Between the Adriatic Sea and the soaring peaks of the Dinaric Alps, Montenegro presents an alluring blend of coastline and mountains that cater to every budget. With cheap holidays in Montenegro, medieval towns, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, olive groves, and vineyards, this Balkan country packs a lot into its small size.
The good news for travelers? You can enjoy natural and historic wonders without breaking the bank, meaning you can find cheap holiday locations in Montenegro.
I’ve explored magical Montenegro on a tough budget and discovered these top spots perfect for cheap holidays in Montenegro. From hostels in the ancient walled city of Kotor to secluded beaches near Budva, here are my picks for getting the most out of this charming country.
Kotor – Walled City on the Bay of Kotor
No list of cheap holidays in Montenegro is complete without the breathtaking Kotor. Located on the banks of the Boka Bay, with many things to do in Kotor. This centuries old town is surrounded by imposing stone walls threaded with cobbled alleys, cafés and craft shops.
Enjoy budget-friendly walks along the historic ramparts for panoramic views over the bay’s sapphire waters for the price of a few euros.
Base yourself at a local hostel like Old Town Hostel for dorm beds from €12 per night or nab an Airbnb apartment rental from around €40. Fill up on affordable burek pastries and local wine before joining free walking tours to see top sights like the Romanesque St. Tryphon’s Cathedral without spending a cent.
Don’t miss a boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks island in Perast, with rides available from €15.
Budva – Coastal Resort Town
Lively Budva hits the sweet spot between history, nightlife, and coastal holiday vibes. Behind medieval walls, find craft shops, eateries, and bars centered around Trg Sunca. Nearby beaches like Mogren Beach see the clearest waters for free entry.
For cheap digs, snag dorm beds at Montenegro Hostel for just €12 or apartments for around €30. Keep costs down by preparing food in the communal kitchen before partying the night away.
Wrap up your time in Budva with an afternoon at Jaz Beach, famous for its music events and DJ parties, which won’t cost you a thing.
Cetinje – Montenegro’s Old Royal Capital
Tracing Montenegro’s complex past brings you to Cetinje, the small town that served as the country’s old royal capital. Today Cetinje moves at a wonderfully relaxed pace perfect for wandering tree-lined streets and stopping to admire sites like the Kings Nikola Palace, Biljarda, and State Museum.
Basing in Cetinje fits neatly into a budget itinerary for Montenegro thanks to hostels like Hostel Amfora with beds from €11 a night. Fill up on open-face Cetinje sandwiches called “Cetinjska zeljanica” for under €3 in local eateries. Don’t forget to poke around the tipsy-looking Cipur-Crkva (Church of the Icon) and King Nikola Museum before you leave.
Podgorica – The Capital
While it’s Montenegro’s modern capital city, Podgorica offers pleasant surprises for budget travelers willing to look beneath the surface. This practical transport hub puts you within reach of destinations across Montenegro via affordable buses plus it houses the country’s main airport.
Beyond rational layouts and communist architecture beats the heart of a progressive university city with blooming cafe culture and nightlife. Dirt-cheap food options abound – grab “cevapi” stuffed flatbread for under €2 or healthy salads for just a few euros more. Q Podgorica Hostel features dorm beds starting at €12 or apartments around town from €25 per night.
Don’t miss free events from music festivals to wine tastings in Independence Square. A bit further afield sits scenic Lake Skadar perfect for free birdwatching and transformed by lotuses in summer. For this blend of convenience, culture, and natural escapes, Podgorica ranks high for budget holidays in Montenegro.
Mount Lovcen National Park
Nature lovers can absorb some of Montenegro’s most awesome vistas framed by Mount Lovcen National Park.
Sitting just inland of the sizzling coastline, Lovcen shelters medieval stone villages and historic mausoleums of Petar I Petrovic Njegos. A famous poet and ruler of the Montenegro.
Don’t miss climbing the 461 zig-zagging steps to the Jezerski Vrh viewpoint for nonstop Adriatic Sea panoramas.
Base yourself at accommodation in the traditional village of Ivanova Korita, with guesthouses and holiday homes renting from around €20 nightly. Feast on smoked Njegusi ham, local cheese, and roast lamb for just a few euros per dish. The park’s entry ticket costs a mere €2 making it one of Montenegro’s best-value destinations for budget holidays focused on the great outdoors.
Final Thoughts
Charming port towns, emerald bays, craggy peaks, and welcoming hospitality all help make Montenegro an appealing cheap holiday spot in Europe. By choosing locations like lively Budva, the scenic capital of Cetinje, and the outdoor paradise of Lovcen National Park, budget travelers can uncover Montenegro’s cultural and natural wonders without overspending.
Factor in savings on food, accommodation, and transportation and you’ll soon see why Montenegro promises Mediterranean magic for a fraction of the usual cost. Have you explored Montenegro on a tight budget? Share your top tips and favorite stops for cheap holidays in Montenegro!
