The best places to stay in Montenegro are Kotor, Perast, Sveti Stefan, Ulcinj, Žabljak, and Grebaje Valley.
This Balkan country is the perfect destination for travelers who can’t decide between a beach vacation and a mountain escape.
Montenegro’s Adriatic Coast harbors some of Europe’s most dramatic landscapes like the Bay of Kotor, two interlocking bays flanked by vertiginous cliffs, as well as picturesque seaside towns like Kotor, Perast, and Sveti Stefan.
Montenegro’s National Parks are pristine and wild areas that beckon the adventurous.
To best appreciate Montenegro’s scenic and cultural diversity, we recommend dividing your time between the Dinaric Alps (Durmitor National Park and Prokletije National Park), the Bay of Kotor (Kotor, Perast), Budva Riviera (Sveti Stefan), and Ulcinj.
Our guide to where to stay in Montenegro is inspired by three visits to Montenegro over the span of six years (May, July, and September).
If possible, travel to Montenegro in June, or September. May and October are also great months to explore the coast.
At the end of the guide, we’ve shared our unfiltered opinions about Petrovac, Tivat, and Budva.
- Airports: Podgorica Airport, Tivat Airport, and Dubrovnik Airport
- Recommended Itinerary: 2-Week Montenegro Road Trip
- Hiking: Montenegro Hiking Destinations
- Hotel Star Ratings: There is no universal hotel star rating system across Europe. The star ratings in Montenegro are more generous, or lax.
1. Sveti Stefan, Budva Riviera
Sveti Stefan is a seaside village along the Adriatic Coast between Budva and Petrovac. With its romantic setting, thanks to its offshore island and mountainous backdrop, Sveti Stefan ranks as our favorite destination in Budva Riviera.
The main reasons to stay in Sveti Stefan Village are high-quality accommodations and direct access to Sveti Stefan Beach as well as neighboring Miločer Beach and the Queens’ Beach.
Sveti Stefan is also the perfect destination for couples of all ages, who want to relax by the sea (not party).
We stayed in the beachfront Hotel California, which boasts a private beach area on Sveti Stefan Beach. With direct beach access, a panoramic terrace facing Sveti Stefan Island, and sea-view rooms, Hotel California offers the most ease and best views for a beach vacation.
Nearby Boutique Hotel Villa Geba sparkles and shines with its designer rooms and suites, on-site restaurant, outdoor pool, and spa.
Another option is Apartments and Rooms Drago (midrange).
We also stayed in the 4-star Hotel Vivid Blue Serenity Resort, an adults-only hotel (ages 12+) with a drool-worthy infinity pool and restaurant. Though this hotel is not located in Sveti Stefan Village, it’s a great option for travelers who want to explore different areas of Budva during their stay.
For an in-depth look at this destination, including additional information about Sveti Stefan Island access and the Aman Sveti Stefan resort, read our Sveti Stefan Travel Guide.
Look for accommodation in Sveti Stefan.
2. Kotor, Bay of Kotor
Montenegro’s coastline is a hypnotic waltz between the mountains and sea, with the Bay of Kotor showcasing this dramatic interplay at its finest.
Tucked away in the inner bay lies the Old Town of Kotor, enclosed by medieval fortifications.
Montenegro’s pride and joy is a maze of churches, squares, restaurants, bars, and boutique hotels.
Highlights of any visit to Kotor are scaling the stone steps to Kotor Fortress, walking the City Walls, visiting St. Tryphon’s Cathedral, and hiking the Ladder of Kotor. Hikers seeking great views of Kotor Bay will love the Vrmac Ridge and Pestigrad Peak.
There are some excellent accommodations in the Old Town of Kotor including Hotel Hippocampus, Boutique Hotel Astoria, and Hotel Vardar.
However, there are also many standout accommodations outside of the Old Town. If you’re seeking waterfront accommodation in a more peaceful setting, check out these hotels in Dobrota: Villa Maestral (apartments), Corso Levante Luxury Suites, Hotel Forza Terra, Hotel Forza Mare, and Three Dots.
There are a few factors to consider when identifying where to stay in Kotor: Old Town access, parking, traveling with, or without a car, waterfront access, atmosphere, etc…
Read Where to Stay in Kotor to find out the best place to stay based on your unique travel style and needs.
Look for accommodation in Kotor.
3. Perast, Bay of Kotor
The seaside town of Perast is situated across from the Verige Strait, the narrow waterway connecting the inner and outer bays of Kotor.
Perast flourished during the Venetian Period, endowing the town with an elegant character that remains evident and cherished to this day.
The pedestrianized town center is a procession of waterfront Venetian palaces, stone villas, and churches, which house hotels and restaurants.
Those that visit Perast as a day trip from Herceg Novi, or Kotor, often regret not staying longer. However, Perast is very small. Active travelers may grow restless after two days.
We stayed at Conte Hotel & Restaurant, however the seafront Heritage Grand Perast offers the finest lodging experience for those willing to splurge.
Look for accommodation in Perast.
4. Žabljak, Gateway to Durmitor National Park
No trip to Montenegro is complete without visiting Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses the Tara river canyon, dense forests, and the limestone Durmitor massif.
This is the most tourist-friendly destination for hiking and outdoor adventuring in Montenegro. Trails like Bobotov Kuk and Mount Prustas are clearly waymarked and easy-to-follow. And there are a plethora of outdoor outfitters for rafting, canyoning, paragliding adventures.
The rustic, yet charming mountain town of Žabljak is the best place to stay for visiting Durmitor National Park. The village is packed with a range of accommodations, bakeries, eateries, and grocery shops. Everything you could possible need is nicely concentrated in the village center.
Though there’s no glitz here, you’ll find very hospitable accommodations with caring hosts.
We summarized our experiences staying in Hotel Soa, Casa di Pino Eco Lodge, and Guest House Durmitor Paradise in our Žabljak accommodation guide.
More top picks: Holiday Homes B&V and NORTH STORY – Luxury Chalet – Apartments & rooms.
Look for accommodation in Žabljak.
5. Grebaje Valley, Prokletije National Park
Prokletije National Park is located along the Albanian Border, northeast of Podgorica.
Far more offbeat and wild than Durmitor National Park, Prokeltije rewards the few that venture here with staggering mountain views and quiet trails.
There are two main gateways into the park: Grebaje Valley and Ropojana Valley.
We stayed in Grebaje Valley in order to hike Volušnica and Šuplja vrata (Kissing Cats).
There are only a handful of budget accommodations in this valley including WildBeauty Grebaje, Eco katun Maja Karanfil, and Bungalows Prokletije.
If you stay in Ropojana Valley, check out Eko Katun ROSI – Old Tower, PROKLETIJE eko katun Vusanje, and Riverside Guesthouse.
Look for accommodation in Gusinje.
6. Ulcinj
Ulcinj is a seaside town close to the border of Albania, populated by ethnic Albanians. Inhabited since the 5th century BC, Ulcinj is one of the oldest settlements along the Adriatic Coast.
Less polished and a bit rough around the edges, Ulcinj is a vibrant and interesting place to stay for 2 nights when touring the country.
The Old Town of Ulcinj is a delight to explore, even if it’s not quite as well-preserved as Budva and Kotor.
The coast around Ulcinj alternates between hidden pine-fringed coves and beach clubs. Ulcinj’s long sandy beach Velika Plaža is a magnet for kitesurfers.
If you want to stay in the Old Town, check out Hotel Pirate Old Town (midrange) and Guesthouse Maritimo (budget).
Outside the Old Town, there are some standout accommodations including the beachfront KAAB Boutique Hotel at Kruče Rakita, Mashtra The Olive House, and La Mandarine.
Look for accommodation in Ulcinj.
What about Petrovac, Budva, Tivat?
Petrovac
Petrovac is a seaside town huddled around a long crescent beach in Budva Riviera, south of Sveti Stefan. In high-season, the entire beach is flooded with families, leaving not a single inch of sand uncovered.
The promenade around the beach is lined with eateries selling theme-park junk food. The whole place feels like a cheap tourist trap.
That being said, Petrovac is rather nice to visit in spring, or off-season.
We recommend staying in Sveti Stefan and visiting Petrovac as a day trip. Follow the Reževići trail starting at Katio Castle, the old Venetian fortress built on a rocky headland, to Perazića Do.
Budva
With its polished Venetian architecture and narrow cobbled lanes, the Old Town of Budva is a top attraction in Montenegro. It also is bookended by beautiful beaches.
The problem is that Budva’s Old Town is surrounded by so many ugly developments, which are impossible to ignore.
We think Budva is worth visiting during the off-season. But, we can’t see the appeal of staying here in high summer.
Budva is also a party destination, attracting a certain crowd.
Tivat
Tivat is located along the outer bay of Kotor Bay. It’s dominated by Porto Montenegro, a posh waterfront development brimming with cafés, restaurants, and luxury hotels like Regent Porto Montenegro, wrapped around a luxury yacht marina.
Though tasteful, it’s artificial.
We don’t see the allure of staying in a place like Tivat that doesn’t resemble the architecture, culture, or ethos of the country.
More Balkans Travel Guides
Montenegro:
Albania:
Pin this Image for Future Trip Planning!
Stay Connected:
Connect with us on Pinterest.
Follow us on Instagram.
Like us on Facebook.
Support Us:
If you love reading our content, you can tip us via Ko-Fi.