Cosy and romantic seaside towns, island and cave cruises, sunny coastal walks and mountain scenery outside your window. This dream becomes a reality in central Mediterranean country Montenegro. If you haven’t yet decided where to spend your summer holidays, Montenegro with children is our recommended destination. And if you’re still on the fence about this place, read the impressions of Julia, a mother who travelled to Montenegro with her three children, in the article a trip to Montenegro with children.
Although Montenegro is not a small country and there are some really cool places to visit, this time we have prepared a separate guide for those who want to see the charming Adriatic coastal towns of Herceg Novi, Tivat, Kotoro and Budva. Montenegro with children is a travel itinerary with tips on what to see and where to stay in this beautiful Balkan country.
Montenegro with children – best time to come
When planning each trip, we always try to check the weather temperature during those months. In Montenegro, the annual temperature ranges from 5 to 26 degrees, with hottest hours reaching up to 31 degrees. Compared to the temperature fluctuations in Lithuania, the weather here is quite similar. The warmest months being from May to the end of September, and the coldest from October to April. If you want to avoid the bigger tourist crowds, go in May or September. And if you like to soak up the sun and swimming in the sea is your holiday ritual, feel free to come in the summer months.
Montenegrin cuisine
Food is an important part of every trip. When we travel to more distant places, we always try the local traditional dishes. In Montenegro, most traditional dishes include lamb, fish or seafood. As well as cheese and the alternative of Lithuanian “kibinai”, a crispy breakfast dish made from burek dough filled with potatoes and meat. And the country’s national dish is Njegusi prosciutto, the local ham. You can try it when you order a snack tray.
TOP places to see in Montenegro
Herceg Novi
Herceg Novi is a town on the Montenegrin coast, close to the Orjen Mountains, on the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The town is home to many leisure and spa centres, beaches, fortresses and castles, as well as beautiful viewpoints overlooking the Bay of Kotor and the Adriatic Ocean.
Attractions in and around Herceg Novi
Forte mare – a fourteenth-century stone castle on the coast. For just €2, you can walk inside the building and admire the magnificent view of the mountains and the bay from the castle tower.
The Herceg Novi lookout is a little further away from the coast. Near St. Jerome’s Church, you will find another place with a great view of the town and the bay. We recommend you visit it on your way to the old town.
The Old Town is a must-see on any trip. In Herceg Novi’s Old Town, you’ll discover many ancient buildings, stroll through the cosy streets, admire the palm trees and grab a bite to eat in the local cafes.
The Mamula Island Fortress, the Blue Cave, the Submarine Tunnel – Herceg Novi is also the starting point for tours through the various attractions in the sea and the bay. A great day plan for those travelling with older children.
Tivat
A small Montenegrin town on the coast of the Gulf of Kotor. It’s worth a trip if you like water activities, nature walks and picnics on the beach. It is very convenient to travel to this town as it has an airport.
Places to visit in Tivat
Tivat Lighthouse – a quiet spot on the beach where you can watch the sunset or have a family picnic.
Naval Heritage Collection Museum – if you’re interested in military technology and would like to see what a real submarine looks like from the inside, it’s well worth adding this place to your day plan.
Flower Island – the small island of Prevlaka (also known as Flower Island) is located near the city’s airport. It has several churches, lookout points and quiet beaches. The island is accessible by car.
Kotoro
On the Bay of Kotor, surrounded by the Lovcen and Orjen limestone mountains, the town of Kotor is a UNESCO cultural and natural heritage site. Part of the harbour is enclosed by fortifications. Here you will find a variety of ancient architectural buildings and enjoy the cosy atmosphere of the town and nature.
Places to visit in Kotor
Old Town – Narrow streets among stone buildings, cosy cafes, clean and well-kept surroundings, worth a visit if you travel to Kotor.
The city walls and the historic fortress of Kotor – the journey to this location is short and we recommend comfortable footwear, but the views once you reach your destination are stunning. There is a charge for visiting this site.
St. Tryphon’s Cathedral – this is the largest church in the town, and although there is an entrance fee, there is also a museum and a terrace with a beautiful panoramic view.
The Campana Tower is a Byzantine-era fortification that is a must-visit on the way to the rest of the town.
Budva
A two and a half thousand year old city in the coastal region of Montenegro. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Montenegro. Here you’ll find beautiful beaches, water activities and the town’s history hidden in ancient buildings.
Attractions in Budva
Old Town – Budva has a cosy, small but well-maintained Old Town on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, where you can stroll through ancient churches, fountains and palaces, and if you’re hungry, you can visit one of the Old Town’s cafes.
Mogren Beach is the most popular and beautiful beach in the city, and is quite private, with clean water and stunning views.
City walls – Part of the Budva coastline is surrounded by ancient fortifications – the stone city walls. Some of the walls are higher and offer views of the sea and the town’s skyline.
Where to stay in Montenegro’s coastal towns?
When travelling with children, it is very important that the hotel you stay in is suitable for families. That’s why, together with our partners Pasirink Sparnus (Choose Wings), we’ve prepared a list of places you can safely stay when travelling in Montenegro. We wholeheartedly recommend Pasirink Sparnus as a reliable travel agency that will take care of every traveller and their unique wishes and needs.
TOP hotels in Montenegro
Splendid Conference & SPA Resort
A 5-star hotel with excellent visitor ratings, located on the seafront, close to the old town of Budva. It offers a wide range of active possibilities, including tennis and golf courts, a gym, table tennis and diving. This hotel is particularly family-friendly, with a games room for children, a kids’ club, a separate swimming pool, a playground and even a children’s menu. Babysitting services are also available.
Montenegro Beach Resort
A four-star hotel, also highly rated, located near Budva. It offers a variety of swimming pools, saunas, and hot tubs. For children, there is also a separate swimming pool, a playroom, a playground and all the amenities you need when travelling with little ones. Babysitting and childcare services are also available on request.
Splendido
A 4-star hotel in Kotor Bay. Here you can enjoy Italian cuisine and local dishes in the hotel’s restaurant. The hotel has an excellent location, with easy access to the main attractions and sights, and babysitting services are available for parents.
Harmonia by Dukley
Another highly rated 4-star hotel in Budva, right next to Dukley Beach. Here you can enjoy relaxing spa services. There is a kids’ club and babysitting services are available.
Ponta Nova
4-star apartment with sea views in Sveti Stefan (near Budva). It also has a swimming pool, a separate menu, a playroom and playground for children, as well as children’s TV channels, so we highly recommend a family stay here.
Palata Venezia
A spectacular 4-star hotel set in the romantic Ulcini Castle, close to Mala Plaža and Skela beaches. Here, visitors can keep active by playing volleyball, diving or exercising in the gym while the little ones play in the children’s playroom.
Eleven
This is another great place to stay in Montenegro. This 4-star hotel, highly rated by visitors, is located near Budva in Petrovac na Moru. Children will enjoy the playground and children’s TV channels, while parents can relax with a babysitting service.
Dukley
This luxurious 5-star hotel in Budva is ideal for time-savers, as everything is within walking distance. Guests will enjoy stunning sea views, a spa centre and a variety of food in the hotel’s restaurants. Families can find a children’s club and babysitting services on site.
ACD Wellness & Spa
This luxurious 4-star hotel offers a wide range of spa and wellness treatments, making it ideal for travellers looking to escape the daily routine by relaxing in the saunas. This hotel is located near the centre of Herceg Novi. A playground is available for children.