Montenegro
Explore Montenegro: Food, Wine & Architecture
Montenegro is one of the world’s youngest countries, having just ended its union with Serbia in 2006. Although most Americans are unfamiliar with Montenegro, it is well-known to many Europeans.
Montenegro has three cultural sites included on the UNESCO World Heritage List:
- Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor
- Stećci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards
- Venetian Works of Defence between the 16th and 17th Centuries: Stato da Terra – Western Stato da Mar
U.S. citizens visiting Montenegro for tourism do not require visas if their stay is shorter than 90 days. However, your passport must be valid for three months after your departure date.
We spent a month each in Herceg Novi and Budva at the end of our first year of full-time travel and a month each in Kotor and Bar at the end of our second year of full-time travel.
Budva
Budva is a coastal town located on the Adriatic Sea in central Montenegro.
According to legend, the Old Town was founded by the Phoenician hero Cadmus and his wife Harmonia, greek goddess. Since ancient times, many nations have laid claim to this historic town. Numerous cultural monuments are evidence of a tumultuous history.
Herceg Novi
Herceg Novi is a coastal town in Montenegro located at the western entrance to the Bay of Kotor and at the foot of Mount Orjen.
Kotor
Kotor is a fortified town located at the base of Mt. Lovćen in a secluded part of the Bay of Kotor.
Kotor has one of the best preserved medieval old towns in the Adriatic and is a double UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was first included on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1979 as part of the Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor. In 2017, it was again included on the list as part of Venetian Works of Defence between 16th and 17th centuries: Stato da Terra – western Stato da Mar.
Future Destinations
We enjoyed our first two trips to Montenegro and look forward to returning again in the future.
To Be Determined
Montenegro Food
Montenegrin cuisine blends Mediterranean coastal flavors with hearty mountain traditions. Fresh seafood and olive oil define the coast, while inland areas favor lamb, dairy products, and corn-based dishes.
Food Products
Fish
- Carp
- Trout
- Eel
- Ukljeva
Meat
- Njeguški Pršut
- Njeguška Kobasica
- Košet
- Kastradina
- Dried Beef
- Lamb
- Kid
Cheese
- Pljevaljski sir
- Njeguški sir
- Kolašinski lisnati sir
- Prljo
- Kajmak
Other
- Olives and Olive Oil
- Gusinjski krompir
- Figs
- Blueberries
- Cornelian cherries
Traditional Dishes
Mountains
- Cicvara
- Smočani kačamak
- Sarma
- Brav u Mlijeku
- Pogača iz crepulje
Coastal
- Pašticada
- Riba na gradele
- Riba lešo
- Brodet
- Buzara
- Crni Rižot
- Crnogorska pogača
- Kuvana krtola
- Čobanska krem supa od vrganja
- Čorba od koprive
- Balšića tava
Central
- Carp
- Trout
- Bleak
- Eel
- Rastan
Street Food
- Cevapi
- Burek
Dessert
- Palačinke
- Priganice
- Baklava
Montenegro Wine
Wine in Montenegro is closely tied to native grapes like Vranac and Krstač, with production concentrated around Lake Skadar and the coastal region. Large producers such as Plantaže showcase the country’s winemaking potential, while smaller family wineries contribute distinctive local styles.
Wine Regions
- Lake Skader Wine Region
- Coastal Wine Region
Grape Varieties
Red Grapes
- Vranac
- Kratošija
- Lisičina
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Marselan
- Petit Verdot
White Grapes
- Krstač
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Pinot Blanc
Plantaže Wines
Red Wines
- Stari Podrum Vranac
- Stari Podrum Cuvee Terroir
- Stari Podrum Merlot
- Stari Podrum Cabernet Sauvignon
- Stari Podrum Cuvee Petit Verdot – Vranac – Merlot
- Stari Podrum Cuvee Merlot – Marselan – Petit Verdot
- Premijer
- Vranac Reserve
- Vranac Barrique
- Vladika
- Epoha
- Vranac Pro Corde
- Montenegrin Kratošija
- Montenegrin Vranac
- Montenegrin Cabernet
- Montenegrin Merlot
Rose Wines
- Regina Jelena Savojska
- Montenegrin Rose
White Wines
- Chardonnay Barrique
- Luča
- Montenegrin Malvazija
- Pro Anima Pinot Blanc
- Pro Anima Chardonnay-Sauvignon
- Nota
- Montenegrin Krstač
- Montenegrin Chardonnay
- Montenegrin Sauvignon
Sparkling Wines
- Montenegrin Val – Dry
- Montenegrin Val – Brut
- Montenegrin Val Rose
Dessert Wines
- Medun
Other Wineries
- Winery Lipovac
- Radevic Estate
- Winery Bogojevic
- Milović Winery
- Winery Mašanović
- Sjekloća Winery
- Savina Winery
- Vinarija Delic
Montenegro Architecture
Montenegro’s architecture reflects centuries of cultural crossroads, shaped by Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman influences. Coastal towns like Kotor display impressive fortifications and Venetian stonework, while the interior preserves monasteries and churches with Eastern Christian traditions. Several UNESCO-listed sites highlight the diversity and historical importance of Montenegrin architecture.
Architectural Styles
- Byzantine
- Venetian
- Ottoman
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor
- Stećci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards
- Venetian Works of Defence between the 16th and 17th Centuries: Stato da Terra – Western Stato da Mar
Where Is Montenegro Located?
Montenegro is located in southeastern Europe on the Adriatic coast of the Balkan Peninsula. It shares borders with Croatia to the west, Bosnia & Herzegovina to the northwest, Serbia to the northeast, Kosovo to the east, and Albania to the south.
FAQs About Montenegro
What are the Regions of Montenengro?
The three regions of Montenegro are:
Central Region – consists of six municipalities. It is the most populous of the regions, and contains the capital of Podgorica, historical capital of Cetinje, and the industrial center of Nikšić. Most of Montenegrin economic, cultural, educational and administration base is located within the region.
Coastal Region – this southernmost region consists of municipalities with access to the Adriatic Sea. This region is mainly oriented towards tourism.
Northern Region – comprises eleven municipalities and is the largest by area. It encompasses the sparsely populated mountainous part of Montenegro.
What language is spoken in Montenegro?
Montenegrin is the official language of Montenegro. However, Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian, and Albanian are also spoken in Montenegro.
Do I Need to Speak Montenegrin to Visit Montenegro?
No, if you stay in hotels and eat at restaurants, you don’t need to speak Montenegrin to visit Montenegro. Most people who work in the tourist industry in Montenegro speak English.
What Currency is Used in Montenegro?
The currency of Montenegro is the Euro.
Do I Need a Visa for Montenegro?
Citizens from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia don’t need a visa to visit Montenegro if they stay 90 days or less. For more information on visa-free travel in Montenegro, check out our article on traveling visa-free.
Do I Need an Electrical Adapter for Visiting Montenegro?
Montenegro’s electrical outlets are Type C and F. Travelers from the United States will need an adapter. It’s the same adapter used for the rest of Europe.
Montenegro operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
If you have many items to plug in, we recommend a travel power strip with multiple USBs and standard plug-ins. Using a power strip, you will only need one adapter to plug the strip into the wall.
Is Montenegro Safe?
Yes, we stayed for two months in Herceg Novi and Budva and felt extremely safe.
Is It Safe to Rent a Car and Drive in Montenegro?
Yes, it is extremely safe to rent a car and drive in Montenegro. The roads are well-maintained and easy to drive on.
What do I Need on my Montenegro Packing List?
Your packing list should include a swimsuit and sunscreen for long days in the sun. If you plan to do anything other than lay out on the beach, you should pack breathable clothing and non-slip shoes to stay safe on the slick cobblestones.