Montenegro has become 2026's trendiest destination, with British visitors rising 164% from 2023 to 2024, according to travel data. British Airways launched direct flights from Heathrow to Tivat from £164 return. But does it live up to the hype? Here's an honest review.
Tivat Airport: Small but Functional
Tivat airport is very small, with one runway and a single waiting area. On arrival, you may be advised to wait outside and clear security closer to departure. Montenegro is not in the EU, so ensure you have a solid mobile data plan to avoid high costs. Expect extensive construction; in May, roads to the airport were being built, causing traffic that can turn a 30-minute journey into three hours on a bad day, a local said.
Budva: Party Town with History
Budva is Montenegro's party town but lacks the drunk tourist scene of Albufeira or Magaluf. It offers beaches, restaurants, history, and cocktail bars. For a lazy beach day, head to Mogren Beach, a twin cove past the Old Town with blue water and views. Alternatively, take a short boat ride to Saint Nikola's Island, locally called Hawaii, with three beaches. In the evening, explore the Old Town with Roman-era stone streets. For drinks, try Blue Cat and order the Witchcraft cocktail (passion fruit, tequila, lime juice, spicy sesame). For upmarket vibes, visit Casper Bar, a bohemian wine bar under a pine tree with jazz and DJ sets. Book dinner at rooftop restaurant Vista for sweeping views and seafood risotto.
Sveti Stefan: Iconic Island Resort
A short bus ride from Budva, Sveti Stefan is an island town with a private resort that attracted celebrities like Novak Djokovic (married there in 2014), Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and the Beckhams. The resort caused local controversy over beach access, leading to a five-year closure. It has now reopened, with Sveti Stefan Beach and King's Beach accessible to all. For dinner with a view of the resort, book at Olive for sunset.
Kotor: UNESCO Old Town and Fortress
Kotor, a 30-minute drive away, deserves two days. Its medieval Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with Venetian architecture and cobbled streets. To avoid crowds, pick a day with only one cruise ship docked. Climb to San Giovanni Fortress (280m above sea level) for breathtaking bay views. In town, visit the largest and oldest Roman Catholic church on the Adriatic. Try krempita, a local dessert of pastry and vanilla cream. Kotor is known as one of the most cat-friendly places on earth, with well-cared-for felines. On day two, take the Kotor Cable Car (€20 adult round-trip) for steep gondola views. At the top, try the Alpine Coaster (€10) and enjoy sunset DJ sets. Don't miss Kraken, a floating wine bar where bottles are stored and aged 20 meters underwater; staff swim down to retrieve your wine. Enjoy charcuterie and fresh fish from Boka Bay.
Herceg Novi and Virpazar: Authentic Experiences
Herceg Novi, the Town of Sun, is often overlooked by tourists. Wander the 7km lungomare promenade along the bay. Visit Kanli Kula (Bloody Tower), formerly an Ottoman prison and Venetian lookout, now an open-air theatre (€4 entry). For nature lovers, head to Virpazar for a boat ride on Skadar Lake, the largest lake in the Balkans, a national park since 1983 with 280 bird species including Dalmatian pelicans. Book a two-hour boat tour with coffee and croissants for £17 per person via Virparis.
Dining at One & Only Portonovi
For a memorable dinner, visit Tapasake at One & Only Portonovi resort, offering Mediterranean-Japanese fusion. Sushi is divine, with dishes like handmade mochi, crispy rice with beef tartare, nigiri, and sashimi, priced around £20-£30. The resort has 20 pools and 27 spa treatment rooms, with June rates about £1,600 per night. British Airways Holidays offers seven nights at the 5* One&Only Portonovi from £3,399pp (including €7pp tourism tax) on selected dates between 1-30 September 2026, with return flights from Heathrow and breakfast.
