Is Montenegro safe for solo female travelers?

One of Europe’s most unexplored travel spots, Montenegro has gained popularity as one of the safest destinations for solo female travelers. This Balkan gem is known for stunning landscapes, incredible beaches, old towns, and charming cuisine. The urban culture and very diverse landscapes allow different experiences in such a small space, making Montenegro increasingly popular among travelers. Thanks to these perks, Montenegro also attracts a diverse group of visitors, especially women on their solo trips.

This imposes a question of whether Montenegro is safe for female travelers? The short answer is yes. The country is generally secure, with low crime rates involving travelers and a very welcoming atmosphere. Most visitors, including solo female travelers, have positive experiences. However, as with any destination, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, avoid isolated areas at night, and take basic precautions.

Since this is such an important topic, in our new blog we bring you all the information you need to know if you are a solo traveler looking to visit Montenegro. With the right preparation and tips we will share, Montenegro will offer you an unforgettable and safe experience for women looking to explore its beauty.

General Safety in Montenegro

Despite turbulent pasts and wars that marked the 90s in the Balkans, Montenegro has always been considered a safe, low-crime country. This is especially true during the travel season when numerous visitors come to have fun and visit the country.

Violent crime is rare, and compared to many other European destinations, Montenegro is a truly safe destination. If you go through the media, you might often see reports on the clashes between organized crime groups. However, these crimes are rare and pose no danger to travelers as they are often targeted during the tourist season and in less popular areas. Most commonly, the tourist, especially solo female travelers may be victims of petty crimes like pickpocketing, and scams. However, these cases are far less common than in the rest of Europe. 

If speaking about female solo travelers, it is important to note that Montenegro is generally very safe for you to walk around during the day and even at night. Most areas in the Montenegrin tourist destinations feel calm and secure. This is true for the majority of restaurants, clubs, and similar amenities.

Montenegrins are known for their hospitality and warmth, especially towards tourists. In coastal towns, where tourism is a major part of the economy, locals are accustomed to visitors and are generally helpful and friendly. Therefore, feel free to ask for directions or assistance. 

In order to prevent any inconvenience for travelers, especially female solo visitors, the touristy areas in the country, such as Kotor, Budva, and Podgorica, during the summer months, have a significant presence of police force. They are at your disposal in case there is any concern. 

Safety for Solo Female Travelers in Montenegro

When planning any travel it is increasingly different to make your arrangements when you are a solo female traveler. Therefore safety of the country is one of the most important priorities to consider. This makes Montenegro an attractive destination as many women have shared their experiences in numerous blogs about feeling safe and comfortable during their stay. This is fostered by the welcoming local culture and a huge number of tourists that come during the summer months. The laidback nature of life, especially on the coast, also contributes to the atmosphere of safety.

However, it is important to address several elements that can impact your stay as a female solo traveler. Montenegro tends to be known for a very low rate of catcalling or harassment towards travelers which is important for any woman. This is particularly true in coastal areas where women can feel safe, in particular during the day. On the other hand, it is important to note that in the evening, especially in clubs and bars, men like to approach and compliment women. For locals, this is a part of dating culture and more of a curiosity than a safety concern. Solo female travelers rarely report this behavior, but some women may feel uncomfortable.

Speaking of the nightlife, this is a big part of the Montenegrin tourist offer, especially in Kotor and Budva. You’ll find beach bars, cocktail lounges, and nightclubs filled with both locals and tourists. Most major tourist towns have well-lit streets and a visible police presence, making it comfortable to walk around in the evenings. However, we do advise avoiding isolated parts and dark alleys as well as using a registered title service. 

Safety for Solo Female Travelers in Montenegro

As mentioned, part of the preparation for visiting Montenegro for many solo female travelers includes compiling tips and tricks for feeling safe while alone. Therefore, it is important to mention that Montenegro is a mix of Mediterranean and Balkan influences, with an easygoing yet somewhat traditional culture. This will help you prepare for what expects you during solo travels.

Clothing

While women have full independence and freedom, it’s helpful to be mindful of certain customs such as modest dress, which is appreciated in rural areas and religious sites. In cities and coastal towns, casual and beachwear are completely fine, but when visiting monasteries or small villages, it’s best to cover shoulders and knees as a sign of respect.

Hospitality

If speaking about culture, female solo travelers will primarily experience the Montenegrin way of communication as they are direct but polite. It’s normal for locals to ask questions about your travels, especially if they see solo female travelers. They may even invite you for a drink or meal. This is usually a gesture of hospitality, but if you feel uncomfortable simply politely decline. If someone is being too persistent (such as a street vendor or an overly friendly stranger), a confident but polite “No, thank you” usually works.

Public transportation

Montenegro’s public transportation system is affordable and relatively safe, making it a great option for solo travelers. These buses are generally safe for women traveling alone, but it’s always a good idea to sit near other passengers, especially at night. Taxis are another widely available, but it’s important to use licensed taxis with meters to avoid overcharging.

Finally, ridesharing such as Uber and Bolt are not available in Montenegro. However, BeepBeep ride-sharing system is available for cross-country rides, or for reaching nearby airports such as Tirana. Therefore, if using this option, be mindful of the driver’s rating and avoid taking the car ride alone without other passengers.

Emergency contacts

While emergencies are rare, it’s always good for solo female travelers to have important contacts saved:

• General emergency number: 112
• Police: 122
• Ambulance: 124
• Tourist Information Centers: Available in most major towns, where staff can provide assistance.
• Your country’s embassy or consulate dominantly located in Podgorica