Montenegro’s tourism brand has long been coastal—Budva’s nightlife, Kotor’s heritage, the yachts of Tivat. But the country’s northern highlands are entering the spotlight. Durmitor, Žabljak and Kolašin are evolving from rustic retreats into four-season luxury destinations. New highways and upgraded airports have reduced travel time from the coast to under three hours, unlocking investor interest in ski-resort and eco-mountain real estate.
The new frontier for luxury
Developers are introducing chalet-style villas, boutique hotels and spa-residences targeting affluent travellers seeking exclusivity and cooler climates. Property prices remain accessible—€1,000–1,500 per m² for prime chalets compared with €3,000–4,000 per m² on the coast—but yields are rising as winter tourism expands. Investors view the mountains as a diversification hedge against the seasonality of summer tourism.
EU-ready investment climate
EU accession prospects strengthen the case for highland development. Infrastructure funding tied to trans-European corridors supports roads, utilities and broadband—critical for year-round operation. The government’s tourism strategy to 2030 prioritises inland diversification and sustainable mountain hospitality. For foreign investors, the same legal reforms improving coastal property rights apply equally inland.
Challenges and outlook
Mountain projects face hurdles: complex terrain, environmental restrictions and higher logistics costs. Yet as climate change extends summer heat across southern Europe, demand for high-altitude escapes is set to grow. Montenegro’s mountain resorts offer early-stage entry into a market likely to mature in parallel with EU membership. High peaks may soon deliver higher returns.
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