How to Find and Book Accommodation in Montenegro?
The accommodation offer in Montenegro is truly rich and diverse. Available options include private apartments, villas, hotels, and bungalows. Accommodation can be found in all coastal towns as well as in the mountainous regions. However, despite the wide range of choices, if you want to find the accommodation you prefer during the summer, we recommend booking as early as possible, at least three months in advance. Other tips we can give you are:
- Decide in which town or settlement you want to stay, research the offer at the destination, whether you want accommodation by the sea or in the inland of Montenegro. On our website, you can find guides for all popular locations in Montenegro and the most important information about destinations, their attractions, the best restaurants, and accommodation.
- Use booking platforms for accommodation. Avoid making reservations through direct communication. First of all, platforms offer a large selection of units; with the help of filters, you can quickly find accommodation that suits you (by capacity, whether it has a terrace, WiFi, cable TV, air conditioning, smart TV, jacuzzi, and many more). Reviews are available to confirm that it is quality accommodation or point out certain shortcomings. And most importantly, payment goes through secure systems, which provides protection in case of fraud, booking errors, or disputes.
- Give preference to domestic platforms. You can search for accommodation on local websites such as Bookaweb. Domestic platforms allow direct communication in the Serbian language, making instructions, changes, and resolving unforeseen situations much easier. The advantage of local platforms is that they have more detailed and accurate information.
- Check the ratings and reviews of the desired accommodation and read about the experiences and impressions of other tourists. That way, you will get a broader picture of the quality of the accommodation and the hosts.
- Some accommodation units can be booked with instant reservation – without the need to contact the host.
- Save the booking confirmation and the host’s contact phone/email so you can later check details regarding your arrival at the destination and the accommodation.
What Types of Accommodation Can Be Rented in Montenegro?
Montenegro is a very popular tourist destination, and accommodation is in high demand during the summer, which is also the peak season. In Montenegro, it is possible to rent truly different types of accommodation: from apartments, cottages (houses), villas, through hotels, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts (with or without breakfast service), to cabins, wooden chalets, accommodation in holiday villages, rural households, camps, farm stays, luxury tents, resorts, and even boats.
- Apartments – Apartments are definitely the most common type of accommodation in Montenegro. Tourists can choose and rent smaller studio apartments that usually accommodate 2–4 people, up to spacious three-bedroom and four-bedroom apartments that can host 8–10 people. Apartments can be rented for both short and long stays, and most are equipped for either type of stay. The largest number of apartments is rented on the coast, in towns such as Kotor, Herceg Novi, Bečići, Sveti Stefan, Prčanj, Bar, Sutomore, Čanj, Dobre Vode, Ulcinj, and Tivat. Prices: Apartment prices are very diverse, ranging from €18 for small apartments for one person, up to €1,600 for luxury apartments in Sveti Stefan. Prices largely depend on location and season.
- Houses and cottages – Like apartments, these are in demand, mostly by families with or without children or groups of guests who need more space during their holiday. Houses are a good choice for longer stays in Montenegro, as they have everything you would have at home – equipped kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, terraces, as well as yards. Prices: Houses and cottages can be rented for as little as €15 per person, but prices go up to €900 for luxury houses and villas on the Montenegrin coast. In some cases, the price is per person, while some owners charge a flat price regardless of the number of guests. Check this before booking.
- Cabins (bungalows) – Wooden cabins in Montenegro are most common in Kolašin, Ambula, Petrovac na Moru, Danilovgrad, Virpazar, Luštica, Gusinje, Plav, Nikšić, Mojkovac, and Dolja. They are located near natural attractions, mountains, lakes, rivers, or the sea, usually in smaller towns, villages, or rural areas with tourist significance. Cabins in Montenegro can be rented on the coast, in the central part of the country, and in the northeastern mountainous regions, many of which preserve traditional ways of life and old customs. Prices: Cabin prices range from €20 per person up to €205 for an entire larger cabin.
- Hotels – Montenegro has a large number of hotels – more than 450, with a total of over 43,000 beds for guests. This makes them an important part of the country’s tourist infrastructure and a suitable type of accommodation for both domestic and international tourists. Some of the more popular and prestigious hotels in Montenegro include: Regent Porto Montenegro (Tivat), One & Only Portonovi (Herceg Novi), Aman Sveti Stefan (Budva), Hotel Splendid Conference & Spa Resort (Budva), Chedi Luštica Bay (Tivat), Iberostar Bellevue (Bečići), Hotel Mediteran (Bečići), Blue Kotor Bay Premium Resort (Kotor), Hotel Conte (Perast), Hotel Forza Mare (Dobrota), Hotel Soa (Žabljak), and Bianca Resort & Spa (Kolašin). Prices: Hotel prices range from only €20 up to €190 per night in high-category, luxury hotels. In smaller apartments, the price ranges from €30 to €70 per night, while in larger apartments you will pay from €50 to €100. In general, in Montenegro, accommodation prices depend on the season, and this applies here as well.
- Hostels – The offer of hostels in Montenegro includes places such as Kralje, Podgorica, Cetinje, Ulcinj, Plav, Nikšić, Bar, Budva, and Kolašin, and they are available in both rural and urban areas. Prices are affordable, and the accommodation is practical for travelers with flexible plans. In some hostels, breakfast is included in the price, which increases their value compared to the money spent. Prices: You can stay in hostels for as little as €10, up to €60 per night.
The Most Popular Cities for Renting Accommodation in Montenegro
Montenegro has many holiday destinations, and its cities are popular among foreign tourists who want to spend their summer vacation by the sea or stay in the mountains while still having access to all urban amenities.
- Budva: Budva is one of the most popular resorts in Montenegro. The town is known for its organized beaches, vibrant nightlife, and Old Town located by the Adriatic Sea. It offers various types of accommodation (apartments, hotels, hostels, etc.) and plenty of content for tourists with different budgets. During the summer, numerous events, festivals, and concerts take place in Budva. It is also very well connected with other coastal towns: Tivat, Kotor, Bar, Herceg Novi, Bečići, and Rafailovići.
- Tivat: Tivat is a modern coastal town that features the luxury marina Porto Montenegro. It is suitable for tourists who want a comfortable holiday, shopping opportunities, as well as those who value proximity to the airport. From Tivat, you can easily visit all the attractions of the Bay of Kotor and also find accommodation of a high standard.
- Ulcinj: This Montenegrin town at the far south of the country is known for its long beaches (Ulcinj Beach is about 12 km long), multicultural atmosphere, and affordable accommodation prices. It is suitable for families who can stroll through the old bazaar, as well as adventurous tourists thanks to a wide offer of water sports.
- Podgorica: The capital city certainly has the most accommodation options and attracts business travelers (because of the airport) as well as tourists who want to explore the city. It is not a typical tourist destination of Montenegro, but visitors can explore museums, cultural and historical attractions, cafés, and restaurants. From Podgorica, it is easy to explore the rest of the country.
- Bar: Bar is one of Montenegro’s important transit ports. For tourists, it offers long promenades, pebble beaches, historical attractions, and affordable accommodation. The eclectic combination of urban content and old town parts is a blend that attracts tourists to this city.
- Žabljak: Unlike the previous destinations, Žabljak is a mountain center within Durmitor and as such is attractive to tourists who want to stay in nature, hike, and engage in winter sports. It is the highest town on the Balkan Peninsula, from where you can reach the Durmitor Ring and Black Lake.
- Herceg Novi: This town is located at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor. It is known for its greenery, spa centers, stairways, and indented coastline. It is often visited by people from Dubrovnik, while tourists staying in Herceg Novi usually visit Dubrovnik as well. The town has many apartments and small seaside hotels.
- Nikšić: After Podgorica, Nikšić is the largest city in Montenegro. It offers affordable accommodation for tourists and vibrant summers thanks to numerous festivals and cultural events. It is famous for its beer and surrounding lakes. From Nikšić, it is most practical to visit western and northern Montenegro, as well as the Ostrog Monastery.
- Kotor: Kotor is a UNESCO-protected city because of its unique medieval architecture, history, authentic narrow streets, and views from the San Giovanni fortress. Tourists who want to combine cultural tourism with proximity to the sea often choose Kotor as their holiday destination.
- Mojkovac: Mojkovac is a quiet town on the banks of the Tara River and a starting point for tourists who come to hike, go rafting, and explore northern Montenegro. Nearby are Biogradska Gora National Park and the Bjelasica ski center. Accommodation units are smaller and family-run.
- Cetinje: Cetinje is the historical capital of the country, with many museums and monasteries of great cultural importance. It is an excellent destination for history lovers and tourists who seek an authentic holiday experience. In Cetinje, smaller apartments and villas are mostly rented out. Tourists usually visit Lovćen and Njegoš’s Mausoleum.
- Plav: The town of Plav is located next to the lake of the same name, at the foot of the Prokletije Mountains. Mountain and rural tourism is developing here, so the accommodation is simple and authentic, mostly in households. In the surroundings of Plav, there are numerous hiking and cycling trails for adventurers.
- Kolašin: Kolašin is a popular winter and summer resort in northern Montenegro. It mainly offers mountain-type accommodation for tourists who come to ski and visit Biogradska Gora National Park. The surrounding nature is beautiful: the town is surrounded by fir forests, and the air is fresh and clean.
The Most Popular Mountains for Renting Accommodation in Montenegro
In addition to coastal tourism, Montenegro also has well-developed mountain tourism, and the most popular destinations are listed below
- Durmitor: A mountain in northwestern Montenegro, near the town of Žabljak. The area has been declared a national park and placed on the UNESCO list of natural reserves. It has over forty peaks that reach above 2,000 m. Popular activities on the mountain include visiting Black Lake, climbing Bobotov Kuk, and exploring the Tara River Canyon. Accommodation options mainly include mountain houses, apartments, and luxury chalets.
- Bjelasica: Located in the eastern part of Montenegro, around Kolašin and Mojkovac, Bjelasica is a green mountain known for its slopes, forests, and pastures. Within the mountain complex are Biogradska Gora National Park and popular ski resorts, ski villages, ethno-villages, wooden cabins, and apartments.
- Prokletije: Stretching along the Montenegrin-Albanian border, around Plav and Gusinje. Nature in this region is wild, and rural tourism is developed. Accommodation is popular in apartments in Plav and Gusinje, as well as in eco-camps. Popular attractions include the Grbaja Valley, Očnjak viewpoint, and Plav Lake.
- Sinjajevina: A mountain above Kolašin, located between Durmitor and Bjelasica, covered with vast plateaus suitable for camping, horseback riding, and eco-tourism. Sinjajevina is characterized by traditional “katun” settlements and the pastoral lifestyle of local residents. Rural houses, mountain huts, and katun lodges are popular accommodation options for overnight stays.
- Komovi: Located between Andrijevica and Kolašin, in eastern Montenegro, the Komovi massif is dominated by three peaks: Kučki, Ljevorečki, and Vasojevićki Kom. It is a popular destination among hikers and tourists who want to enjoy beautiful viewpoints. Accommodation can be found in mountain houses and cottages, camps, and rural households.
The Most Popular Spas for Renting Accommodation in Montenegro
Montenegro is not widely known for spas, but it has several locations for tourists who come for treatment, recovery, relaxation, and health improvement. Spas are in natural surroundings, near sources of thermal and mineral waters.
Institute “Dr Simo Milošević” (Igalo): The institute is located in the Bay of Kotor, near Herceg Novi. This spa is actually a combination of a hotel and a rehabilitation center that offers thalassotherapy, peloid therapy, and rehabilitation services. Accommodation can be rented inside the Institute and in the surrounding area. Prices: Accommodation within the Institute ranges from €28 to €110 per night, while prices of accommodation in Igalo and the surrounding area can be found above in the text.
Roman Springs (Podgorica): The Roman Springs are thermal springs in the surroundings of the capital city, dating back to ancient times when they were used for medicinal purposes. The location has small thermal pools and wellness facilities. The entrance fee to the thermal pools is about €10. Prices: Since the Roman Springs are located near Podgorica, the best option is to rent accommodation in the capital, whose prices you can see above.
Thermal Springs in Plav: In Plav (towards the Ropojane Valley), there are sources of thermal water with a temperature of 28–32°C. The pools are outdoors, but traditional spa treatments are also available, and the locals use them for therapy and relaxation. Prices: For accommodation prices, see the section with information about Plav.
The Most Popular Rivers Along Which You Can Rent Accommodation in Montenegro
It is estimated that Montenegro has around 40 larger rivers and hundreds of springs, small rivers, and tributaries. Tourists sometimes choose to rent accommodation exclusively by the river, due to the pleasant atmosphere, freshness, and the possibility of swimming during the summer in areas with fewer crowds than on the coast.
- Tara – Tara is one of the best-known and most attractive rivers of Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is about 146 km long, making it the longest river in Montenegro, and it is famous for having the second-deepest canyon in the world, after the Grand Canyon in Colorado (USA). Its water is crystal clear, slightly greenish, and popular for rafting, kayaking, and swimming. Accommodation: Visitors who want to spend their vacation by the Tara River can consider accommodation in Žabljak (15–20 km), Pljevlja (around 20 km), Mojkovac (the river flows directly through the town), Kolašin (about 30 km), Bijelo Polje (35–40 km), and Andrijevica (about 50 km). Popular locations along the river include the village of Đurđevića Tara, the Radovan Luka ethno-village, and the villages of Tepca and Šljivansko.
- Morača – Morača (113 km) flows through central Montenegro, from the mountainous areas (Rzač mountain) to Podgorica, and empties into Lake Skadar. Along the river, the main tourist attractions are monasteries (Morača, Duga, St. Nicholas Monastery), the Morača River canyon, and the nature around Mount Lovćen. The most common tourist activities on the river are fishing, kayaking, and exploring the mountainous landscapes around the river. Accommodation: Accommodation can be found in Podgorica, Cetinje, and Kolašin, in Danilovgrad (15–20 km), Mojkovac (about 25 km), and Nikšić (about 40 km).
- Lim – Lim (220 km) is also a river in the northern part of the country, but in addition to Montenegro, it flows through Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, originating from Plav Lake. The river is suitable for fishing, rafting, and exploring the largely preserved and wild nature. Accommodation: Traditional accommodation can be booked in nearby towns such as Plav, Berane, Andrijevica, Bijelo Polje, and Gusinje (5–10 km).
- Cijevna – Cijevna (56 km) is a smaller river in Montenegro and Albania that flows through a deep canyon. It is surrounded by forested banks and eventually flows into the Morača River. Tourists come here to relax, hike, and picnic, staying in cottages and rural households. Accommodation: If you want to find accommodation right next to the river, suitable places include Tuzi, Podgorica, Dinoša, Nikmaraš, and Milješ, while Podgorica is only 10–15 km away from the river.
- Piva – Piva (120 km) flows through the western part of the country (below Sinjajevina), is a tributary of the Drina River, and is best known for its canyon and the large artificial Piva Lake. It is part of Durmitor National Park. It is visited by people who want to hike, fish, go boating, do winter sports, as well as those who want to visit the Piva Monastery or go rafting on the Tara (near Šćepan Polje). Accommodation in the area is most often in cottages and ethno-villages with views of the river. Accommodation: Options can be found in Plužine, Šćepan Polje, Mratinje, Brza, Trsa, Pišče, and Stabna.
Prices of Renting Accommodation in Montenegro
Prices of Accommodation in Cities
- Budva: Apartments in Budva cost around €30–60 off-season, and €60–120 during the season. Houses and cottages cost €70–120 off-season, and €120–250 in season. Houses with pools are more expensive and rent for €150–250 off-season, and €250–500 during summer. Cabins can be rented for €30–55 in winter, and €100–160 during summer.
- Kotor: Apartment prices are similar to Budva, as are houses/cottages. Houses with pools are slightly cheaper than in Budva, but cabins are more expensive – €60–90 off-season and €90–140 in season.
- Ulcinj: Apartments in Ulcinj can be rented in season for €50–90 (off-season €25–50), houses for €90–180 (off-season €50–90), houses with pools for €200–400 (off-season €130–200), and cabins for €80–140 (off-season €40–80).
- Podgorica: Prices in Podgorica are affordable for most tourists. Daily rentals cost €20–40 off-season and €40–70 in season. Houses are cheaper compared to the coast (€90–160 in season, €50–90 off-season), while houses with pools are more expensive (€180–300 in season, €120–180 off-season). Cabins can be rented for €70–120 (or €35–70 off-season).
- Bar: Apartments cost €45–80 (or €25–45 in colder months). Houses rent for €95–180 during summer, and €50–95 off-season (houses with pools €200–380 and €130–200). Cabins cost around €75–130 in season and €40–75 off-season.
- Herceg Novi: Apartments are popular during summer and cost €50–90. Off-season, prices drop to €25–50. Cottages during summer can be found at €100–200 (off-season €60–100), houses with pools at €230–450 (winter €130–230), and cabins, though harder to find, at €85–140 (off-season €50–85).
- Nikšić: Apartments are very affordable (season: €40–70, off-season: €20–40), as are houses (season: €80–150, off-season: €50–80). Houses with pools cost about €180–300 or €120–180 when demand is lower. Cabins in Nikšić can be found at €70–130 in summer, and €15–30 in winter.
- Cetinje: Apartments cost €30–60 in season (or €15–30 off-season), houses around €70–120 (off-season €40–70), houses with pools €160–280 (off-season €100–160), and cabins €60–100 (off-season €30–60).
Prices of Accommodation in Mountain Areas
Below are the average prices during peak season and off-season (in brackets).
- Žabljak: Apartments €40–80 (€25–50), houses €80–150 (€50–100), houses with pools €150–250 (€100–180), cabins €70–130 (€40–80).
- Kolašin: Slightly cheaper than Žabljak. Apartments €35–70 (€20–45). Houses €80–140 (€50–90), houses with pools €140–240 (€100–160). Cabins €60–100 (€35–70).
- Plav (Prokletije): Apartments €30–60 (€15–30), cottages €70–120 (€40–70). Houses with pools €120–200 (€80–140), cabins €45–80 (€20–45).
- Durmitor (Žabljak area): Apartments €40–80 (€20–45), houses €80–150 (€50–90), houses with pools €150–260 (€110–180). Cabins are very popular, costing €70–130 (€40–80).
- Bjelasica (Mojkovac/Kolašin area): Apartments €35–70 (€20–40), houses €70–130 (€45–80), houses with pools €140–240 (€100–160), cabins €60–110 (€35–70).
- Prokletije (Plav & Gusinje): Apartments €30–60 (€15–30), cottages €70–120 (€40–70), houses with pools €120–200 (€80–140), cabins €45–80 (€20–45).
- Sinjajevina (Kolašin area): Apartments €35–70 (€20–40), houses €70–130 (€45–80), houses with pools €130–220 (€90–150), cabins €55–100 (€30–60).
- Komovi (Andrijevica/Kolašin): Prices are similar to Sinjajevina. Apartments €35–65 (€20–35), houses/cottages €70–120 (€45–80), houses with pools €130–210 (€90–150), cabins €55–100 (€30–60).
Additional Information
- Luxury villas on the coast sometimes exceed €1,000 per night.
- In coastal cities during the tourist season (July and August), prices are on average 50–100% higher compared to off-season.
- During the season, discounts (10–15%) are often available for stays longer than a week.
- In July and August, the minimum stay requirement is usually 5 nights.
- In mountain resorts, prices are mostly similar in and out of season.
- In mountain centers such as Žabljak and Kolašin, prices rise during summer due to demand for hiking, trekking, and cycling tours.
- In mountain towns during winter, prices drop, especially if it is not during school holidays or festive periods.
- In mountain centers such as Durmitor and Bjelasica, luxury chalets with pools can reach €200–300 per night during peak season.
Is It Possible to Rent Long-Term Accommodation in Montenegro?
It is possible to rent long-term accommodation in Montenegro. Many cities and popular tourist destinations, such as Budva, Tivat, Kotor, Podgorica, and smaller towns in nature, allow tourists to rent accommodation by the month or year.
The price of long-term rental is a more affordable option compared to short-term accommodation, especially since landlords are willing to negotiate rental terms.
When it comes to the type of travelers who stay the longest in Montenegro, these are definitely digital nomads. They often stay for several years. The most popular cities are Podgorica, Kotor, Budva, Tivat, and Herceg Novi, as they offer good infrastructure, stable and fast internet, and coworking spaces.
The price of long-term rental is a more affordable option compared to short-term accommodation, especially since landlords are willing to negotiate rental terms.
When it comes to the type of travelers who stay the longest in Montenegro, these are definitely digital nomads. They often stay for several years. The most popular cities are Podgorica, Kotor, Budva, Tivat, and Herceg Novi, as they offer good infrastructure, stable and fast internet, and coworking spaces.
