Little Coin Traveler

Clear turquoise water. Charming old towns. Fresh seafood dinners for under €7.
If you’re craving a coastal escape that doesn’t punish your bank account—Montenegro is your move.

This tiny Balkan country is still flying under the radar for most budget travelers. This means you’ll get Mediterranean vibes without the Mykonos markup. And yes—you can easily explore Montenegro’s coast on less than €45 a day.

Here’s everything you need to know. This includes real hostel links and restaurant picks. You’ll also learn how to make the most of a 3–5 day escape!

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📍 Where to Go in Montenegro (That’s Not a Tourist Trap)

🏝️ Budva

A classic stop for Montenegro travelers—but still very budget-friendly if you know where to go. Think cobblestone alleys, sandy beaches, and vibrant nightlife.

• Top eats:
  • Pastabar Budva – fresh pasta dishes under €8
  • Grape Cafe – cozy breakfast & smoothie spot
  • Verde Salad & Sandwich Bar – grab-and-go lunch under €5

🧡 Petrovac

Quieter and more low-key than Budva—perfect if you want to relax, swim, and sip espresso near the sea.

• Top eats:
  • Plazni Bar Medin – seafood pizza + beach views
  • Picerija Kiss – classic pizza & pasta, very affordable
  • Pizzeria Lazaret – €5–7 mains

🏖️ Ulcinj

Montenegro’s southernmost beach town, close to the Albanian border. Long sandy beaches, less tourism, more local flavor.

• Top eats:
  • Kalaja Restaurant – local dishes + old town views
  • Sapore di Mare – seaside seafood specialties
  • Miguel de Cervantes – Mediterranean fusion on a backpacker budget

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💸 What I Spent (and How You Can Too)

Here’s what a typical budget-friendly day in Montenegro looks like:

Category	Daily Cost (EUR)
Accommodation	€12–20
Food	€10–15
Transport	€5–10
Activities	€0–5
Total	~€30–45/day

💡 I stayed 5 days. I spent less than €200 in total. This includes sunset beers, bus rides, and more gelato than I care to admit.

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🏨 Where to Stay (on a Budget That Still Feels Good)

In Budva:

• 🛏️ Peace Apartments Budva – lively vibe in the Old Town, from €15/night

In Petrovac:

• 🛏️ Hotel Ami – sea views and modern rooms, often around €30/night (perfect if you’re splitting with a friend!)

In Ulcinj:

• 🛏️ Apartments Lungo Mare – cozy and walkable to the beach, from €12–15/night

Bonus: Most guesthouses offer private rooms at prices lower than dorms in Western Europe.

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🍴 What to Eat (and What Not to Miss)

Montenegro’s food is seriously underrated—and crazy affordable.

Must-Try Dishes:

• 🥟 Burek – flaky pastry filled with cheese or meat, ~€1.50
• 🍢 Ćevapi – grilled minced meat sausages with flatbread, ~€4–6
• 🐟 Fresh grilled fish or calamari – usually under €8 at beach cafés
• ☕ Turkish-style coffee + baklava – €2 together

🧠 Tip: Grab groceries for snacks and water at Voli or Idea supermarkets to save even more.

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🧭 Free + Cheap Things to Do

You don’t need pricey tours to enjoy Montenegro’s coast.

🆓 Totally Free:

• Swim at public beaches (most are well-kept and open access)
• Watch the sunset from Fort Mogren or Kalaja Fortress
• Wander Old Town Budva or Ulcinj and soak in the vibes
• Chill at beach bars—many have loungers if you order a drink (€2–3)

💶 Low-Cost Fun:

• Kayak rental: €5–10/hour
• Day trip to Sveti Stefan (walkable from Budva)
• Boat tour around coves and caves: ~€10–15

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🚌 Getting Around Without Spending Much

• Local buses run between all major beach towns—fares are €3–5
• From Podgorica or Tivat Airport, take a bus or shared transfer (~€8–10)
• Walking or biking is easy and scenic in most towns

✈️ Bonus tip: Book flights into Podgorica or Tivat and take the bus directly to the coast.

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💬 Final Thoughts: Why Montenegro Should Be on Your Radar

Montenegro gave me everything I wanted in a summer escape:
☀️ Beaches, 🧘‍♀️ calm mornings, 🍝 delicious meals, 🏰 old-town charm—and it never felt like I had to stress about money.

It’s the kind of destination that lets you travel slow, live well, and spend smart.

If you’ve been craving sun, sea, and savings, skip the crowds. Visit Montenegro and give them your coin. Just don’t spend too much of it 😉.

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📣 What’s Your Next Move?

Thinking about a Montenegro escape?
👇 Drop your budget or travel dates in the comments—I’ll help you plan it out!

And while you’re at it, don’t miss these guides:
👉 💸 The Real Cost of a 3-Day Weekend in Amsterdam
👉 🚀 Ultimate Guide: How to Plan Your First Solo Trip