Are you going camping in… Montenegro?

Montenegro is an emerging holiday destination. Camping specialist ACSI recently announced that in 2024, online searches for the country would increase thirty times more than the year before. A remarkable increase and reason enough to highlight Montenegro. We have previously put the country in the spotlight on Campingtrend, as you can read via the button below.

Camping in Montenegro is attractive because of the country’s versatility. Sea, mountains, lakes and historic towns; it can all be found there. The country is also known for its hospitable population and it is (still) affordable.

General information

Location

Montenegro used to be part of Yugoslavia. The country is located in the Balkans, on the Adriatic Sea, opposite Italy. Neighboring countries are Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Croatia, Serbia and Kosovo.

Capital

The capital of Montenegro is Podgorica.

Area and inhabitants

The country has an area of ​​13,812 km² and has 609,859 inhabitants (2020), who are called Montegríns.

Means of payment

Montenegro is not a member of the European Union (but is a candidate member state), but you can simply pay with the euro.

Climate

Montenegro has a Mediterranean climate on the coast and a mountain climate inland. On the coast, the temperature in the summer months can be between 28 and 35°C, with peaks higher. In the capital, it can be 35-40°C in the warmest months of July and August. It is a bit cooler in the mountains, where it is around 20-25°C in summer and the nights are a bit cooler.

Tourist destinations in Montenegro

On the coast

Budva is a popular seaside resort. But Budva is more than just sun, sea and sand. The historic centre of this city is surrounded by a medieval city wall. Behind this is a pedestrian area that extends over the narrow old streets where you can wander around.
Prefer something more sophisticated? Then go to Tivat, where the jet set moors with yachts to enjoy luxury shops and chic restaurants.
‘The city of the sun’ is the nickname of Herceg Novi, also on the coast. This city is also known for its many mimosa trees, which even have their own festival: the Praznik Mimosa.
And the old town of Kotor, surrounded by fortress walls, is even on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Well-known beaches in Montenegro are Velika Plaža (13 kilometres long), Jaz Beach, Sveti Stefan Beach, Lucice Beach and Velika Plaža.

Inland

The highest city in the Balkans is Zabljak, located at an impressive 1456 meters. Many winter sports enthusiasts know where to find Zabljak, but it is also an excellent place to go in the summer. Near Zabljak is the canyon of the Tara River, which is the deepest canyon in Europe.

Podgorica is the capital of Montenegro. The city was largely rebuilt after the destruction in the Second World War. Now it is a city with modern buildings, green parks and lots of culture.

Nikšić has undergone many transformations. Today, the second largest city in Montenegro has a beautiful town square and wide streets. The artificial lake Krupac, which the locals call the ‘sea’, is located 5.5 kilometers from Nikšić.

National parks

Montenegro has five national parks:

Durmitor National Park
A rugged mountain area with deep canyons, ice caves and the impressive Black Lake. Adventurous hikers will get their money’s worth here.

Biogradska Gora
One of the last primeval forests in Europe, with a fairytale lake and enormous biodiversity.

Lovćen National Park
Famous for the Njegoš mausoleum on the top of the mountain and panoramic views over the Bay of Kotor.

Skadar Lake National Park
The largest lake in the Balkans, a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

Prokletije National Park
A rugged and untouched mountain range with beautiful views and challenging hiking trails. The ‘Cursed Mountains’ is the resounding nickname of this area.

Food and drink in Montenegro

Food

Those who spend a holiday on the coast of Montenegro can enjoy fish soup, seafood or black risotto. Inland, the menu includes Njeguški pršut (smoked ham), Njeguški cheese and fish dishes such as eel and smoked carp. Another old Montenegrin dish is King Nikola’s pancakes. These cornmeal pancakes have a filling of walnuts and honey, and a sauce of dried plums cooked in wine.

Drink

Montenegro is known for the Vranac grape, which produces full-bodied red wines. White wine lovers will find the indigenous Krstač in their glass, although you can also get a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc here. Next to Lake Skadar is one of the largest vineyards in Europe: Ćemovsko polje. There are around 11.5 million vines here. The wine from this area is purchased worldwide.

Prefer something stronger than wine? Try a glass of raikija, also known as Montenegro’s national drink. Rakija is said to cure all sorts of ailments and even disinfect wounds.

Tolls and vignettes

Montenegro has one toll road, this is the A1 between Smokovac (near Podgorica) and Mateševo. This road is about 42 kilometers long. How much you have to pay depends on your vehicle and any trailer. You also have to pay a toll for the 4.1 kilometer long Sozina tunnel on the E65/E80 between Podgorica and Barmoë. This is 2.50 euros per passenger car for a single journey. Vignettes are not required in Montenegro.

Camping in Montenegro: campsites

Campsites in Montenegro can be found on the coast and at Lake Skadar. Wild camping is permitted in some places.

Would you like to go camping in Montenegro and learn more about the country? Then take a look at the site below.