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I have a trip coming up to Dubrovnik/Montenegro in May. I’ve been to Dubrovnik before but it’ll be my first time in Montenegro. We’ll be staying in Budva for just short of a week – any advice/tips about what to do around the area and/or any day trips recommended?
We’re hiring a car in Dubrovnik and taking it across with us to Montenegro – is the border crossing easy enough? We’re also thinking of driving just across the border to Shkoder in Albania whilst we’re staying in Budva, but not sure if it will be manageable as a day trip?
The border crossing is easy but may take a while depending on traffic/time of day. You can see the cameras here http://kamere.mup.gov.me/index_en.html
Unlikely you’ll be able to take the car into Albania, most of the companies don’t allow it. Make sure you tell the Croatian company you are going to Montenegro so that they give you the correct insurance card.
Tons of stuff to do, visit Podgorica via Skadar lake, Maybe a boat trip. Lovcen national park, Ostrog monastery
I did this as a hike http://www.montenegrofortravellers.com/en/review/hiking-trip-pestingrad and this https://montenegro-for.me/2018/03/5-easy-hiking-tours-in-the-hinterland-of-montenegro/ Kučka Korita – Patrol Path where you can look across to albania. The views are spectacular.
Kotor is well worth a visit but tons of tourists as a cruise ship destination. Boat trip around Kotor bay is fun and enjoy Sopska salads which is their version of a Greek salad
Definitely visit Lovcen NP, Ostrog Monastery, boat around Bay of Kotor, Sveti Stefan and Kotor itself.
I’m not sure when @Richard Peters was last in Kotor but I travelled and stayed along the coastline of Croatia and Montenegro in the last few weeks and there were few cruise ships around. I spent 3 days in Kotor just over a week ago and it was pleasantly quiet walking around. The same for Dubrovnik. Could be that most things weren’t opening until 1 April/Easter and I didn’t stay at either over a weekend. Porto Montenegro was also quiet.
Borders were reasonably quiet. Longest delays were obviously getting into Croatia as it is now the Schengen Border. They seemed to be busier Friday to Monday. Crossing by bus took a long time for everyone to be processed individually as they seemed to been taking their new border status very seriously. Lots of searching done of individuals/luggage/bus. Reminded me of border crossings in Europe pre Schengen!
The road from Dubrovnik across the border and around to Kotor and Tivat gets very busy and is mostly one lane in each direction. So although it doesn’t look very far it can take longer than you would expect. The tunnel between Tivat and Kotor is much quicker but you would miss the beautiful views around the bay and all the lovely restaurants too.
We looked into hiring a car to Albania but in the end took the bus from Kotor, which seemed much easier. We stopped at Podgorica en route to Shkoder. Both worth visiting.
If you’re thinking of heading North of Dubrovnik there are lots of lovely coastal towns/islands to visit. We enjoyed our week in Bosnia and if you have the opportunity do go to Mostar. Don’t think you’ll have time to take train Mostar/Sarajevo which was spectacular. Make a note for your next visit – we’re already planning ours!
May will be busy with cruise ships. We were there in October 22 and it wasn’t too bad in Kotor.
One that hasn’t been mentioned is a stop in Perast. Absolutely beautiful little village on the waters edge with some great restaurants.
Was in Kumbor Sept 22 and a crusie ship went past on the way to Kotor daily
Can strongly recommend Kator and the surrounding area. Regent Montegnegro (IHG) is an option although we were at the One&Only. Hyatt is also opening there this year.
In October the border had no queue although our taxi driver took a back route – there are multiple crossing points.
Thanks for all the recommendations – seems like Kotor is definitely worth visiting.
Unlikely you’ll be able to take the car into Albania, most of the companies don’t allow it. Make sure you tell the Croatian company you are going to Montenegro so that they give you the correct insurance card.
You’re correct – I’m hiring a car from Hertz in Dubrovnik, and they don’t allow me to drive to Albania. So I’m planning to hire a second car in Montenegro which will allow me then drive to Albania.
Also, does any one know if the lounge used by BA at Dubrovnik is in the Schengen Area or not? Given that Croatia has just joined the Schengen Area, I can’t really seem to find any info on it online.
If you haven’t confirmed the car yet I can highly recommend Nova Car, they have great reviews and my rental from Zagreb to Dubrovnik via lots of Croatia, a large part of Bosnia and most of Montenegro was flawless and relatively inexpensive for a one way journey. Thanks to Boris taking Montenegro off the red list whilst I was there, I extended the rental by 4 days with just an email to their customer services and a 20 euro/day extra charge.
Have you found a rental agency in Monetenegro that will allow a border crossing? Seemed like everyone blacklists Kosovo, Serbia and Albania from crossing with a rental car due to perceived crime levels.
Kotor – parking can be a nightmare.I stayed in an apartment on the hillside just outside town with an awesome view of the bay, and walked the 20 mins each way.
Don’t think you’ll get much help on the lounge because this will only have happened recently and the tourist season isn’t under way yet.
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