Our Family Adventure in Montenegro: A Safe, Beautiful, and Affordable Gem
Spending six weeks in Montenegro with my husband and our two young children (then 5 and 3) was an incredible experience. The country felt very safe, though there are definitely some things to be aware of. Before diving into those details, I have to mention that I always felt comfortable walking the streets alone with my children. At no point did I feel like our safety or belongings were at risk, which is a huge plus when travelling as a family.
Our Home Base: Cosy Comfort Near Piva Lake
We settled into a newly renovated apartment with everything needed to feel at home—including a cool swinging chair in the living room! While sharing a bedroom for most of our stay was cosy, we were happy to have found a place that met all our criteria: safety, proximity to shops and restaurants, access to water, and hiking opportunities. We had been moving around Croatia every week before this and wanted a longer stay to truly settle.
I’ll admit, I had some apprehensions about Montenegro since I didn’t know anyone who had been there, let alone stayed for an extended period. However, being outside the Schengen Zone made it the perfect base for extending our European travels. While we quickly fell in love with the country, there were a few surprises we hadn’t anticipated.
The People: Warm, Welcoming, and Sometimes Over-Friendly!
One of the highlights of our stay was our incredible hosts. From the moment we arrived, they made us feel at home—taking us to their favourite local spots, showing us around, and even inviting us to their home for a weekend so we could experience life like true locals. They weren’t an exception; everywhere we went, people were friendly and accommodating.
One thing to be aware of, especially if you have blonde, blue-eyed children, is that locals may be extra affectionate—even picking them up! While this was done in a friendly manner, it took us by surprise, and our daughter wasn’t always comfortable with it. It became a valuable learning experience for setting boundaries and supporting our kids in asserting themselves.
Food & Costs: Affordable, Delicious, But Limited Variety
Eating out was incredibly affordable. We still talk about a particular spot overlooking the water where we enjoyed a massive platter of food—so big that even the four of us couldn’t finish it—for just €10! Interestingly, we found that shopping at local stores and cooking at home cost us more than dining out.
One downside was the limited variety of fresh and healthy food options. Eating like the locals was a wonderful experience, but after a while, we found ourselves craving more variety. Vegetable platters typically consisted of just courgettes and tomatoes. It would have been difficult to eat vegan in the areas we visited, so we adapted to the local cuisine.
Drinking bottled water was our go-to, though some areas had safe tap water. Unfortunately, we did pick up a nasty bug at one point. While it was scary being sick away from home, we recovered without needing medical help. That said, we did hear that some doctors take advantage of tourists, so it’s wise to be cautious and aware of any unexpected charges.
As always, we recommend taking a water microfilter for drinking water. LifeStraw are the gold standard
However, cheaper alternatives are available here: Check out water filtration systems.
Adventurous Activities: Fun, Affordable, But With Lax Safety Standards
Activities in Montenegro were very reasonably priced, and if you have a local book for you, it’s even cheaper. That said, we didn’t mind paying a little extra to support local businesses.
Some of our favourite adventures included hiking up the mountains, white-water rafting, canoeing, zip-lining, and swimming in the lake. The fish loved nibbling our toes—adding to the experience!
A big surprise was that our 3-year-old was allowed to go rafting. While she loved it, the equipment was slightly too big for her, and safety measures were much more relaxed compared to what we’re used to in the UK. I kept her within arm’s reach the entire time. As a family, I’d say you need to be very water-confident before committing to certain activities, as there’s no turning back once you set off!
The Coastal Experience: Beautiful but Crowded
After an amazing time in the peaceful mountains, we moved to the coast—and were met with a very different experience. Prices shot up, and the beaches were packed. We often opted to stay at our hotel and enjoy the pool rather than brave the overcrowded shoreline. That being said, the evenings were lovely, with perfect temperatures and stunning coastal walks as the sun set over the sea.
The food along the coast was noticeably more expensive, except for one fantastic deal—massive watermelons, bigger than our 3-year-old, for just €2! But overall, we preferred our time in the mountains, where it was quieter and more relaxed.
Kid-Friendly Culture: Play Areas Everywhere and a Strong Community Spirit
One of the most delightful things about Montenegro is how family-friendly it is. Every café and restaurant seemed to have its own play area, where local parents would relax while their children wandered off to play. While this relaxed approach felt unfamiliar to us, it was lovely to see a culture where everyone looks out for each other’s kids.
Another heartwarming moment was at the lake jetties. Teenagers who were jumping off into the water always made space for younger kids, encouraging them to join in and even helping pull them out of the water. This culture of togetherness and trust was something special.
Departure: The Only Downside
If one part of our Montenegro experience wasn’t enjoyable, it was leaving. The airport was small, overcrowded, and plagued with delays, with few facilities to keep kids entertained. Since we arrived by taxi from Croatia, we hadn’t experienced the airport on arrival, but for anyone flying in, I’d recommend packing extra snacks and activities to keep little ones occupied.
If you’ve had any flight delays, check to see if you are owed compensation here:
Final Thoughts: A Hidden Gem Worth Exploring
I had initial reservations about travelling to Montenegro, but in the end, it turned out to be one of the most beautiful, friendly, and affordable destinations we’ve visited. The locals call it “wild beauty,” and you only need to be there a minute to understand why.
If you’re considering a family adventure somewhere off the beaten path, Montenegro should definitely be on your list!
