what’s up fellow backpackers? As a seasoned backpacker, I was determined to see Montenegro without spending a fuck ton of money. I packed my trusty backpack, grabbed my….. (o shit I just realized I have no possessions and had nothing to grab), and set off on an adventure of a lifetime.
Day 1: Arrival in Kotor
I arrived in Kotor, a picturesque walled city nestled in a fjord-like bay. I was immediately struck by the stunning scenery and rich history. I found a hostel for $5 a night and spent the day exploring the old town, hiking up to the castle, and enjoying a delicious seafood dinner for $3.
Day 2: Hiking in Lovćen National Park
The next day, I set off for Lovćen National Park, home to stunning mountains, forests, and wildflowers. I hiked for hours, taking in the breathtaking views and spotting wild animals. I even stumbled upon a hidden waterfall, where I swam and relaxed in the sun. All for free!
Day 3: Crazy Adventure in Durmitor Mountains
But the real adventure began on Day 3, when I set off for the Durmitor Mountains. I hitchhiked to the trailhead (yes, you read that right – hitchhiking is a thing in Montenegro!) and began my ascent. The hike was grueling, but the scenery was breathtaking. I reached the summit just in time for sunset, and was rewarded with a view that took my breath away.
But the real crazy part came when I got lost on the way down. I wandered for hours, trying to find my way back to civilization. Just when I thought I was going to have to spend the night in the mountains, I stumbled upon a group of friendly shepherds, who invited me to join them for a traditional dinner. We feasted on lamb, potatoes, and rakia (a strong fruit brandy), and I even learned some traditional Montenegrin dances. All for free!
Day 4: Relaxing in Ulcinj
After my crazy adventure, I was ready for a relaxing day. I headed to Ulcinj, a charming coastal town with stunning beaches and a medieval old town. I spent the day lounging on the beach, swimming in the Adriatic, and enjoying a seafood dinner for $5.
Budget Breakdown
So, how did I manage to explore Montenegro for less than $10 a day? Here’s my budget breakdown:
- Accommodation: $5 per night (avg.)
- Food: $3-5 per meal
- Transportation: free (hitchhiking) or $1-2 (bus)
- Activities: free (hiking, exploring old towns) or $5-10 (national parks, museums)
Total daily budget: $8-10
Food
Eating out in Montenegro can be affordable if you know where to go. Try these options:
- Local markets: Fresh produce, cheese, and bread for $3-5
- Traditional restaurants: Hearty meals for $8-12
- Supermarkets: Self-catering for $5-10 per week
- Montenegro’s street food scene is a culinary delight, offering a variety of traditional dishes at affordable prices. One of the most popular street foods is cevapi, a delicious minced meat sausage served with a side of flatbread and onions. You can find cevapi at street food stalls and markets throughout the country, typically costing around $2-3 per serving. Another popular option is burek, a flaky pastry filled with meat, cheese, or spinach, and often enjoyed with a strong coffee or rakia (fruit brandy). Other street food options include grilled corn on the cob, roasted chestnuts, and fresh fruit and vegetables. With its rich flavors, aromas, and vibrant atmosphere, Montenegro’s street food scene is a must-try experience for any foodie traveler or if your just hungry and broke.
Accommodation
Find affordable accommodation in Montenegro:
- Couchsurfing: Free!
- Hostels: Starting from $5-10 per night, hostels are a great option for solo travelers or backpackers. Try Hostel Podgorica or Hostel Kotor.
- Guesthouses: For $15-25 per night, guesthouses offer a cozy atmosphere and home-cooked meals. Look for Villa Kukoljac or Guesthouse Bozovic.
- Camping: Pitch a tent or rent a campervan for $3-5 per night. Campsite Kotor or Campsite Ulcinj are great options.
- Airbnb: Find apartments or rooms for $10-20 per night. Look for options in Podgorica, Kotor, or Budva.
- Budget Hotels: For $20-30 per night, budget hotels like Hotel BIP or Hotel Kerber offer comfort and location.
Nightlife
Experience Montenegro’s vibrant nightlife:
- Bars: $3-5 for a beer or rakia (fruit brandy)
- Clubs: $5-10 entrance fee
- Live music: Free or $5-10
Transportation
Get around Montenegro affordably:
- Hitchhiking: Free! check out hitchwiki.org for a complete guide.
- Buses
- Local buses (autobus) connect major towns and cities
- Tickets can be bought from the driver or at kiosks ( approx. $1-3)
- Schedules and routes can be found at bus stations or online
- Coaches (Autosaobraćaj)
- Connect major cities and towns to neighboring countries
- Tickets can be bought at bus stations or online (approx. $10-30)
- Taxis
- Available in major towns and cities
- Prices vary, but approx. $5-10 for a short ride
- Ferries
- Connect coastal towns and islands
- Schedules and prices vary, but approx. $5-10 for a one-way ticket
- Train
- Limited network, but connects Podgorica to Bar and Bijelo Polje
- Tickets can be bought at train stations (approx. $5-10)
- Car rental: $20-30 per day (split with friends)
- Cycling: Rent a bike for $10-20 per day
Conclusion
Montenegro is a hidden gem for backpackers on a tight budget. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and friendly locals, it’s an adventure you won’t want to miss. And with a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can explore this incredible country for less than $10 a day. So pack your backpack, grab whatever the hell you give a shit about, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
