restaurant Pod Volat which we definitely recommend because the food is great.
Manastir Ostrog
After touring Podgorica, we headed to the famous shrine of the Ostrog Monastery. There is a church built in the rock, which delighted us with the way it was built and the architecture. This unusually built church is about an hour’s drive from Podgorica in the direction of Niksic. Parking at the foot of the church is free of charge, and there is an easy climb of about 10 minutes.
Restaurants where we ate
Coastal towns mostly offer fish specialties, but all other delicious dishes can also be found. We were mostly looking for restaurants with a better offer of different specialties, and we will list the ones that were the best for us. For about €10 per person, you can eat well.
Kotor – restaurant Tanjga
In addition to portions and meat plates from the menu, you can make your own. You choose pieces of meat that are grilled.
Budva – restaurant Jadran
Outside the old town, along the waterfront, there is the restaurant Jadran, which can accommodate as many as 800 people at once and also offers fish and meat specialties.
Podgorica – restaurant Pod Volat
Located right next to the tower Sahat. The offer is really diverse.
Long story short
| Travel period | May 2021 |
| Corona test | Not needed |
| Currency | Euro |
| Average price per night | 30 € for two persons |
| Average price of a meal in a restaurant | 10 € per person |
| Fuel price | Same as in Croatia |
| Toll collection | None |
We hope you found this guide useful in creating your next trip. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us by e-mail ks.lostintheworld@gmail.com or via social media, and we will do our best to answer you in as much detail as possible.
