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Croatia Vs Montenegro: which one should you travel to? If you can’t decide on where to visit between Croatia and Montenegro then this is for you!
Croatia Vs Montenegro? Now that’s the question!
The other day I was going through some old photos of Croatia and Montenegro, and it got me thinking. If I could only go back to one, which country would I choose? Honestly, it is such a difficult question to answer.
I first visited Croatia in 2013, but the following year I went to Montenegro.
At the time when I was researching travelling to Montenegro everyone said the same thing: “Montenegro is what Croatia was like 20 years ago. It’s beautiful but without all the tourists.” That’s why I really wanted to travel there, to see the differences between the two countries myself.
I always think it’s strange when people compare one country to another. No two places are ever the same, let alone with the passing of time. I understand it’s supposed to be evocative, reminiscent of another time, but often I think it paints the wrong picture. Montenegro isn’t trying to be like Croatia, nor vice versa. Montenegro is Montenegro, Croatia is Croatia. That’s what I think anyway.
However, having been to both places at roughly the same time (I can assure you that nothing seismic happened in the one year gap between visiting these two countries to significantly impact or sway one’s decision), there are positives and negatives to each country.
First of all, you probably just want me to choose between Croatia and Montenegro, but I’m going to be that guy. I’m going to make you read to the end before I answer that one. I will promise you I will answer it though!
Oh, I should also add another caveat. I absolutely love both countries dearly, and I think they’re among the most beautiful in the world. If you’re struggling to decide between the two then I envy you – it’s a good problem to have, trust me.
So, Croatia vs Montenegro – which one should you travel to? Let’s do this.
Planning a trip to Croatia? Then make sure you read my guides on the best adventures in Croatia, the best day trips from Split, the best day trips from Dubrovnik and where to stay in Dubrovnik. And as a little more inspiration, here are some of my favourite photos of Croatia to really get you excited for your holiday.
If you’re travelling to Montenegro at some point, then make sure you check out my guide to the best boutique hotels in Montenegro. These are some of the best places to stay in the country!
Contents:
Dubrovnik Vs Kotor
This is like a private battle between Kotor vs Dubrovnik.
The two cites everyone talks about in each country is Dubrovnik in Croatia and Kotor in Montenegro. It only takes two hours driving between the two, and yet they are both so different.
Dubrovnik is a charming city of 42,000 people where you can spend hours walking the winding streets of Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s such a beautiful place to get lost in or look out at the coastline on the ancient city walls.
By comparison, Kotor is third of the size with 13,000 people living there. However, the town itself (also worth noting a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is tiny. Like really tiny. The problem with this is it always seems so crowded with tourists, especially when cruise ship passengers spill out onto the streets and take over the town.
The same thing does happen in Dubrovnik, but because it’s a bigger town is it much less obvious.
The thing is, Kotor is the more beautiful city, but having up to 2,000 passengers running around a town the size of Kotor is a major negative.
If you can’t decide between the two, you can actually do a day trip from Dubrovnik to Kotor so then you get the best of both worlds. I’ve also written a guide all about travelling from Dubrovnik to Montenegro to help plan your trip.
Verdict – If you’re looking for somewhere quiet, especially during the day, go for Dubrovnik. However, if it’s out of the main tourist season, I would say Kotor.
Makarska Vs Žabljak
When people see images of both Montenegro and Croatia, it is usually of the beaches and the islands, yet both countries have mountains worth exploring.
In Croatia, Makarska (to the north of Dubrovnik) has the best of both worlds. The beach is overlooked by the mountains. For those brave enough, you can even drive to the top of Biokovo Nature Park. This is considered to be one of the scariest roads in the world. I’ve driven it and I can assure you it’s absolutely terrifying. You have been warned!
In Montenegro there’s Žabljak, an area that’ll please hikers from around the world. In the winter this place is blanketed in snow, but in the summer it is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in the country. There are so many different hiking opportunities here and it’s an amazing place to get away from it all. There are also some really great tours in the area too if you’re looking for a guide. If you are a hiker, you will just love this place.
Verdict – Žabljak, hands down. The hiking here is some of the best in Europe. It’s very quiet too which is a major bonus.
Plitvice Lakes National Park OR Krka National Park Vs River Cijevna Waterfall
One of the things Croatia has in abundance are waterfalls.
In Plitvice Lakes National Park and Krka National Park, not only do they have two of the most beautiful waterfalls in Europe, but in the whole world. Saying that, both often get very busy with tourists, especially during the summer. Unfortunately the crowds are unavoidable, but it does detract from the beauty a little bit.
In comparison, the River Cijevna Waterfall (otherwise known as the Montenegrin Niagara Falls) is impressive but it’s not even in the same league. And don’t expect them to look anything like the Niagara Falls. They are a lot quieter though as not many people visit here!
Verdict – Plitvice Lakes National Park or Krka National Park.
Pula Arena Vs Ostrog Monastery
One dates back before the birth of Christ, one celebrates the birth of Christ.
I feel like featuring an arena in the battle of Montenegro vs Croatia is very apt. Pula Arena dates back to 27 BC and is one of the best preserved ancient monuments in the world rivaling that of the big one in Rome. It is such a spectacular place to visit and you really get to walk around the whole complex. I’d really recommend you get queue-jump tickets for visit.
Cut into the surrounding cliffs, Ostrog Monastery is a very impressive sight. The Upper Monastery is dubbed ‘Sv Vasilije’s miracle’, because no one seems to understand how it was built. It’s almost as if the monastery was born out of the rocks.
Verdict – Pula Arena. This is another win for Croatia here.
Currency battle: Kuna Vs the euro
Is Montenegro cheaper than Croatia? You might be surprised to find out it’s not!
A lot of people don’t realise the currency used in Montenegro is the Euro. Back in the 1990s, Montenegro tied its currency to the Deutsche Mark, so when Germany joined the Euro in 2002 so did Montenegro.
In comparison, Croatia still has the kuna (their national currency). Croatia joined the European Union in 2013, but they still haven’t adopted the euro yet.
That means things are slightly cheaper in Croatia because of the different currency. However, it’s probably not as much as you’d think. Yes, the price of food and drink is a little cheaper, but not significantly so.
Verdict – honours even, but maybe Croatia nudges it?
So, Montenegro or Croatia?
Arguing between Croatia vs Montenegro is a bit like arguing whether you should go to a 2-star Michelin restaurant or a 1-star.
The thing is, you’re still going to have an amazing meal there, much like you’re going to have an amazing time visiting either Croatia or Montenegro.
However, I’ve brought you this far and I’m not going to be one of those bloggers who sits on the fence at the end of an article.
Which country would I choose over Croatia and Montenegro?
Croatia. I really would. It’s a tough choice, but if I could only go to one, it would be Croatia.
If it was just the towns and villages along the Adriatic Coast, I would say Montenegro – they are small, quieter and cuter – but it’s not, it’s everything else that makes Croatia such an amazing country to travel to.
There aren’t many places around the world where you’ve got an amphitheater dating back 2,000 years, stunning waterfalls where you can go swimming, and idyllic islands dotted all over the place, but in Croatia you do.
That’s why should choose Croatia over Montenegro.
Hopefully this post has helped you decide too!
Tours in Croatia and Montenegro
Have you ever been to Croatia and Montenegro? Which country did you prefer? Which country would you go back to? I’d love to know what you think so let me know in the comment box below!
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Thanks for being thorough. What you said at the end about favoring Croatia for the breadth of things to see & do. I’m thinking that if I have only a week, and don’t want to be rushing from one site to the next, those small beach towns in Montenegro might be the thing for me.
For sure! I mean, there really isn’t a bad option. Both are absolutely incredible countries in Europe, I really don’t have a bad thing to say about either. If you’ve only got a week, then you’ll have an amazing time in Montenegro!
love love love the honesty and that you didn’t sit on the fence! I’m thinking if visiting in January, I assume for this post you were there in the summer, but do you have any advice on this? Thanks <3
Ah thank you! If you’re travelling in January, it will be super quiet, but I suspect a lot of places might be closed (local hotels and restaurants that thrive during the hotter months). But apart from that, I think it’d be a great time to visit, though obviously a lot colder. You’re probably looking at temperatures of around 5-10 degrees, but as long as you wrap up warm you’ll be great!
Thanks. Would still want to visit both. How many days required in each country? And which would be less crowded in August? As I would be travelling from UAE, its visa on arrival, so I don’t know if I can do both or need a separate visa between the two?
It all depends on where you go. You could easily do Dubrovnik and Kotor in a week, or you could spend a week in each country travelling around. But you would need a visa for both places – if you travelled from Croatia into Montenegro you’d be able to get a visa on the border easily enough. I hope that helps!
Good advice. Thanks. We are two retired homeless vagabonds who are currently in Budapest for a month. We next travel to Brasov/Sibiu for 1 month, after which we will stay either in Montenegro or Croatia. We slow travel because it fit’s our budget and staying in an Airbnb for a month can net us a 40% discount, plus we get to chill and take our time (we have the rest of our lives, after all) Your article got us re-thinking our plans for Croatia/Montenegro. Options, options.
There’s definitely lots of options that’s for sure! I’d suggest staying somewhere like Kotor, or just around there. If you’ve got your own car then you can drive to Croatia very easily, and the cost of living is slightly less in Montenegro too. No matter which one you choose you’re going to have an amazing time though!
@Macca Sherifi, BUT, in your article, you said Croatia was less expensive because it uses Croatian currency. Do you mean that hotels and restaurants are cheaper in Croatia, but if you’re in a monthly rental & using grocery stores, it’s cheaper in Montenegro? Forgot to ask, what is the mosquito situation in each place on the coast?
This is a bit of a moot point now that Croatia has joined the euro (as of the 1st January 2023). Because of this, I expect Montenegro to be slightly cheaper of the two countries now. Also, the mosquito situation is average – not more or less than anywhere else I’d say!
Hello, interesting read. My family (6 adults + 8 children ranging 1-15 years) are planning a family reunion over Christmas & New Year 2019, and we’re looking at Croatia/Montenegro or eventually Macedonia. Are there spacious villas we can rent there, or do you have any pointers please? Most grateful. Best wishes, Gilbert
Hi Gilbert! For sure there are some large spacious villas! Take a look at the sites VillaPlus or HomeAway and you should be able to see what options there are. If you want your money to go a little further, I’d say Montenegro will be cheaper than Croatia, and Macedonia even cheaper. I’d recommend staying by Lake Ohrid if you’re heading to Macedonia!
Montenegro for me, much more relaxing and scenery out of this world. Much cheaper too, with overall less tourists and crowds. Croatia is wonderful but Montenegro hands down.
I can definitely see why you’d choose Montenegro! The mountains of Montenegro are incredible, so so so beautiful. Croatia is so packed during the summer months, but I went to Split in September and it was surprisingly quiet which was nice to see. Both are fantastic places though which is the best bit!
People go to Kotor bay and Dubrovnik and then say Montenegro. Croatia has so much more, the author mentions cute town but has he visited Sibenik, Cavtat, Primosten, Rovinj, Vodice, Omis , Korcula, Betina Town to name just a few. Montenegro is not just Kotor and Croatia is not just Dubrovnik
Hello,
thanks a lot for this.
I’m planning a 2 weeks trip mainly in Croatia, but with also about 3 days in Montenegro. And I’m having a really hard time deciding if I go to Kotor and near by (Lovcen, Skadar…) or if I go to Durmitor Park and Tara Canyon. Both look greats !
I’ll be there beginning of June with a car.
If you need to pick one, which one would you advise ?
(I guess there are also very different, as Durmitor is much less touristic, but maybe less things to see…. and maybe Lovcen absolutely needs to be seen… arrrrhhhh I’m getting crazy 🙂 )
Thanks for your advice in advance
Greg
Ohhh, tricky one! It really depends on what type of holiday and experience you’re looking for. Kotor is crazy cute – it’s one of the prettiest towns along the Adriatic coast – but it is so busy with cruiseship passengers during summer it is a huge turn off. It gets much quieter in the evenings, but during the day it can be very oppressive. I’m a huge hiker and really into my outdoors, so I’d probably pick Durmitor Park and Tara Canyon – both are incredible places and really stunning, especially during summer, and there are plenty of places to stay at around the area too. The hardest choices are the best because it means neither is a bad choice, but for me personally I’d choose Durmitor. Let me know which one you decide on Greg!