Road Trips in Montenegro

Podgorica is the capital of Montenegro. Its lively city streets, beautiful architecture, and a number of landmarks  will stay in the travellers’ minds for a long time. The most notable highlights include the Old Town, the Cathedral of Christ’s Resurrection, and Petrovic Palace. 

Travellers seeking seaside resorts can choose one of the idyllic cities located along the coastline. In Ulcinj, you’ll be surprised by entertainment venues galore, in Kotor, you can admire the charming harbour, and in Herceg Novi, you can soak up the laid-back atmosphere.

The fans of natural wonders will be satisfied with a trip to the Biogradska Gora National Park. Its topography is a mosaic of blue streams, still lakes, and calm meadows. It also offers a wide choice of outdoor activities. Thanks to being a great showcase of Montenegro’s flora and fauna, it is willingly visited by the lovers of birdwatching.

Among the most unique places in Montenegro, you’ll also find Sveti Stefan, one of the most popular places in the region of the Budva Riviera, Mount Lovcen, offering breathtaking views on the Mount Loven National Park, and Ostrog Monastery, a rock-hewn sanctuary.

Montenegro offers some stunning drives that are perfect for a road trip. Here are three of the best road trips in Montenegro:

• Bay of Kotor: The Bay of Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its beautiful scenery. The drive around the bay takes you through small fishing villages, old towns, and stunning coastal views. The road is narrow and winding, but the views are worth it.

• Durmitor National Park: Durmitor National Park is located in the northern part of Montenegro and offers some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in Europe. The drive takes you through the park's rugged terrain, with breathtaking views of canyons, rivers, and forests. The park has several hiking trails and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Adriatic Coast: The Adriatic coast in Montenegro offers a stunning drive with beautiful views of the sea and coastal towns. The road takes you through Budva, a charming old town with narrow streets and stunning beaches. The drive continues to the town of Kotor, with its old town and medieval walls.

Other notable road trips in Montenegro include the Tara River Canyon drive, the Biogradska Gora National Park drive, and the Lovćen National Park drive.

Overall, a road trip in Montenegro offers a great opportunity to explore the country's diverse landscapes, from the coastal towns to the rugged mountains. With its stunning scenery and charming towns, Montenegro is a great destination for a road trip.

Montenegro can boast a diversity of road surfaces. These less well-maintained are pretty rough, especially for the less experienced drivers. The greatest danger on these roads are uneven surfaces, bumps, and stray animals. That’s why it’s best to avoid driving at night.

Don’t worry, the driving conditions in most areas are similar to the ones prevailing in other European countries. You need to stick to the right side of the road and overtake other vehicles on the left. What’s more, avoid using horn in built-up areas unless there’s an emergency situation that you want to prevent. 

The age restrictions aren’t that different from other European countries as well. You need to be 18 years old in order to drive in Montenegro; however, some car rental companies may require you to be a little older. Don’t be surprised if you are asked to pay an additional fee for being an inexperienced motorist.

Both drinking and driving and driving and texting may result in heavy fines. In Montenegro, you’ll be considered to be under the influence of alcohol with a level of blood alcohol of 0.05% or higher. That’s why it is best to avoid drinking anything alcoholic before hitting the road as even a small amount will take you beyond the limit. When it comes to mobile phones, always use a hands-free device to avoid severe penalties. 

While travelling around Montenegro, it’s important to carry the following documents: your driver’s licence, ID or passport, registration documents, and a proof of insurance. 

Just like in any European country, you’ll be charged with high penalties for speeding in Montenegro. The simplest way to avoid them is to stick to the prevailing speed limits: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h in rural areas, 100 km/h on expressways, and 130 km/h on highways. While driving near schools and residential areas, you’ll be obliged to reduce your speed to what’s indicated on the road signs.

When embarking on a road trip in Montenegro, it's important to be aware of certain things to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Driving can be challenging: Montenegro has a lot of winding roads that can be narrow and steep in some areas. It's important to be cautious and drive slowly, especially when going up or down hills or around tight turns.

• Be prepared for unpredictable weather: The weather in Montenegro can be unpredictable, with sudden changes in temperature and unexpected rain or snow showers. It's important to pack appropriate clothing for different weather conditions and to be prepared for sudden changes in the forecast.

• Follow traffic rules: It's important to obey traffic laws when driving in Montenegro. This includes wearing seatbelts, not using a mobile phone while driving, and adhering to speed limits. Keep in mind that Montenegro uses the right-hand side of the road and that overtaking is only allowed on the left.

• Be cautious when parking: Parking can be difficult in some areas of Montenegro, especially in popular tourist destinations. Be sure to park in designated areas to avoid being towed or ticketed. Additionally, be cautious of leaving valuables in the car as break-ins can occur in some areas.

• Keep necessary documents on hand: When driving in Montenegro, it's important to keep your driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance documents on hand in case you're stopped by the police. Additionally, keep your passport or ID card with you at all times.

By being aware of these things, you can have a safer and more enjoyable road trip in Montenegro.

The best time for a road trip in Montenegro depends on personal preferences and interests, as well as the activities you want to do and the sights you want to see. However, here are some general guidelines to consider:

• High season: July and August are the busiest months, with the highest number of tourists and the warmest temperatures. This is a great time for beach activities, water sports, and outdoor events, but also the most crowded and expensive.

• Shoulder season: May, June, September, and October are the shoulder months, with milder weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. This is a good time for hiking, sightseeing, and exploring the national parks and cultural sites.

• Low season: November to April is the low season, with the coldest temperatures, the fewest crowds, and the lowest prices. This is a good time for winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding, as well as cultural events and festivals.

Overall, the best time to take a road trip in Montenegro is in the shoulder season, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are manageable. However, it also depends on your interests and priorities. If you want to enjoy the beaches and the sun, then the high season may be the best option, but if you prefer hiking and outdoor activities, then the shoulder season or the low season may be more suitable.

The cost of a road trip in Montenegro can vary greatly depending on your travel style and preferences. Here is a rough estimate of the cost:

• Accommodation: You can find budget accommodations such as hostels and guesthouses for around 10-20 EUR per night, while mid-range hotels and apartments can cost between 40-80 EUR per night.

• Food: A basic meal in a local restaurant can cost around 5-10 EUR, while a meal in a mid-range restaurant can cost around 15-20 EUR. If you prefer cooking your own meals, groceries can cost around 30-50 EUR per week.

• Transportation: Renting a car can cost around 20-30 EUR per day, while gasoline costs around 1.3 EUR per liter. Public transportation is also an option and costs around 1-2 EUR per ride.

• Attractions and activities: Entrance fees to museums and tourist attractions are usually around 5-10 EUR per person, while outdoor activities such as hiking and rafting can cost between 20-50 EUR per person.

• Miscellaneous expenses: This can include things like souvenirs, drinks, and other miscellaneous expenses. It's best to budget around 10-20 EUR per day for these types of expenses.

Overall, a daily budget of around 50-70 EUR per person should be sufficient for a comfortable road trip in Montenegro. However, if you prefer a more luxurious travel experience, you may need to budget more. It's always a good idea to research prices beforehand and create a detailed budget to ensure you stay within your means.

Some recommended guidebooks and road maps for a road trip in Montenegro are:

• Lonely Planet Montenegro: This guidebook covers the major attractions, places to stay, eat, and drink, as well as practical information for traveling in Montenegro.

• Michelin Montenegro Map: This detailed road map is essential for planning a road trip in Montenegro. It covers the whole country, including all major roads, cities, and attractions.

• National Geographic Montenegro Adventure Map: This map is perfect for those who are looking for an active road trip in Montenegro. It includes hiking trails, bike routes, and other outdoor activities.

• Rough Guide to Montenegro: This guidebook provides in-depth information on the history, culture, and customs of Montenegro, as well as practical information for travelers.

• Montenegro Road Atlas: This detailed atlas covers the whole country and includes detailed maps of all major cities and towns, as well as information on attractions, accommodations, and restaurants.