Last Minute Holidays to Montenegro

Explore the natural treasures of Montenegro on a last minute holiday

With average flight times of just under three hours, Montenegro is ideal for a late escape.

It’s steeped in history with terracotta-topped towns and medieval architecture vying for attention, while the coastline boasts 100 beaches along its impressive 320-kilometre shore.

Budva, a town on the Budva River, is Montenegro’s main resort. Its delightful walled old town is adorned with Venetian houses and sun dappled piazzas, ideal for lazy afternoons shopping and people watching. In the evening, there’s a vibrant atmosphere with a selection of buzzing bars and clubs offering nights out for the young and young at heart. Outside the old town are a host of modern hotels, and the nearest beach is Jaz – an attractive stretch of sands backed by trees around two and a half kilometres north of Budva.

Not far from Budva is Becici, a modern town and resort with a stunning sandy beach, promenade and plenty of options for al fresco dining. There are a variety of watersports available and a handful of fish restaurants serving the fresh catch of the day. Travel further south if you’re in search of a getaway from it all late break. Petrovac has a laid-back vibe and sandy, horseshoe shaped beach. An impressive 16th-century fortress stands watch over the harbour and there’s a good selection of shops and cafes dotted around town.

The best time of year to book your last minute holiday

Those in search of sunshine may want to consider booking between July and August when temperatures average 27°C. Temperatures between September and October still offer a mild 20°C, which means warm days for sightseeing, or taking part in other activities such as hiking and cycling. To ensure you get a great last minute deal you can book up to eight weeks before departure, or leave it until a few days before you want to travel and see what holidays are available.

Other last minute holiday destinations

When it comes to last minute holidays, Montenegro is by no means the only choice. Maybe you fancy Cyprus, steeped in history and charm, Spain with its sun soaked coastline and diverse resorts or Turkey, which is renowned for its natural beauty and stunning beaches.

However, if Montenegro is the place for you, check out our travel guide for more top tips and information. Here are a few hotel suggestions to get you started.

Slovenska Plaza

The Slovenska Plaza Hotel and Apartments are ideal for a last minute break as they’re located just a 15-minute walk from Budva old town with its wealth of sightseeing options, cafes and restaurants. There’s a large saltwater pool on-site surrounded by loungers and parasols and a small separate pool for young children. The pool bar, situated near the hotel wellness centre, serves drinks between 8am and 11pm and hosts occasional music events in the evening. There’s also a freshwater indoor pool for cooler days. The hotel restaurant serves buffet meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner and the French Terrace provides an a la carte option.

W Grand Hotel

Authentic and friendly, the W Grand Hotel is just a five-minute walk from Petrovac’s sandy beach and a selection of shops, with views of Lazaret fortress, the sea and pine forests. A modern hotel, it provides a host of facilities such as a restaurant with cafe bar, fitness centre and day spa where sauna and massage treatments are available for an additional fee. Other features include a playground where the kids can let off some steam and a terrace, ideal for sunbathing and relaxation.

Avala Resort and Villas

Located just outside the old town of Budva, the stylish Avala Resort and Villas is the ideal place from which to enjoy a relaxing break with the option of sightseeing. Rooms are contemporary and the two outdoor pools offer a relaxing place to sunbathe and swim. There’s also an indoor pool for cooler days plus City Beach is right on the doorstep. Active types can work up a sweat in the gym before getting changed for drinks in the cocktail bar, lounge bar or casino, which has live shows. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas and there’s also a spa, sauna and Turkish bath where you can treat yourself to a treatment for a small fee.