Apartments in MontenegroYour own kitchen, a terrace and a host nearby

Which area for whom

Budva and Bečići have the biggest choice and the most going on: beaches, the old town and nightlife are within walking distance, but expect crowds and late-night noise in summer. Petrovac is the quieter option on the same riviera. Herceg Novi and the villages of the Bay of Kotor (Dobrota, Prčanj, Muo) suit those who prefer a seafront walk and swimming off a jetty to big beaches. Bar and Sutomore are better value and have the train to Podgorica, and Ulcinj has sandy beaches with shallow water, including Velika Plaža, about 13 km long – the best pick for families with small children.

Apartments in the north

In Žabljak apartments and holiday houses are the base for Durmitor, the Black Lake and the Tara canyon; in summer they are in demand from July to mid-September. Kolašin is busiest in winter, when the Kolašin 1450 and Kolašin 1600 ski areas are open, and in summer it is the starting point for Biogradska Gora. In the north, check the heating and whether the road to the house is cleared in winter.

What to check before booking

• Parking – in Budva, Kotor and Herceg Novi this is the biggest problem in summer; ask whether a space is guaranteed and free.
• Air conditioning and steps – on the coast houses are often on a slope, with a lot of steps to the beach and to the door.
• Distance to the beach – ask for the real distance in metres and whether you have to cross the main coast road.
• Registration and tourist tax – your stay must be registered within 24 hours, usually by the host; the tourist tax is set by each municipality and is mostly paid to the host.

When to book

July and August are the most expensive months on the coast and fill up early, especially apartments with parking and a view. June and September are warm, quieter and better value, and many hosts give a discount for a full week. Out of season some coastal apartments close, so the choice is smaller.