Route Planning and Logistics in Montenegro: real experience from chats
Short answer
Rent a car for your trip to easily explore coastal towns like Budva, Kotor, and Perast, as well as inland destinations like Lovcen and Cetinje. Prioritize your itinerary to avoid overpacking your schedule and skip Podgorica in favor of more authentic locations like Cetinje.
From real experience
A suggested itinerary for Montenegro covering Budva and Dobrota with a car includes: From Budva: explore the city, visit Sveti Stefan, St.
Peter's Island, Skadar Lake, Rijeka Crnojevica, Virpazar, and beaches. From Dobrota: explore Kotor, Perast, Lustica, Tivat. Then, head to Lovcen Pass, Njegusi, and Cetinje. A trip to Zabljak is also recommended if time permits. A 7-day itinerary can be very packed; it's advisable to prioritize and not try to see everything.
✓ 1 report from chats
When staying in Montenegro, consider the necessity of a car rental based on your itinerary.
If your accommodation is not near the beach and you plan multiple day trips to locations like Perast, Kotor, and Herceg Novi, renting a car for the entire duration or for specific days might be beneficial. Public transport is available but may not be extensive in all areas.
✓ 1 report from chats
Podgorica is primarily an administrative and business city and is not highly recommended for tourism, especially during summer due to the heat.
Cetinje, on the other hand, is a historic town offering a more authentic Montenegrin experience and is recommended for exploration. Podgorica is best considered only for brief stops before departure or arrival.
✓ 1 report from chats
Recommended driving route for Zabljak - Sarajevo - Herceg Novi: 1) From Zabljak to Sarajevo, travel via the Foča (Šćepan Polje) border crossing.
2) From Sarajevo to Herceg Novi, use either the Klobuk border crossing (scenic route, good roads) or the Sitnica crossing (can be busier and have stricter inspections).