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Backpacking Montenegro in 2025

A complete guide for backpacking in Montenegro with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.

Welcome to Montenegro, a hidden jewel on the Adriatic, where rugged mountains meet crystal-clear waters. Pros? Explore medieval towns, hike scenic trails, and enjoy affordable accommodations. Montenegro offers a more laid-back atmosphere compared to its popular neighbors. However, limited public transport and crowded tourist spots in peak season can be drawbacks. For the backpacker seeking a blend of natural beauty and cultural charm without the overwhelming crowds, Montenegro stands out as a serene and captivating destination, offering an intimate and off-the-beaten-path experience.
Best known for:Known for: safety | scenery | mountains
Best time to visit: May-September

Why to go?
Why backpacking in Montenegro

Scenery

Montenegro offers a diverse range of stunning sceneries that are worth exploring. The country is known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, including the majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and picturesque coastal towns.




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Mountains

The mountains in Montenegro that are great to explore are Durmitor and Prokletije.

Durmitor, located in the northwestern part of the country, offers stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. It is home to the Tara River Canyon, the second



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Backpackers

The backpacker scene in Montenegro is vibrant and growing in popularity. With its stunning natural landscapes, affordable prices, and welcoming locals, Montenegro has become a favorite destination for backpackers. The country offers a wide range of



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Cheap

The average costs for backpacking in Montenegro can vary depending on the traveler’s preferences and travel style. On average, budget travelers can expect to spend around €30-€50 per day for accommodation, meals, and local transportation.



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💡 Highlights
Top-5 things to do in Montenegro

  1. Visit Kotor Old Town: Explore the charming medieval streets of Kotor Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the well-preserved architecture, visit historic churches, and enjoy the stunning views of the Bay of Kotor.
  2. Hike in Durmitor National Park: Discover the natural beauty of Montenegro by hiking in Durmitor National Park. Marvel at the rugged mountains, deep canyons, and crystal-clear lakes. Don’t miss the opportunity to climb Bobotov Kuk, the highest peak in the park.
  3. Relax on the beaches of Budva: Enjoy the sun and sea on the beautiful beaches of Budva. With its vibrant nightlife, historic old town, and sandy shores, Budva is a perfect destination for beach lovers and partygoers alike.
  4. Explore the Bay of Kotor by boat: Take a boat tour to explore the picturesque Bay of Kotor. Sail past charming coastal villages, visit the famous Our Lady of the Rocks island, and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the bay.
  5. Visit Ostrog Monastery: Discover the spiritual side of Montenegro by visiting Ostrog Monastery. Built into a vertical cliff, this stunning Orthodox Christian pilgrimage site offers breathtaking views and a unique cultural experience.

🌤️ When to go?
Best time to go backpacking Montenegro

The best time to visit Montenegro for backpacking is during the months of May to September. During this period, the weather is warm and sunny, making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the country's natural beauty. Additionally, many tourist attractions and accommodations are open during this time, providing backpackers with a wide range of options. However, it is worth noting that July and August can be quite crowded, so if you prefer a quieter experience, it is recommended to visit in May, June, or September.JANFEBMARAPR
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Risk level: low (0%)
Safety advice for Montenegro


  • Protests and rallies are common. Avoid crowds, demonstrations and other disturbances, as they may turn violent. Roads may become blocked without notice.

  • Petty crime and credit card fraud are common. Take care in crowded places. Always keep your credit card in sight.

  • Sexual assault, assault, robbery and drink spiking can happen to tourists. Never leave your drink unattended. Stick with people you trust at parties, in bars, nightclubs and taxis.

  • Targeted bomb attacks and gun violence can occur. Be alert to suspicious behaviour.

  • Security in the Kosovo border area is unpredictable. Take care if you are travelling there. 


Montenegro
My tips to get you on the way!
Does Montenegro sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.

Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.

Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Montenegro. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Montenegro may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.

Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Montenegro, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.

Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.

My personal packing list 🎒
authorOver the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.


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last page update: 24 September 2024

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