Villas in Montenegro

Table of contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a villa in Montenegro?
• Villas in Montenegro: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Montenegro: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Montenegro?

Montenegro's villas range from traditional stone houses with colourful façades to sleek, contemporary retreats, most with a private pool, garden and generous terrace. Sleeping 4 to 8 guests, they're ideal for families and groups of friends. Browse the full choice of holiday rentals in Montenegro if you think a villa might not be to your taste. The most popular amenities include:

• Private swimming pool
• Air conditioning throughout
• Free wifi
• Balcony or terrace with sea or mountain views
• Pet-friendly options

These features offer all the comfort you need for your home away from home in Montenegro.

What are the best areas to stay in Montenegro?

The Bay of Kotor is the most popular base, but every corner of Montenegro offers something different. The table below details regions for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Our guests consistently rate Montenegro's villas highly, with many of our top properties scoring above 9.0 out of 10. Reviewers single out the private pools, the sweeping views across the Bay of Kotor and the warm, personal welcome from local hosts. Families appreciate the space and the kid-friendly gardens, whilst couples enjoy the quiet coastal spots for romantic getaways. Cleanliness, easy self check-in and excellent value for money come up again and again.

Here are our top-rated villas from the past year:

1. Vacation house for 6 people, with terrace and pool, with pets - 9.7+: A bright villa in Podi-Sasovići with a private pool and sea-view terrace, praised for its space and pet-friendly welcome.
2. Vacation house for 10 people, with terrace - 9.3+: A roomy house on the Bay of Kotor sleeping ten, with a large terrace ideal for groups and big-family gatherings.
3. Vacation house for 6 people, with terrace and yard - 9.3+: A relaxed retreat near the Bay of Kotor with a private yard and terrace, well placed for exploring Kotor and Perast.

Montenegro sits on the Adriatic coast of the Balkans, bordered by Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo and Albania. Small in size, it packs in dramatic mountains, a fjord-like bay and a string of historic coastal towns. In recent years, it has become a popular holiday destination, with visitors from across Europe drawn to its wild natural scenery.

🥗 Where to eat in Montenegro?

You may never have tried Montenegrin cuisine - but you're bound to fall in love with this inspired fusion of Mediterranean, Balkan and Central European flavours. Fresh seafood, hearty meat dishes and rich dairy are menu staples, whether you're heading to a fine dining restaurant for a smart dinner or relaxing on a rustic terrace for lunch. Here are our travel experts' picks for great meals:

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Charlotte and Henry recommend Konoba Scala Santa in Montenegro: tucked into Kotor's Old Town, it's a relaxed yet refined spot for a long, wine-paired dinner after a lazy day beside the villa pool.

1. Explore the walled old town of Kotor
2. Discover the island village of Sveti Stefan
3. Relax on Budva's beaches
4. Raft through the Tara Canyon
5. Hike the Prokletije mountains
6. Cruise Lake Skadar National Park
7. Sample Montenegrin cuisine

1. Explore the walled old town of Kotor

   Tucked beneath sheer mountains, Kotor is one of the best-preserved medieval towns on the Adriatic. Wander the cobbled lanes to the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, then climb the ancient ramparts to the Castle of San Giovanni for sweeping views over the bay. The walls run for nearly three miles and the whole town is UNESCO-listed. Time your visit for the lively Summer Carnival if you can.

2. Discover the island village of Sveti Stefan

   The fortified islet of Sveti Stefan, just south of Budva, is Montenegro's most photographed sight. Pine and olive trees shelter its honey-stone dwellings, and whilst the island itself is reserved for resort guests, the surrounding beaches are public. Spend a lazy day on the sand, stroll the wooded path to nearby Pržno, and admire the gorgeous sunset.

3. Relax on Budva's beaches

   Budva is Montenegro's beach capital and home to Velika Plaža, the largest stretch of sand in the Balkans. For something quieter, head to Petrovac, where turquoise water laps against a rustic old settlement. Days here are made for swimming, sunbathing and unwinding, whilst the evenings bring the buzz that earned Budva its nickname as 'the new Ibiza'.

4. Raft through the Tara Canyon

   For a shot of adrenaline, head inland to the Tara Canyon, the deepest river gorge in Europe. White-water rafting is the standout activity, with lively rapids through the year and gentler runs in April and May. The scenery is extraordinary: crystal-clear water threading between towering cliffs and untouched forest. Both seasoned paddlers and newbies will enjoy the challenge.

5. Hike the Prokletije mountains

   The rugged Prokletije, or 'Accursed Mountains', form the highest part of the Dinaric Alps. The celebrated Peaks of the Balkans trail winds through the range, crossing into Albania and Kosovo, with routes from gentle ambles to a challenging 120-mile circuit. Wildflower meadows, glacial lakes and remote villages reward the effort. Whether you fancy a short walk or a multi-day trek, this is some of the finest hiking in southern Europe.

6. Cruise Lake Skadar National Park

   Lake Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkans, straddles the border with Albania and forms a tranquil national park. Glide across the water by boat to spot pelicans and herons, visit island monasteries, and call in at lakeside villages known for their wines. The conical hills locals nickname 'Sophia Loren' make a memorable backdrop.

7. Sample Montenegrin cuisine

   Montenegrin cooking blends Italian and Ottoman influences with hearty Balkan staples. Try ćevapi, little grilled sausages of minced meat, or Njeguši ham, a cured speciality not unlike Italian prosciutto. Along the coast, fresh seafood and grilled fish take centre stage, whilst inland you will find rich stews and burek pastries. Markets and family-run konobas are the best places to taste it all — and with a villa kitchen to hand, you can bring local produce home to cook.