Montenegro Gay Travel

Here’s the tea: homosexual activity has been legal in Montenegro since 1970, and LGBT men and women are ‘technically’ protected from discrimination under current law. Unfortunately, the government’s fairly tolerant laws don’t reflect the public opinion and homophobia is notoriously rampant in this small country. Although heterosexual men in Montenegro may walk arm-in-arm, anything beyond this gentle display of platonic friendship will almost certainly draw stares, snickers, comments or harassment. It pains us to say, but maintaining a low-profile and avoiding PDA is still advisable while travelling through Montenegro.

Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Gay Marriage: Not legal
Right to Change Gender: Legal, but requires surgery
Same-Sex Adoption: Singles only
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal
Equal Age of Consent: Equal

As is the case in most conservative countries, a small but quiet queer scene does exist in Montenegro. However, it’s extremely difficult (if not virtually impossible) to crack into as a traveller. The country has no known gay or lesbian bars, and the queer beaches are small and out of the way. Budva has hosted an annual Pride Parade since 2013, however, it bears mentioning the first event was followed by an Orthodox priest consecrating the town to ‘stop the spread of the disease’. We digress… 

Gay Villages in Montenegro

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Pride Festivals/Events in Montenegro

See www.queermontenegro.org for up-to-date information.

Best Gay Bars in Montenegro

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Best Lesbian Bars in Montenegro

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5. Podgorica

Montenegro’s teeny-tiny capital is in the midst of finally finding its feet after a tumultuous history of destruction and rebirth, followed by more destruction and rebirth. Throughout history, the city has undergone five name changes and has been wiped off the map twice.

4. Sveti Stefan

It’s hard not to bombard your Instagram followers with photos of this fortified island. Unfortunately, access to the island is extremely restricted so you’ll likely have to settle for exterior views.

3. Mojkovac

Located between two national parks, Mojkovac is the relatively unknown gateway to Montenegro’s mountainous north-east.

2. Durmitor National Park

This UNESCO-listed national park is the adventure capital of Montenegro. Rafting down the region’s rushing Tara River has become a right of passage. Along the lush pine trails you may even spot some of continental Europe’s last wild brown bears, grey wolves and European wild cats. Oh my!

1. Bay of Kotor

While Dubrovnik may have already claimed the title ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, the superlative sentiment would fit just as nicely with the Bay of Kotor. Locally known as Boka Kotorska (or just “Boka”), the cobalt bay is peppered with Medieval stone villages ripped from a Grimes fairytale. Wildflowers, herbs and conifer perfume the region, while olive groves dot the surrounding hills. To best appreciate this slice of Mediterranean heaven, enjoy a leisurely drive along the country roads outlining the bay, stopping to admire the terracotta roofed monasteries and coastal citadels.

Best Time to Visit: To avoid the crowds that are just beginning to flood Montenegro’s gorgeous coastline, we recommended visiting during shoulder seasons: May–Jun & Sep–Oct. The weather is warm, the water is still balmy and the native flora in the national parks is in full bloom.

Electricity: The power plugs and sockets are of type F. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. For more info, click here.

Time Zone: Central European Summer Time (GMT+2)

Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: Out Adventures requires proof of full Covid-19 vaccination from all guests, following recommendations by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more details please see our Covid-19 FAQ.

Other Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for Montenegro, there are no other vaccinations needed. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.

Visas: Most travellers from Australia, Canada, The United Kingdom and The United States do not need a visa to enter Montenegro for up to 90 days. Exceptions may apply and all visas are the responsibility of the traveller.