Where to Stay in Montenegro: 7 Best Areas incl Map

Trying to decide where to stay in Montenegro? Skip the tourist traps and discover the best areas to stay—from the tranquil shores of Lake Skadar to the mountain town of Žabljak. Whether you want adventure, history, or hidden gems, this guide will help you find the perfect base.

Montenegro may be small, but choosing where to stay can make or break your trip. We spent two weeks road-tripping through the country, swimming in little coves along the Adriatic coast to clambering up the peaks of Durmitor National Park. Some towns pulled us in with their charm, while others felt overrun, built for tourism rather than experience.

Personally I found the best places to stay in Montenegro to be Perast, Kotor, Luštica, Virpazar, Kolašin, Plužine, and Žabljak. We’d skip Budva and Podgorica, though—the former is a party hub, while the latter feels more like a stopover than a destination. If you’re looking for authentic Montenegro, this guide will help you find the perfect base.

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Where to Stay in Montenegro: Quick Planning Guide

When planning our trip to Montenegro we spent an inordinate amount combing through various guides trying to figure out where to stay. In the end, we booked the first few nights and decided to figure it out on the fly asking locals for their recommendations. Here are the favorite hotels we booked.

SUSTAINABILITY TIP: Stay local! Projects like the development of “katuns“—traditional shepherds’ huts—offer authentic experiences while directly benefiting local families. Staying in these accommodations allows you to immerse yourself in Montenegrin culture and contribute to the preservation of rural traditions. ​

1. Perast

Why stay in Perast

Perast is a quaint village nestled within Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor. Perast is the best area to stay in Montenegro for those wanting to explore the Bay of Kotor without losing touch with its soul. While much of the coast has been shaped by tourism, Perast still holds onto its authenticity—fishermen mend their nets by the shore, church bells echo through quiet streets, and the rhythm of daily life unfolds as it has for centuries.

That is, before 09.00 am and after 05.00 pm when the large hordes of tourists have abated. The beauty of Perast is that it has a limited amount of accommodation, and there is no harbor for cruise ships to dock. During the day it tends to get very busy with day trippers, oftentimes spilling out of large busses. This is the perfect time to leave Perast and head out on a day trip to other parts of the Bay.

FUN FACT | I loved Perast so much, that we ended up extending our Montenegro trip by 2 extra nights just so we could come back to the little town.

What to do in Perast

While in Perast, visitors can explore the Our Lady of the Rocks island, accessible via a short boat ride, to admire its historic church and museum. Strolling through the village reveals numerous baroque palaces and the prominent St. Nicholas’ Church, whose bell tower offers panoramic views of the bay. For a leisurely afternoon, the local waterfront cafes provide the perfect setting to relax and soak in the scenic surroundings. You might also like to read my full guide on things to do in Perast.

Hotels in Perast

Affordable Views: Bella Vista Zmukic is a great mid-range accommodation in Perast that offers simply spectacular views over the village. This is an apartment that comes with a fully equipped kitchen

Most Convenient: Apartmani Armonia in Perast offers modern, air-conditioned apartments with sea views, free Wi-Fi, and a fully equipped kitchen, just 100 meters from Perast Beach, making it a perfect coastal retreat.

Luxury Pick: Heritage Grand Perast. Located in a beautifully restored 18th-century Baroque palace, right in the heart of Perast. Without a doubt the prettiest hotel in the entire village. Comes with a private section of beach and a large (private) terrace overlooking Perast where guests can enjoy breakfast.

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2. Kotor

Why stay in Kotor

Many guides advocate Kotor as one of the best places to stay in Montenegro, and I wholeheartedly disagree. Or rather, let me nuance that statement just a smidge. Staying in the Old Town (Stari Grad) comes at a cost—both in price and crowds. Unfortunately, Kotor is suffering from the effect of over-tourism and during high season it almost feels like Disneyland.

We found a quiet retreat just 10 minutes away, in the hills overlooking the bay. There are plenty of little family-run hotels or apartments with the most spectacular views. Best of all, these spots put you right between Kotor and Lovćen National Park, making it the ideal base for exploring both. These accommodations do require having a car though.

What to do in Kotor

The best views are to be found by climbing the San Giovanni Fortress, once a strategic defense against invaders. You will want to head up early in the morning to avoid the blistering heat. Trust me on this one, we started ascending at 07.30 am and were heading down by 10.00 am.

During the warmest hours of the day make sure to visit St. Tryphon’s Cathedral, an architectural gem dating back to 1166. Then, visit the tiny Cats Museum, a quirky nod to the town’s centuries-old love affair with its feline residents. Said residents are absolutely everywhere, and very used to being pet by strangers.

Hotels in Kotor

Hotel within walking distance of Old Town: Historic Boutique Hotel Cattaro is a historic 4-star hotel in Kotor’s Old Town, offering elegant rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a scenic terrace overlooking the square, perfect for soaking in the atmosphere.

Most spectacular views: Apartments Vuković in Kotor offer air-conditioned units with furnished terraces boasting sea views, just 15 meters from the beach and 3 km from Old Town, has on-site parking.

Budget accommodation: Porta del Mare Apartments in Kotor offer sea-view terraces, free Wi-Fi, and private parking, just a short walk from the Old Town, making it a perfect coastal escape.

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3. Luštica Peninsula

Why stay in Luštica Peninsula

We did not stay here, but in hindsight, this would have absolutely been my top pick! While I absolutely fell in love with the scenery of the bay, most places felt crowded, overpriced, and, sadly, lacking in authenticity. With large cruise ships sailing through the tiny bay multiple times a day, the view was often a wall of glass rather than panoramic fjords.

Unlike the built-up towns along the Bay of Kotor, Luštica still feels untouched. Olive groves tumble toward the sea, small fishing villages dot the coastline, and hidden coves offer some of the country’s most beautiful beaches. Even in summer, there’s space to breathe.

Luštica Peninsula is surprisingly well-connected. Tivat Airport is just a 15-minute drive away, while Kotor can be reached by a 16-minute drive.

What to do in Luštica Peninsula

The peninsula is perfect for hiking quiet trails, kayaking through hidden coves, or swimming in the deep blue waters of Žanjic and Mirista Beach. Inland, small family-run farms produce olive oil, cheese, and wine, perfect for those who love to slow travel.

Hotels in Luštica Peninsula

Accommodation by the sea: Apartments Barizon in Rose offer beachfront accommodations with air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a private beach area, providing a serene coastal retreat.

Accommodation in Rose Village: Rose – Apartmani Janovic offers air-conditioned accommodations with mountain views, free Wi-Fi, and access to a private beach area, just 200 meters from Male Rose Bay Beach.

Family-friendly hotel: Villa Stella Rose in Luštica offers a tranquil retreat with a private pool, air-conditioned accommodations, and mountain views. Guests can enjoy the spacious patio and proximity to local attractions. Free private parking is available on-site.

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4. Virpazar

Why stay in Virpazar

Virpazar is the perfect choice for those searching for accommodation in Montenegro with easy access to Lake Skadar. A tiny village wrapped around the water’s edge, it’s the main gateway to the lake. In recent years, Virpazar has leaned into its role as the gateway to Lake Skadar, and in peak season, the tiny center overflows with vendors eager to sell boat tours and excursions.

While it still holds its charm, staying in the heart of the village can feel a little hectic. For a more peaceful experience, opt for a family-run guesthouse on the outskirts, where mornings are quieter, and the lake feels like it’s yours to discover.

What to do in Virpazar

Lake Skadar is a large stretch of water spilling across the border into Albania. Protected as a national park, it’s a place where nature still calls the shots, a sanctuary of hidden inlets, quiet fishing villages, and more than 280 species of birds.

We rented a kayak from one of the various vendors lining the lake and ended up peddling through the water for a few hours and we took a wine tasting at our hotel to try the famous Montenegro’s Vranac wine.

For something more immersive, the nearby village of Rijeka Crnojevića is the better bet. We booked a boat ride here, after extensively reading through various Tripadvisor reviews. Booking in advance is wise, but you can also turn up and find a local captain waiting by the river’s edge.

Hotels in Virpazar

Accommodation inside the village: Hotel Pelikan in Virpazar offers comfortable accommodations with a traditional ambiance, featuring an on-site restaurant serving local cuisine and organizing boat cruises on Lake Skadar. Free private parking is available for guests

Sustainable Hotel: Ethno Lodge AB in Virpazar offers cozy, air-conditioned chalets with private balconies, free Wi-Fi, and parking, just 1.8 km from Lake Skadar, providing a peaceful retreat with traditional Montenegrin hospitality.

Locally run: Eco Villas Merak in Virpazar offers traditional stone villas with free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, and is located just 1.2 km from Lake Skadar.

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5. Kolašin

Why stay in Kolašin

Kolašin is tucked into the Bjelasica Mountains, this alpine town offers crisp mountain air and cozy wooden lodges. In summer, it’s a peaceful base for hiking; in winter, it transforms into Montenegro’s top ski resort. But for me, Kolašin is all about its proximity to Biogradska Gora National Park, my favorite hiking destination in Montenegro.

What to do in Kolašin and Biogradska Gora

Just 20 minutes from town you will find Biogradska Gora, one of Europe’s last primeval forests. The heart of the park is Biogradsko Lake. From here, trails wind through the forest. While over 50 kilometers of marked hiking trails crisscross the park, most visitors stick to three: the Biogradsko Lake Loop (3.4 km), Mount Bendovac Hike (13.7 km), and the Crna Glava Summit Hike (13 km). We took the trail to Bendovac, a steady climb that rewards you with sweeping views—challenging, but perfectly manageable if you’re used to being active.

A small parking lot (free of charge) appears just as you enter the park, and from there, it’s a short walk to the Visitors Centre near the lake. Maps are available, though the main trails are well-marked, making it easy to lose yourself in the wild without ever truly getting lost.

Hotels in Kolašin

Walking distance from town: Chalet Kolasin Montenegro offers self-catering accommodations with free Wi-Fi, located 9 km from Kolašin Ski Resort 1450. Guests can enjoy free private parking, and the property is approximately 3 km from Kolašin town center.

Sustainable Pick: Dulović – KATUN POTOCI in Kolašin offers rustic mountain lodgings, traditional cuisine, and activities like horseback riding and hiking, with free Wi-Fi, private parking, and a peaceful retreat 9 km from Kolašin town center.

Luxury Pick: Modern Harmony in Kolašin offers a recently renovated apartment with free Wi-Fi, private parking, and an elevator. Designed as a tranquil retreat, it’s perfect for couples and skiers seeking comfort and convenience.

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6. Plužine

Why stay in Plužine

Plužine is tucked away in the mountains of the north, it’s the perfect base for exploring Piva Lake and the Tara Canyon—two of the country’s most breathtaking natural wonders. We booked our accommodation here because it was right by the lake and had ample free parking (B&B Konak).

What to do in and around Plužine

While Piva Lake is magnificent, we came to explore the Tara River Canyon, the deepest canyon in Europe. It is lined with dense forests, a turquoise river cutting through the center, and the iconic Đurđevića Tara Bridge arching high above the river. One of Montenegro’s best places for adventure and also home to the famous 800-meter zip line across the canyon (€10-€25 a person).

As someone with a crippling fear of heights, I decided to forego the zipline and instead booked a white water rafting trip. Unfortunately, the low water levels and a conveyor belt of boats, made it felt a little like Disneyland. For real thrills, visit in spring (April–June) when the snowmelt transforms the river into a rushing force, perfect for high-adrenaline rapids.

Hotels in Plužine

Affordable Views: Apartment LAKEVIEW ​in Plužine offers accommodations with inner courtyard views, a garden, and a patio. Free private parking is available.

Hotels inside the village: Vista apart Pluzine offers accommodations with mountain and lake views. Free private parking is available on-site. The property is approximately 1 km from Plužine town center

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7. Žabljak

Why stay in Žabljak

Žabljak is the best area to stay in Montenegro if you want to head into Durmitor National Park. Sitting at 1,450 meters, it’s the highest town in the Balkans. It does not have the coastal glamour of Kotor or Budva, and this is clearly reflected in the pricing which is about 1/3 for accommodations and meals.

We stayed here because it was a 30-minute walk from Žabljak to the entrance of the park. This turned out to be a very good move as finding parking would have been just about impossible. Cars lined the road for many kilometers leading up to the entrance of the park.

What to do in Žabljak and Durmitor National Park

Durmitor National Park is a vast wilderness of jagged peaks, deep canyons, and alpine forests in northern Montenegro. A UNESCO-listed landscape, Durmitor is simply spectacular, even if you are not a mountain goat-like yours truly. And the most jaw-dropping place was the Black Lake or Crno Jezero.

To enter, visitors must pay a €5 national park fee (free for children under 7), which grants access to the lake and surrounding trails. The easiest hike is the Black Lake Loop (3.5 km), a gentle walk hugging the shoreline. For those craving adventure, trails lead deeper into the park—to Zminje Lake (6 km round trip) or the more demanding ascent of Bobotov Kuk, Montenegro’s highest peak (2,523m).

Hotels in Žabljak

Hotel with a view: Etno Villas Tara & Petra ​in Žabljak offers air-conditioned accommodations with mountain views, free Wi-Fi, and private terraces. Located 1.8 km from Đurđevića Tara Bridge, it’s an ideal retreat for nature enthusiasts.

Hotel within walking distance from town: Casa di Pino Eco Lodge ​in Žabljak offers eco-friendly accommodations with modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and an on-site sauna

Sustainable Accommodation: Etno katun Djedov do offers rustic chalets with mountain views, a garden, and an on-site bar. Free private parking is available.

Luxury Pick: NORTH STORY – Luxury Chalet – Apartments & rooms in Žabljak offers mountain-view accommodations with free Wi-Fi, private parking, a seasonal pool, and a sauna, just 3.6 km from Black Lake, perfect for a relaxing retreat.

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8. Where not to stay in Montenegro

Budva

Budva’s historical center is undeniably charming, but step beyond the walls, and the town tells a different story. The coastline has been built up at breakneck speed, with high-rise hotels and apartment blocks packed into every available space. By night, Budva transforms into a party hotspot. I really did not like Budva and would not recommend staying here.

Tivat

Tivat may have an airport and a glitzy marina, but it lacks the soul found elsewhere in Montenegro. Porto Montenegro, its luxury waterfront development, is all polished yachts, designer stores, and high-end restaurants—beautiful, but far removed from authentic Montenegrin culture. T Tivat feels more like a stopover than a destination.

Podgorica

Podgorica may be Montenegro’s capital, but it’s far from the country’s most exciting destination. Much of its historic architecture was lost, leaving behind a mix of concrete blocks and modern developments. The city is best used as a transit hub rather than a place to stay.

Best Areas to Stay in Montenegro: Map

Now you have a view of the various different places to stay in Montenegro, but where in the world are they located? This interactive Google map should be able to answer that question.

Responsible & Sustainable Travel in Montenegro

TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Public transport is a great way to explore Montenegro sustainably, especially around the Bay of Kotor, where Blue Line buses connect towns like Kotor, Perast, Risan, and Tivat. Buses run frequently, with tickets costing around €1.50, payable in cash to the driver. Routes follow the coastline. Check times online via Omio.

DRINK TAP WATER: Tap water throughout the country is drinkable. Bring your reusable water bottle with you and simple fill it up instead of purchasing single-use plastic bottles.

STAY IN A LOCALLY RUN ACCOMMODATION: Opt for lodgings bearing recognized eco-labels, such as the EU Eco-label or Green Key International. These certifications signify a commitment to environmental standards, ensuring your stay supports sustainable practices.

SUPPORT COMMUNITY LED INITIATIVES: Projects like the development of “katuns“—traditional shepherds’ huts—offer authentic experiences while directly benefiting local families. Staying in these accommodations allows you to immerse yourself in Montenegrin culture and contribute to the preservation of rural traditions. ​

Practical Tips for Visiting Montenegro

LANGUAGE SPOKEN: In Montenegro, locals speak Montenegrin. Around the bay of Kotor, we found that most everyone working in tourism spoke English, the more North we traveled the less English was spoken.

CURRENCY: Montenegro uses the Euro (€), even though it’s not part of the EU. Most places accept card payments but always carry cash for small purchases, bus tickets, and rural areas.

CROSSING BORDERS: If planning a day trip to Albania, Bosnia, or Croatia, ensure you have a green card (insurance document) for rental cars. Border crossings can be slow in summer, so arrive early.

What is the most beautiful part of Montenegro

Montenegro was one of the few countries that had me gushing at every corner. Picking a handful of pretty places feels like a betrayal, but if I had to choose I would opt for Lake Skadar, Biogradska Gora, and Perast.

Which area is best to stay in Montenegro

That depends on what type of holiday you are looking for. If you want to head into the mountains, base yourself out of Žabljak, looking to explore the Bay of Kotor then opt for Perast or Luštica Peninsula. While excursions on Skadar Lake can be done while based out of Virpazar.

Is Montenegro a cheap place to visit

Montenegro can be affordable, but prices vary by location. In Kotor and Budva, mid-range hotels cost €50–€90 per night, while budget stays start at €25. Inland and national parks offer better value, with guesthouses from €15–€40. Visiting off-season (spring or autumn) helps secure lower rates and fewer crowds.

MORE RESOURCES FOR VISITING MONTENEGRO

PERAST | A detailed guide to slow visiting Perast
HERCEG NOVI | Explore the lesser-known Herceg Novi
MONTENEGRO | Most beautiful churches and monasteries in Montenegro
MONTENEGRO | Most beautiful places in Montenegro

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