City map

Quick view

Top 10 sights

Montenegro
General knowledge

Best of …
… Montenegro

GEO tip
Discover Luštica


Restaurants

Hotels
We recommend, you book at

Nightlife

Calendar of events

Phone calls & Internet

Shopping

Weather & best time to visit

06:00 UTC

Visa & Immigration

Travel etiquette
How to fit in

Health

Share city guide with friends

Tivat – a brief overview
The Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska) cuts into inland Montenegro like a fjord and is just under 30 kilometers in length. In this bay, well sheltered by the Luštica peninsula, is the town of Tivat. It has a population of nearly 10,000 and is also home to one of Montenegro’s two airports (the other is in the capital city, Podgorica). Tivat’s most famous feature, however, is the Porto Montenegro – one of the most luxurious marinas on the Mediterranean Sea. The picturesque historic centers of the neighboring towns of Budva and Kotor bear witness to Venetian influences.
Visitors to this region enjoy the contrast between the Adriatic Sea and the steep, mountainous slopes of the Orjen mountains to the west and Mount Lovćen to the east. This makes the Bay of Kotor a popular destination for swimming and sailing holidays, as well as for visitors who enjoy trekking and hiking.
Top Ten Sights in Tivat

Porto Montenegro
Obala bb
Tivat
Montenegro
Show on map
This small fishing village used to be an important naval base. Despite its stunning location, however, it attracted little interest as a tourist destination. This changed in 2006, when a private investor turned the run-down shipyard into the most luxurious marina on the Adriatic Sea – rivaled only by the marinas of Monte Carlo and Saint-Tropez. Visitors can marvel at the yachts of the super-rich and enjoy the classy boutiques and restaurants that accompany flagship tourism development projects like this one.
Naval Heritage Collection Museum
Tivat
Montenegro
Show on map
Opening hours
Monday to Friday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Saturdays: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
This museum is devoted to the maritime history of the Adriatic Sea. The collection houses around 300 exhibits dating from 1900 and later. There are also special themed exhibitions. The main attraction is the huge P821 submarine, which was built in 1968 for use by the former Yugoslav Navy. Visitors can look around inside it.
Buća-Luković Museum & Gallery
Luke Tomanovića 4
Tivat
Montenegro
Tel: +382-32/67 45 87
Show on map
This cultural center for the town of Tivat consists of a museum, a gallery and an events venue. It is housed in a mansion that is around 500 years old. With the help of numerous historical artifacts, the museum depicts the development of farming and fishing on the Adriatic coast. The gallery exhibits are predominantly works of modern art. The center’s events calendar, which features a varied and ambitious program, is worth a look.
Gospa od Škrpjela
Montenegro
Show on map
Perast is mainly famous for the two small islands just off its shores: Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks) and Sveti Đorđe (St. George). These tiny islands are each crowned with a picturesque sacred building. Visitors to Gospa od Škrpjela can look around the fifteenth century chapel. The other island is not accessible to visitors. The islands have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1979.
Old Town of Kotor
Kotor
Montenegro
Show on map
The foundations of the town date back to the ninth century, and the town walls enclosing the historic center are still standing today. In 1979, many of the town’s buildings were destroyed by an earthquake, but they have since been completely rebuilt. Visitors enjoy the atmosphere in the square by the clock tower and in Kotor’s shaded alleyways. Those who venture the climb up the Sveti Ivan (St John’s) fortress are rewarded by a fantastic view. From the top of the fortress, which is 260 meters above sea level, they can see the bay hemmed in by steep mountainsides.
Museum of the Town of Budva
Petrovića 11
Budva
Montenegro
Show on map
Opening hours
Tuesday to Friday: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturdays and Sundays: 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
When traveling along the coastal road from Tivat to Budva (around 25 kilometers), the small island of Sveti Nikola soon becomes visible just off the coast. It is a spectacular view. Budva is one of the oldest towns on the Adriatic coast, and the architecture, which dates back to the era of Venetian rule, is especially picturesque. Visitors can learn more about the town’s history at this museum of archaeology and ethnography – one of Montenegro’s finest.
Sveti Stefan
Montenegro
Show on map
The small island of Sveti Stefan, originally inhabited by fishermen, can be accessed via a narrow causeway. In 1956, work began to transform the former fishing village into a holiday destination. During the remodeling process, the character of the island and the exteriors of the buildings were maintained. In 2013, the luxury agent Aman became the sole booking agent for accommodation on the island, and day visitors are now charged an entrance fee.
Adria Cruising
Tivat
Montenegro
Show on map
Montenegro’s coastline is around 300 kilometers long, and it has numerous marinas. Visitors can hire yachts at almost all of them – or they can book skippers if they don’t have the necessary sailing experience! The choice of trips available is very broad, ranging from day trips to cruises lasting several days. Either way, the experience is unforgettable, because seeing the coastline from the water is even more breathtaking than the views when driving along the coastal roads.
Blue Grotto
Luštica
Montenegro
Show on map
The Luštica peninsula, which is across the bay from Tivat, is well worth a visit for its lovely beaches and the picturesque Fort Arza. The main attraction here is the Blue Grotto, which can only be accessed by boat. The sunlight draws out shades of blue on the surface of the water and on the walls of the cave. Swimming and diving are permitted. One option is to hire a kayak in Žanjic – or join one of the tours of the caves, which depart regularly from Žanjic in small motor boats.
National Park Lovćen
Montenegro
Show on map
The road from Cetinje up to this national park winds its way up steep slopes, and it is worth stopping along the way to take in the wonderful views. At some of the viewpoints, it is possible to see far across the Bay of Kotor, the islands that shield it, and a considerable distance inland. Once visitors have reached the top, the main attraction is the mausoleum of the Montenegrin poet and prince, Petar Petrović Njegoš (1813–1851). The restaurant at the summit is a good place to recuperate after the ascent and the many viewing points.
Country information
Country overview
Montenegro is a republic in the southeast of Europe, in the Dinaric Alps. One side of the country has a landscape characterized by the Adriatic coast. On the other side, one encounters highland terrain with a moderate, continental climate. In the mountainous regions, the winter is relatively long and very snowy.
This means that, overall, the country offers an extremely varied range of options for travelers and holidaymakers. The capital city, Podgorica, is also the country’s largest city.
Geography
Montenegro is on the Balkan Peninsula, and the southwest of the country has around 80 kilometers of coastline on the Adriatic Sea. To the north, it borders Croatia (along a narrow strip of coastline) and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Montenegro also borders Serbia to the east, Kosovo to the southeast, and Albania to the south.
General knowledge
Key facts
Population: 643,000 (2017 estimate)
Capital: Podgorica
Language
The national language is Montenegrin. Serbian, Bosnian, Albanian and Croatian are also spoken.
Currency
1 euro = 100 cents.
Currency abbreviations: €, EUR (ISO code). Bank notes are available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros. 1 and 2 euro coins are available, as well as coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.
Comment: Although Montenegro is not a member of the European Union, the country uses the euro.
Electricity
Mains voltage: 230 V; frequency: 50 Hz; power sockets: type F.
Public Holidays
Listed below are the public holidays for the period January 2020 to December 2021.
Comment:
Not all public holidays are observed throughout the whole country. There may also be additional religious and regional holidays.
2020
New Year: 1 and 2 January 2020
Christmas Eve (Orthodox): 6 January 2020
Christmas Day (Orthodox): 7 and 8 January 2020
New Year (Orthodox): 14 January 2020
Good Friday (Catholic, regional): 10 April 2020
Easter (Catholic, regional): 12 and 13 April 2020
Good Friday (Orthodox): 17 April 2020
Easter (Orthodox): 19 and 20 April 2020
Labor Day: 1 and 2 May 2020
Victory Day: 9 May 2020
Independence Day (date of the 2006 referendum): 21 and 22 May 2020
Eid al-Fitr (end of the Ramadan fast): 23 and 24 May 2020
Statehood Day (national holiday): 13 and 14 July 2020
Eid al-Adha (Islamic “Festival of Sacrifice,” regional): 30 July –3 August 2020
Yom Kippur (regional): 27 and 28 September 2020
All Saints’ Day (regional): 1 November 2020
Christmas Eve (Catholic, regional): 24 December 2020
Christmas Day (Catholic, regional): 25 and 26 December 2020
2021
New Year: 1 and 2 January, 2021
Christmas Eve (Orthodox): 6 January 2021
Christmas Day (Orthodox): 7 and 8 January 2021
New Year (Orthodox): 14 January 2021
Good Friday (Catholic, regional): 2 April, 2021
Easter (Catholic, regional): 4 and 5 April, 2021
Good Friday (Orthodox): 30 April 2021
Easter (Orthodox): 2 and 3 May 2021
Labor Day: 1 and 2 May 2021
Victory Day: 9 May 2021
Independence Day (date of the 2006 referendum): 21 and 22 May 2021
Eid al-Fitr (end of the Ramadan fast): 13 – 15 May 2021
Statehood Day (national holiday): 13 and 14 July 2021
Eid al-Adha (Islamic “Festival of Sacrifice,” regional): 20 – 22 July 2021
Yom Kippur (regional): 16 and 17 September 2021
All Saints’ Day (regional): 1 November 2021
Christmas Eve (Catholic, regional): 24 December 2021
Christmas Day (Catholic, regional): 25 and 26 December 2021
All information subject to change.
Best of Montenegro
For almost a century, Montenegro belonged to Yugoslavia, and then in 2006, the “land of black mountains” gained its independence. This small Balkan state (smaller than the German state of Schleswig-Holstein) has 625,000 inhabitants – and nearly all of them can quote the famous words Lord Byron wrote back in the 18th century: “At the birth of our planet, the most beautiful encounter between land and sea must have been on the Montenegrin coast.
When the pearls of nature were sworn, an abundance of them were strewn all over this area.” The pearls of Montenegro include the continent’s southernmost fjord, glacial lakes in the north, crystal-clear waters seaming 70 kilometers of beach, glorious peace beside Lake Scutari and an Italian atmosphere in the towns along the coast.
Cetinje, Montenegro Relief
Novice Cerovića, bb
81250 Cetinje
Crna Gora/Montenegro
Tel.: +382 41 230 310
Show on map
The Relief of Montenegro located in the courtyard of the Narodni muzej Crne Gore national museum in Cetinje, offers a good overview of this wonderful country. Its scale of 1:10,000 helps us grasp just how high the “black mountains” are and also the sheer size of Lake Scutari. Until 1918, the small town of Cetinje was the capital of the Kingdom of Montenegro, hence the well-preserved royal buildings and many museums gracing the town, while on its doorstep, Lovcén National Park awaits nature lovers. The highest point of the Lovcén Mountains close to the town is the site of the Mausoleum of Njegoš, Montenegro’s poet prince. On a fine day, you can see the Italian coast and the Albanian mountains from here.
Bjelasica Mountains
Dunje Đokić 5
81210 Kolašin
Crna Gora/Montenegro
Tel.: +382 67 259 020
Show on map
Europe’s last primeval forest survives on the slopes of this mountain range in the northeast of the country. Bears and lynxes inhabit the area around the Biogradska Lake, the largest glacial lake in Biogradska Gora national park. Visitors should only ever tour the park with an experienced guide because the weather is unpredictable here. The guides at Eco-tours offer multiday trips during which visitors get to sample the local cuisine, succulent lamb, perhaps, gently stewed in milk or cooked in ash.
Infinity Pool at the Hotel Regent
Obala bb
Porto Montenegro Village
85320 Tivat
Crna Gora/Montenegro
Tel.: +382 32 660 660
Show on map
This hotel occupying a magnificent building in the middle of a luxury marina looks very like a Venetian palazzo. The hotel has multiple swimming pools for its guests, but the main attraction is the outdoor infinity pool with its unique views of the majestic mountains and the gorgeous blue of the Adriatic Sea. After a luxurious dip in the pool, a meal at the hotel’s own Murano restaurant should go down a treat: The menu lists a seasonal selection of wild asparagus, chicory and other local fare.
Cats Museum, Kotor
Stari Grad 371
85330 Kotor
Crna Gora/Montenegro
Tel.: +382 69 628 53
info@catsmuseum.org
Show on map
This fortified town on the Adriatic coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a visible Venetian influence, but it is also famous for its many street cats, which are cherished and protected by the townsfolk. This prompted Piero Pazzi from Italy to set up the Cats Museum a few years back: On a piazzetta not far from the cathedral, this small, but surprisingly entertaining museum pays homage to cats with collections of antique pictures, 19th-century postcards, books, posters, postage stamps, drawings and medallions. And there also are some cats living there, of course.
Golden Frog – Lake Scutari for nature lovers
goldenfrogboat@gmail.com
Show on map
Ivana Marković was born on Lake Scutari and in 2013, at age 12, she founded the family company Golden Frog Boat: The boatmen are her father and uncle, and Ana, her 24-year-old sister, does the morning shift. While other companies noisily ferry crowds of up to 100 people across the lake, Golden Frog Boat tours use traditionally built boats that carry a maximum of 12 people. Mom’s snacks, all local fare, are included in the price. All boat trips start from tiny Vir Pazar and can be booked on the website or via Whatsapp.
Beška Nunnery on Lake Scutari
81315 Vir Pazar
Tel.: +382 67 231 211
Show on map
Lake Scutari is southeastern Europe’s largest lake, and the border between Montenegro and Albania runs right through it. The tiny island of Beška is on the Montenegrin side. The center of spiritual life in the Principality of Zeta was located on the island in the 15th century. For more than 300 years, the island lay deserted, but then industrious Orthodox nuns came along and turned it into a Garden of Eden. They planted 180 fruit trees, and the air is fragrant with the mingled scents of sage, mint, rose and laurel. The churches were renovated with the aid of financial donations. Today, the island is inhabited by 15 nuns, who work and pray here all day long. Visitors are welcome to drop by and are offered fresh pomegranate juice, raspberry cake, painted icons and rosaries. On request, the nuns will also pray for guests.
Ulcinj for ecologists
Ulica Pavla Kneževića 7
85360 Ulcinj
Tel.: +382 69 069 188
inf@ulcinjsalina.me
Show on map
This small, predominantly Muslim town with its 12 kilometers of sandy beach is a veritable paradise for wave riders, although horseback riders who love to feel the wind on their face won’t be disappointed here. The Ulcinj Salina, one of the largest salt production facilities in the Mediterranean, is an important stopover habitat for European birds, which come here to rest and breed on their way from northern Europe to Africa. The Salina was sold to private investors in 2014, and if the projected golf courses and resort are actually built, it could mean the end of the flamingos and Dalmatian pelicans here. The German-Montenegrin environmental organization Martin Schneider-Jacoby Association is working to save the Ulcinj Salina. Anyone wishing to help is welcome to do so, even if it just means paying a visit to this unique place.
Discover Luštica
The Luštica Peninsula south of Tivat is one of the most tranquil and beautiful landscapes on Kotor Bay, if not in all of Montenegro. Visitors are sure to find the deceleration they seek here. Head for the farthest point on the peninsula, to Rose, Luštica’s only port, which dates from ancient times. The road will take you through gently rolling hills, where your encounters along the way will be mostly only with sheep and goats. Beautiful captains’ residences abound in the village, and there’s a shipwreck in the clear waters off the coast that’s a real magnet for hobby divers.
Montenegro
Restaurants in Tivat
The Bay of Kotor is an inlet that reaches far inland and has many branches. It boasts lovely waterside promenades, which means that lots of the cafés, bars and restaurants in Tivat and the surrounding area have sea views.
The culinary variety is huge, ranging from elegant, gourmet restaurant cuisine to rustic country food served in a relaxed environment.
Montenegrino
85320 Tivat
Montenegro
Show on map
Category: Luxurious
The Montenegrino, which is part of the four-star Montenegrino Hotel, is the finest restaurant in town. It serves Montenegrin and Eastern European specialties. The traditional Montenegrin soups come highly recommended, as does the seafood. There are also dishes for vegetarians to enjoy.
Hotel Admiral
Perast
Montenegro
Show on map
Category: Moderate
This restaurant is housed in an eighteenth century Baroque mansion, which is on Perast’s waterside promenade. From the patio, there is a stunning view of the Bay of Kotor. The restaurant serves excellent Mediterranean and European cuisine and is a particularly good choice for a romantic evening for two.
Bastion
Kotor
Montenegro
Show on map
Category: Moderate
As might be guessed from the name, this restaurant is located near a bastion in the wall surrounding Kotor’s historic old town. It is best known for its fish dishes and its regional specialties.
Marzamin
Tivat
Montenegro
Show on map
Category: Moderate
This is the hotel restaurant at Hotel Palma. The menu offers fish soup, mussel risotto, seabass and sea bream. In short, a wide selection of premium quality seafood is served at remarkably reasonable prices.
Konoba Bacchus
Tivat,
Montenegro
Show on map
Category: Budget
In this region, the word Konoba (which means “tavern”) refers to a small, rustic restaurant that serves simple, traditional cuisine at a fair price. The Bacchus, which is a short distance from the waterside promenade, is also popular with locals. The house specialty is squid stuffed with crab.
Hotels in Tivat
As an up-and-coming holiday destination, the Bay of Kotor has numerous options for accommodation. The majority of the establishments are small, owner-managed hotels, and the mid-range segment still has the most potential for growth.
There is a great deal more choice when it comes to basic and high-end accommodation.
Regent Porto Montenegro
Tivat
Montenegro
Show on map
Category: Luxurious
This luxury hotel, which is reminiscent of a Venetian Renaissance palace, is right next to the marina. It has an outdoor pool, a spa and a wellness center, as well as numerous other amenities and extras.
Boutique Hotel La Roche
Tivat
Montenegro
Show on map
Category: Luxurious
This luxury hotel leaves nothing to be desired – it has its own beachfront with a bar, an outdoor pool, a terrace with a sea view and its own top-quality restaurant. Plus, it is close to the Porto Montenegro marina, which is Tivat’s prime location.
Hotel Astoria
Tivat
Montenegro
Show on map
Category: Moderate
This hotel is on the Tivat promenade. The rooms are well furnished and offer very good comfort. The hotel restaurant, which has a patio area, serves regional specialties and classic international dishes.
Boutique Hotel Hippocampus
Kotor
Montenegro
Show on map
Category: Moderate
This small hotel is in Kotor’s picturesque old town. The roof terrace of the hotel’s own restaurant offers superb views of the Sveti Ivan fortress. The hotel is very close to shopping destinations and to the points of interest in Kotor.
Apartments Adeona
Tivat
Montenegro
Show on map
Category: Budget
These waterfront apartments located slightly outside of Tivat are air-conditioned and equipped with kitchenettes. They are perfect for families too.
Nightlife in Tivat
In the Bay of Kotor area, most of the nightlife happens on the streets and beach promenades. The same applies in Tivat, where the majority of the bars and cafés are to the west of the main street (Jadranska magistrala).
Moreover, there is no clear distinction between bars and cafés, because almost anywhere you go, you can eat, drink, chat and watch the world go by. By contrast, there are not many establishments that are purely nightclubs or discos.
The Black Sheep
Tivat
Montenegro
Show on map
A fun gastropub in the town center of Tivat. The well-sheltered terrace is a good place to enjoy beer on tap and unique, creative cocktails.
The Clubhouse
Tivat
Montenegro
Show on map
With its sea view and hippie vibes, the Clubhouse is a relaxed place to spend the evening. It is slightly south of Porto Montenegro and is popular with young people. DJs play here on weekends.
Platinum
Tivat
Montenegro
Show on map
At this luxury club in the luxury marina of Porto Montenegro, partygoers can enjoy house and pop music while looking out over the yachts of the rich and famous.
Diskoteka Maximus
Trg od Oruzja 232
Kotor
Montenegro
Show on map
This club in Kotor’s historic old town is one of the region’s few “real” discos. From 11 pm, partygoers (predominantly young people) gather to enjoy techno, Balkan pop and international pop. The events schedule often includes concerts.
Pržun
Kotor
Montenegro
Show on map
This pub restaurant is located on a picturesque street in the old part of Kotor. The menu lists a selection of Mediterranean and international dishes. Pržun attracts a mostly young crowd that comes together at the tables out front to eat or enjoy a cocktail.
Calendar of events
Mimosa Festival
January/February 2020
Location: Herceg Novi, various locations
When returning to Montenegro from their travels, sailors used to bring back exotic plants, including mimosas. Thanks to the mild coastal climate in and around Herceg Novi, these early-blooming plants start flowering in January – a lovely reason to celebrate! At the Mimosa Festival, garlands of mimosa flowers can be seen everywhere, and there are cultural and sporting events, carnival parades and masked balls.
Palm Sunday
April 5, 2020
Location: Tivat, Church of St. Sava
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. To mark this day, Orthodox Christians make wreaths out of palm branches, ring bells and walk through the town in processions.
International Summer Carnival
June, 2020
Location: Herceg Novi, Kotor and Tivat
In Herceg Novi and Kotor, the summer carnival has a long tradition. The event was held in Tivat for the first time in 2018. The program includes a parade, a samba show and performances from Montenegrin bands.
Regatta Cup Fašinada
July 11, 2020
Location: Perast
“Fašinada” was originally a procession of fishing boats, which were rowed over to the small island that is home to the Gospa od Škrpjela church. Although this traditional procession of fishing vessels still takes place, the Fašinada Regatta is now also held at the same time. The regatta is a sailing race between Perast and Tivat’s Porto Montenegro. Both events are extremely popular with visitors to the region.
Cultural Summer
August 2020
Location: Tivat, Villa Buća Luković and other locations
This festival is held every August and is one of the town’s biggest events. The program includes classical music concerts, which are held in the Villa Buća Luković – an impressive summer residence dating back to the fourteenth century.
Sea Dance Festival
This festival takes place on a beach near Budva and has been held every summer since 2013. It quickly became a favorite for fans of house, dance and electro music.
All information subject to change. Please check the dates on the relevant event organizer’s website.
Phone calls & Internet
Country code:+382
Mobile telephony
Although the currency used in Montenegro is the euro, the country is not a member of the European Union. This means that using a European cell phone to make calls may incur high roaming charges. More information about this is available from the relevant cellular service providers. It is cheaper to use a Montenegrin pre-paid card. These can be purchased from various vendors, such as gas stations and convenience stores. Local network providers include Telenor (telenor.me) and mtel (mtel.me).
Internet
Free Internet access via Wi-Fi is possible in many busy tourist spots. When using public Wi-Fi networks, it is a wise precaution to ensure the encryption of all passwords, credit card details and banking TANs entered. Use of a VPN app or security software to check the safety of a hotspot is recommended.
Shopping in Tivat
Key Areas
In the Porto Montenegro area, shoppers will find small, high-end boutique fashion stores selling well-known international brands. The area surrounding the marina also has numerous small shops that sell sailing equipment and apparel. Shoppers who are interested in handmade items should take a trip to Kotor’s historic old town.
Markets
Farmers’ markets can be found at regular intervals in Tivat and the surrounding area. These markets predominantly sell regional produce, including fruit, flowers, honey, ham and wine. The market in Kotor is a very picturesque affair set against the backdrop of the old town walls.
Shopping Centers
Montenegrins do the majority of their day-to-day shopping in small, owner-managed stores. The Kamelija shopping center on Mata Petrovića in Kotor (kamelija.me) is the only shopping mall in the Bay of Kotor.
Climate & best time to visit Montenegro
Today: Friday, 15.01.2021 06:00 UTC

sunny
temperature
4°C
wind direction
northwind speed
2.5 mph7 days forecast
Saturday
16.01.2021
4°C / -1°C
Sunday
17.01.2021
1°C / -2°C
Monday
18.01.2021
2°C / -2°C
Tuesday
19.01.2021
-2°C / -9°C
Wednesday
20.01.2021
2°C / -6°C
Thursday
21.01.2021
7°C / -4°C
Friday
22.01.2021
10°C / 2°C
With an elevation of 2000 meters, the Dinaric Alps split the country into two climatic regions. Along the Adriatic coast, the climate is Mediterranean – with hot summers and mild, cool winters. These areas typically experience regular cold autumn winds from the mountains (bora). In eastern Montenegro, the climate is mild and continental. In the plains around the capital city, Podgorica, the summers are very hot and dry and the winters are cold with heavy snowfall.
For beach holidays, the best time to visit is May through September. The high altitudes in the mountainous areas mean that temperatures don’t get too hot, even in the summer – the perfect conditions for cycle tours or hiking. The winter sports season in Montenegro is December through April. Kolašin and Žabljak are popular winter sports resorts.
Visa & Immigration
IATA Travel Centre
The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.
Travel etiquette
Social Conventions
Montenegro is a country of ethnic and religious diversity. As well as Montenegrins, the country is also home to Serbs, Bosnians, Albanians and Romani people, among others. Most people who live in the country are Serbian-Orthodox, and one quarter of the population is Muslim. Although this variety is what makes Montenegro so diverse, it also causes tensions. There are ongoing disagreements concerning language, national identity and religion, and the situation is complex. It is therefore best to avoid these topics of conversation when talking to locals.
Churches and mosques
All visitors should respect the traditions and customs of the various communities within the population. This includes ensuring that clothing is not too casual when visiting churches and monasteries. When visiting a mosque, visitors should do as Muslims do and remove their shoes.
In public
Topless bathing is not permitted on public beaches, but there are nudist beaches, which are marked as such.
Smoking
There is a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants, which also applies to other public places.
Health
Food & Drink
The risk of developing intestinal infections exists throughout the country. Visitors should be careful about hygiene with respect to food and drinking water. Although the tap water is generally safe for drinking, visitors are advised to drink bottled water – especially at the beginning of their stay while they adapt. When buying bottled water, ensure that the original packaging has not been opened. There are no health concerns relating to products such as meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables. Nevertheless, it is advisable to peel fruit and vegetables and eat only cooked meat. Unpasteurized milk should be boiled. As a precaution, dairy products made from unpasteurized milk should be avoided.
Other Risks
In some parts of the country, from March/April through October/November, there is a risk of contracting tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). This risk can be minimized by wearing clothing that covers the skin and by using insect repellent. If you are bitten by a tick and have concerns, seek medical attention. Visitors who want to play it extra-safe should consult a doctor specializing in travel/tropical medicine before traveling to the country.
Travelers should be up to date with standard vaccinations before they leave home. This includes vaccinations for tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, pneumococci, influenza and herpes zoster (shingles). Cases of hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur in Montenegro. A vaccination to protect against hepatitis A is generally advisable. For longer visits or visits involving close contact with the local population, or with children and young people, the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended.
In many parts of Montenegro, there are poisonous snakes. Caution and sturdy shoes are essential when hiking in inland areas with rocky landscapes and long grass.
HIV/AIDS is a global problem that also affects Montenegro and is a serious danger to those who put themselves at risk of infection. Unprotected sexual contact, unclean syringes or cannulae, and blood transfusions can pose a significant risk.
Rabies is found in Montenegro. Carriers include dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Backpackers, children, those at risk for vocational reasons and those staying in Montenegro for longer periods are advised to be vaccinated. Victims of animal bites should seek medical help as soon as possible.
There is an elevated risk of contracting intestinal infections, Lyme disease and kala-azar (black fever). There are no vaccines available for these infections.