How to Retire in Montenegro

Best places to retire in Montenegro

When you think of Montenegro, do you think of the pristine Adriatic Riviera with its charming cove beaches and centuries-old coastal towns? Or perhaps Montenegro conjures up visions of Durmitor’s glacial lakes, endless craggy mountain peaks, beautiful gorges (the Tara Canyon is the 2nd deepest in the world), and lush alpine meadows?

Or, if you’re a yachting afficionado, maybe you dream of Montenegro’s exclusive marinas such as Lustica Bay, Portonovi, and Porto Montenegro, where you can spot the world’s largest superyachts while socializing over a cup of coffee or cocktail? Montenegro seems to have a little bit of everything, particularly for pensioners are looking for a more relaxed and healthy alternative to living in an overcrowded city.

The Bay of Kotor

The Bay of Kotor is often referred to as ‘Europe’s southernmost fjord’, a picturesque coastal inlet that connects some of Montenegro’s most beautiful seaside resorts. Kotor is a historic town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of centuries-old architecture, culture, and Mediterranean charm. 

Being a popular cruise destination, it also receives thousands of tourists, clogging its narrow streets around the port. However, outside of the peak season, it offers a relaxed vibe that favors vibrant al-fresco dinners to loud, obnoxious nightclubs. What’s more, Kotor’s welcoming English-speaking locals and the growing expat community make it easy to feel at home and make friends.

Tivat with its mild winters and glitzy superyacht marina sits on the other, sunnier end of the Bay of Kotor, providing an ideal environment for leisure, enjoying long walks along Tivat’s promenade, golfing (there is a course on the nearby Lustica Peninsula), and other outdoor activities.

Herceg Novi is a charming coastal town straddling the border with Croatia, about one hour north of Kotor. In Herceg Novi, you’ll find colorful historic architecture, cobblestoned streets & piazzas, beautiful parks, and a very laid-back atmosphere. Residents enjoy strolling along the 6-kilometer-long Pet Danica seaside walkway, taking boat tours to nearby beaches, or sipping Vranac wine in one of the town’s many taverns and waterfront restaurants.

The Budva Riviera

Another coastal area that’s increasing in popularity with the retirement and expat community is the Budva Riviera, known for its scenic beaches, sunny weather, and easygoing lifestyle. Its largest coastal town, Budva, is perfect for those wanting a blend of beach living and cosmopolitan amenities while being within half an hour’s driving distance of Tivat Airport, and one hour from Montenegro’s capital city Podgorica.

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate being close to the Lovcen National Park, one out of five nature reserves in Montenegro that is also home to the Njegos Mausoleum. This town, which has a history dating back more than 2,500 years, boasts a picturesque old town and a promenade lined with towering condo buildings and luxury hotels.

Retirees may find the coastal towns of Sveti Stefan and Petrovac even more appealing thanks to their relaxed atmosphere, easy access to some of Montenegro’s most stunning beaches, and access to fresh seafood and local wines. Residents of these charming small resort towns can swim in crystal-clear waters, hike through coastal pine forests, and go birdwatching at nearby Lake Skadar.

Bar & Ulcinj

Other good options along Montenegro’s Adriatic coast are the coastal towns of Bar and Ulcinj that are lesser-known but equally as charming, offering an affordable cost of living, proximity to the Skadar Lake National Park, as well as being just a short drive from the country’s longest beach and the international airport in Podgorica.

Bar and Ulcinj are known for their olive groves and beautiful old towns, offering a very temperate climate (ideal for growing citrus fruits and pomegranates) and sunny weather for the better part of the year, making them other viable alternatives when it comes to finding places to retire in Montenegro.

The coastal stretch receives a bit fewer tourists than the Budva Riviera and the Boka Bay but at the same time, the expat and retirement community is growing here, persuading an increasing number of Germans, Americans, and Eastern Europeans to embrace a healthy Mediterranean lifestyle. This area also offers a good range of property for rent and sale at reasonable prices. 

Central Montenegro

Of course, there are also many expats choosing Podgorica, Montenegro’s capital city, for their retirement. Some of its neighborhoods can be crowded and clamorous, but this is something that can easily be avoided by choosing a location to live in the outskirts. Podgorica, a city of about 200,000 people, is surrounded with picturesque countryside and vineyards.

It is the country’s main wine-growing region and constitutes a very affordable option for retirees looking for a place to live with fewer tourists yet easy access to urban amenities. Pensioners can rest easy knowing that Podgorica boasts both a public and private network of healthcare facilities, as well as multiple dental clinics and pharmacies.

The fertile Bjelopavlicka Valley in Danilovgrad, 20 kilometers north-west of Podgorica, is a haven of tranquility, perfect for nature lovers and wine enthusiasts. The area is also great for hiking, cycling, and kayaking, with the emerald-green Zeta River flowing right through its lush and impressive scenery.