Montenegro is one of the most convenient European destinations for a family beach holiday: short flight times, affordable prices, and the euro as its currency. However, dedicated family hotels with kids' clubs, animation, and all-inclusive systems are far fewer here than in Turkey or Egypt. Below is a practical breakdown: which resorts suit families, which hotels genuinely cater to children, and what to consider when booking.
Key points:
- Best resorts for kids – Becici, Rafailovici, and Petrovac: gentle slope into the water, fine pebbles, minimal waves.
- Beach season runs from late May to late September. June and September are most comfortable for children, with air temperatures of +25–28 °C instead of the +32 °C of August.
- All-Inclusive options are limited. Most hotels offer breakfast or half-board.
- Beaches are public – sunbeds and umbrellas cost extra nearly everywhere (5–10 € per set per day).
- Average dinner for two adults at a mid-range restaurant is 40–90 €, while a simple lunch runs 10–15 € per person.
- Car rental through Localrent starts from 25–35 € per day depending on season. With children, this is the most practical way to move between resorts.
- Travel insurance is recommended – arrange it in advance through Ekta, as medical services are paid and children's illnesses on holiday happen more often than you'd like.
Which Resort to Choose for Families
Montenegro's coastline is compact – the entire Budva Riviera fits within 30 km. But the differences between resorts are significant.
Becici and Rafailovici
The optimal choice for families with young children. Becici Beach is a two-kilometre strip of fine pebbles with a gentle entry, repeatedly recognised as one of Europe's best beaches. The water is calm, with few waves. Neighbouring {Rafailovici BeachRafailovići Beach} is essentially an extension of Becici but quieter.
Infrastructure is geared toward families: supermarkets, restaurants with highchairs, and pharmacies nearby. Central Budva is a 20-minute walk along the promenade – convenient for evening strolls.
Iberostar Waves Bellevue – Best All-Inclusive for Families
(or book on Trip.com)
The only major hotel with a full All-Inclusive system on the coast. Its 40,000 m² grounds are unusual for Montenegro, where most hotels are compact. Four pools (including indoor), a Star Camp kids' club for ages 4–12, and multilingual animation. A private sandy beach is another rarity.
The downside – the hotel is not in central Becici but slightly further out. Shops require a walk. But with All-Inclusive, this is rarely an issue.
Mediteran Hotel & Resort – Waterpark Included
(or book on Trip.com)
The only hotel in Montenegro with its own on-site waterpark. For children aged 5–12, this is the main draw. Located in a quiet part of Becici, not far from central Budva. Spa facilities for parents.
Splendid Conference & Spa Resort – five-star scale by the sea
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The largest hotel in Montenegro: 330+ rooms, two pools, and a private beach right at the water's edge. Kids' club and entertainment program included, full infrastructure on-site – no need to leave the resort. Located in Becici, within walking distance of the promenade.
The downsides: it gets crowded in peak season, and there's no All Inclusive option.
Hotel Montenegro – large beachfront hotel
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A four-star hotel right on Becici Beach with 168 rooms, two outdoor pools and a children's pool, kids' club, animation, and two restaurants. Buffet breakfast included. Budva promenade is about a 2 km walk. The hotel takes pride in sourcing organic produce from local suppliers.
The calmest resort on the Budva Riviera. The town is surrounded by pine and olive groves, and the air is noticeably cleaner. Petrovac City Beach is small, sandy-pebble, with a gentle bottom. A couple of minutes' walk leads to Luchica Beach – secluded and scenic.
Ideal for those who want a relaxed holiday without crowds. The downside is less infrastructure and fewer entertainment options for teenagers.
Hotel AMI Budva Petrovac – five-star comfort in a quiet place
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A boutique five-star hotel with 114 rooms in one of Montenegro's most peaceful resorts. Kids' club, two pools (including indoor), private beach and spa – all on-site. Petrovac itself is far from the Budva crowds, and AMI leans into that atmosphere.
The downsides: the pool area is on the smaller side according to reviews, and there's not much to do beyond the hotel itself.
The liveliest and most crowded resort. Not ideal for beach holidays with small children – overcrowded and noisy in the evenings. However, it suits families with teenagers who want an active scene: entertainment, the old town, and boat trips to Sveti Nikola Island.
Avala Resort & Villas – next to the Old Town walls
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One of the best-located hotels in Montenegro: private Ricardova Glava Beach and Budva's Old Town walls just 50 metres away. Two outdoor pools (one jutting out over the sea), indoor pool, spa, and family villas with separate bedrooms. Founded in 1937 – one of the oldest hotels on the Adriatic. Breakfast included.
The downsides: gets crowded in peak season, and some rooms are due for a refresh.
Poseidon The Beach Hotel – right on Jaz Beach
(or book on Trip.com)
A small family-run hotel sitting directly on Jaz Beach, one of Montenegro's finest — a mix of pebble and sand. Private beach with sun loungers, a restaurant shaded by olive trees overlooking the sea, free parking. Many families return year after year.
Bay of Kotor: Tivat and Herceg Novi
Tivat is convenient for its proximity to Tivat Airport – 5 minutes by taxi. The Porto Montenegro promenade is beautiful and well-maintained, but beaches are small and pebbly. Water in the bay is warmer than on the open coast – a plus for toddlers.
The Chedi Luštica Bay – the best choice
(or book on Trip.com)
Tivat itself is a city of yachts and marinas, not family beach holidays — there are no proper beaches in the centre and little in the way of resort infrastructure for kids. If you're flying into Tivat, a much better option is The Chedi Luštica Bay, a five-star hotel just 15 km from the airport on the Luštica Peninsula. Kids' club for ages 3–12, indoor and outdoor pools with bay views, private beach, and a full spa. The hotel is part of the Leading Hotels of the World collection, and it shows in the service and the details.
Herceg Novi is a beautiful town with rich history, but difficult for families with strollers: endless stairs and elevation changes. Beaches are mostly concrete platforms.
Iberostar Waves Herceg Novi – All Inclusive with Bay of Kotor views
If Iberostar Bellevue in Becici is the best All Inclusive on the Budva Riviera, its counterpart in Herceg Novi offers something different: the hotel sits on a hillside above the Bay of Kotor, with views of mountains, a fjord, and stunning sunrises over the water. Kids' club Star Camp (ages 4–17), animation, pool, private beach, and a rooftop bar. Dubrovnik is 26 km away, Kotor about 40 minutes. A great choice for families who want both beach infrastructure and easy access to explore the wider region.
The downsides: hilly terrain with lots of steps — not ideal with small children or pushchairs. The beach is pebbly and on the smaller side.
Family Holiday Costs
Budget for a family of two adults and two children (7 nights in high season):
(Updated: February 2026)
Money-saving tip: book for June or September – prices are 20–40% lower than July-August, and the weather is still comfortable for children.
Practical Tips for Families
What to Bring
Water shoes are essential for children. Most beaches in Montenegro are pebbly, and sea urchins are found on rocks near the shore. Water shoes cost 10–15 € locally, but the right size may not be available.
Bring familiar medications and children's sunscreen. Resort pharmacies exist but have limited stock and higher prices.
Airport Transfer
The nearest airport is Tivat – 25–30 minutes by car to Becici, about 40 minutes to Petrovac. From Podgorica Airport, the journey takes 1.5–2 hours on mountain roads, which is tiring with young children.
A taxi from Tivat to Budva costs 25–35 €. You can pre-book a transfer with a child seat through WelcomePickups.
If you plan trips beyond your resort (highly recommended with kids), rent a car from the airport through Localrent. Public transport in Montenegro is limited and bus schedules are unreliable.
Travel Insurance
Montenegro does not require mandatory insurance for entry. Check visa requirements for your nationality. A paediatric appointment costs 50–80 €, and an ambulance call starts from 100 €. A policy through Ekta covers these expenses from around 7 $ for 7 days. Travel Insurance in Montenegro: Do You Need It and How to Choose
Dining with Children
Montenegrin restaurants are child-friendly: highchairs are available nearly everywhere, and chefs are happy to adapt dishes for children even without a dedicated kids' menu. An average lunch is 10–15 € per person; dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant is around 40 € without drinks.
If staying in apartments, basic groceries are affordable: milk 1.13 €/L, bread 0.89 €, chicken fillet 6.93 €/kg. Supermarkets (Voli, Idea) are found in all resort towns.
Things to Do with Kids
Beyond the beach, Montenegro offers plenty of family activities.
Budva Old Town is compact and picturesque – kids love climbing the fortress walls and searching for cats in the narrow alleys. Kotor Old Town is even more impressive: climb to the Castle of San Giovanni for panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor.
For active families, a trip to Lake Skadar: kayaking, pelican-watching, and fish restaurants in Virpazar. Lake Skadar: Kayaking, Pelicans, and the Best Fish Restaurants in Virpazar
With teenagers, consider a trip to Durmitor National Park – featuring Black Lake and the Djurdjevic Tara Bridge. The drive from Budva takes approximately 3 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What age is appropriate for bringing children to Montenegro? Any age. Montenegro works for both infants and teenagers. For toddlers under 3, choose Becici or Petrovac – gentle water entry and a calm atmosphere. Older children will also enjoy Budva and its entertainment options.
2. Are there all-inclusive hotels in Montenegro? Yes, but very few. Full All-Inclusive is available at Iberostar Waves Bellevue in Becici and Azul Resort (adults with children over 12). Most hotels operate on breakfast or half-board. Eating at restaurants is more affordable than comparable European destinations but costlier than Turkish AI systems.
3. How much does a week at a family hotel cost? From 400 € per week at a budget 3* hotel or apartments to 2,100 € at a 5* property in high season. The best value is found at 4* hotels in Becici at 100–180 € per night including half-board.
4. Is car rental necessary for a family holiday? Not essential, but it greatly expands your options. Without a car, you are limited to your resort and expensive organised excursions. Through Localrent, rental starts from 25 € per day – it pays for itself on the first trip beyond the resort. Do You Need a Car in Montenegro? Pros and Cons of Renting a Vehicle
5. Is it safe to swim with children at Montenegrin beaches? Yes. Waves on the Budva Riviera coast rarely exceed 50 cm, and currents are virtually nonexistent. Main precautions are water shoes (pebbles and sea urchins) and sunscreen. Some beaches have lifeguards, but don't count on it – supervising your child is entirely on the parents.
Conclusion
Montenegro is an affordable and safe alternative to Turkey and Greece for a family beach holiday. The key is choosing the right resort and hotel. For toddlers, Becici and Petrovac are optimal; for families with teenagers, Budva. Book for June or September, rent a car, and arrange insurance – and the holiday will be trouble-free.
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