Croatia vs Montengero: Which Should You Choose?

The Adriatic coastline has been welcoming tourists for decades. It's rich in history and oozes natural beauty. It is also home to two spectacular destinations: Croatia and Montenegro.

Both countries boast jaw-dropping landscapes, storybook towns and villages, and an array of activities to entice all types of travellers. But how do they compare? I will explore various categories to see if Montenegro, a smaller yet rapidly emerging destination, can truly rival its well-known neighbour, Croatia.

Croatia vs Montenegro: Beaches

Croatia

Croatia boasts some of the best beach locations along its stunning Adriatic coastline. The iconic Zlatni Rat on Brač Island, often referred to as the "Golden Horn," is renowned for its unique shape and clear waters. Hvar Island offers beautiful beaches like Dubovica and Pakleni Islands, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. The picturesque shores of Dubrovnik and the tranquil beaches of Vis Island, such as Stiniva Cove, provide idyllic spots for relaxation and adventure.

 

Montenegro

Montenegro may be smaller, but it punches above its weight with stunning coastal beauty. The Bay of Kotor, often compared to a fjord, offers dramatic scenery and charming coastal towns. Beaches like Jaz and Mogren in Budva provide a more tranquil and unspoiled experience than some of Croatia's busier spots.

Winner: Croatia, for its variety and extensive coastline, but Montenegro is a strong contender with its dramatic coastline and sandy beaches.

 

An aerial view of a vibrant Croatian beach showcasing neat rows of blue and white striped umbrellas and sunbeds on the sandy shore. Beachgoers relax under the umbrellas, sunbathe on towels, and enjoy the crystal-clear turquoise waters. The image captures the bustling yet organized atmosphere of a popular beach destination, with people swimming and wading in the gentle waves, reflecting a perfect summer day by the Adriatic Sea.
A busy beach in Croatia

Croatia vs Montanegro: Historic Sites

Croatia

Croatia is a treasure trove of ancient sites. Dubrovnik boasts well-preserved medieval architecture and city walls that draw millions of visitors annually. It is also a recognisable location from the filming of Game of Thrones.

Meanwhile, Split's Diocletian Palace, the pretty town of Rovinj, and the Roman amphitheatre in Pula testify to Croatia's rich heritage.

Montenegro

Montenegro also has a deep historical well. The Old Town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a network of cobblestone streets and medieval houses. Cetinje, the old royal capital, is a hub of Montenegrin culture and history.

The Bay of Kotor and the rest of Montenegro's coastline is dotted with postcard-worthy towns such as Budva and Perast.

Winner: It's a tie! Croatia's medieval cities may be more well-known and a little bigger, but Montenegro still packs a punch with its Adriatic cities.

A picturesque view of Budva, a coastal town in Montenegro, with red-tiled rooftops and historic stone buildings overlooking the calm Adriatic Sea. In the foreground, a beach with numerous umbrellas and lounge chairs is visible, while in the background, a small mountainous island rises from the water. The setting sun casts a warm glow on the scene, highlighting the natural beauty and serene atmosphere of Budva. The overall image exudes a sense of tranquility and timeless charm.
Sunset in Budva, Montenegro

Croatia vs Montenegro: Natural Beauty

Croatia

From the cascading waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park to the serene beauty of Krka National Park, Croatia offers breathtaking natural landscapes. The islands of Mljet and Korčula are home to lush forests and beautiful views, perfect for those seeking a laid back holiday and one that is immersed in nature.

Montenegro

Montenegro's natural beauty is equally captivating. The rugged mountains of Durmitor National Park are synonymous with glacial lakes and dense forests, offering an exciting wilderness adventure. The Tara River Canyon, one of the deepest in Europe, is a paradise for rafters and active travellers.

Winner: Montenegro, for its dramatic and diverse natural landscapes that offer a more untouched and adventurous experience.

A breathtaking view of Tara's Canyon in Montenegro, showcasing lush green forests and towering rocky cliffs. The vibrant turquoise river winds its way through the valley, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding greenery. Small, scattered houses and fields are nestled in the landscape, adding a touch of human presence to the serene natural beauty. Fluffy white clouds dot the bright blue sky, enhancing the picturesque and tranquil atmosphere of this stunning canyon.
View of the Tara Canyon in Montenegro

Croatia vs Montengero: Cuisine

Croatia

Croatian cuisine has a strong Mediterranean influence, with a focus on fresh seafood, olive oil, and local wines. Dalmatian prosciutto, Pag cheese, and dishes like Peka and black risotto are culinary highlights that visitors go crazy for.

Montenegro

Montenegrin cuisine, though less known, is equally as yummy! Influenced more by Italian, Turkish, and Balkan flavours, dishes like Njeguški pršut (smoked ham), kačamak (a polenta-like dish), and fresh seafood from the Adriatic are standouts. The country's growing wine industry also deserves a mention, I recently tried the Montenegrin wine in Kotor and it was delicious.

Winner: Croatia, though Montenegro offers delightful surprises for the gastronomically adventurous. I did find the food in Croatia higher quality across the board.

A close-up of traditional Croatian food served on elegant golden trays. The foreground features bacon-wrapped dates secured with toothpicks, arranged neatly alongside a small portion of creamy dip in a radicchio leaf. In the background, there are round dumplings topped with a savory sauce, creating a visually appealing and appetizing display. The soft focus on the background highlights the details of the foreground dishes, emphasizing the artisanal presentation and rich flavors of the Croatian cuisine.

Croatia vs Montenegro: Cost

Croatia

Croatia tends to be more moderately priced than other Mediterranean destinations, but compared to the rest of the Balkans, it is on the higher end of pricing.

Popular destinations like Dubrovnik, Split, and Hvar are more expensive, with plenty of options for luxury hotels and Airbnb. Regarding dining, budget around €15 for an inexpensive restaurant.

Montenegro

Visiting Montenegro as a tourist is generally more affordable than other European destinations, including Croatia.

Accommodation costs are lower, with even luxury hotels costing hundreds of Euros less than those in Dubrovnik or Split. Dining out is budget-friendly, with meals at inexpensive restaurants costing as little as €5 to €10.

Taxis are inexpensive, too. Make sure you get in a taxi with a meter to avoid being ripped off (this is rife when seeking taxis outside airports).

Winner: Montenegro, the country is still an emerging tourist destination so make the most of it whilst it remains fairly inexpensive.

A stunning aerial view of Budva, Montenegro, showcasing its charming old town with red-tiled rooftops and historic stone buildings. Prominently featured is a tall church steeple rising above the town, surrounded by narrow streets and quaint courtyards. In the background, the serene Adriatic Sea glistens under the sunlight, bordered by a marina filled with boats and modern buildings. The picturesque mountains provide a beautiful backdrop, enhancing the timeless and scenic atmosphere of this coastal gem.
The pretty Montenegrin town of Budva

Overall, you can't really go wrong with either country. Both are steeped in history that goes back hundreds of years, leading to beautiful old towns dotted along both coastlines.

Croatia’s coastline is a paradise for those who love the sea, dotted with over a thousand islands, but Montenegro also offers plenty of beautiful bays, with beaches of various sizes.

Montenegro is home to the breathtaking Bay of Kotor. Unlike anywhere else along the Adriatic Balkan Coastline, the Bay of Kotor is a stunning fjord-like bay surrounded by towering mountains and charming medieval towns. The calm waters and dramatic landscapes make it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts too, not to mention the hiking options inland.

If you are less confident in travelling, Croatia is more developed in terms of tourist infrastructure and modes of transport, both countries speak good English if you get completely stuck.

As a whole, Montenegro is slightly cheaper to visit, especially compared to Dubrovnik. Whilst rapidly developing, Montenegro offers some brilliant boutique hotels and guesthouses that provide excellent value.

Both countries are well-connected by regional flights, ferries, and buses, but Montenegro's smaller size makes exploring easier in a shorter amount of time.

There are more flight options into Croatia, making those flights a little cheaper. I flew into Tivat in Montenegro for easy access to the Bay of Kotor, and it set me back £500 with Easyjet from Gatwick, bear in mind I was travelling in the height of summer, though.

 

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