Why Montenegro Flights Are Opening Up Europe’s Hidden Gem

Montenegro flights are connecting more travellers through flights to Tivat and Podgorica, putting Montenegro travel and Montenegro tourism firmly on the map. While 2025 has brought some route adjustments and realignments, curiosity about the best places to visit in Montenegro continues to grow as more travellers discover the small Adriatic country’s quiet charm and authentic appeal.

Summary

Airlines Bet on the Adriatic with a More Cautious Approach The Sweet Spot: What Montenegro Offers Travellers Rising Prices and the Post-Boom Reality

Island church surrounded by cypress trees in the Bay of Kotor, one of the best places to visit in Montenegro, easily reached via Montenegro flights to Tivat and Podgorica. — Island church surrounded by cypress trees in the Bay of Kotor © Pixel Raw

Airlines Bet on the Adriatic with a More Cautious Approach

Passenger traffic through Montenegro’s two main airports reflects a dynamic but generally growing market in 2025. While the overall trend for the first half of 2025 was positive, with a notable 7% year-over-year increase across the Airports of Montenegro, performance varied by airport and season.

Total flight numbers through Podgorica Airport declined in the first quarter of 2025 and in August compared to the previous year, with Ryanair specifically cutting its routes to Manchester and Zagreb compared to the summer of 2024. The airline also reduced its frequency of service to Berlin. In contrast, Tivat Airport, situated on the coast, showed more significant growth, driven by the strong seasonal peaks.

Despite these seasonal and airport-specific shifts, flights to Tivat and Podgorica keep the country open for tourism. For travellers, this opens up access to one of the Adriatic’s most scenic destinations. Montenegro continues to attract tourists seeking an authentic, less commercialised alternative to neighbouring countries like Croatia or Greece.

Boat on the Bay of Kotor under bright sun, captured, a highlight for Montenegro travel and Montenegro tourism, accessible via Montenegro flights to Tivat and Podgorica. — A small boat crosses the Bay of Kotor under clear skies near Our Lady of the Rocks © Harmia Amadi

The Sweet Spot: What Montenegro Offers Travellers

For now, Montenegro flights keep the country within easy reach. It is increasingly accessible and affordable compared to Western European destinations, and still feels raw and real. The country draws varied holiday makers from adventure seekers and beach lovers to culture enthusiasts and wellness travellers seeking quiet luxury without the crowds.

Whether travellers are on the lookout for the best places to visit in Montenegro, from Kotor’s medieval old town to the mountain lakes of Durmitor or discovering hidden coastal villages along the Adriatic, the country offers experiences that feel both versatile and untouched.

For coastal explorers: The Budva Riviera and Sveti Stefan offer golden beaches, sunset dining, and boutique resorts with Adriatic flair.
For adventurers: Durmitor National Park offers glacier-fed lakes, mountain trails, and rafting through the Tara Canyon, one of Europe’s deepest.
For culture and history lovers: The Old Town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers Venetian architecture, fortress climbs, and hidden courtyards.
For nature and serenity seekers: Lake Skadar National Park, shared with Albania, offers tranquil boat rides, monastery islands, and rustic wine villages.
For relaxation and wellness: The Bay of Kotor and Herceg Novi, emerging wellness hubs, offers spa retreats and slow coastal living.

Even with rising prices and uneven air traffic, Montenegro tourism remains compelling because of its contrasts of mountain and sea, old and new, simplicity and sophistication.

With airlines continuing to adjust flights to Tivat and Podgorica, accessibility remains strong, even if seasonal. And if Montenegro expands its infrastructure potential while protecting what makes it special, it could become one of Europe’s most sought-after travel destinations.

View of Kotor and the Bay of Kotor at sunset, one of the best places to visit in Montenegro, easily reached through Montenegro flights to Tivat and Podgorica. — View of Kotor and the Bay of Kotor at sunset © Harmia Amadi

Rising Prices and the Post-Boom Reality

Montenegro tourism has entered a new, more complex phase in 2025, revealing a paradox: record arrivals alongside a decline in overnight stays. Though visitor numbers surged in the first half of the year, particularly exceeding pre-pandemic levels, tourists appear to be shortening their trips.

According to the Central Bank of Montenegro, total tourist arrivals rose by 6.3% to 940,800 in the first six months of 2025. However, over the same period, total tourist overnights dropped by 5.4%, reaching 4.83 million. This disparity suggests tourists are spending less time in the country, likely due to a combination of rising prices and limited infrastructure capacity.

Industry analysts point to rising prices, driven by higher operational costs and imported goods, as a key factor affecting visitor behaviour. The higher costs for essentials like coffee, meals, and accommodation in popular areas like Kotor and Budva reflect this trend.

Even so, the appeal of Montenegro flights remains strong. The nation’s natural beauty, cultural depth, and more relaxed pace continue to attract travellers eager to experience the best places to visit in Montenegro from the Bay of Kotor to Durmitor National Park. For the industry, the challenge now is to preserve that authenticity while addressing the structural issues affecting visitor duration and revenue.

Read more about rising tourism destinations here.

What’s your rising favourite destination or hidden gem this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below.