Montenegro?

[BippityBobbityBoo]

Thinking of going in September but just read a few older threads on here saying it’s a bit grotty and chavvy and it’s put me off a bit. Anyone been recently? I love Croatia (going next week), is it similar? Which area would you stay in if flying into Tivat? Ideally somewhere busyish with nice bar’s restaurants and beaches.

TIA :)

No worries! Enjoy your trip, I’m there right now and it’s another beautiful summer :)

@kkelly82 Red Taxi has always been super reliable and cheap for me. Their website has this journey as €15 - so €30 is way over the top.

They can be contacted on WhatsApp or Viber (often used in Montenegro- available on the Apps store). They usually reply straight away.

I once used a taxi 'booked' by the place I was staying at. They were stopped by the authorities at the airport, we had our passports taken (they gave them back fortunately) to prove we were tourists. The taxi was basically operating illegally.

@ItsReallyOnlyMe That’s really helpful to know - thank you. I’ll take a look at Red Taxi’s website and make contact. Have you holidayed in Montenegro a lot? Am I right in saying that Uber doesn’t operate there?

@kkelly82

Just to be clear it's Red Taxi Kotor / Tivat not Red Taxi Podgorica. They also do excursions which they also show on their website.

You're right that Uber don't operate in Montenegro.

I've visited Montenegro a few times on holiday, but I'm also in constant touch with people and tourists there on a frequent basis (usually daily at this time of year).

Just found this thread and would welcome some advice please. We have a 2 week holiday in Montenegro booked for Sept/Oct, flying to Tivat. The first week we're staying just outside Kotor old town and there's lots we want to do/see there and nearby. Our second week is in Budva. The apartment we've booked is beautiful with great reviews (and cancellable without penalty before Sept), but I'm a bit concerned that it might not be the right place for us as there doesn't seem to be much to do beyond visiting the old town or the beach. We'd like a relaxing place to stay with easy day trips/activities close by. Have I missed other things to do/see in Budva (TripAdvisor suggests not) or would somewhere else for the second week perhaps be a better idea?

@WeAreTheHeroes

You're right that in Budva itself there is the Old Town (with nice narrow streets and shops) and the beaches. There are some beach activities - paragliding seems to be very active there.

However, Budva is closer than Kotor for trips to Virpazar for Lake Skadar and also Sveti Stefan. There's also the Ostrog monastery if that interests you (you have to see the photos to see the attraction).

Many tourists to Montenegro enjoy the sites up in the North of the country - Tara Canyon (rafting), and Durmitor or Kolasin for mountains and lakes. This are too far for a day trip (and considering the traffic and roads) so you could spend a few nights up here and split it with your stay in Budva.

You could also visit Albania for a day (or stay overnight) to see more of that country.

There is also the very newly opened cable car up to Locven which I think is closer to Budva than Kotor. The prices were only announced last week - this won't feature yet on Tripadvisor as it's so new. I'd let a few people try it out first - there's been a few power cuts recently so I hope it has its own generator!

Hi! I would think a week is too long in Budva, as you said there's the old town and beaches. Nearby in Becici is a small aqua park and another bigger one is in Budva too (if you're with children). Definitely either do day trips or consider staying somewhere else a few days...

Do you have a car? In the summer you could visit Zabljak or Pluzine, both of these have gorgeous lakes and walking you could swim in/walk etc. Prices for food etc are significantly lower. Kolasin is also very nice. Kolasin and Zabljak are ski resorts but a little bit cooler than the coast during the summer which is lovely.

If I was stopping in Budva though for the full week, I would do day trips perhaps to:
Aqua park
Petrovac (gorgeous there!!)
Ostrog Monastery (have a google if you haven't already!)
Lake Skadar
Ulcinj is a bit further but sandy beaches for miles
But within Budva itself theres not loads of specific activities, you'll need to jump in a car. Saying that, Budva is great at night for walking around, the atmosphere, dinner etc. it'll be far more lively there for that sort of thing compared to the mountain locations I mentioned.

Have a fab trip!

I knew posting on this thread was a good idea! Thank you @ItsReallyOnlyMe and @cheeseandwine2019, I really appreciate the suggestions and I'm reassured re: walking around and the atmosphere.

The cable car is closer to Kotor, but looks very interesting. Hopefully they resolve the power issues. The official opening date is 14 August.

My favourite place to visit so far! We did a 10 day holiday there (albeit not with children) and went to Durmitor national park (hiking, climbed Bobotov Kuk, black lake, outdoor activities) and then to Kotor for a more relaxed beachy time. Went to Skadar and Lovcen and some other day trips. We managed without a car. Definitely didn't find it grotty it chavvy in the slightest, although Budva is definitely suffering from overtourism and too much tourist-related construction.

I liked Croatia too but thought Montenegro was loads better--cheaper, less busy, friendlier.

Good to hear!