We recently visited Montenegro for 5 days — a trip we’d been thinking about for a while. After learning about Montenegro’s 10-day visa-free policy for UAE residents, we knew we had to make it happen.
Our family of three packed our bags, boarded a Flydubai direct flight, went through Immigration counters without much issue, and spent five wonderful days exploring one of the most beautiful corners of the Adriatic.
What to Expect from Montenegro
Montenegro is a small country in Southeastern Europe and Western Balkans, tucked along the Adriatic Sea. It shares land borders with Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and Albania.
It’s known for its dramatic coastline, medieval old towns, and mountains that seem to fall straight into the sea.
For a family used to the skyscrapers and desert heat of Dubai, the change of scenery was refreshing. Cobblestone streets, stone fortresses, calm blue bays, and slow, easy days by the water.
It’s still not as crowded as other European hotspots, which made it perfect for traveling with a child.
Getting There: Direct Flights from Dubai to Tivat via FlyDubai
At just 5 hours and 30 minutes, getting to Montenegro was easier than we expected. flydubai offers seasonal direct flights during the summer season from Dubai to Tivat, a coastal town in Montenegro.
Flying direct is not just convenient. It’s also part of the requirement for the visa-free arrangement, so this detail matters when you plan.
The flight was comfortable, and landing in Tivat with its view of the bay surrounded by mountains was a lovely welcome. From the airport, it was a short and scenic ride to our base.
Where We Stayed
We chose Budva as our home base for the entire trip, and it turned out to be a great decision. Budva sits right on the coast and offers a good mix of beach, history, and nightlife, all within walking distance.
The hotel we stayed was an apartment called Seaside Rest Apartments. Perfect for us because it’s just walking distance to the grocery market, to the beach, the main bus station, and to the Old Town Budva.
We also like that the terrain is ‘flat’ in Budva, so it was an easy walk especially for us who have a toddler in tow.
The Places We Visited
Here are some of the highlights we explored during our stay — and the best part is, most of these can be done in just half a day!
- Budva Coastline & Old Town – Perfect for a leisurely stroll. Walk the old walls, soak up the atmosphere, and head up to the Citadel for breathtaking views of the Adriatic.
- Blue Cave Boat Tour – A must-do! The glowing blue water is magical, and it’s a great adventure also for kids. Make sure to bring a life vest cause they only have life vests for adults when we did it.
- Kotor Old Town – A medieval gem just a short drive away. Wander through its winding streets and soak up centuries of history.
- Perast – A quieter, more relaxed stop with stunning bay views. Great for a peaceful afternoon escape.
- Sveti Stefan – One of Montenegro’s most iconic landmarks. Even a visit from the shore makes for an unforgettable memory.
All of these spots are within easy reach of Budva, making it the perfect base for exploring without the stress of long travel days.
A Quick Reminder Before You Book
Travel rules can change without notice. Before you book any flights or hotels, please verify the latest requirements directly with the Embassy of Montenegro in the UAE and with flydubai. Confirming everything first will save you stress and protect your travel budget.
We hope our experience helps you plan your own adventure. Stay tuned for our next posts, and as always, safe travels!
Check out our other blogposts about Montenegro here:
- DubaiOFW Goes to Montenegro
- From Dubai to Montenegro: Our Visa-Free Entry Immigration Experience at DXB and Tivat Airport
- DIY Montenegro Trip: Our 5-Night Budget Itinerary for a Family of 3
- 10 Top Places to Visit in Montenegro: A Family-Friendly Guide
- A Beginner’s Travel Guide to Montenegro – Contributor Post
- Montenegro Opens 10-Day Visa-Free Trips for UAE Residents From Dubai
- 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Montenegro
