Montenegro with children

Montenegro is a rewarding place for a family holiday. The beaches shelve gently, distances are short and there are a few things designed with children in mind, and the National Tourism Organisation even publishes a guide to family beaches. Here’s what I’d pick, what to do out of the water and a handful of practical points that save grief.

Beaches for children

The National Tourism Organisation flags family beaches in all six coastal towns. In Tivat its showcase is Plavi horizonti, with a gentle sandy slope into the water and everything a family needs, from loungers and showers to a jetty and parking; it also calls Tivat a clean, safe, small town. Around Kotor it highlights Markov Rt, a long pebble beach with a gradual entry, sunbeds, a café, a restaurant and parking. In Herceg Novi it lists Njivice, Meljine, Rose and Žanjic. At Ulcinj it says the water doesn’t get deep straight away, so it’s easier to keep an eye on the children, which is exactly what I want with toddlers.

Budva, the livelier option

The Budva Riviera’s beaches are among the best for sand quality, according to the tourist board, with water slides, beach volleyball, water sports and plenty going on. It’s the pick if your children are older and want action. On a tighter budget, the Bar Riviera is the tourist board’s value tip, and Sutomore and Čanj both make its family list. Budva’s local buses also run to the Aqua Park every hour between 10am and 6pm, from the main stop in the town centre. To get around without a car, see buses in Montenegro.

If you are staying the night, see the best hotel deals in Tivat for your dates: the well-placed rooms go fast.

Days out of the water

My favourite is the Kotor cable car. A child’s return is €5 on the 2026 off-season fare, little ones ride with a grown-up, and up top there’s a play area and a coaster for over-3s who reach 105 cm. Details in the Kotor cable car. The National Tourism Organisation also suggests paddleboarding, kayaking and a trip on Lake Skadar to spot birds such as the Dalmatian pelican.

Safety in the water

gov.uk asks you to follow the beach flags and lifeguards, ask locally about jellyfish and sea urchins, and keep an eye out for motorboats near the shore in summer. With children I’d stick to marked swimming areas and lifeguarded beaches. Sea rescue is on 129.

So you do not lose the morning at the ticket office, browse tickets and tours in Tivat on GetYourGuide.

Paperwork and money

Children under 12 are exempt from the tourist tax in the three towns that publish it, and teenagers pay half. Each child needs their own valid passport, and Airports of Montenegro warns that children travelling alone or with one parent may need extra documents. At Podgorica there’s a fast-track lane at security for families with small children. More in Montenegro entry requirements.

If you are staying the night, see the best hotel deals in Tivat for your dates: the well-placed rooms go fast.