Montenegro’s Hidden Gems
Discover the charm, lifestyle, cost of living, and local communities of Montenegro’s smaller towns.
Perast
Historic Boka Bay Stone Haven
A quiet, picturesque old town built by captains and wealthy sailors under the Venetian Republic. Famous for its 16 baroque palaces, 19 churches, and the iconic Our Lady of the Rocks islet. It is highly preserved and traffic-restricted in summer, making it a peaceful, historic retreat.
Krašići
Front-Row Bay Views & Seaside Living
Krašići is a peaceful seaside village with loads of character stretching along the shoreline of the Luštica Peninsula, on the Tivat Riviera - overlooking Porto Montenegro and Boka Bay. While conveniently close to all major amenities, it has retained its authentic local charm and relaxed coastal atmosphere. Once a quiet fishing village, Krašići has gradually evolved into a desirable residential destination for international buyers, second-home owners, and expatriates seeking a waterfront lifestyle. The original village remains at its heart, with traditional stone houses and a strong sense of community. The settlement follows a narrow coastal road lined with family homes, waterfront stone villas, and low-rise residential buildings. Properties in the first to third rows from the sea are particularly sought after, with prices increasingly reflecting their prime location. Higher up the hillside, buyers can find newer apartment developments and more affordable property options. Thanks to the stepped terrain, most homes enjoy panoramic views across Tivat Bay, Porto Montenegro, Porto Novi and the surrounding mountain landscape.
Petrovac
Family-Friendly Coastal Sanctuary
Situated in a crescent-shaped bay between Budva and Bar, Petrovac is known for its beautiful reddish-sandy beaches, dense olive groves, and ancient Roman mosaics. It offers a relaxed, wholesome environment that expat families and retirees find very welcoming.
Kolasin
Northern Mountain & Ski Hub
An alpine town nested in the lush Tara river valley, surrounded by Bjelasica and Sinjajevina mountains. With the completion of the new highway from Podgorica, Kolasin has boomed into Montenegro’s primary winter ski destination and summer hiking retreat.
Zabljak
Alpine Adventure & Durmitor Gateway
The highest town in the Balkans, Zabljak sits at 1,456 meters altitude in the center of the majestic Durmitor National Park. Surrounded by 18 glacial lakes (the "Mountain Eyes") and the dramatic Tara River Canyon, it is a haven for pure nature enthusiasts, climbers, and digital nomads looking to unplug.
Lustica Peninsula
Luxury Marina & Sleepy Villages
Lustica Peninsula represents a fascinating contrast. At its heart lies Lustica Bay, an ultra-premium, newly developed marina town with high-end restaurants, golf course, and luxury condos. Surrounding it are historic, sleepy villages like Radovici and Krasici, offering peaceful local life and olive groves.
Risan
Ancient History & Sleepy Bay Vibe
The oldest settlement in the Boka Bay, Risan is famous for its ancient Roman mosaics, limestone cliffs, and tranquil waterfront. Unlike its neighbor Kotor, it has avoided mass cruise tourism, retaining a sleepy, authentic charm with a slowly growing expat community attracted by its history and calmer pace.
Prčanj
Historic Captain’s Town under Vrmac
Prčanj is a historic town located on the western shore of the Kotor Bay, nestled directly below the steep slopes of Mount Vrmac. Famous as an ancient settlement of wealthy sea captains, it features beautiful Baroque stone palaces, historic Catholic churches, and small stone jetties. It is highly valued by expats for its peaceful maritime atmosphere and its unique microclimate, which is rich in healthy mountain and sea air.
Virpazar
Lakeside Stone Village & Wine Country
Virpazar is a tiny, picturesque stone village located at the confluence of rivers leading into Lake Skadar, Southern Europe’s largest lake. Surrounded by the famous Crmnica wine region, the village features old stone bridges, waterside taverns, and boat docks. It serves as a peaceful base for expats looking for an authentic rustic life surrounded by vineyards, olive trees, and national park landscapes, while remaining close to both Podgorica and the Adriatic coast.
Sutomore
Affordable Sandy Beaches & Transit Hub
Sutomore is a coastal town located between Budva and Bar, famous for its long sandy-pebble beach, bustling seaside promenade, and high accessibility. It is a major transport node, with a direct station on the Belgrade-Bar railway line. While it gets highly crowded and lively in summer, it offers some of the most budget-friendly rent and property prices along the coast, making it popular for expats who want seaside living on a budget.
Plužine
Turquoise Lake Views & Alpine Wilderness
Plužine is a small, quiet town in the northwestern mountains of Montenegro, beautifully perched on the shores of Piva Lake. The lake’s mesmerizing turquoise water sits inside a deep limestone canyon, creating a dramatic, alpine backdrop. Plužine is a gateway to the Piva Nature Park and Durmitor region, making it an ideal haven for expats who want off-grid cabin living, hiking, fishing, and complete tranquility far from tourist crowds.
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