As part of the Balkans, Montenegro is becoming a trendy destination to spend a holiday with the family. Whether you fancy a long weekend away or a long vacation combining Dubrovnik in Croatia, Montenegro is a fantastic country to discover at your own pace.
But what are the best things to do in Montenegro with kids? In this article, I have shortlisted the best excursions and activities that could be exciting for your family. It goes without saying that hiring a car could be the best option to discover the jewels of the country.
Situated in the South East of Europe, Montenegro is a small country that has borders with Croatia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Albania, Kosovo and Serbia. With a population of over 600, 000 inhabitants, the country of Montenegro offers lovely national parks, majestic mountains and also a beautiful coastline in the Adriatic Sea facing Italy. Also, Montenegro is lucky to be home of the most preserved medieval old cities in Europe such as Kotor or Budva.
So without further due, let’s have a look at the top things to do in Montenegro with kids. Let’s go!
1. Kotor Old City
The Old Town of Kotor is among the best things to do in Montenegro. In fact Kotor is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. What you will see in this medieval town is a range of churches, museums and cobbled streets.
In the summer, you will certainly face some crowds visiting every corner of the old town so make sure to plan your trip accordingly. For example, you could take the option to explore Kotor early in the morning or at the end of the day to admire the sunset over the village.
The city Kotor is proud to organise every year the Kotor Festival of Theatre for Children where children from all around the world come to Montenegro and showcase their performance. The festival is usually held in July so you might be there when it happens.
2. Castle of San Giovanni
Beware that the climbing walk to the Castle means extra effort for young children or elderly people
After strolling the streets of the old medieval town of Kotor in the morning, head to the Castle of San Giovanni with a nice bag pack with water bottles and snacks. The trail walk requires at least a 2-hour round trip with a few breaks, especially if you have young kids with you.
The entrance to the walking paths with steps is 8€ per person and can only used between 8am and 8pm. In the summer it is recommended to go early to avoid the crowd but also the hot sun around midday.
Once you have arrived at the top of the hill, you will see ruins of the St John Castle with an incredible panoramic view of Kotor and the bay. Don’t be surprised if you see lots of cats along the way. They know lots of tourists are passing by so they are just waiting to be fed!
Address: St John Fortress, Rd to the Fort of St. Ivan, Špiljari, Montenegro
3. Cats Museum
You would have probably noticed that Kotor has a rather high population of cats in the city. So much so that the city decided to open a museum dedicated to these felines.
In this venue, there are lots of exhibitions of postcards featuring cats and plenty of vintage advertising and flyers imageries. The museum is fairly small and will take less than 30 min to see it all. But with a small entrance fee, it is worth visiting if you are fond of cats of course!
Address: Cats Museum, Kotor, Montenegro
4. Our Lady of the Rocks
Another place to check out in the Kotor region is Our Lady of the Rocks. This artificial little island is located on Kotor bay and features a church and a gift shop.
After a small journey by boat, you will be rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view of Kotor and the Adriatic sea. There is ritual happening on the island where locals throw stones from the islet to potentially expend the land around the site. So don’t be surprised to see many rocks around you when you arrive at Our Lady of the Rocks.
A lot of boat tours include this excursion, so make sure you pick one that offers it like the one below.
5. Budva City
If you have seen pictures about Montenegro, there is a good chance you have spotted the Old Town of Budva and the beautiful coast with the long beach and yachts parking there in the peak season.
Budva and its surrounding is probably the equivalent of the French Riviera in Montenegro. The Old Town of Budva is entirely protected by stone walls and sets on a small peninsula facing the Adriatic sea. You will enjoy nice walks on cobbled streets full of souvenirs shops, restaurants and cafes.
Whilst the population of Budva is over 10,000 permanent residents, the town is among the most popular destination in the country with over 700,000 visits per year. The city is famously known for great hotels, good restaurants and beautiful beaches like the Slav beach.
6. Aquapark Budva
Please note that the Aquapark Budva opens its doors on 23rd June 2023
Since you are in Budva, make sure you plan a day trip to Aquapark Budva during your holiday in Montenegro. This year the park opens at the end of June for the whole summer season. In this fun and exciting park, your kids will discover different water slides, a great splash pool for little swimmers and
There are lots of space between rides where you can park your towel and relax by sun loungers and parasols. Parking space is free nearby the aquapark. Otherwise, there is daily bus departing the old town of Budva every hour from 10am until 2pm with a return journey until 6pm.
Aquapark Budva should definitely be on your wishlist of things to do in Montenegro with kids if you need a fun activity.
Address: 7RVC+6J, Podostrog, Montenegro
7. Porto Montenegro
Another famous place to visit this time on the Bay of Kotor is Porto Montenegro. This seaport is home of the most luxurious boats and yachts you will ever see in the region. So expect in the summer to see lots of VIPs whilst walking alongside the marina.
Porto Montenegro is obviously very clean and well maintained considering the luxury yachts nearby. Perfect place to have dinner in a restaurant but be prepared to spend more than usual in the area.
Address: 1 Blaža Jovanovića, Tivat 85320, Montenegro
8. Sveti Stefan Beach
Sveti Stefan is a small village within Budva region that looks like an island from the bay. The place has been recently controversial due to a disagreement between Montenegro government and the owner of a luxury hotel Aman Sveti Stefan.
Consequently the hotel has been closed since 2021 and may reopen this summer with a recent announcement that an agreement has been settled between parties.
But not to worry there is a beautiful pebbled beach on the left of the island with an amazing view over Sveti Stefan and the Adriatic sea. You can also hire beach loungers and parasol for maximum comfort on the beach. You will find a few places where you can have lunch nearby the beach such as Murva Grill Bar or Pod Murvom.
This beach offers one of the most idyllic views available in Europe and I doubt you wouldn’t take as many pictures as you can to feed your Insta and wow your friends and family!
Address: Sveti Stefan Beach, Sveti Stefan, Montenegro
9. Lovcen National Park
Located not too far from Kotor and Budva, the Lovcen National Park is a perfect day out in the wild where you can admire endless views of mountains and forests. Once you have parked your car, you will be asked to pay 2€ entrance fee to access the national park. The trail paths are well maintained so fairly easy for families to explore the area too.
To reach the top of the mountain, you would need to climb around 500 steps, which could take around 15 min with kids. Once you are there, you will have an amazing view with mountains surrounded you and hopefully a blue sky to perfect photos.
There is even a restaurant near the Mausoleum called Vladika worth to stop by if you want to have lunch with the family with a unique view. Recent reviews have praised positively this restaurant with a decent menu, good food and a nice service.
Address: 9RXV+28R, Cetinje, Montenegro
10. Perast
Considered as one of the most stunning little cities in Montenegro, Perast is situated in the Bay of Kotor. In fact, it will take less than half an hour by car to reach Perast from Kotor.
The harbour with little boats is such a beautiful place to wander around with also lots of traditional houses with the famous red brick roofs. From the bay, you can spot the two islands of Our Lady of the Rocks and Sveti Dorde.
I would recommend visiting Perast by the end of the day. And try being there for the sunset with incredible views from the port. The town can be explored in less than 2 hours so quite easy to fit this activity in your busy schedule of exploring every corner of Kotor region.
11. Lipa Cave
East of Lovcen National Park, Lipa Cave is a dramatic cave with nearly 2 miles of passageways surrounded by stalagmites and stalactites. It goes without saying that the best way to visit these caves is with an English-speaking guide who will take you through this beautiful site. You will also learn about the history of Lipa Cave and when it was found the first time. The tour will take about 1 hour including a little train ride from the parking space to the entrance of Lipa Cave.
It will feel rather cold inside the cave, so make sure you bring a jumper or a warm jacket. The temperature difference between outside and inside could be 20°C in the summer.
Lipa Cave is open between April and November and is among the most adventurous things to do in Montenegro with children.
A family tour of 4 will cost you around 40€ for the whole family. Do not miss this opportunity to visit this cave during your holiday in Montenegro!
12. Mogren Beach
I strongly recommend taking a swimsuit for every member of your family, sun cream and towels to pack at the back of your car every time you decide to go out of your hotel or apartment. Montenegro is full of beautiful beaches and you are never short of finding new places to relax on the beach.
One of the most popular beaches with families is Mogren beach in Budva. The place is totally protected by cliffs and has a beautiful sandy beach with stunning views over the sea. Due to its proximity of Budva, the beach can be quite crowded in the summer. But on the other side, you will have a clean and secured beach where you can hire sunbeds and parasol for the day.
13. Long Beach (Velika Plaza)
Another beach to consider during your holiday break in Montenegro with the kids is the famous Long Beach (Velika Plaza). This long and safe beach is located in Ulcinj with shallow waters so perfect for young swimmers.
During the peak season, this beach will feel there is space for everyone. It makes also a nice long walk by sunset without feeling to be crammed with everybody else.
You will also find plenty of bars and restaurants nearby the beach so don’t worry about packing a picnic when you head out to Long Beach.
14. Durmitor National Park
If you have brave young adventurers with you, it is so worth taking the time to take a day exploring the magnificent Durmitor National Park.
You will be spoiled with incredible views, lovely natural lakes and incredible wildness during your trip. Yes, it involves some nice trail walks with some ascent but if you enjoy slow travel and be in the nature, your family would love it.
A piece of advice would be to bring a lunch picnic with plenty of water and a jumper once you reach some altitude.
Durmitor National Park is listed by UNESCO among its World Heritage Sites. So no wonder why this park is so popular with hikers.
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CONCLUSION
You have reached the end of my article on the best things to do in Montenegro with kids. I hope I have inspired you to find time to explore different areas of this magical country. Montenegro is still underrated as a holiday destination but is definitely becoming trendy with tourists from all around the world.
When you see all these stunning islands and unspoilt natural parks, you know that you will spend an incredible holiday in Montenegro close to the nature and away from our daily busy life. Enjoy your family holiday in Montenegro!
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