For our 10-day family road trip in Montenegro, we had two main bases: the Bay of Kotor, with its Mediterranean fjord-like landscapes, and Durmitor National Park, with its wild mountains and lakes. As part of our 3-month road trip through Europe, we arrived in Montenegro from the south, after Italy, Greece and Albania, crossing the border at Hani i Hotit–Božaj. We left the country via the R6 road before continuing on to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
After being one of the republics of the former Yugoslavia, and later part of a union with Serbia, Montenegro is a recently independent country (since 2006). Unlike Bosnia-Herzegovina or Croatia, Montenegro did not experience major conflicts on its territory during the wars of the 1990s. The majority of the population is Orthodox Christian, with a significant Muslim community as well, particularly in the north and east of the country. The country’s Slavic, Venetian and Ottoman influences are still clearly visible.
We travelled through Montenegro with our family in July 2026, spending 5 days in the Bay of Kotor and 5 days near Žabljak and Durmitor National Park.
The Bay of Kotor with Kids
The Bay of Kotor is on the western coast of Montenegro. It opens onto the Adriatic Sea and is made up of four interconnected gulfs surrounded by high mountains. Cliffs, turquoise waters and a landscape unlike anywhere else… We immediately understood why this region is known as the country’s “jewel”.
Visiting Kotor with Children
The Old Town of Kotor and the City Walls
The fortified Old Town of Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking around the Old Town does not take long, and here are the main points of interest we visited: we first entered the Old Town through the Sea Gate, arriving at a charming square facing the Clock Tower. We then wandered through the narrow streets towards the bazaar, before crossing the town to reach St. Tryphon Cathedral. To finish, we took a little gourmet break (with a few vegan options, although not particularly impressive) at Mamma Mia bakery.
This neighbourhood is a concentration of history, with cobbled streets, tiled-roof houses, Venetian walls, Gothic palaces and cathedrals.
To be honest, we did not really enjoy our visit, as we went in the late afternoon during the July heat and crowds with the children. It is better to go early in the morning, later in the day, or on days without cruise ships. We also found that the shops were all selling very similar souvenirs, including at the bazaar.
After this tiring visit, we did not have the energy to climb up to the city walls, although the views look amazing. Looking back, the Old Town and the walls might have been better suited to the rainy morning we had during our stay.
The Kotor Aquarium and Maritime Museum
So, one rainy morning, we wanted to visit the Maritime Museum. It looked like a nice place to explore, but unfortunately it was closed. As a last resort, we turned to the Kotor Aquarium. It was disappointing, with a very short visit and tiny tanks that made us feel sad. The children had a good time, but it is not the kind of place we want to support.
If you would like to visit several museums and attractions in Kotor, there is a multi-ticket pass available.
Taking the Kotor Cable Car and alpine coaster
That same rainy day, we had planned to take the cable car. The weather caused a two-hour delay to the opening (which is why we ended up at the aquarium).
Once on the cable car, we enjoyed the magnificent view over the bay as we made our way to the top. There are many activities available at the top. We did the alpine coaster, but it is also possible to go hiking, have a meal, enjoy a drink or try another thrilling attraction. There is also a children’s playground, but you need to pay to get in.
By booking our alpine coaster and cable car tickets together online, we were able to get a discount. You also need to pay for the parking, but if you arrive early, it is possible to park for free along the road opposite. There are also shuttle buses departing from the city centre.
We recommend bringing a picnic, as the restaurants at the top are very expensive.
Taking a boat trip in the Bay of Kotor
We decided to spend a day exploring the bay with Barbaboats. It was a wonderful way to discover the Bay of Kotor from a different perspective. The landscapes are stunning, and the snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters was a real highlight. We loved swimming with masks and snorkels above a shipwreck! It was also very impressive to enter the former secret submarine shelters of the former Yugoslav army. We also had the chance to see the iconic island of Our Lady of the Rocks up close.
We particularly enjoyed the pace of the day, which was very relaxing and gave us plenty of time to enjoy each place, unlike some excursions where stops feel rushed and come one after another too quickly.
Bring a picnic to make the most of the trip, although it is possible to buy food at the beach where we stopped for an hour and a half.
One small downside: the excursion lasts around 6 hours, which can feel quite long with children, as the Bay of Kotor is huge. The Blue Cave was also very crowded when we visited, which slightly reduced the charm of the place.
Discovering the village of Perast
Perast is a former maritime trading village with Venetian influences. It looks like a beautiful and peaceful place, where traffic is heavily restricted. We ended up giving up on this visit after seeing the hundreds of cars parked along the roadside near the village… We wanted to go there after visiting Kotor Old Town in the late afternoon, but it was impossible to find a parking spot and we were overwhelmed by the number of people already there.
This is definitely THE visit we should have done on our rainy morning. During high season, you probably need to go before 8:30 am. Another option is to get there by boat. Barbaboats also offers sunset excursions there.
Where to eat in Kotor with children?
We enjoyed the Tramontana Beach Bar, located just next to our accommodation. Its main attraction is the sunset view. The children also loved the small playground next to the restaurant and watching the ducks and fish from the terrace.
Just opposite, you will find the Sutvara restaurant, which does not have the view but offers affordable seafood.
Where to stay in the Bay of Kotor with a family?
We booked a wonderful accommodation in the Lavender Bay residence (you will find different options in this residence on Booking or Airbnb). The view from the pool is simply incredible, and the facilities in the residence are perfect (spa, playground and even a café). It was a slightly higher budget than usual for us, as I was celebrating my 35th birthday.
Durmitor National Park and its surroundings with kids
Our 5 days in Durmitor National Park were magical! First of all, because of the joy of being somewhere cool in the middle of the summer heat. Then, because of the incredible variety of landscapes, ranging from forests to mountains. I would even say that the place had an enchanting, almost magical atmosphere, and I told the children several times that if I were a fairy, this is where I would settle.
Not all of our visits were inside Durmitor National Park, but we spent several days exploring the area. Please note that there is an entrance fee: €5 per adult per day in July 2026. Make sure you keep your ticket, as you can visit different parts of the park on the same day (which is even better if you can, to avoid paying again the next day).
Our children were too young, but rafting is possible here (from around 5-6 years old, depending on the agency), and it looked absolutely amazing! It is also a perfect place, with older children, for long hikes and camping in the middle of nature (in a tent or a campervan).
Crno Jezero Lake (Black Lake), the most famous spot in Durmitor
Black Lake is very popular, but definitely worth seeing! Please note that, in addition to the national park entrance fee, you also have to pay for parking here (€3/hour in 2026). We walked around the lake with the children; it was a little challenging but absolutely beautiful.
Near the parking area, there is a playground for children. There is also a restaurant, which we did not try because we had brought our own picnic.
Barno Jezero Lake
Barno Jezero Lake is located right next to Black Lake. Yet the atmosphere is completely different. We loved the fairytale-like scenery and the peacefulness of this slightly marshy place. There was nobody here, a striking contrast with Black Lake. Walking around the lake is very easy with children. There is free parking.
We did not visit it on the same day as Black Lake, but it makes sense to combine both, especially as there is a hiking trail connecting them and a third lake: Zminje Lake.
The Tara Canyon
We started with the short hike to the Ćurevac viewpoint. The view is magnificent, and the hike is very enjoyable, although slightly challenging for kids.
Then, we drove down to the Tara River at the bottom of the canyon (allow around 30 minutes by car to get down). The whole family really enjoyed relaxing on the riverbanks.
The Zminičko Jezero Lake
Zminičko Jezero is a small lake away from the crowds, recommended by our host. It is a perfect place for families with young children. One of the two hotels facing the lake has a small farm with some surprising animals: alpacas, goats and ostriches live alongside each other. We did not try the restaurant, but it looked very inviting and the hotel seemed great!
The walk around the lake is very easy, and the trail is full of little treasures that fascinate children. You can spot frogs, anthills and fish, for example.
The Vidikovac Durmitor viewpoint
We went for a picnic lunch at Vidikovac. Please note that the road is not paved. But nature and tranquillity are guaranteed: we almost shared our meal with free-roaming cows! The cemetery and stone church add an interesting touch to this beautiful landscape.
The Durmitor Mountains
For our final day, we explored the mountains. The landscapes are extraordinary and incredibly varied! We went on a short hike around Prutaš to see wildlife, especially free-roaming horses. We then enjoyed the panoramic views during the drive back.
Driving around is not easy: many hikers park along the sides of the already narrow roads, making it very difficult for vehicles to pass each other. You need to feel comfortable driving along mountain roads with steep drop-offs.
Đurđevića Tara Bridge
The bridge was under construction during our visit (July 2026), and we did not think it was worth the detour unless you have booked a zipline tour or a rafting trip departing from the bridge.
Where to stay in Durmitor with kids? Our experience near Žabljak
We chose a charming little A-frame chalet (a typical style in the region), with a lovely garden, just a few minutes from the town of Žabljak: Villa Jelena.
Although we did not stay there, we thought the Etno selo Zminica complex on Zminičko Jezero Lake looked like a great option for families.
Where to eat in Žabljak with children?
Our go-to place was this café-bakery: Shambhala Bakery & Restaurant. The vegan options were perfect for Clémentine’s lactose intolerance, and everything was delicious and affordable. It is also conveniently located right opposite the tourist office.
We also discovered a local market (very useful when all supermarkets are closed, as we were there during a bank holiday). We should also mention the good selection at the Voli supermarket, as we generally found that supermarkets in Montenegro had a very limited choice.
Travelling to Montenegro with kids: our practical tips
The language in Montenegro
Montenegrin is part of the Serbo-Croatian language group and is very close to Serbian, Croatian and Bosnian. Two alphabets are used: Latin and Cyrillic. Here are the essential words we learned:
- “Zdravo”, the equivalent of “hello” or “hi”
- “Hvala” to say thank you
Health and safety in Montenegro with children
Please note that Montenegro is a candidate for European Union membership but is not part of the EU. Therefore, you cannot rely on the European Health Insurance Card. This means getting a travel health insurance is highly recommended!
We always travel with Chapka Insurance. For trips under 3 months, we use their assistance and repatriation insurance: Cap Assistance 24h/24. We are very happy we did not need to use it during this trip, but we have had very positive experiences with it in the past.
Otherwise, no specific health precautions are needed for Montenegro. Everywhere we stayed, tap water was safe to drink.
Currency and SIM cards in Montenegro
It may seem surprising, but Montenegro uses the euro! No issues on that side. However, be careful with your phone data usage, as the country is outside the EU roaming zone. We bought an international eSIM to visit Albania, Montenegro and Bosnia.
Driving in Montenegro
We found driving in Montenegro quite challenging and intense. We travelled through areas with narrow roads, sometimes along mountain cliffs, where passing other vehicles can be very difficult. Yet other drivers often arrived at full speed, overtook unpredictably, and tended to drive in the middle of the road (while also often having very large vehicles).
Our thoughts and a budget overview of Montenegro with children
Montenegro is one of the countries with the most impressive landscapes we have visited, whether the Bay of Kotor or the mountains and forests of Durmitor. For us, these were truly extraordinary places, the kind of scenery that leaves you speechless.
The way we discovered the country was more focused on nature and outdoor activities than culture and history. There are many different activities suitable for families with children of all ages.
Restaurants and groceries were affordable, as were fuel and accommodation. Activities, however, were more expensive.
If you have more time, here are other places that we did not visit that also seem worth exploring in Montenegro: Lovćen National Park and its mausoleum, Cetinje to discover the country’s royal history, the town of Budva, Biogradska Gora and the Prokletije mountains for nature lovers. We did not mention Lake Skadar in this article, as we visited it from the Albanian side.
Reading list about Montenegro
- The Gallimard travel guide Coups de cœur: Montenegro and Dubrovnik.
I have not yet read any books by Montenegrin authors. Do you have any recommendations? However, here are a few suggestions talking about the recent history of the Balkans:
- The novel about exile and nostalgia for a lost country, The Ministry of Pain by Dubravka Ugrešić.
- The 2011 film The Parade, a dramatic comedy about homophobia and the nationalist divisions of the former Yugoslavia.