Is Montenegro good for sailing? Why good and where should you sail? Are you planning sailing tours in Montenegro? The almost 300 km long coastline of the small country at the Adriatic Sea will amaze everyone who is a lover of sailing with a number of tiny romantic bays that are suitable for sailing. The Montenegrin coastline has sandy beaches about 70 km long, where you can relax free of the tourist masses or the noise of cities, sometimes as if you were part of a movie. Find itineraries, ports, yacht rental options & other useful information.
This story summarizes the following:
- What is the best month to sail Montenegro?
- 7 reasosns,why Montenegro is good for sailing?
- Where to sail in Montenegro? – ports and islands
- Sail in Montenegro! Montenegro sailing holidays
- One-week Montenegro sailing itinerary
- Boat gas stations around Montenegro
What is the best month to sail Montenegro?
The Mediterranean climate along the coast of Montenegro makes it a great sailing destination all year round. The best time to sail in Montenegro is from May to October, with the peak season from June to September.
Spring (March-May): Mild and gradually warming temperatures of 15-25°C. Winds are moderate, with occasional Bura (cold northerly wind) and Sirocco (rainy southerly wind).
Summer (June-August): The peak sailing season. The weather is hot and dry (25-35°C). Winds are mostly light and steady, with Maestrala (pleasant afternoon breeze) and occasional sudden storms.
Autumn (September – November): The weather is still warm in September (20–30°C), and cool in November. Strong Jugo winds can bring rain, but early autumn is calm and excellent for sailing. Sailing conditions are still very good in September/October.
Winter (December – February): Temperatures are cooler (5–15°C), with rain and occasional storms, and strong Bura winds can make sailing risky.
7 reasosns,why Montenegro is good for sailing?
Montenegro is a great sailing destination for several reasons:
- Stunning coastline and scenic beauty:
More than 290 km (180 miles) of Adriatic coastline with hidden coves, rugged cliffs and medieval towns. The Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers breathtaking fjord-like scenery. - Favorable sailing conditions:
Mild Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters. Reliable winds (Maestral, Bora and Jugo) provide good sailing conditions. Calm waters in many areas, ideal for beginners and experienced sailors alike. Sailors are welcomed by modern marinas and excellent infrastructure. Porto Montenegro in Tivat boasts a world-class superyacht marina with luxurious facilities. - Less crowded than Croatia and Italy:
Fewer tourists than other popular sailing destinations in the Adriatic.
More secluded anchorages and peaceful harbors. : - Rich cultural and historical heritage:
Ancient coastal towns like Kotor, Perast and Budva, with Venetian and Ottoman influences and old monasteries, palaces and fortresses accessible by boat. - More affordable than other Mediterranean destinations:
Lower mooring fees and fuel costs than in Italy, France or Croatia and reasonable prices for food and services. - Easy to reach:
It has good air connections, thanks to the airports in Tivat, Podgorica, Dubrovnik. Visa-free or easy entry regulations for many nationalities. - Varied sailing routes:
Short island hopping trips or longer cruises on the Adriatic. Easy to combine with nearby Croatia, Albania or even Italy.
Where to sail in Montenegro? – ports and islands
Port of Kotor and Kotor-bay
The The Port of Kotor is also known as Luka Kotor or Cattaro Marina by Italiens. It is situated in the coastal town of the same name, on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro.
It offers its guests modern facilities in the heart of a medieval site with well-preserved fortifications and fascinating historical attractions. Kotor is well protected from the east by fortification walls up to 20 meters in height, from the west by the sea, from the North by the river Škurda and from the south by the underwater spring Gurdić.
Often called the southernmost fjord in Europe, the Bay of Kotor is a stunning natural harbor surrounded by medieval towns. The calm waters and breathtaking mountain scenery make it the perfect starting point for any sailing trip.
Kotor sailing, rent a boat in Kotor 
Port of Bar
The Port of Bar is Montenegro’s main seaport. It is located in Bar. The city is, therefore, an important commercial hub. The port can be divided into several parts: the harbour for regular yachting services, the private harbour, the commercial port, and the naval port. The harbour serves also as a country and customs border. Bar sailing, Rent a boat in Bar
Port of Montenegro in Tivat
Berthing at Porto Montenegro offers marina guests and crew a full homeport solution in one of the world’s most spectacular cruising grounds. The marina’s 450 berths are complemented by an extensive range of services and amenities. Tivat sailing, yacht charter Tivat
Perast & Our Lady of the Rocks
Perast is a charming Baroque town with a rich history, known for its Venetian-style architecture. Just off the coast, Our Lady of the Rocks is an artificial island with a historic church, where local legends and maritime traditions come to life.
Sveti Stefan
This iconic island, connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, is home to a luxury resort. While the island itself is private, the surrounding waters are perfect for a scenic sail with breathtaking views.
Ulcinj and Ada Bojana
Known for its long sandy beaches and vibrant mix of cultures, Ulcinj is Montenegro’s southernmost coastal town. Nearby Ada Bojana, a river island with pristine beaches, is a paradise for nature lovers and kitesurfers.
Sail in Montenegro! Montenegro sailing holidays
One week Montenegro sailing itinerary
If you choose a pace of getting ahead that is slower than the one-week itinerary then it is worth visiting the towns discussed below, so that you have one of them for each day to visit the most exciting towns of Montenegro.
Day 1. Perast (Sunny port) – Kotor
8, 71 km (5, 41 nm)
Just a little further from Perast, your next stop should be Kotor, which is considered to be one of the ten most beautiful bays in the world and it is also under the protection of UNESCO. Kotor castle watches the whole landscape at 1, 000 meters-high peak as if it were a guard and offers a wonderful panorama of the whole of Kotor bay. It may give you an excellent opportunity for a long walk, from where you’ll leave with unforgettable experiences. Kotor is worth spending even two days because the old town has so many sights for visitors. There are many churches and museums including the Tenegi Museum to explore. Read more about what to do in Kotor or Kotor sailing. Kotor yacht charter
Day 2. Kotor – Tivat (Porto Montenegro)
15, 15 km (9, 42 nm)
Tivat is a holiday resort with palm trees at one of the entrances of Kotor bay Visit the luxury sailing and yacht port Porto Montenegro, which is very close and gets renewed nowadays too. It can host 250 sailing boats. You can find more than 130 luxury buildings and 20 luxury commercial units in Porto Montenegro, but also several restaurants, yacht clubs, many bars, and sports facilities. Read about what to do in Tivat, Tivat sailing, or yacht charter in Tivat
Day 3. Tivat (Porto Montenegro) – Herceg Novi
13, 76 km (8, 55 nm)
Our next destination is Herceg Novi, which has a 7-kilometres long beach promenade. The sandy beach called Igalo attracts tourists from May to October. The Bellavista Square in the Old Town is a popular meeting spot for locals. The main attraction in Herceg Novi is the Sea Fortress, built on a rocky cliff, which today functions as a summer theatre and disco. Once a prison, Kanli Kula has also been transformed into an open-air stage. Read about what to do in Herceg Novi, Herceg Novi sailing, or yacht charter in Herceg Novi
Day 4. Herceg Novi – Budva
36, 44 km (22, 64 nm)
The wonderful town of Budva and Budva Riviera is 23 nauticalmiles to the south of Kotor bay. The typical Montenegrin landscape shows a different face here because the mountains are a little lower and it is longer sandy beaches that play a key role here. Budva is one of the most fashionable tourist destinations in Montenegro during the summer months. No wonder, the beautiful old town of the peninsula and the azure blue seawater will enchant you all. After discovering the old town you can enjoy the summer heat on a sandy beach full of bars and restaurants, thus in real luxury. Read about what to do in Budva or Budva sailing, or yacht charter in Budva
Day 5. Budva – Sveti Stefan
5, 19 km (3, 22 nm)
The tiny island of Sveti Stefan is very close to the holiday resort Budva (only four nauticalmiles) and has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Montenegro for sure You can find a real luxury hotel here, which can be seen on many postcards as one of the major sights of Montenegro. Unfortunately, you can’t visit the whole area as a visitor, but the island can be sailed around completely and you get a stunning view from here. The public beach of the island is at the end of the pier, from where you get a fantastic view of the special red-roofed buildings and the crooked streets. It is an amazing experience to walk between the beaches with white sand and the first-class luxury hotels.
Day 6. Sveti Stefan – Zlatna Luka-bay
30, 18 km (18, 75 nm)
If you would like to make this sailing trip especially memorable, visiting the nearby Blue Cave will be an unforgettable experience. The cave offers a spectacular sight, as the colour of the crystal clear water turns into a breathtaking shade of blue thanks to the light coming through the openings. Drop anchor here and spend a night in this quiet bay.
Day 7. Zlatna Luka-bay – Bijela – Perast
22, 91 km (14, 24 nm)
Bijela lies on the northern coast of the Bay of Kotor, at the Strait of Verige. The most famous landmark is the Bijela Adriatic Shipyard, Montenegro’s largest ship maintenance company. If you would like to eat something special, you should visit the oyster farm, located between Bijela and Kamenari where you can try this delicacy.
After we have returned our boat and we still have some time, we should take a look around Perast. Perast is a sleepy town located at the end of Kotor bay. However, there is a smaller island in the neighbourhood of Perast Gospa od Skrpjela, and the church Gospa od Skrpjela on it, which means “the Lady of Cliffs”. This is a really small island that is easy to sail around. The island is only a few nauticalmiles away from the old town of Kotor. Legend has it that this tiny and mystical island was established in a very interesting way. Every time, when old commercial yachts left the old town of Kotor, the seamen took a cliff with themselves. And when they got to see the castle wall on their return, they threw the rock into the water thus making a foundation for the church that is now standing on the island.
Montenegro yacht cruise from Budva
Day 1. Budva – Bigova 20.59 (12.80 nm), Day 2. Bigova – Tivat (Porto Montenegro) 29.40 km (18.27 nm), Day 3. Tivat (Porto Montenegro) – Herceg Novi (Harbor) 13.76 km (8.55 nm), Day 4. Herceg Novi (Harbor) – Cavtat (Harbour) 44.80 km (27.84 nm), Day 5. Cavtat (Harbour) – Dubrovnik (Orsan) 19.93 km (13.39 nm), Day 6. Dubrovnik (Orsan) – Sudurad 15.26 km (9.48 nm), Day 7. Sudurad – St Nicholas Island – Budva 95.03 km (59.05 nm).
More Budva sailing itineraries
1 week-long sailing holiday in Montenegro
Day 1. Tivat (Porto Montenegro) – Herceg Novi (Harbor) 13, 76 km (8, 55 nm), Day 2. Herceg Novi (Harbor) – Cavtat (Harbor) 44, 80 km (27, 84 nm), Day 3. Cavtat (Harbor) – Dubrovnik (Orsan) 19, 93 km (13, 39 nm), Day 4. Dubrovnik (Orsan) – Sudurad 15, 26 km (9, 48 nm), Day 5. Sudurad – Mljet Island (Sobra) 28, 29 km (17, 58 nm), Day 6. Mljet Island (Sobra) – Zlatna Luka 91, 44 km (56, 82 nm), Day 7. Zlatna Luka – Rose – Tivat 19, 05 km (11, 84 nm).
More Tivat sailing itineraries
Montenegro sailing trip from Kotor
Day 1. Kotor – Tivat (Porto Montenegro) 15, 29 km (9, 50 nm), Day 2. Tivat (Porto Montenegro) – Herceg Novi (Harbor) 13, 76 km (8, 55 nm), Day 3. Herceg Novi (Harbor) – Cavtat (Harbor) 44, 80 km (27, 84 nm), Day 4. Cavtat (Harbor) – Dubrovnik (ACI Marina) 23, 13 km (14, 38 nm), Day 5. Dubrovnik (ACI Marina) – Sudurad 18, 48 km (11, 48 nm), Day 6. Sudurad – Mamula-island – Molunat 65, 81 km (40, 89 nm), Day 7. Molunat – Perast – Kotor 29, 49 km (18, 33 nm).
More Kotor sailing tours
Read more if you would like to sail from Dubrovnik to Montenegro or choose another Mediterranean sailboat cruise
Boat gas stations around Montenegro
- KOTOR: Depth: 8, 5 m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 42.426348, 18.767266,
- TIVAT – Porto Montenegro: Depth: 12 m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 42.433897, 18.691430
- HERCEG NOVI – Portonovi Marina: Depth: 20 m, Working time: 0-24, GPS Coordinates: 42.433903, 18.603754
- BUDVA – Dukley Marina: Depth: 4 m, Working time: from May 1st through October 1st from 8-22, GPS Coordinates: 42.279906, 18.838321
- BAR – AD Marina: Depth: 5 m, Working time: 7-20, GPS Coordinates: 42.098617, 19.088010
- DUBROVNIK, ACI Marina: Depth: 4m, Working time: 8-20, GPS Coordinates: 42.670687, 18.127007
- DUBROVNIK, Orsan: Depth: 3, 7 – 4, 9 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 42.660463, 18.079714
- SOBRA, MLJET: Depth: 5m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 42.740951, 17.598208
- LASTOVO: Depth: 2, 5 – 4, 5 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 42.745218, 16.824718
- ACI Marina KORCULA: Depth: 3, 5m, GPS Coordinates: 42.956744, 17.138561
- VELA LUKA: Depth: 3-4 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 42.959407, 16.714213
Montenegro is a real paradise for sailors in a somewhat hidden part of the Adriatic Sea. You can reach all port towns along the coastline of Montenegro easily. Discover as many as you can and enjoy your unforgettable Montenegro holidays! Find more Montenegro sailing destinations
Yacht charter Montenegro pages
rent a boat Montenegro, luxury yacht charter Montenegro, bareboat yacht charter Montenegro, catamaran charter Montenegro, gulet charter Montenegro, last minute yacht charter Montenegro, sailboat rental Montenegro
HELP ME TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT BOAT