Where to Stay on The Montenegro Coast (2026): The Ultimate Guide

• Herceg Novi is the closest town to the Montenegro-Croatia border, and therefore the closest to Dubrovnik city and airport. While Dubrovnik may be the best starting point for many to reach Montenegro’s coast, it’s likewise possible to visit Dubrovnik as a day trip from Herceg Novi. In this case, for a short trip, staying in Herceg Novi may be the best choice.
  
  
• As a culturally-rich fortress city, Herceg Novi is a cheaper alternative to other towns on the Montenegrin coast, with plenty of accommodations available for all budgets. The area is a good choice for families with young kids, as it offers activities for all ages.
  
  
• There are plenty of transportation links and good roads connecting Herceg Novi with other popular towns in the Bay of Kotor (Kotor is 1 hour away by car or bus), including a ferry.
  
  
• Herceg Novi is also optimally located for nature activities and hiking in Mount Orjen, which is the highest peak in the Sub-Adriatic Dinarides (even higher than the more famous Mount Lovćen).

• While closer to Dubrovnik, Herceg Novi’s location on the far end of the Montenegro coast makes it the furthest from all other towns and beaches worth visiting. While just over one hour away from Tivat airport, it also takes 2.5 hours to reach Herceg Novi from Podgorica airport.
  
  
• If you’re looking to party, Herceg Novi may be a little too quiet for you. The town is better suited for families and those looking for a peaceful holiday. If you seek a vibrant nightlife scene, consider staying in Budva or Tivat instead.

• Perast is a romantic historical town, and perhaps the most beautiful town in Montenegro. Its location right in the middle of the Bay provides some of the best views over the Bay of Kotor. Staying in this small, pedestrian-only town with just 300 residents is ideal for a short and quaint escape.
  
  
• Additionally to the town’s day-long natural charm, I must emphasise that Perast’s west-facing position is perfect for watching the sunset. Better yet, Perast’s waterfront seafood restaurants make it one of the most idyllic places in Montenegro for a sunset dinner by the Bay.
  
  
• Perast is easy to reach by bus from either Kotor or Herceg Novi, as it is located by the main road circling the Bay of Kotor.
  
  
• Geographically, Perast’s location is perfect for connecting to nearby Kotor and with the main roads leading to the central and northern regions of Montenegro. This is very convenient, especially if you plan to visit Ostrog Monastery as a day trip from the coast, or venturing farther north to Durmitor for a few days.

• Being a small town with few hotels, Perast is one of the most expensive places to stay in Montenegro, with prices higher than those of the rest of the Bay of Kotor.
  
  
• Perast is a pedestrian-only town, meaning cars are not allowed to drive through its centre. With only a few parking lots at either end of town, visiting and staying during peak season means competing for parking spots, if you’re driving. In this case, you should make sure to discuss parking arrangements with your accommodation beforehand.
  
  
• Much like in most of the Bay of Kotor, Perast is not located near any sandy beaches. However, it is possible to swim here in the Bay’s clear teal waters.
  
  
• If you’re looking to party, Perast may be a little too quiet for you. Yes, you have Pirate Bar at one end of town, but it closes at 9PM as most people visit Perast as a day trip. If you seek a vibrant nightlife scene, consider staying in Budva or Tivat instead.

• As part of the Bay of Kotor UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, Kotor is a hub for culture and history lovers. Apart from the Fortress and all the history inside it, Kotor comes alive during its carnivals, as well as during other holiday periods and traditional festivities.
  
  
• Kotor Old Town and its nearby areas are the most convenient bases to explore the Bay of Kotor, within easy reach on one end to Herceg Novi, and to Tivat and the Luštica Peninsula on the other. Budva is also only a 30-minute drive away, and Cetinje is a 1-hour uphill drive with some great views over the Bay and Lovćen National Park on the way.
  
  
• While Kotor isn’t a party town, there are various options for nightlife here. If you’d rather skip the buzzing cocktail bars and nightclubs, you can also stop at the many cafes and restaurants with stunning views over the Bay.
  
  
• Many day trips and tours depart from Kotor, making it a good base for exploring other parts of Montenegro. Much like in the rest of the Bay of Kotor, it is easy to get around by public transport (bus) if you can’t or don’t wish to rent a car.

• Being a small town with limited accommodation options, Kotor Old Town is one of the most expensive places to stay in Montenegro. As such, a common alternative is to look for more affordable accommodation in nearby areas, like Prčanj and Dobrota.
  
  
• I found that, compared to the Budva Riviera, the Bay of Kotor lacks an offer for mid-range hotels. It’s easy to find affordable privately-owned apartments (ideal for families and groups of friends) and high-end hotels; however, mid-range hotels are few and far between.
  
  
• As a popular destination for overnight tourists, day-trippers, and cruisers, tiny Kotor Old Town gets very crowded during the day. For this reason, it might be beneficial to look for accommodation outside the town centre, and (my personal tip!) checking the port schedule and picking a visit date when no cruise ships are docking. This way, you get to at least avoid the cruise crowds.
  
  
• Just like in most of the Bay of Kotor, Kotor Old Town is not located near any sandy beaches. However, it is possible to swim in the Bay’s clear teal waters.

• If you’re looking for luxury, then Tivat is the place. With a good offer of five-star hotels, high-end restaurants, and luxury boutiques, Tivat provides an unparalleled upmarket experience on the Montenegro coast.
  
  
• Tivat’s central location between the major towns on the Montenegrin coast is a big bonus. The town is within easy reach to Herceg Novi, the Bay of Kotor, the Luštica Peninsula, and Budva – all in under one hour. It is also the closest town to Tivat Airport – the main airport on the coast of Montenegro.
  
  
• Although Tivat is not known as a beach town, there are a couple sandy beaches, like Waikiki Beach Resort (although artificial) and Plavi Horizonti Beach.
  
  
• Albeit a bit of an ambivalent point – Tivat doesn’t have a lot of must-visit places. As it’s often overlooked by tourists in favour of other towns like Kotor and Perast, it remains a quiet and peaceful destination.

• Tivat’s trendy and luxurious vibes do come with a price tag, and since its redevelopment, the town is now one of the most expensive places to stay in Montenegro.
  
  
• If you like to dig into the history and culture of your destinations – then I would recommend skipping Tivat and staying in Kotor or Budva instead. Tivat is the youngest town in the Bay of Kotor and it doesn’t have many major historical and cultural sights, apart from the Naval Heritage Collection Museum.
  
  
• Although Tivat has access to a couple sandy beaches, if you’re visiting the Montenegro coast primarily for sunbathing, just know that you won’t find long sandy beaches here. Beachgoers might enjoy staying in Budva or Ulcinj a lot more.

• The obvious: party! Budva is a party town and has no less than a dozen nightclubs, including Top Hill – the biggest open air nightclub in Europe, voted as the best nightclub in 2012 and open during the summer season only. Aside from nightclubs, Budva has a lively nightlife with many bars, cafes, and restaurants playing music.
  
  
• I found that Budva has a much wider offer of mid-range hotels and boutique hotels, compared to Kotor. Therefore, Budva is a good option if you want the comfort of a hotel stay without a hefty price tag.
  
  
• Budva is a convenient base if you’re looking to spend longer exploring the towns and beaches along the Budva Riviera, with the option to also visit Boka Bay or the town of Cetinje, the former capital of Montenegro. Budva is also convenient to reach in 30 minutes from Tivat Airport, or just over an hour’s drive from Podgorica Airport.
  
  
• Budva boasts over 30 beaches in its vicinity, from small hidden coves to popular sandy beaches, like Jaz Beach.
  
  
• It’s easy to get around Budva by public transport (bus), which is a good option if you can’t or don’t wish to rent a car. The town is very-well connected, both with towns and cities within Montenegro, and with major cities in neighbouring countries (especially during the summer).

• As a popular beach destination, expect Budva to get overcrowded and more expensive in the summer. This will also affect traffic in the peak hours during the day.
  
  
• Even though I was able to enjoy my stay in Budva without being particularly fond of partying, I am aware that certain parts of town where the party scene happens can be noisy. Make sure to research your hotel well if you want a quiet and peaceful stay – aim to stay removed from the Old Town and the beachfront.
  
  
• While Budva is known for its beaches (better than Kotor), I will admit that I was not a fan of the main beach in Budva itself, and much preferred the neighbouring beaches and towns, like Jaz, Milocer and Sveti Stefan. I would like to highlight that my partner and I used Budva as a base to explore the wider Riviera, and not to spend our days solely in the town of Budva (although we did visit the Old Town, which we really liked, and we had dinners by the beach).

• Sveti Stefan is one of Montenegro’s most picturesque towns, due to the 15th-century fortified village set on an islet which divides the two beaches at either side. Given that many houses and condos are perched on the hill facing the islet, it is possible to enjoy the postcard view from various hotels and restaurants.
  
  
• There are opportunities for walks and hiking trails around Sveti Stefan, including several viewpoints on the hill and nearby beaches, like Miločer beach.

• Despite offering all the needed amenities, Sveti Stefan is a tiny sleepy beach town and is primarily a relaxing destination for those looking for a peaceful holiday. So, if you’re looking to party all night, Sveti Stefan will be too quiet for you and you should consider staying in nearby Budva instead.
  
  
• Due to its small size and prestigious location, Sveti Stefan tends to be pricier than other towns along the coast. If you’re on a tighter budget, then choosing a more versatile base, like Budva, might be a better choice.
  
  
• Given the town’s location on the hillside, going from the beach to the shops, hotels and restaurants often requires climbing flights of stairs, which might be difficult for elder people and families with small children.

• Petrovac is an ideal base for families, due to its proximity to kid-friendly beaches with playgrounds, such as Petrovac City Beach, Buljarica Beach, or the smaller Lučice Beach.
  
  
• There is a wide offering of accommodations in Petrovac with views over the sea, and for all kinds of budget and needs.
  
  
• If you’re an adventure seeker, know that Petrovac is one of the best paragliding destinations in Montenegro for all ages – from beginners to pros alike!
  
  
• If you’re looking for a nature day trip from Petrovac, you can drive just 30 minutes to Lake Skadar – the largest lake in Southern Europe, which borders Montenegro and Albania. There, you can swim, kayak, or take a boat tour, among other nature activities such as hiking, biking, and bird-watching.
  
  
• Petrovac is equidistantly located from both Tivat Airport and Podgorica Airport, providing you the option to arrive and depart from either airport.

• Despite offering plenty of lively restaurant and bar options, Petrovac is one of the quietest resort towns on the Montenegro coast, even during peak season. So, if you’re looking to party all night, Petrovac will be too quiet for you, and you should perhaps consider staying in nearby Budva instead.
  
  
• As a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, expect Petrovac to get very crowded in the summer.
  
  
• On the flip side of its appeal for families, if you are not particularly fond of family-oriented resort towns, then Petrovac might not be the place for you.

• Bar’s Old Town, Stari Bar, is currently on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tentative List and it’s the largest and most important medieval archaeological site in the Balkans. This authentic Old Town is located inland, about a 10-minute drive from Bar town centre, and perfect for a day trip.
  
  
• If you seek a day out in nature, Bar is only 30 minutes away by car or train from Lake Skadar – the largest lake in Southern Europe, which borders Montenegro and Albania. There, you can swim, kayak, or take a boat tour, among other nature activities such as hiking, biking, and bird-watching.
  
  
• For more adventurous travellers, Bar is also a good base for extreme sports. Apart from the hiking and biking trails near town, you can also climb Rumija Mountain or go canyoning in both nearby Rikavac and Medjurec canyons.
  
  
• There are a few beaches to choose from near Bar, such as Čanj Beach or Queen’s Beach (which you can reach by taking a short scenic boat ride). If you drive 10 minutes west, you can sunbathe at Sutomore Beach, a very popular long sandy beach.
  
  
• If you cannot or don’t wish to rent a car, Bar is a good choice for a base, as it is well-connected to Lake Skadar and Podgorica via the Belgrade–Bar railway. If you would like to venture away from Montenegro’s coast, you could take the scenic route to Kolašin on this train. You can also reach other coastal towns, such as Ulcinj, by bus.

• Most of the beaches near Bar are pebble beaches. If you’re looking for long stretches of white sand, you should consider basing yourself in Ulcinj, where these are more common.
  
  
• Given Bar itself is an industrial port town and quite separated from its Old Town, it’s often not an attractive option for many travellers. If you’re not into nature and adventure, then the more scenic historical towns of Kotor or Budva might be a better choice for you.
  
  
• While there are plenty of lively pubs and bars around the marina, as well as open-air discos at the beach bars, the nightlife in Bar is very tame compared to other towns like Budva. There are no nightclubs in Bar, so if you’re looking to party all night, Bar might be too quiet for you.

• Ulcinj is home to the best long sandy beaches and warmest waters on the Montenegrin coast. The shallow waters at Velika Plaza (Big Beach) make it ideal for families travelling with young children.
  
  
• Alternatively, if you’re interested in nudist beaches, Ulcinj also has a few of those! Apart from the popular Ada Bojana and Borova šuma (Pine forest) beaches, there’s also the female-only Healing Women’s Beach – believed to have healing properties as a sulfur-mineral source.
  
  
• There is a wide offering of accommodations in Ulcinj for all kinds of budget and needs, and it is also a cheaper destination than other towns on the Montenegro coast. Here, you can also find beach hotels with all-inclusive packages, which are a rare find in Montenegro.
  
  
• Ulcinj is the closest town to the Montenegro-Albania border, so it’s possible to visit the Albanian town of Shköder as a day trip from here. If you plan on adding Albania to your itinerary (hiking in the Alps is an incredible experience!), then staying in Ulcinj may be a good choice.
  
  
• Ulcinj has a varied and vibrant nightlife scene – from beachfront parties to cocktail bars, live jazz clubs, pubs, discos, and nightclubs. If you’re looking to relax during the day and then go for a good night out, Ulcinj has you covered.

• As a town, Ulcinj doesn’t have many attractions, apart from the Old Town, the Castle, and the Museum of Local History. The main highlights of the area are its beaches and outdoor activities, therefore if you’re after cultural and historical sites, you should perhaps consider other towns near Kotor or Budva.
  
  
• While benefitting from the best beaches on the coast, Ulcinj’s location on the far end of the Montenegro coast makes it the furthest from all other towns worth visiting. From Ulcinj, the closest airport is in Podgorica (over one hour away), and it takes nearly 2 hours to reach Tivat airport.
  
  
• Due to its history, and with a predominantly Muslim and ethnic Albanian population, Ulcinj has a different feel to the rest of the Montenegro coast. If you’re looking to soak up the traditional Montenegrin culture and feel, Ulcinj might not be the ideal destination for that.
  
  
• Ulcinj is considered dirtier and rougher around the edges than other parts of the Montenegro coast. It is also acceptable to smoke in cafes and bars (and even inside some accommodations), which might be unpleasant to non-smokers.

Visiting Montenegro soon? Check out my guides:

• Driving in Montenegro for First-Timers: Everything You Need to Know

• Traditional Montenegro Food: Popular Foods to Try

• How To Fly a Drone in Montenegro… Legally!