Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General Information

Where is Kuća Oleander located?

Kuća Oleander is located in the village of Krimovica in the Kotor Municipality of Montenegro, on the Adriatic coast, not far from the town of Budva. The exact coordinates are 42.28739084507478, 18.768277801848118.

How far is it to the sea?

The nearest beach is 2.2 km away. The peaceful beach of Trsteno can be reached in just over 4 minutes by car. Plaza Ploče is 3.7 km away and takes about 6 minutes by car. The famous Jaz Beach is 5 km away and can be reached in around 8 minutes by car.

How far are Budva and Kotor?

Budva is approximately 10 km away, while Kotor is about 23 km away. As both towns are popular tourist destinations, traffic can become quite heavy at certain times, especially during the summer season.

Is a car recommended?

Having a car while travelling in Montenegro is very useful, as many of the country's tourist attractions are most easily reached by car. Rental cars can usually be booked conveniently together with your flights through the major car rental companies. Kuća Oleander also has a compact car available for rental to our guests. Please ask us about availability in advance.

Can I travel to Kuća Oleander without a car?

Yes. If you arrive by air, we can arrange an airport transfer for you on request. We can also personally pick you up from Tivat or Podgorica airports, subject to prior arrangement.

Which languages do you speak?

We speak German and English. Eliza also speaks good French. Our Serbian is still a work in progress, but we have good local contacts who can help if more complex translation is ever required.

Is Kuća Oleander open all year round?

Yes, Kuća Oleander is open throughout the year. Available dates can easily be seen in our availability calendar, and you are welcome to send us a booking enquiry at any time.

Accommodation

What types of accommodation are available?

We offer a holiday apartment, a permanently stationed caravan as a glamping option, and pitches for campervans and smaller motorhomes.

What is the minimum length of stay?

The minimum stay for our apartment and glamping accommodation is 4 nights. Camper pitches can be booked for stays of just one night.

Are bed linen and towels included?

Yes. Bed linen and towels are included in the price for both the apartment and the camping facilities.

Are the rooms cleaned during my stay?

As a general rule, we do not enter our guests' rooms during their stay. For stays of 5 nights or more, fresh bed linen is provided in the room. Additional cleaning services can be arranged on request for an extra charge.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes. Free LAN and Wi-Fi are available throughout the property. We have a high-performance fibre-optic internet connection.

Is air conditioning available?

Yes. Both the apartment and the stationary caravan are equipped with air conditioning.

Can I do laundry at Kuća Oleander?

Yes. We have a washing machine which our guests may use by prior arrangement.

Can I prepare my own meals?

Absolutely! Both the apartment and the stationary caravan have kitchens equipped with a cooker, refrigerator and sink, as well as dishes, cutlery and cooking utensils. You can therefore prepare all your meals yourself.

Are barbecue facilities available?

Yes. All our guests are welcome to use the outdoor kitchen with its charcoal barbecue.

Is parking available directly at the house?

Yes. Reserved parking spaces are available for our guests directly at the property.

Are pets allowed?

Pets are generally not permitted in the holiday apartment. By prior arrangement, smaller dogs may be allowed in the stationary caravan/glamping accommodation. Guests staying on the camper pitches may bring dogs or other pets, provided that the animals do not disturb other guests and are kept under control at all times. Pets are not permitted in shared areas such as the Aula, lobby or other communal facilities. Pet owners are responsible for any damage or soiling caused by their animals.

Is smoking allowed?

Smoking is not permitted in the apartment, the stationary caravan or any indoor area. Smoking is permitted outdoors provided that other guests are not disturbed. Cigarette ends must be disposed of properly.

What about guest registration and the tourist tax?

In Montenegro, all foreign visitors are legally required to register with the local authorities within 24 hours of arrival. The tourist tax (officially called boravišna taksa) is a local accommodation tax of €1.00 per day for adults and is linked to this registration. We will take care of your registration at the local tourist information office (Turistički Info Centar). Please keep your registration certificate until you leave Montenegro. You may be asked to show it when leaving the country at the airport or border crossing.

Campervans & Glamping

What facilities are available at the camper pitches?

The pitches at Kuća Oleander have a level gravel surface, helping to prevent puddles from forming during rainy weather.

Are electricity and water connections available?

Our camper guests have access to an electricity connection and a fresh-water supply. Grey water can be discharged. We do not have a drive-over dump station for black-water tanks.

Are showers and toilets available?

Yes. A bathroom with washbasin, toilet and shower is available to our guests.

What size of vehicle are the pitches suitable for?

Our pitches are ideal for campervans and manoeuvrable motorhomes of up to approximately 7 metres in length. The entrance to the property has a gradient of around 10 degrees during the first few metres, so vehicles with a long rear overhang may need to take particular care. We have also welcomed considerably larger vehicles in the past. In such cases, we simply need to assess the situation carefully on arrival.

Where can I dispose of grey water?

Grey water can be discharged into our drainage system.

Where can I refill my fresh-water tank?

Our camper pitches have a water connection where you can refill your fresh-water tank.

Can I buy gas bottles or camping supplies nearby?

11 kg propane bottles and Campingaz cylinders (the blue type) can occasionally be found in hardware stores and tourist areas, where they may be available for purchase or exchange. However, the exchange system for 11 kg propane bottles commonly used at petrol stations or hardware stores in Germany is not used here. Montenegrin gas cylinders follow a different standard and are generally filled with LPG. We are happy to help you arrange a refill of your gas bottle if necessary.

What is included in the glamping offer?

The glamping offer includes use of the stationary caravan, an outdoor bathroom with shower and toilet, the outdoor kitchen, barbecue area, shared use of the sun terrace and parking.

Osteopathy & Well-being

Can I book an osteopathic treatment without staying overnight?

Absolutely. Our osteopathic practice is open to everyone, including guests who are not staying at Kuća Oleander. In this case, please contact us in advance to arrange an appointment.

What kinds of complaints are commonly treated?

A holiday is also a time for rest and recovery. It can therefore be a good opportunity to address longer-standing complaints or physical limitations with osteopathic treatment. Acute complaints such as back pain or joint problems can of course also be treated.

How long does a treatment take?

The duration of a treatment depends on the individual symptoms and the complexity of the treatment required. A session may take anywhere from approximately 30 minutes to 90 minutes.

Are several treatments during a holiday beneficial?

Especially during a period of rest and recovery, several osteopathic treatments can be beneficial. We generally recommend allowing one to two days between treatments.

Can I book accommodation and osteopathy as a package?

Combining accommodation and osteopathic treatment at Kuća Oleander is one of the special strengths of our concept. Depending on your goals and the time available, we can put together individual, retreat-style programmes for our guests. Please feel free to speak to us personally about the possibilities.

Which languages are spoken during treatment?

We offer treatments in German and English.

Holiday & Surroundings

Which beaches are nearby?

The nearest beach is the peaceful beach of Trsteno, 2.2 km away. Plaza Ploče is 3.7 km away. The famous Jaz Beach is 5 km away.

Which excursions and attractions do you particularly recommend?

Special attractions close to Kuća Oleander include the old towns of Kotor and Budva. The Lovćen National Park can be reached via the spectacular cable car and offers breathtaking views across the entire region. Boat trips along the coast and through the Bay of Kotor are a wonderful way to experience the Adriatic from the water.

Which restaurants do you recommend?

There are many excellent restaurants in the area. The local culinary scene ranges from higher-end restaurants such as ETHNO VILLAGE CAREVIĆ in Krimovica and the restaurant at PLAŽA PLOČE to hidden gems such as KONОBA STARA KUĆA. Our current all-round favourite is Restaurant BOSS in Prijevor, near Jaz Beach!

Are there shops nearby?

There is no grocery shop in Krimovica itself. The nearest supermarket is approximately 5 km away, or about 8 minutes by car. For extensive shopping opportunities, Budva is approximately 10 km away.

Where can I try local specialities?

Almost every town has small markets or covered market halls where local produce is sold. During the season, we also keep a selection of local products at Kuća Oleander for our guests, including local wine, olive oil, the famous Montenegrin rakija and fruit brandies, honey, eggs, cheese and much more. Just ask us.

Which hikes do you particularly recommend?

As the coast in this region is often steep and rocky, hiking in the mountains can be a much more rewarding experience. Take the cable car up to Lovćen and enjoy longer walks through the spectacular Mediterranean mountain landscape, often accompanied by wonderful views. And after your hike, why not cool off with a swim in the Adriatic at Ploče Beach? It makes for a perfect day.

Which activities are suitable for families?

For families with children, Jaz Beach is certainly one of the most attractive places nearby. It offers a classic beach holiday, good restaurants and plenty of entertainment for visitors of all ages.

Booking

How can I make a booking?

You can book directly with us by telephone, email or via our online booking form.

When does my booking become binding?

A reservation becomes binding only after written confirmation by ORAVIDA DOO. A deposit may be required to secure the reservation.

What payment methods are available?

The standard arrangement is payment in cash upon arrival. Other payment options can be agreed in advance on request.

What are the cancellation conditions?

- Free cancellation up to 30 days before arrival. - For cancellations between 14 and 30 days before arrival, 50% of the deposit will be retained. - For cancellations less than 14 days before arrival, the deposit is non-refundable. - In the event of a no-show, the full amount of the booked stay will be charged.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in: from 14:00 Check-out: by 10:00 Different times may be arranged in advance, subject to availability.

Can I arrive earlier or leave later?

If our booking situation allows, we will always try to find a suitable solution. In general, however, confirmed bookings remain binding.

Personal Assistance

Do you provide tips for excursions and restaurants?

Of course. We are happy to share our favourite tips and recommendations with our guests to help make their holiday a memorable experience.

Can you help with planning day trips?

Based on our own travels throughout Montenegro and our extensive local network, we can offer our guests many valuable tips and insider information. We can also help arrange accommodation and useful contacts in destinations you would like to visit.

Is Kuća Oleander suitable for a peaceful and relaxing holiday?

A peaceful holiday that leaves you refreshed, strengthened and inspired is exactly what we hope to offer. Our aim is to provide a place of calm and relaxation, complemented by our osteopathic and complementary health services. If you are looking for a party holiday, you will certainly find plenty of suitable options in one of the many holiday resorts in Budva.

What makes Kuća Oleander different from a hotel?

Kuća Oleander is neither a hotel complex nor an anonymous holiday resort. We want to offer a place where peace, hospitality and well-being are at the heart of the experience. Our guests appreciate the personal atmosphere, individual recommendations for exploring the region and, if desired, the opportunity to combine their stay with osteopathic treatments. The result is a holiday that combines relaxation with renewed energy and inspiration.

Travelling to Montenegro

What is the best way to travel to Montenegro?

There are several ways to reach Montenegro. Depending on where you are travelling from, flying is usually the fastest option, while travelling by car offers greater flexibility once you arrive. If you are travelling by air, Tivat Airport is particularly convenient for reaching Kuća Oleander. We are happy to advise you on the best travel option for your individual journey.

Which airports are nearby?

The closest airport to Krimovica is Tivat Airport (TIV), approximately 25 km from Kuća Oleander. Podgorica Airport (TGD) is approximately 75 km away, or about one hour by car. Information about both airports can be found at https://montenegroairports.com On request, we can arrange an airport transfer from Tivat or Podgorica.

Do I need a rental car?

Having a car in Montenegro is very useful, as many tourist destinations are most easily reached by car. Rental cars can usually be booked conveniently together with flights through the major car rental companies. Kuća Oleander also has a compact car available for rental to our guests. Please ask us about availability in advance.

How long does it take to travel from Germany, Austria or Switzerland?

If travelling by car, you should allow approximately two days for the journey. The distance from Munich to Krimovica is approximately 1,100 km and can be covered in around 13 hours of driving, depending on traffic and border crossings. By air, the flight itself usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

Is Kuća Oleander easily accessible by motorhome?

Yes, arriving by motorhome is generally straightforward. Some navigation systems may not show the road leading directly to our house correctly. Google Maps and OpenStreetMap, however, reliably find Kuća Oleander.

Montenegro – Good to Know

Is Montenegro a safe country to travel to?

Montenegro is generally considered a very safe travel destination, and our own experience fully confirms this. As in all tourist destinations, however, normal precautions are advisable. Pickpocketing can occur, and vehicles left unattended in isolated locations may occasionally be targeted for break-ins. Overall, we would personally consider the level of safety to be very good – in some respects even higher than in parts of southern France. One particularly noticeable aspect is the high level of respect traditionally shown towards women in Montenegrin society, which many female travellers experience as reassuring.

What currency is used in Montenegro?

The euro is the official currency in Montenegro, even though Montenegro is not a member of the European Union.

Can I pay by card everywhere?

Cards can generally be used in shops and at petrol stations, and many restaurants also accept card payments. However, it is still advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or more remote areas.

Should I carry cash with me?

It is advisable to have some cash with you, particularly for smaller shops, markets, cafés, parking fees and places outside the main tourist centres.

Is tap water safe to drink?

Whether tap water is suitable for drinking depends very much on the location. Along the coast, groundwater is often scarce and many houses rely on rainwater cisterns. Such water should not automatically be assumed to be suitable for drinking. In the mountains, spring water can be of exceptionally high quality. The water at Kuća Oleander comes from a cistern. We filter all domestic water through an activated-carbon filtration stage, making it suitable for washing and showering. For drinking water, our house is equipped with an additional reverse-osmosis system which provides highly purified drinking water of excellent quality.

Which type of electrical sockets are used?

Montenegro uses the standard European earthed sockets also commonly found in Germany and Austria. Travellers from Switzerland and the United Kingdom may need a suitable adapter.

How good are the mobile phone and internet networks?

Montenegro has a very well-developed mobile network, with 5G coverage available in many areas. Tourists can purchase special prepaid data SIM cards at relatively low prices from petrol stations and supermarkets. These often do not have their own telephone number, but messaging services such as WhatsApp and similar apps can still be used to stay in touch easily.

What language is spoken in Montenegro?

Serbian is widely spoken in Montenegro. The local Montenegrin language is very closely related to Serbian and shares the same basic linguistic structure, while also having a number of distinctive local words and expressions. Latin script is most commonly used, although Cyrillic can also be seen, particularly on signs and in place names.

Food & Shopping

Where can I buy groceries?

Groceries are readily available in the surrounding towns. Larger supermarket chains have branches throughout the region. Bakeries, known as "pekara", are also common and offer not only bread and pastries but the famous burek as well. Many towns have small markets with fresh fruit and vegetables, and local producers often sell their products directly from roadside stands.

Where can I find a local market?

Most towns have small covered market halls where local traders sell their produce. Fresh fish and meat are often available as well. You will also frequently find small service businesses such as tailors, key-cutting shops and similar services in these areas.

Where can I buy fresh fish?

Fresh fish can be bought in local market halls and at traditional markets. Many supermarkets also have a good selection of fresh fish. Kotor: The Green Market (Zelena Pijaca) near the main gate of the Old Town. Budva: The market behind TQ Plaza is centrally located. In summer, fishermen also sell fish directly along the promenade near the Old Town. The best selection is usually available in the early morning.

Which Montenegrin specialities should I try?

Burek: A flaky pastry found in bakeries (pekara), filled with minced meat, spinach or fresh cheese. Priganice: Small fried dough balls, traditionally served hot with honey or kajmak, a rich creamy cheese. Djuvec (đuveč): A traditional baked dish made with rice, vegetables and meat. Ćevapi (Ćevapčići): Small grilled minced-meat rolls, usually served with onions, ajvar and warm flatbread. Njeguški Stek (Njeguš Steak): A classic dish from the region around Mount Lovćen. A tender veal cutlet is filled with the famous Njeguški pršut (air-dried ham) and Njeguški sir (cheese), then rolled and fried. Riba na gradele: Fresh fish traditionally grilled over an open fire and served with a delicate marinade of olive oil, garlic and parsley. Lignje: Grilled squid, often served with garlic butter.

Are there vegetarian or vegan restaurants?

In the main tourist centres, an increasing number of cafés and restaurants offer vegetarian dishes. Traditional Montenegrin cuisine is strongly meat-oriented, so the selection of specifically vegetarian dishes can be limited. Traditional meat-free dishes include: Kačamak: A hearty cornmeal dish traditionally prepared with mashed potatoes, plenty of melted cheese and skorup, a rich clotted cream. Prebranac: A traditional slow-baked bean dish. White beans are cooked for hours with onions, oil and paprika until soft and creamy. Vegetarians can also often create a satisfying meal from the selection of starters and side dishes available in traditional restaurants.

Nature & Leisure

Which beaches are particularly suitable for families?

All developed tourist beaches in the area are generally family-friendly and offer activities and entertainment for children. For babies and toddlers, Plaza Ploče nearby is particularly suitable, as it has seawater-filled shallow pools where young children can play under supervision.

Where can I find quiet swimming spots?

As the Adriatic coast in our region is often steep and rugged, small secluded coves can be difficult to reach from land and may involve longer walks. Of course, we have a few personal insider tips for our guests :-) The larger beaches often have quieter areas at their edges where you can find a little more peace and privacy. If you have a SUP, you can also explore some of the sheltered spots from the water. But be careful: the rocks can be razor-sharp and are the natural enemy of anything inflatable...

Which hikes do you personally recommend?

During the hot summer months, we recommend hiking on Mount Lovćen. The cable car from Kotor takes you quickly up to around 1,300 metres, where a refreshing breeze is often waiting. Starting from the rather busy cable-car station, it does not take long to reach beautiful and peaceful mountain forests where you can enjoy longer hikes and explore the surrounding landscape. Another natural highlight is Lipa Cave, easily reached from Budva and Cetinje. This enormous karst cave features fascinating underground galleries and impressive halls and is also of considerable historical interest.

Which excursions are worthwhile in bad weather?

On rainy days, the museums and cultural attractions of the surrounding towns are well worth exploring. Cetinje has the National Museum, while Budva has an interesting historical museum. Kotor offers several museums, including the Maritime Museum and the famous Cat Museum. Lipa Cave near Cetinje is another excellent option in unsettled weather, with its fascinating network of enormous underground chambers and galleries.

Which sights are often overlooked?

There are many small and beautiful places around Krimovica that are easily overlooked. The little fishing village of BIGOVO, for example, can be reached from Krimovica via a charming winding side road. Tucked away deep in the sheltered Bay of Trašte, it has preserved much of the authentic character of an old fishing village. Here you can enjoy freshly caught fish in small, rustic konobas.

Where can I see the most beautiful sunset?

One of our favourite places to enjoy a spectacular Adriatic sunset is the hill of SUTULIJA in the neighbouring village of ZAGORA. Here you will find the beautiful old Church of Saint Elijah (Crkva Svetog Ilije). From the plateau around the church, you have a magnificent panoramic view across the open sea. On a clear day, the coastlines of Croatia and Albania can even be seen in the distance.

Practical Information

Where is the nearest pharmacy?

The nearest pharmacy is in Budva, approximately 10 km away.

Where can I find a doctor or the nearest hospital?

In Budva, approximately 10 km away, you will find the Dom Zdravlja Budva, the main public healthcare centre providing primary care, emergency services and various specialist consultations. Address: Popa Jola Zeca, 85310 Budva Telephone: +382 33 427-200 Website: Dom Zdravlja Budva For faster treatment and specialist medical care, including for tourists, there are also private medical facilities such as Milmedika Clinic Budva.

Where can I find the cheapest fuel?

Fuel prices in Montenegro are centrally regulated, which means that petrol stations generally charge the same official prices for fuel.

Are there charging stations for electric cars?

There are now a growing number of public charging points in Montenegro, particularly along the Adriatic coast and in larger towns and cities such as Podgorica, Budva and Tivat.

What is the weather like throughout the year?

The coast has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. In the mountains, such as the Durmitor National Park, the climate is continental to alpine, with snowy winters. Spring: From late February onwards, temperatures along the coast can rise quickly to around 20°C. Nature begins to turn green and bloom. However, spring can also bring frequent changes in weather. Summer: The hottest and driest season. From June to August, temperatures along the coast are often above 28°C, while the sea can reach around 27°C. In the mountains, temperatures are considerably cooler, often around 20–22°C. Autumn: September usually offers stable weather and pleasant sea temperatures. From November onwards, temperatures become cooler and the wetter season begins. Winter: From December onwards, temperatures drop noticeably. Along the coast, winters remain mild, with temperatures rarely falling below 10°C, although rainfall becomes more frequent. Snow falls in the mountainous interior, making the region a popular destination for winter sports.

When is the best time to visit Montenegro?

That naturally depends on your personal preferences – every season has its own charm in Montenegro. If you love warmth and summer, July and August are ideal. September is often considered one of the best months to visit, with warm, stable weather and pleasant sea temperatures. Winter and early spring are excellent times to explore Montenegro away from the main tourist crowds – or to enjoy winter sports in the mountains.

Are there many mosquitoes in summer?

In some parts of Montenegro, mosquitoes can certainly be a challenge, particularly around Lake Skadar. Along the coast, the problem is usually much less pronounced, partly because there is often a light breeze. Our apartment rooms are equipped with insect screens and mosquito traps.

Your Hosts

Who are my hosts?

We are Eliza and Jan – a couple who have been sharing life's journey for more than twenty years. We built a renowned osteopathic practice, founded a company specialising in coaching and personal development, and lovingly restored an old farmhouse near Lake Constance in Germany. In short, we have always put our hearts into what we do.

Why did you create Kuća Oleander?

We did not find Montenegro – Montenegro found us. What began as a holiday became a much deeper encounter: with a country that welcomed us in a very special way, and with people who touched us deeply. Many things here suddenly felt alive and right. Our decision to continue our lives in Montenegro was not the result of a carefully calculated plan – it simply unfolded. We only had to follow where life was leading us.

What are some of your personal insider tips?

"Cum Romae fueris, fac sicut Romani faciunt." – "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." It is a simple reminder to respect the customs and traditions of the place you are visiting. And there is another piece of advice we like to give our guests: talk to the people you meet. Ask questions. Be curious. You will often discover the legendary hospitality of Montenegrins – and perhaps have some of your most memorable encounters along the way.