Cheap flights to Montenegro

Nestled between Croatia and Albania along the Adriatic Coast is tiny but well formed Montenegro. Once part of the former Yugoslavia, today the country is enjoying its independence and tourists from all over the world are slowly discovering just what makes Montenegro so special. This profound surge in tourism is due in part to the recent launch of direct flights to Montenegro from the UK and after its depiction in the James Bond film Casino Royale.

Known as the “Jewel of Europe”, Montenegro is made up of charming medieval towns, emerald lakes and stunning beaches. Every summer hordes of visitors pass by its shores by boat from the Croatian coast, merely stopping by for the day before setting sail again. But they are missing out on the real Montenegrin experience. Stay a few days, or even a week, and discover its hidden gems.

Other than getting there by boat, you can drive over the border from Dubrovnik or take a flight to Montenegro which lands in the capital, Podgorica. Sadly Podgorica doesn’t offer a very good introduction to the country; characterless ex-Communist concrete blocks line the streets and traffic is usually at a stand-still. Most travellers use it as a base from which to explore the rest of Montenegro including the legendary Skadar Lake National Park and Budva Riviera.

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Montenegro climate

Summers in Montenegro can reach a sizzling 30 degrees along the coast. The mountains stay cooler, about 21 degrees. Winters can be very cold, dropping to below freezing in the mountains.

When is the best time to fly to Montenegro?

The high season is from May until September, with July and August the busiest months. Ski season runs from December until March.

The best time to visit is during the off season between the months of May, June and September. The cities are less crowded, accommodation is cheaper and the weather’s more pleasant than in the height of summer.

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Getting around Montenegro

The best and easiest way to get around Montenegro is by bus. They go all over the country (not always directly from one destination to another) and are very economical.

Getting around by car is another option and car hire companies including Hertz, Europcar and Net Rent-a-Car have offices in the major cities. But bear in mind that Montenegrin drivers can be rather aggressive and roads aren’t always well signed. In peak summer season the roads can get extremely congested, especially closer to the Croatian border.

Metered taxis are readily available in the larger towns and are fairly cheap.

What is good to know if travelling to Montenegro?

• Visit the National Museum of Montenegro which houses the famous 5th century icon of the Madonna’s face as well as weapons exhibits and Duke Danilo’s coat.
• Head up to the top of Lundža hill where Stari Bar, the ruined old city, sits. Explore its labyrinthine streets and preserved churches of St. Catherine and St. Veneranda. Visit the stunning Mosque of Sultan Ahmet where 5^th-century mosaics were found under it.
• Go swimming in Murici beach which is situated in the Skadar Lake National Park. Bird lovers should head to one Skadar’s small islands – Omerova Gorica – where a colony of 40 grey heron lives.
• Adrenaline seekers can’t miss a white water rafting trip on the Tara River. The exhilarating ride takes you along Durmitor National Park’s clear lakes and pine forests.