Budva is one of the most well-known resorts in Montenegro, situated on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. The town attracts tourists with its pristine sea, incredible views, well-developed infrastructure, nightlife, and beautiful beaches with pure white sand. Here, everything necessary for a comfortable holiday is concentrated. Our article will help you discover a new location and learn more about the best beaches in Budva.
Jaz Beach is one of the largest and most popular beaches in Budva. If it were to be characterised in three words, it would be ‘azure’, ‘sand’, and ‘pebbles’. Jaz Beach stretches for about 1.5 kilometres. It is divided into two parts: the first is the main part, with a length of 850 metres, and the second is about 450 metres long, where nudists often sunbathe. Jaz Beach is the perfect place for those who love a peaceful holiday, as well as for those who want to try water sports such as wakeboarding and diving. The resort is multinational, so it is easy to meet a Dutch or a Brit here. Not long ago, the beach served as a concert venue for Madonna and the Rolling Stones. Entry to the beach is free.
Mogren Beach is a picturesque beach owned by the Avala Hotel. Therefore, during the season, entry here is paid – about 2 euros. After September, you can visit the beach for free. It is located to the northwest of the old town of Budva. The beach is divided by rocks into two parts, one of which is the most popular, and the other is larger in size. There is a passage in the rock, paved with a wooden path for convenience. Mogren Beach has many cafes and restaurants, water sports equipment rental, clean water, and a gradual entry into the water. It is suitable for those who seek tranquillity and peace, as well as for a family or a couple with children. You can walk from the old town to the beach in 10-20 minutes.
Becici Beach is one of the longest beaches in the region, stretching for 1.5 kilometres along the coast. The beach has been awarded the Grand Prix in Paris. It attracts enthusiasts of active leisure because you can rent water skis and scooters, try paragliding, or play beach volleyball, football, basketball, and tennis. The central part of the beach is perfect for children and those seeking calmness. The sea is quiet, without waves, and the depth gradually increases. Entry to Becici Beach is free. Besides, there are fewer people here than in Budva. A beautiful promenade stretches along the beach.
Petrovac Beach is the central beach of the eponymous town. It is renowned for its clear water and sandy shore. Petrovac extends for more than 2.5 kilometres and is equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay: sun loungers, umbrellas, and changing rooms. There is even a catamaran and other water transport rental service. Thanks to this service, every tourist can independently sail to the islands of St. Nedelja or Katich. The water here is clear, and the descent is gradual. About 5-6 metres into the sea, a constant depth is maintained. This explains why the beach is crowded with families with children during the season.
Kamenovo Beach is a sandy-pebble beach located 5 kilometres from Budva. It is considered one of the most secluded places in the region and stretches for about 300 metres. In the central part, the width of the beach reaches 60 metres, and it is surrounded by picturesque cliffs and forests, creating a unique atmosphere of solitude. Here, every tourist can rent a sunshade and a sun lounger set. By the way, such a practice in Montenegro is not new. During the summer season, there are many cafes and restaurants on the beach, as well as toilets and showers with fresh water. There is also free parking near the beach. If you use the car rental in Budva, you can easily leave your car.
These beaches are only a part of those in Budva. Tourists from all over the world come here because you can relax on the purest sand or pebbles. Visitors can find a place to their liking, as they say. Relaxation, active leisure, a walk along the promenade – your holiday will bring a lot of pleasure. If you have the opportunity to visit Budva, do not miss it. We recommend not only visiting the beaches but also exploring other attractions in the city.
Entertainment in Budva
* Beach Holiday
Budva is a resort town where every tourist can find relaxation to their liking. Here, those who wish to spend their time actively and those who simply enjoy sunbathing on a sun lounger will be pleased. On Budva’s beaches, you can indulge in swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. Where else could you relax there? Beaches such as Jaz, Ploche, Trsteno, and Kamenovo, to name a few. And this is not an exhaustive list. Almost all beaches are affordable and easily accessible. For those beaches located far from the town, you can comfortably reach them by renting a car.
* Nightlife
In Budva, life is vibrant not only during the day but also at night. The city boasts numerous bars, nightclubs, and restaurants offering various forms of entertainment for those who love lively parties and dancing until the early hours. The coolest club, perched on a hill, is Top Hill. The establishment stays open until 6 in the morning, and throughout that time, you can enjoy sets from the best DJs. Another popular spot among tourists is Trocadero. Here, it is affordable, with diverse music, and hosts themed parties regularly.
* Historical Attractions
Budva possesses a rich history and cultural heritage. In the city, you will discover a plethora of historical attractions. Take note of the Old Town, Budva Fortress, the Church of St. John the Baptist, the Citadel, and the city museum. You can also visit Budva’s library, which houses 60,000 printed publications. Moreover, the library is situated within a ruined fortress, creating the ambiance of an ancient castle. On the northern outskirts of Budva stands the Podmaine Monastery, a stone temple serving as a sanctuary for male monks.
* Active Leisure
Budva appeals to those who prefer not to stay in one place. For enthusiasts of active leisure, there are diverse options here: paragliding, wakeboarding, diving, rock climbing, and bicycle rides. Furthermore, every tourist can embark on a kayak journey along the Tara River. On average, it lasts about 2 hours and provides a wealth of emotions. Navigating the rapids is breathtaking, and on calm waters, you can admire the surrounding nature and capture beautiful photos. Located 50 km from Budva, the Lovcen Rope Park offers a fun time amidst pine forests. Each route can be completed in 15 minutes, with the most challenging taking about 30 minutes.
* Yacht Tours
In Budva, you can rent a yacht and cruise along the coastline to admire Montenegro’s beauty. If you do not want to spend the whole day on the water, you can even rent a yacht for a few hours. Yacht excursions are an excellent way not only to enjoy the coastal scenery and see the city from a different perspective but also to escape the urban hustle and spend time in solitude with your thoughts. Yachts are equipped with everything necessary for a safe and comfortable voyage: GPS navigation, life jackets, safety belts, compasses, power outlets, a stereo system, a barometer, a first-aid kit, a gas stove with an oven, a refrigerator, air conditioning, and more.
You will not be bored in Budva. Tourists will find their own entertainment, from beach relaxation to active sports, from nightlife to cultural attractions, and from yacht trips to walks in the old town. If you plan to visit Budva for a beach holiday, choose dates from May to September. It is best to come here in June when it is not too hot yet, and the sea has already warmed up. Be sure to try some or all of the activities we have suggested to enrich your experience.
How to Make your Holiday in Budva Comfortable
If you are planning your stay in Budva independently, without tours and guides, then it is necessary to know several ways to make it more comfortable and memorable. We will now share these ways with you:
- Choose a good place to stay. This is the first step towards a comfortable holiday. You can stay in a small hotel or opt for a private house. The main factor in choosing accommodation is the combination of price and comfort. If you have come for a luxurious holiday, there are options for elite apartments in Budva. Prices vary in the high season and offseason, and also depend on the location of the accommodation near attractions and the beach. If you will be renting a car, you can choose budget accommodation on the outskirts, as you will be able to comfortably reach all the iconic places by car.
- Plan your holiday in advance to avoid chaos and stress when you arrive in Budva. Make advance reservations for excursions, tables at cafes and restaurants, and also clarify the conditions for visiting some historical sites to avoid disappointments and long waits. You can also pre-book a car using an app to immediately feel comfortable upon arrival in the city, rather than searching for bus stops and studying the schedule of public transportation.
- Explore the area. This will bring you great pleasure and allow you to feel like a part of the city. Walk around Budva to get a closer look at historical landmarks, such as the Old Town or the Mogren Fort. To understand why tourists from all over the world love Montenegro, visit other cities and countries such as Kotor, Sveti Stefan, and Dobrota. And remember to always carry your passport with you. Otherwise, you could face a substantial fine ranging from 200 to 1200 euros.
- Enjoy the local cuisine to taste a variety of dishes and have unforgettable culinary experiences. Montenegrin cuisine has been influenced by Turkey, Bulgaria, Albania, Greece, and especially Italy. So, pizza, pasta, and risotto have long been considered local specialties. A distinctive feature of Montenegrin cuisine is its cheeses, such as njeguški sir and pljevaljski sir, made from sheep and goat milk with long ageing. Pay attention to meat dishes like grilled assortments and slow-cooked lamb, prepared in a cast-iron pot over charcoal and ashes. Many dishes are served with french fries, boiled rice, or potatoes with chard, similar to spinach.
- Remember about beach relaxation. It is an integral part of your stay in Budva. There are around 35 beaches in the city and its surroundings. So, you can find quiet spots if you want to relax and unwind, as well as beaches where you can get an adrenaline rush through surfing and windsurfing. Some beaches have such clean water that they are even marked with a blue flag. Carry and use sunscreen, headgear, and drink plenty of water. The temperature in Budva can reach +30°C, so neglecting these rules can lead to sunstroke and dehydration.
- Rent a vehicle. You cannot do without it in the city. It is a convenient and fairly budget-friendly way of getting around. You can plan your route to iconic places and attractions, following it comfortably and stopping where you want. Cars in Budva can be rented on the website of LocalCarRent. There, you will find a wide range of cars and favourable rental conditions. Imagine no longer having to wait for a bus in the heat, paying exorbitant taxi fares, or lugging your luggage around. With a rented car, you have the time for comfort and relaxation.
You can make your stay in Budva unforgettable by taking planning seriously and following our advice. Choose a comfortable place to stay, plan your city transportation in advance, explore the area on foot, enjoy local dishes, and remember that the best relaxation is on the beach. If you want to preserve memories of your holiday in this beautiful city on the Adriatic Sea, buy souvenirs in special shops or stalls. Make the most of your time in Budva!