Things To Do
in Golubovci

Golubovci is a quiet town on the outskirts of Podgorica, Montenegro, set in the Zeta plain near the Morača River. It serves as a convenient base for exploring central Montenegro. The town benefits from proximity to Lake Skadar and Lovćen and has a welcoming rural atmosphere.

Visitors will find a mix of traditional Montenegrin cuisine, hillside views, and easy access to nearby natural and historic sites.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploration of Golubovci
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring montenegrin pastries and coffee while observing the daily life of the village. After breakfast, take a stroll around Golubovci, visit the local market, and engage with the friendly locals to learn about their culture and traditions. Breathe in the fresh air and delight in the beautiful natural surroundings that characterize this serene village.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, embark on a guided tour to nearby historical sites such as the old town of Podgorica or the captivating natural landscapes surrounding Golubovci. Enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade of ancient trees, listening to the gentle sounds of nature. Post-lunch, take a short hike or bike ride through the hills, experiencing the stunning views of Montenegrin countryside.

evening
:

As the sun begins to set, return to Golubovci and indulge in a traditional dinner at a family-owned restaurant, relishing authentic Montenegrin dishes. After dinner, explore the village's charm under the starlit sky, visiting local artisans and perhaps picking up a handcrafted souvenir. End the evening with a glass of local wine at a cozy tavern, sharing stories with fellow travelers and enjoying the welcoming atmosphere.

day 2
Cultural Immersion Day
morning
:

Kick off the day with a visit to the local church, where you can experience a traditional morning service if you're fortunate. Afterward, engage in a cooking class that showcases authentic Montenegrin cuisine, learning to prepare local dishes from seasoned chefs. This immersive experience allows you to interact closely with the community while honing your culinary skills.

afternoon
:

Spend your afternoon guiding through the historical interactions of Golubovci by visiting its small but significant museum that houses local artifacts and stories. Thereafter, enjoy lunch at a local eatery, where you can taste what you cooked earlier or opt for other regional specialties. Post-lunch, explore the art and crafts scene by visiting local artisans’ shops and galleries.

evening
:

As the evening descends, attend a traditional music event or local festival if available, immersing yourself in the rich cultural rhythms of Montenegro. Sample local wines and festive dishes served by villagers, sharing stories and laughter under twinkling stars. Conclude your day above the village at a scenic viewpoint, sipping hot tea and soaking in the enchanting night atmosphere.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
Coffee or tea$2-4
🍽️Three-course dinner for two$25-40
🛒Groceries for a week$25-50
🚕Taxi ride within town$5-10

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close proximity to Podgorica and national parks
  • Calm, less-touristy base with easy access to lake and mountains
  • Delicious Montenegrin cuisine and friendly locals
  • Reasonable costs and welcoming atmosphere
  • Limited nightlife compared to coastal towns
  • Smaller town feel may require day trips for major sights
  • Some services may be basic in Golubovci itself
  • "Dobar dan" - Good day
  • "Hvala" - Thank you
  • "Molim" - Please / you're welcome
  • "Koliko košta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Gde je WC?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Govorite li engleski?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Da li prihvatate kreditne kartice?" - Do you accept credit cards?

Places to Visit in Golubovci

Visit one of these nice places.

Morača River Promenade

Lovely riverside pathway with stone bridges and reflections, especially at sunrise.

Skadar Lake overlook near Virpazar

Wide-open vistas of the lake and surrounding mountains, great for sunset photography.

Lovćen viewpoints near Njegoš Mausoleum

Panoramic views over Montenegro's mountains and coast on clear days.

Podgorica Old Town and Millennium Bridge

Historic streets and modern architecture for urban landscape shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Golubovci

Montenegrin cuisine blends Mediterranean flavors with hearty mountain fare. Fresh river and lake fish, prosciutto, cheese, olive oil, rustic bread, and grilled vegetables are common highlights, often enjoyed with rakija or wine.

Golubovci Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Njeguški pršut

Smoked mountain prosciutto served with bread and cheese; widely available in delis and restaurants around Podgorica and Skadar Lake.

Must-Try!

Blitva s krompirom

A simple dish of Swiss chard and potatoes often served as a side.

Buzara ribe

Seafood stew or sautéed fish in garlic, white wine, and tomato sauce; best near lake and coastal towns.

Kajmak and local cheese

Creamy cheese spread paired with bread, a staple in Montenegrin meals.

Kacamak

Cornmeal porridge that is hearty and great with cheeses or kajmak.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Zelena pijaca (Green Market), Podgorica

City market where you can buy fresh produce, cheeses, fish, and regional specialties.

Climate Guide

Weather

Golubovci experiences a Mediterranean-influenced climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The warm season runs roughly May to September, with temperatures often in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit (20s to 30s Celsius); winters are mild but chilly with occasional rain and snow in the surrounding hills.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A handshake is common; modest eye contact and a courteous tone are appreciated.

Hospitality

Montenegrins are friendly and generous; if invited to someone's home, bring a small gift and remove shoes if asked.

Dress modestly in religious sites

Cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches or monasteries.

Safety Guide

Safety

The area is generally safe for travelers. Take usual precautions against petty crime in tourist areas; keep valuables secure, especially in crowded places. Have travel insurance and carry emergency contact numbers; phone 112 for emergency services.

Tipping in Golubovci

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

A 5-10% tip is common in restaurants if service is not included; small tips for bar staff or hotel staff are appreciated.

Payment Methods

Cash in euros is widely accepted; credit/debit cards are commonly accepted in towns and tourist areas; ATMs are available in Podgorica and Golubovci.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures, blooming landscapes around Lake Skadar; ideal for outdoor walks and markets.

Summer

Warm days, possible afternoon thunderstorms; good for boat trips and lake activities, carry water and sunscreen.

Autumn

Pleasant temperatures, harvest season; colors in the hills and vineyards nearby.

Winter

Cool to mild in the lowlands, occasional snow in the hills; fewer crowds and cozy tavern evenings.

Nightlife Guide

Golubovci at Night

Polished city center bars and casual cafes in Podgorica, with a growing boutique club scene. In Golubovci, nightlife is low-key and informal, often centered around taverns and riverside venues; weekends see more locals gathering for drinks and music.

Hiking in Golubovci

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Lovćen National Park trails

Hilltop trails and viewpoints around Njegoš Mausoleum with expansive views.

Skadar Lake shoreline hikes

Gentle to moderate hikes along the lake shores with birdwatching opportunities.

Mračka Canyon / Morača River trails

Riverside trails with lush scenery and seasonal waterfalls.

Airports

How to reach Golubovci by plane.

Podgorica Airport (TGD)

Main international and domestic airport serving Montenegro; 15-25 minutes by car to Golubovci.

Tivat Airport (TIV)

Coastal airport serving Montenegro; longer transfer to inland Golubovci but possible via road or bus.

Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)

A bit farther away in neighboring Croatia; reachable by road or shuttle for broader regional trips.

Getting Around

Walkability

Golubovci itself is relatively self-contained but spread out; Podgorica's city center is walkable with many attractions within a compact area. For exploring nearby parks and Lake Skadar, a car or organized tours are helpful. The town and riverside paths offer walkable routes for most visitors.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

Predominantly Montenegrin nationals with families and older generations; strong local hospitality.

Tourists

European travelers and visitors from nearby countries exploring central Montenegro.

Students and younger professionals

Residents who study in Podgorica and work in the wider region.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Most popular sport; local teams compete in national leagues.

Basketball

Widely played in schools and clubs; viewing opportunities in Podgorica.

Water polo

Popular in coastal regions; some fans travel to events.

Transportation

Traffic

Roads in and around Golubovci are generally calm; Podgorica traffic can be heavier during rush hours. Public buses connect Golubovci with Podgorica; car rental is common for day trips to Skadar Lake or Lovćen. Summer can bring additional congestion near lake areas.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Golubovci.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Look for plates centered on vegetables, dairy, and grains; request no meat or fish and opt for bean dishes and salads.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is available in Podgorica and larger towns; there are public hospitals and private clinics. For emergencies, dial 112. Carry travel insurance and keep copies of essential documents; pharmacies are common in town centers.

Discover Montenegro

Read more in our Montenegro 2025 Travel Guide.

Montenegro Travel Guide