Croatia or Montenegro for your summer holiday?
The beaches in Montenegro are awesome…
However, there is something extra special about the Croatian coastline… Especially down south…
So Croatia wins!
If you can’t decide between Croatia or Montenegro for your summer trip then you have found the right travel blog.
Following my travels through both Balkans countries, I have compared their highlights, and also recommended which specific destinations you should add to your summer itinerary.
There is an abundance of natural beauty, history, and charm in both Croatia and Montenegro, so it was difficult to choose between the two!
Montenegro hasn’t caught up with Croatia yet, in terms of tourism and high prices, so that is a big selling point for the tiny nation.
Although similar in some ways, the vibe in both countries is different, so let’s start there!
Rovinj in Croatia.
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What is the general vibe in both countries?
Both Croatia and Montenegro are very popular destinations in the Balkans, however, Montenegro is still way behind Croatia when it comes to annual tourist numbers.
Croatia attracts more than 15 million tourists per year, with Montenegro only attracting a couple of million, although it is a much smaller country!
The more established tourism industry has contributed significantly towards Croatia feeling more modern and cosmopolitan in nature, especially in its popular cruise ship destinations such as Dubrovnik.
One thing which both countries share in common are their medieval Old Towns, which are dotted around both countries. There are some very strong similarities when wandering the cobbled streets of Dubrovnik and Kotor.
Montenegro felt more authentic as I explored its smaller tourist hotspots.
If you venture outside of Kotor and Budva in Montenegro to a smaller village like Perast, you will experience a slower-paced, authentic Balkan vibe.
Zadar Bell Tower.
If you want to escape the heavy tourist vibe in Dubrovnik in peak summer months, then you should head up north to the smaller city of Zadar.
Although it is still more tourist oriented than the Montenegrin cities, it offers visitors a more laid-back, authentic Croatian feel.
When I was backpacking in Zadar, it felt as though I could explore at my own pace, without heaps of tourists filling the streets of the Old Town.
Although not to the same popularity of Dubrovnik, the city of Zadar is famous for some of its quirky attractions, with the city’s sea organ at the edge of the Old Town providing the perfect setting for sunset.
Climbing Zadar’s Bell Tower is also a great way to gain a bird’s eye perspective of the historic Old Town and Adriatic Sea.
Harbour near Dubrovnik Old Town in Croatia.
My highlights of Croatia and Montenegro.
As you would expect from the two beautiful countries, there are many interesting things to do, which could fill a month-long travel itinerary.
However, I have chosen one activity from each country to show Croatia vs Montenegro from a personal experience perspective.
A picture perfect hike in Kotor.
If you love untouched nature and rugged landscapes then you will enjoy Montenegro, especially Kotor Bay!
Its towering mountains, dramatic bay, and charming Old Town provide a truly unique setting for adventurous travellers.
I loved hiking up the challenging mountains to be rewarded with a picture perfect view of the bay which made Kotor my favourite Montenegrin city.
The secret fortress hike takes you up a more unconventional route than the steps at the back of the Old Town.
If you fancy a challenge, and an adventure, then you should look for the Ladder of Kotor, an old zigzagging trail used historically to connect Kotor with the interior.
It ain’t easy, especially in summer temperatures, so make sure you stock up on snacks and water!
Awesome bay views in Kotor in Montenegro.
A medieval movie setting in Dubrovnik.
A day exploring Dubrovnik should include spending the majority of your time in the Old Town.
Although the charming walled city can get very busy in peak tourist months, there is something special about it…
You can feel the vast history in the air!
The ancient architecture is one of the aspects of Dubrovnik which make it a popular choice in Croatia, made even more famous in the last decade, by the appearance of the ‘Jesuit Stairs’ in Game of Thrones.
If you wake up early enough and take an early morning stroll through the empty streets, it does feel as though you are inside a movie, or game set in medieval times.
For the best views of the Old Town, you should either take a tour of the city’s walls, or ride the Dubrovnik cable car up to the peak of Mount SRD.
There is an awesome glow over the Old Town at sunset.
The hidden Buza cliff bar is a great spot to relax and feel the Croatian vibes, away from the cruise ship crowds.
Zagreb vs Podgorica.
Neither Zagreb or Podgorica are the highlights in their respective countries, however, Zagreb definitely has more appeal to international visitors than the Montenegrin capital.
Zagreb is a cultural hub in Croatia, and does attract visitors all year round, even when the summer destinations are out of season. Its historic streets offer a vibrant café culture which combines the traditional Austro-Hungarian architecture with modern twists.
The capital’s lower town offers museums, parks, and a trendy nightlife for visitors who want to immerse themselves in the Croatian way of life.
The Montenegrin capital offers less in terms of culture and more in terms of practicalities for the administrative and economic side of the much newer country.
With Montenegro being such a small country, Podgorica is more of a layover city, where international tourists arrive by flight, so it acts as a gateway to the country’s coastal highlights.
You would struggle to fill more than one day exploring Podgorica.
Zagreb is a cultural heartbeat of Croatia, whereas Podgorica is a practical hub for exploring Montenegro’s rugged beauty.
Both offer distinct experiences, but one is way more fun than the other!
Zagreb Cathedral.
Is Montenegro as expensive as Croatia?
Montenegro is generally cheaper than Croatia, but the differences highly depend on your travel itinerary and preferences.
Accommodation.
Booking central accommodation in cities such as Dubrovnik in peak season can cost more than double what it does in popular Montenegrin cities like Budva and Kotor.
Your stay will be more flexible in Montenegro, and your budget will go a lot further!
Dining out.
When it comes to dining out, Croatia is more expensive, with mid-range restaurant meals costing upwards of €20 per person, while in Montenegro, even in touristy spots it can be between €10–€15 per person for very generous portions.
Transportation.
Croatia will cost more as it is a larger country, with ferries also being very popular due to island hopping etc.
You won’t spend too much of your budget in either country on your transport though.
Activities and Attractions.
Croatia is home to more famous landmarks and their prices reflect this, with the Dubrovnik city walls coming in at €35, and Plitvice Lakes costing similar in summer months.
There are way more free activities to enjoy in Montenegro as many of its natural hot spots are free entry, or very cheap. You will find boat tours are considerably cheaper in Montenegro also!
You can secure your Dubrovnik City Walls tickets in advance here, as it sells out on peak Cruise Ship days!
sailing on the bay of Kotor.
Is Croatian nightlife better?
Both Croatia and Montenegro offer vibrant nightlife scenes, so whichever destination you choose, you will be having plenty of fun!
Croatia’s nightlife is more diverse, ranging from beach clubs and lively bars, to thriving nightclubs and world famous festivals. Montenegro’s nightlife is more relaxed compared to Croatia’s, with a focus on intimate beach bars, local taverns, and laid back clubs
As both countries are popular for summer parties, you will find international DJ’s and party goers in both countries.
Here are best places for a party in Croatia:
Hvar Island - Hvar Town is the epicentre of nightlife, and is home to a mix of trendy bars, stylish nightclubs, and open air lounges that attract Croatians and international visitors.
Zrće Beach (Novalja, Pag Island) - Clubs such as Papaya, Aquarius, and Noa are very popular with international visitors, and also attract famous DJ’s. Definitely one of the liveliest spots in Croatia.
Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik offers more of an elegant nightlife, with wine bars, high end restaurants, and trendy cocktail bars catering for cruise ship tourists. The prices reflect the vibe though.
Croatia appeals more to those who enjoy big clubs and beach parties!
In Montenegro the main party scene is in Budva, with daytime beach clubs, nightclubs and lively bars spanning the vast coastline.
During my bike ride along the Seven Bay Trail I noticed many themed bars, which included happy hour deals and karaoke.
I got the impression that Budva is more for daytime partying!
The secret cliff bar in Dubrovnik.
Which country has the best natural wonders?
The Balkan region is famed for its natural beauty, so these lists could go on forever, however, I have picked my favourite spots in both Croatia and Montenegro, to give you an idea of what you can expect to see.
Croatia.
Plitvice Lakes National Park.
With 16 interconnected lakes, some surreal waterfalls, and a convenient location in between Zagreb and Zadar, it is no wonder that tourists flock to the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The park is home to one of Croatia’s most iconic natural attractions, and the tallest waterfall in Croatia. The Big Waterfall (Veliki Slap) stands tall at 78 meters (256 feet), making it a true highlight of the whole Balkan region.
The park offers scenic hiking trails, along with ferry rides on the clear turquoise waters on Lake Kozjak, the largest lake inside the national park.
Krka National Park.
Also located in Northern Croatia, between Zadar and Split lies another popular national park, ‘Krka’.
Krka National Park is also home to stunning waterfalls, with Skradinski Buk being the most iconic natural wonder inside the protected area.
Although swimming is no longer permitted at the main waterfalls, there is a beach near the start point of the park at Skradin. Many tourists take the boat tour from the small town to the main waterfalls, making it accessible to all visitors.
Skradinski buk waterfall at Krka.
Krka National Park.
Montenegro.
Although not as populated as the Croatian nature spots, Montenegro has its fair share of famous beauty spots.
Bay of Kotor.
The Bay of Kotor is my favourite nature spot in the whole Balkans Region.
The whole area of Kotor is a World Heritage Site, and one of Montenegro’s most iconic destinations, and the bay is the centre of all of the fun. Framed by dramatic limestone mountains, the bay makes for an awesome spot for a picturesque paddle board adventure, or speed boat tour.
Boat tours take visitors on a journey to visit the charming medieval towns, picturesque islands, and blue caves!
Durmitor National Park & Tara River Canyon
Nestled in the northern mountains of Montenegro, Durmitor National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a popular visitors spot due to its dramatic peaks, glacial lakes, and unspoiled wilderness.
The Tara River Canyon is located inside the national park, and is Europe’s deepest canyon and second only to the Grand Canyon worldwide.
As the park is located several hours from the tourist spots such as Kotor and Budva, visitors usually plan a full day in the park, and enjoy some white water rafting, along with other adrenaline filled activities, making the most of the beautiful scenery, and baking sunshine.
Lake Skadar.
Located between Montenegro and Albania, Lake Skadar is the largest lake in Southern Europe and a breathtaking natural wonder that is a designated national park on the Montenegrin side.
The lake is surrounded by rugged mountains, picturesque villages, and lush wetlands, and it offers a different experience to the nature highlights of Croatia.
It feels like untouched nature in comparison.
Boat cruises are a popular way for international visitors to enjoy the rich biodiversity of the park.
Blue Caves in Kotor.
Mountainous terrain in Montenegro.
Which country has the best beaches?
Both Croatia and Montenegro boast stunning beaches, but they offer different vibes and experiences. Here are two of my two personal experiences with beaches in the two countries.
Beaches with an incredible backdrop in Budva.
One thing which is unique to Montenegro beaches are the picturesque backdrops, which in Budva, are in the form of giant rugged mountains.
I rented a bike from the Stari Grad (Old Town) and completed the Seven Bay Trail to Sveti Stefan Island, passing 7 different beaches. As the terrain on the coastline in Budva is mainly mountains, I had to pass through several tunnels, which connected different beaches to one another.
I found the beaches in Budva to be much quieter than the ones I have experienced in Croatia!
There was also a mixture of sand and pebbled beaches, whereas in Croatia it is mainly pebbled beaches.
Beach vibes in Budva.
Sveti Stefan Island.
Some private beaches in Dubrovnik.
With such a long beautiful coastline in Croatia, there is every type of beach and setting you can imagine!
My favourite Croatian beaches are the secluded ones which you can find in Dubrovnik, that are semi-private, and offer a more intimate experience, often far away from the more crowded public beaches.
A day at Bellevue Beach was an awesome experience and one of my highlights of Dubrovnik!
Bellevue beach in Dubrovnik.
Island hopping in Croatia.
Island hopping in Croatia is one of the best ways to explore the country’s stunning 1,100 mile long coastline, with over 1000 islands offering visitors untouched natural beauty. Although Montenegro does have a small number of islands, it can’t be compared to its neighbour!
Here are my two favourite islands in Croatia, along with what you can expect to find on each one:
Hvar.
The perfect mix of vibrant nightlife and natural beauty, means that many visitors spend their days enjoying the beautiful sun, sea and sand, before heading into the charming Old Town in the evening for a lively night.
The Pakleni Islands, a nearby archipelago, provides secluded coves and excellent snorkelling conditions, with the Fortica Fortress offering tourists a dose of history.
Korčula.
As you head down the Adriatic towards Dubrovnik, you can feel the medieval vibes throughout Korčula.
The walled Korčula Town is the historic heart of the island and home to a medieval charm and some cultural heritage, with the island being famous for its ‘Moreška Sword Dance’, a traditional performance that tells the story of a battle between good and evil.
As you would expect, Korčula also offers some idyllic beaches, with Vela Pržina being my favourite due to its clear turquoise waters.
Many tourists opt for:
‘Split → Hvar → Korčula → Dubrovnik’
This means you can enjoy the best of both the island life and Adriatic Coastline on the mainland.
The secluded beaches are the highlight for many while island hopping in Croatia, however, scenic hiking, wine tasting, and water sports offer activity filled days, with nightlife being lively throughout the island scene.
Visiting in the summer months between June and September is the best time to feel the best of Croatia!
Hvar Island.
Getting around both Balkan countries.
Croatia is generally considered easier to travel around than Montenegro for a few key reasons:
Croatia is better developed.
You will find way better infrastructure in Croatia, with its many major cities connecting well, despite being located at different points up the Adriatic coastline.
Cities such as Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik are easily accessible by public transport, with ferries between coastal towns and islands being frequent and reliable. There are many highways in the country creating an easy to navigate road system.
There are also internal flying options in Croatia.
Montenegro is less developed with rugged landscapes, making it more difficult for buses to operate as regularly, or timely.
It will be quicker to travel around Montenegro.
One main benefit of travelling around Montenegro is its small size, which makes it fast and efficient to move around.
The best way to get around Montenegro is by car, with the major tourist spots, like Kotor, Budva, and Durmitor National Park all being within a few hours' drive from each other.
Croatia is much larger, so you will have to dedicate full travel days if you want to explore different areas of the country.
Roads near Dubrovnik.
Signage is more tourist friendly in Croatia.
English is more widely spoken in Croatia, so you will find it easy to follow signs, or ask for directions, even in rural areas. In Montenegro, once you leave the main tourist areas, it can be more tricky!
A scenic adventure in Montenegro.
As renting a car is the best option to travel around Montenegro, you are in for an adventure!
It is far from easy navigating the rugged roads and mountainous terrain, however, if you have the confidence to do so, you will be rewarded with some beautiful scenery, which even Croatia struggles to match!
Gruz Port in Dubrovnik.
Why not visit both on your trip?
It is totally viable to visit both Croatia and Montenegro on your visit to the Balkans.
If you base yourself in Dubrovnik, it is only between 2-3 hours to visit Kotor and Budva with an easy border crossing available by road.
Although it can take a bit longer in summer months, it is a smooth trip, which means many guests of Dubrovnik enjoy a full Montenegro day trip.
It is around £50 per person and includes return air-conditioned transport, and a tour guide to direct your day!
Another popular day tour from Dubrovnik is to visit Bosnia & Herzegovina for the day!
The charming Mostar is the main attraction, after a stop at Kravica falls to break the journey up, and escape the baking Bosnia heat with a dip in the very fresh water!
Book Bosnia Here!
Croatia to Montenegro border crossing.
Another awesome Balkan destination to consider.
Another country which should be on your Balkans radar is Romania!
The captivating country is known for its exciting European style nightlife across its vibrant cities, especially in Bucharest, where there is high energy around the clock!
The enchanting castles in Transylvania are also a big draw to tourists wanting to admire some historic architecture amongst the Carpathian Mountains.
To make the most of your Romanian travel itinerary, you should start with a short stay in the capital, before heading over to Transylvania to visit the charming town of Brasov, and both Peles Castle, and Bran Castle.
This will give you a combination of different vibes, including traditional Romanian, high energy European, and some historic mystery.
As with all of the Balkans nations, Romania has its own unique charm which must be experienced through its diverse activities!
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