Where to buy groceries in Montenegro: a 2025 guide
Retail trade in Montenegro combines modern chain supermarkets and traditional farmers’ markets. As of the end of 2025, the infrastructure has grown significantly: the turnover of top chains exceeded €1.1 billion. However, the service has its own characteristics, different from familiar European or Russian standards.
Below is a detailed breakdown of food purchasing options for tourists and expats.
Supermarkets: main players and prices
Supermarkets are the main way to buy food, household chemicals, and home goods. Prices are moderate but strongly depend on the specific chain and location (more expensive on the coast during the season).
Key retail chains
- Voli. The largest chain (80+ stores). Mid-price segment. A special feature is its own meat production Naša farma. In large hypermarkets (for example, Naš Diskont in Podgorica) prices are lower.
- HDL (Hard Discount Laković). Discount format. The lowest prices in the country. Ideal for bulk shopping for the week. Stores look simple, but the assortment is wide.
- Idea. Positioned as a higher-quality retailer. A good selection of delicacies, wines, and ready-made food. Prices are often higher than in Voli or HDL.
- Aroma / Conto. The Domaća Trgovina chain. Convenient neighborhood stores with their own kitchen and meat section.
- Megapromet. A popular chain in Budva. Operates both retail and wholesale.
Farmers’ markets (Pijara)
Markets (“green markets”) are the best place to buy seasonal vegetables, fruits, homemade cheese, olives, and pršut. Prices for fresh products here are often 20–30% lower than in supermarkets, and the quality is higher.
Opening hours and locations
Markets operate year-round, usually from 07:00. The best time to visit is early morning (before 10:00). In winter, the assortment narrows (a lot of imports), in summer there is an abundance of local produce.
- Podgorica (Velika Pijaca/Gintaš). The largest market in the country. First floor — food (huge selection), second floor — clothing and household goods. Open until 16:00.
- Kotor. Market by the walls of the Old Town. Open 07:00–19:00. Peak day — Saturday. Prices are higher due to tourists, but the atmosphere is authentic.
- Budva. Covered market (Zelena Pijaca) near TQ Plaza. Open until 14:00. Specialization: cheeses, kajmak, pršut.
- Bar. Topolica (center) — covered market, open daily until 14:00. Old Bar — open-air market, works only on Fridays (a colorful place).
- Tivat. Market in the Magnolia Square building (basement floor). Open until 18:00 (on Sunday until 12:00).
- Herceg Novi. Market in the center, open-air, open until 14:00.
Online stores
E-commerce in Montenegro is less developed than in the EU. There are practically no full-fledged grocery online stores with fast same-day delivery.
- Voli.me. Website of the Voli chain. Allows you to view current prices and promotions. There is an ordering function, but more often the “order and pick up yourself” scheme is used.
- Idea.co.me. Premium goods catalog. Full home delivery of groceries is poorly developed.
- Datika. The main platform for buying electronics and household appliances (a marketplace analogue for non-food goods).
Delivery services
If you need to urgently order food or a small set of groceries, use mobile applications. Coverage is limited to major cities (Podgorica, Budva, Kotor, Tivat, Bar).
- Glovo. Market leader. Delivers food from restaurants, groceries from supermarkets, pharmacy goods, and flowers. Courier tracking is available. Waiting time — from 30 minutes.
- Wolt. The main competitor of Glovo. Covers the main coastal cities and the capital. Focus on restaurants and retail stores.