Central Montenegro: An Underrated Place to Stay (and Why You Should Choose Podgorica)
Updated: Aug 22
When planning a trip to Montenegro, most travelers choose the coast - Budva, Kotor, or Tivat. However, the central part of the country often remains overlooked, even though it can be the perfect base for exploring Montenegro.
So, where is the best place to stay if you want to travel around the entire country? If you're visiting Montenegro for the first time or want to see more than the typical tourist attractions, it's worth considering Podgorica and its surroundings.
Podgorica is conveniently located in the very center of the country. The main advantage of staying here is the excellent logistics.
From Podgorica, it's about an hour's drive to the coast (Budva, Bar, Petrovac) and only one and a half to two hours to the north (the mountains, Kolašin, Žabljak).
This means you can spend the morning by the sea and the evening in the mountains - or even on the snow during winter.
For example, in spring (March - April), you can go skiing in Kolašin and relax under the warm sun by the sea the very next day.
It's also worth noting that prices in central Montenegro are generally lower than on the coast. Accommodation, restaurants, and everyday expenses are more affordable, and there are fewer tourist markups. This is the country's business center, home to most of Montenegro's key infrastructure and a larger local population, which helps keep prices lower.
By renting an apartment in or near Podgorica, you can save a significant amount on accommodation while still taking day trips to different parts of the country.
Central Montenegro is ideal for active travelers. It's the best option if you enjoy exploring rather than staying in one place throughout your vacation.
From here, it's easy to take day trips across Montenegro, discover lesser-known locations, and avoid the tourist crowds.
Moraca River
What Can You See in Central Montenegro?
Until early summer (approximately June), the Niagara Waterfalls are especially beautiful. Don't miss Pavlova Strana, one of the most spectacular viewpoints overlooking the Rijeka Crnojevića, and Lake Skadar, where you can enjoy stunning nature, boat rides, and abundant birdlife.
Central Montenegro is also famous for its wine production. One of the country's largest wineries, Šipčanik, is located here, along with many small local wineries offering wine tastings. You can combine a visit to Lake Skadar with a winery tour and enjoy tastings of local wines, cheeses, and traditional prosciutto.
Other places worth adding to your itinerary include Ostrog Monastery, the Morača River Canyon, Grlo Sokolovo, and Kučka Korita. You should also visit Montenegro's historic capital, Cetinje, with its charming fairy-tale-like houses. While you're there, stop by Lipa Cave and the village of Njeguši to taste the famous local prosciutto and shop for traditional homemade delicacies.
Skadar Lake Moraca River Canyon Rjeka Crnojevica Pavlova Strana View Point Beri, Podgorica Niagara Falls
In central Montenegro, you'll experience the country's authentic daily life. Visit the market in Tuzi near the Albanian border, explore Gintaš Green Market in Podgorica, or enjoy a walk through Gorica Park.
There are fewer tourists here and much more authenticity. This is where you'll discover Montenegro's hidden gems.
Central Montenegro is the perfect choice for travelers who want to experience the country as a whole, save money on accommodation and food, and enjoy a flexible, active vacation.
Podgorica and its surroundings are much more than just a stopover - they are the ideal base for discovering everything Montenegro has to offer.
© Wonder Montenegro. All materials published on this website are original copyrighted works and are protected by copyright law. Any full or partial copying, publication, distribution, translation, adaptation, or any other use of these materials without the prior written permission of the copyright holder is prohibited and may result in liability under applicable law.
Comments