Where Is Montenegro? An Honest UK Traveller's Guide

Last updated: May 2026

It's a weird thing with Montenegro - loads of you Brits have heard of it long before you actually know where it is, which is in Eastern Europe.

I reckon some people try to place it somewhere near Croatia, while others think it's probably been sucked into the EU by now. And then of course there's the "I'd never have guessed it was this good" brigade who mostly all seem to be heading back home still clutching a souvenir or two.

To be honest, Montenegro still feels a bit off the radar compared to most of Southern Europe - it's not like you can't find it on the map, but it's not overrun with tourists either. And the best bit is you get a cracking mix of dramatic coastlines, mountains, old stone towns and still pretty reasonable prices all crammed into a country that's roughly the size of Yorkshire.

We travelled around Montenegro ourselves, including testing mobile speeds with a Simify Europe eSIM in places like Kotor, Budva and Podgorica. And what we found was that there are a few things UK travellers really want to know before booking a trip.

Like: where is it exactly? Is it expensive? Is Montenegro part of the EU? Is Kotor better than Budva? And does your phone actually work once you get there?

This guide covers the bits we wish we'd known before we went.

This article is a completely independent effort by Simify and is for information purposes only. Simify has no connection to any tourism boards or local operators mentioned in this guide.

So where is Montenegro?

Montenegro is on the Balkan Peninsula, down in south eastern Europe. It's right on the Adriatic Sea, just below Croatia and above Albania.

It shares a border with:

• Croatia
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Serbia
• Kosovo
• Albania

And as a UK traveller, the easiest way to get your head around it is that it's like a slightly less crowded version of Croatia, Italy and Greece all mixed in together - think a Mediterranean coastline with some pretty dramatic mountains.

And even though it might look a bit far away on the map, it's actually pretty easy to get to from the UK - a small country that means you can pop from beaches to snow-capped mountains in just a few hours.

Flight time from the UK

Direct flights from the UK are shorter than you might think.

Departure Airport Approx Flight Time

Departure Airport	Approx Flight Time
London Gatwick	Around 2 hrs 45 mins
Manchester	Around 3 hrs
Birmingham	Around 3 hrs
Bristol	Around 3 hrs

You can leave all that British grey behind by lunchtime and be sipping coffee on the Bay of Kotor by late afternoon.

And another bonus is that you won't have to worry about all the usual jet lag and travel hassle that comes with some of the other Mediterranean destinations.

Is Montenegro in the EU?

People get this one wrong a lot.

Montenegro is not officially part of the EU yet, but it's working its way towards membership.

But here's the bit that might surprise you: Montenegro uses the euro, so even though it's not in the EU, as a British or European visitor you won't have any issues with currency or visa requirements for a normal short trip.

Honestly, most people wouldn't even notice the difference.

Montenegro currency and travel costs

Montenegro uses the euro, and even though prices are creeping up a bit, they're still pretty reasonable compared to most of Western Europe - especially if you steer clear of the peak July and August periods.

Based on what our customers told us and our own experience, this is roughly what you can expect to pay:

Item	Avg Tourist Price
Coffee	€1.50–€2.50
Local beer	€2–€4
Mid-range dinner	€12–€20
Taxi within town	€5–€10
Bakery snack	Under €3

Most of the time you'll find that cash is still useful, especially in local markets or rural areas - but cards are widely accepted in coastal cities and hotels.

Kotor vs Budva: which is better for exploring the Bay of Kotor?

This has to be the main debate: Kotor or Budva, depending on what kind of Montenegro experience you're after.

Kotor Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit if history and scenery are your thing.

The answer depends on whether you'd rather be surrounded by the deep blue waters and dramatic mountains of Kotor Bay or whether you want to chill out in a more laid-back beach-and-nightlife scene.

Kotor old town

Kotor is the postcard destination.The old town in Kotor is a real treat - picture winding stone alleys, medieval buildings, dramatic mountain backdrops, and the famous Bay of Kotor all wrapped up in one beautiful package.

Medieval walls and fortifications lead up to the climb to St John's, with St Giovanni looming in the background. You can really feel the weight of the area's rich history around Boka Bay as you wander through the narrow streets.

There's something about Kotor that feels atmospheric in a way that lots of other coastal towns just don't anymore.

Now the climb to the top of St John's is a bit of a workout - it takes about an hour and covers 1,350 steps, but the views from the top are just stunning. You can see right across the entire bay, making it well worth the effort.

But before you head on up, be warned: Kotor gets busy - I mean really busy. Cruise ships sailing in mid day can completely change the atmosphere, so visitors often swear by getting there early in the morning or late in the evening when the crowds are a lot thinner.

The old-town centre often has places to stay that are made up of stone buildings with high ceilings and the odd wooden beam. Very pretty.

Budva

Now if Kotor is the romantic and scenic one, then Budva is the social and lively one.

You've got more nightlife, beach clubs, bars, and just a generally more happening after dark vibe going on in Budva's old town. Plus there are some nice bits that are a bit more modern, although some visitors don't like that so much.

The old town itself has a rich history too, including some lovely old churches like the one dedicated to St John.

To be honest a lot of first-time visitors to Montenegro go for both Kotor and Budva. Another popular spot nearby is Sveti Stefan - a pretty little islet connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, that's got some amazing views and a very interesting history as a fortified village. If you're after a good old-town hotel that's got a nice balance of history and modern comfort, then the Hotel Astoria is worth checking out.

What's Montenegro like to travel around?

I have to say - when we first looked at a map of Montenegro, it seemed tiny, but then we got there and realised that the roads in the mountains make journeys a lot slower than you'd expect, so having a set of wheels of your own makes getting around a whole lot easier.

The capital is Podgorica, but the old royal capital is Cetinje.

The scenery throughout is just incredible - the coastal drives are dramatic, the mountain passes are twisty, you've got lakes and old villages... it's a real treat for the eyes and the soul. The only downside is that you're not likely to be zooming along at a hundred miles an hour very often - but to be honest, that's kind of the point.

People seem a lot more relaxed than in some of the more heavily-touristed places elsewhere in the Mediterranean.

Meals drag on longer, the cafes stay open late and there's just not the same feeling of having to rush off and get the next thing on your list done.

Mobile data and eSIM performance in Montenegro

Before we arrived, we weren't entirely sure what to expect in terms of data connectivity.

But as it turned out, things were a lot better than we expected.

We tested speeds out in Kotor, Budva, and Podgorica using the Simify Europe eSIM and were impressed with what we found.

City	Avg 4G/5G Speed Test	Experience
Kotor	55–90 Mbps	Excellent
Budva	50–85 Mbps	Very reliable
Podgorica	65–110 Mbps	Strongest overall

Coverage was reliable in all the tourist areas for maps, WhatsApp calls and all that other stuff.

We especially appreciated being able to skip the airport SIM kiosks when we arrived - it made getting sorted and getting on with things a whole lot easier.

For travellers heading there: Europe eSIM plans

And for UK visitors, also make sure to get some comprehensive travel insurance, because unfortunately Montenegro is outside the EU.

When is the best time to visit Montenegro?

Well, this is completely down to what you're after.

If you want the warmest weather and beach time, then June to August is your best bet. But it's also a bit of a hubbub in those months.

July and August particularly get really, really busy and there are loads of coastal traffic jams and loads of cruise ship passengers in places like Kotor and Budva.

But on the plus side, the mountains stay a lot cooler because it's so hilly.

Lots of people now prefer the should season, which is around April to May and September to October.

That's when Montenegro feels just right:

• The sea is warm enough for swimming
• Fewer people around
• Lower accommodation prices
• Easier to get a table at the restaurant
• And the temperatures are just right for exploring and hiking

September especially was a sweet spot for us - the sea was still warm enough to swim in but the crowds had started to die down a bit.

Winter is a good time if you want to go skiing or snowboarding but the coast is a lot quieter.

Is Montenegro expensive compared to Croatia?

Generally speaking, Montenegro is still cheaper than Croatia for most visitors from the UK.

Accommodation, restaurants, drinks and taxis usually cost less, especially if you're not in the very touristy bits.

But the gap is getting smaller.

Prices in places like Kotor and Budva are still rising a bit because Montenegro is getting more popular internationally.

Still, compared to loads of other places in Western Europe, Montenegro is still pretty good value overall.

Things We Wish We’d Known Before We Vised

There were a few practical things that really stood out as soon as we got there. Roads are actually a fair bit slower than Google Maps let on. The timing of the cruise ships makes a huge difference to the vibe in Kotor.

You can use cards to pay pretty much everywhere, but still take some cash for peace of mind. Tap water is fine in touristy areas but be safe if you're wandering off the beaten track.

And to be honest, despite Montenegro being tiny, the scenery changes all the time - you go from coast to mountains to inland in no time.

Which is one reason why the country feels bigger than it actually is.

Is Montenegro Worth A Visit?

Honestly, yes - Montenegro is a real gem, especially if you're feeling burned out by all the crowds in the med.

It's got a bit of that 'discovery' feel that a lot of places in Europe just don't have anymore.

You get:

• Loads of stunning coastline
• Breathtaking mountains
• Historic old towns
• Loads of activities to get outdoorsy
• Really tasty food
• Prices that are lower than a lot of the west
• Flights from the UK aren't too bad either

And all that natural beauty and culture makes it a real winner for solo travellers, couples and groups alike.

Plus, unlike a lot of places that are all about mass tourism, Montenegro still feels like a real, genuine country in a lot of areas.

But the thing is, that won't last - eventually it'll get like the rest of them.

Frequently Asked Questions