Montenegro: The Gem of the Balkans
By Jessica Montevago
Montenegro offers travelers a picturesque slice of coastline, where majestic mountains meet the crystal blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. Thanks to the country’s size, a three- to five- day itinerary can cover almost everything the country has to see. From exploring coastal towns to venturing through national parks and diving into the rich cultural history, Montenegro offers travelers the best of the Balkans. Montenegro remains unburdened from the same surge in tourism that Croatia, its neighbor to the north, has seen. Montenegro gives travelers a similar Mediterranean experience while being both more affordable and less crowded.
Cathedral of Saint Tryphon
Built in the ninth century, UNESCO Kotor Old Town is steeped in history with its medieval churches, cathedrals, and Venetian palaces, including the 12th-century Cathedral of Saint Tryphon and the nearby San Giovanni Fortress. From Kotor, an excursion can also be set up to see the breathtaking scenery of Our Lady of the Rocks, an island in the bay of Boka Kotorska.
At the heart of Montenegrin tourism is Budva, where most cruise ships port. The promenade along the beach is brimming with restaurants serving local seafood specialties, bars, and nightclubs. Outside of the yachts and marina, the city is home to a 2,500-year-old medieval walled city.
Montenegro has five stunning national parks, all brimming with unspoiled natural beauty. Durmitor and Lovćen are the most popular. The former boasts around 50 peaks higher than 6562 feet and 18 glacial lakes known as gorske oci, meaning "mountain eyes." The latter is called “Black Mountain”, after which Montenegro got its name. It’s the heart of Montenegrin culture – home to the Njegoš Mausoleum, containing the tomb of the prince and poet Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, sitting at the top of its second-highest peak.
Budva, Montenegro
Where to Stay
Our top hotel recommendations for your clients takes us to Podgorica. Most of the capital city was destroyed during World War II, giving way to new, modern buildings and plenty of cafes, pubs, and shops. Just an hour away awaits Lake Skadar National Park, a vast freshwater lake straddling the borders of Montenegro and Albania. Famous for its diversity of flora and fauna, birdwatchers come from around the world to spot the 270 species that live there.
Hilton Podgorica Crna Gora
What was once the city’s first hotel, opened in 1953, now operates under the Hilton Podgorica Crna Gora flag. The 180-room hotel overlooks a lush green park and is centrally located. An added perk, guests in executive rooms and suites can enjoy complimentary breakfast in the morning and snacks and drinks throughout the day in the Executive Lounge. The property boasts one of the city’s largest spas, compete with a whirlpool tub, steam bath, Finnish sauna, and bio sauna. The rooftop Sky Bar and terraced Gradska Kafana (City Cafe) are popular with locals and visitors alike.
Signum Hotel
Sleek and contemporary, the four-star Signum Hotel joined the city’s hotel scene in 2022. Thirty-one guestrooms and suites are outfitted with balconies that overlook the city, as well as sound-proofed windows to ensure a good night’s rest. Standard and executive suites are ideal for families, accommodating up to four adults and three children with ample space, a sofa bed, and a queen-size bed. After getting in a workout at the fitness center, guests can relax in the Finnish sauna and Turkish bath after their training. The rooftop restaurant serves Mediterranean dishes showcasing fresh seafood and locally inspired dishes. In the morning, it also offers a buffet breakfast for guests.
voco Podgorica
Tucked away by the serene River Sitnica, the hotel is just a 10-minute drive outside of the city center. The voco Podgorica, part of the InterContinental Group hotel chain, prides itself on putting sustainability at the forefront of its hotel experience; think bedding made from 100% recycled materials and reducing single-use plastics. Guests staying in one of the spacious guestrooms and suites can enjoy a robust complimentary breakfast spread. At night, dinner is served buffet or a la carte and can be followed by a night cap at the lobby bar. The hotel’s real showstopper is the wellness and spa club, which includes a swimming pool, a semi-Olympic pool, a gym, treatment rooms, as well as a newly built sports hall.
Ramada By Wyndham Podgorica
Ramada by Wyndham is a brisk 15 minutes from the Podgorica International Airport, which can be conveniently accessed with a shuttle. The 110 guestrooms are designed with stylish interiors. At the Panorama Restaurant, sitting on the top floor of the hotel, floor-to-ceiling windows overlook Ljubovic Hill, and a terrace offers the perfect place to take in the stunning views. The café is a fine spot to sit with a coffee and pastries in the afternoon.
Montenegro delivers an authentic Mediterranean experience without the crowds or high costs found in nearby countries like Croatia. Whether your clients are nature lovers, history buffs, or simply in search of a scenic escape, Montenegro checks every box. With a growing portfolio of modern, well-equipped hotels—from the upscale Hilton Podgorica Crna Gora to the eco-conscious voco Podgorica—agents have a strong selection of properties to match every type of traveler. Stylish newcomers like the Signum Hotel and reliable brands such as Ramada by Wyndham provide comfort, convenience, and amenities that enhance any itinerary.
Book these hotels, and more, using the TSA rate code in the GDS. Non-GDS users can book these hotels using tripXpress.
Banner photo: Kotor, Montenegro
