Montenegro is one of the most family-friendly countries in the Mediterranean. Locals genuinely love children, the distances between destinations are short, the food is approachable, and the mix of beaches, mountains, and medieval towns means there is something for every age group. With a rental car, you have the flexibility to move at your own pace, stop when the kids need a break, and reach the quieter beaches and national parks that make Montenegro stand apart from its more crowded neighbours. Here is everything you need to know about travelling in Montenegro by car with children.
Public transport in Montenegro covers the main coastal towns but does not reach most of the country's best family destinations. National parks, hidden beaches, lake villages, and monastery roads are all significantly easier to reach with your own vehicle. A car also means you control the schedule, which matters enormously when travelling with children.
For families with young children, an automatic car removes the strain of managing a clutch on Montenegro's steep mountain roads. For larger families, a seven-seater or estate car gives everyone enough space and keeps luggage arguments to a minimum. Check our full fleet to find the right vehicle for your family size and review our rental conditions before you travel.
Child seats are a legal requirement in Montenegro for children under 135cm. MTL Rent a Car offers certified child seats from €5 per day, suitable for different age groups. Book your child seat at the same time as your car to guarantee availability, especially in summer. Mention the age of your child when booking so we can match the right seat. Book here.
Budva is the most accessible beach destination from both airports and the easiest base for families. The beaches at Bečići are wide, sandy, and gently sloping into the sea, making them ideal for young children. The old town of Budva is pedestrianised and compact enough to explore with a pushchair. From Tivat Airport the drive takes around 30 minutes, from Podgorica Airport around one hour.
Parking in Budva fills quickly in July and August. Arriving before 9am is strongly recommended. Once parked, you can stay all day without moving the car.
The Bay of Kotor is one of the best areas in Montenegro for families with young children. The water in the bay is calm and warm, significantly gentler than the open Adriatic. The villages around the bay, Perast, Dobrota, Prčanj, all have small beaches and waterfront promenades where children can run freely while adults enjoy a coffee. The old town of Kotor itself is entirely pedestrianised.
The drive from Tivat Airport to Kotor takes around 20 minutes, making it one of the most convenient bases for a family holiday.
Lake Skadar is a genuinely memorable experience for families with older children. The boat trips from Virpazar to the island monasteries and pelican colonies are a highlight that most children find far more interesting than another beach day. The lake road from Podgorica is one of the most scenic drives in the country. From Podgorica the drive to Virpazar takes around 30 minutes.
For families with older or more adventurous children, Durmitor is extraordinary. The Black Lake is a 20-minute walk from Žabljak and completely accessible for children. The Tara Canyon viewpoints are dramatic and easy to reach by car. In summer the park offers guided family hikes. In winter it is Montenegro's main ski destination.
The drive from Podgorica takes around two hours. This works best as an overnight trip rather than a day trip.
Plan your drives around nap times. Montenegro's mountain roads require concentration, and having a quiet car makes a significant difference. The drive from the coast to Durmitor, for example, is ideal for an early morning start when young children are likely to sleep through the mountain section.
Keep snacks and water in the car at all times. Petrol stations on mountain routes are infrequent and the distances between towns in the north can be longer than they look on a map.
Montenegro's coastal road between Budva and Kotor becomes very congested in July and August between 10am and 6pm. If you are driving with young children, starting before 9am or after 7pm makes the journey significantly more manageable.
Do not underestimate the serpentine roads. Montenegro has some of the most dramatic mountain roads in Europe and they require full concentration. If you are travelling with a baby or very young children who need attention while driving, consider breaking mountain journeys into shorter sections with stops.
Plavi Horizonti on the Luštica Peninsula has shallow, warm water in a protected bay and is consistently recommended as one of the best beaches for young children in Montenegro. The drive from Tivat Airport takes around 20 minutes.
Buljarica south of Petrovac is wide, sandy, and significantly less crowded than the Budva beaches. The water is shallow and the beach is long enough that finding a quiet spot is easy even in peak season. From Budva the drive takes around 25 minutes.
Velika Plaža in Ulcinj stretches for 13 kilometres and the water is shallow for a long distance from the shore, making it excellent for children who want to paddle and play without deep water nearby. From Budva the drive takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Practical Tips
Montenegrins are extremely welcoming to families with children. Do not hesitate to ask for help, a high chair, or a simpler menu for children in any restaurant. Most places will accommodate without any fuss.
The sun in Montenegro is intense from June to September. Factor in shade stops and midday rest periods, particularly for very young children.
Keep cash in the car. Many beach car parks, smaller restaurants, and roadside facilities operate on cash only.
Montenegro uses the euro, so there are no currency complications for European visitors.
Yes. Montenegro is one of the most family-friendly countries in the Mediterranean. Locals love children, the country is compact and easy to navigate by car, and the mix of calm bay beaches, national parks, and pedestrianised old towns suits families of all ages. Car rental is the most practical way to travel with children.
MTL Rent a Car offers certified child seats from €5 per day. Mention the age of your child when booking so the correct seat can be prepared. Book in advance to guarantee availability in peak season.
The Bay of Kotor is the most popular choice for families with very young children because the water in the bay is calm and warm, significantly gentler than the open Adriatic. Plavi Horizonti on the Luštica Peninsula is also consistently recommended for its shallow, protected swimming conditions.
Plavi Horizonti (Luštica Peninsula), Bečići (Budva Riviera), Buljarica (near Petrovac), and Velika Plaža (Ulcinj) are all well suited to families with children. All have shallow water, sandy beaches, and enough space to avoid the largest crowds.
Yes, particularly for families with children aged 6 and above. The Black Lake walk from Žabljak takes around 20 minutes and is suitable for all ages. Guided family hikes are available in summer. The drive from the coast takes around two hours and works best as an overnight trip.
For a family of four with standard luggage, a compact estate or intermediate class car is sufficient. For families of five or more, or for families with significant luggage including pushchairs or sports equipment, a seven-seater is recommended. See our full fleet for available options.