Things to do in Budva
Needless to say, in a resort town set in a long, sweeping bay – like Budva – the list of available watersports is longer than anywhere else on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast. From sailing and parasailing to stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, water sports are engrained in Budva’s beachgoing culture.
However, what makes this notorious holiday retreat particularly interesting is its large offer of land-based experiences and family-friendly adventures, too. Notwithstanding if your idea of fun is exploring Budva’s untouched nature (waterfalls, canyons, and caves), climbing peaks, or something less exciting, there is much to enjoy in this popular coastal town on the southern slopes of Mount Lovcen.
Budva
A charming and lively old town, with some of Montenegro’s most beautiful beaches, and good nightlife, no wonder Budva has been a popular Adriatic resort for decades.
Stroll Along Budva’s Korzo
One of the best things about Budva is its panoramic seaside walkway – also known as the ‘korzo’ or ‘corso’ in the local dialect – that seems to stretch forever along the shoreline, from the historic center via neighboring Becici to Kamenovo Beach. You will quickly realize it is perfect for various activities, from simply sauntering and jogging to skating and cycling.
While vivacious and busy through the day and evening, in the early morning hours it is a dream with the sun slowly rising above the towering mountains, adding to these out-of-this-world views – best enjoyed with a cup of coffee in a sea-facing cafe. Take note however that you are not allowed to roam the streets of the old town bare-chested or in swimwear.
Kamenovo Beach
A leisurely hour walk from the historic center along the waterfront promenade, Kamenovo Beach sits in a paradisical bay and is popular with a younger crowd.
Go Shopping
Wander around the old town maze of tiny alleyways, where it is easy to get lost in, and you will stumble upon plenty of picture-perfect courtyards and squares. Numerous independent boutiques and shops line the charmingly narrow cobblestone streets, selling everything from handcrafted souvenir items to silver jewelry and one-off artworks. There is also a small shopping mall (TQ Plaza) adjacent to the main post office.
The Historic Center of Budva
Did you know that Budva’s Old Town was more than 2,500 years old? Numerous earthquakes and invasions later, it has still preserved its character.
Just Watch the World go by
The spacious restaurant and cafe terraces on the other side of the city walls are the perfect place for indulging in one of Montenegro’s most favored pastimes: doing nothing – it is a cliche but did you know that Montenegrins organize lying down contests where competitors hope to be crowned ‘Laziest Citizen‘? – and just people-watch?
There are several very sought-after locations just for that, where you can sip on a beer or cappuccino, enjoy the beautiful surroundings, and soak up Budva’s authentic Mediterranean vibes. Hotel Mogren’s al-fresco terrace is perfectly positioned to make the most of a lazy Sunday afternoon (or any other day of the week for that matter).
Go Hiking
When in Budva, you don’t have to venture out too far to run into one of the amazing seaside hiking paths, with pleasant surprises around every corner. Explore Budva’s dramatic coastline at your own pace on beautiful trails such as the (demanding) hike from Podlastva to Ivanova Korita, a plateau in the Lovcen National Park, delivering awe-inspiring vistas along the way.
An easier option is the popular ‘Seven Bays coastal walk’ starting in the old town and ending at the picturesque and pink-pebbled Sveti Stefan Beach – perfect for cooling off over the swimming season. It’s a 7-kilometer-long trail that cuts through Milocer Park and passes by Budva’s most picturesque bays, including the twin coves of Queen’s Beach and Milocer Beach.
Lovcen National Park
Green pastures & well-marked hiking trails to some of Montenegro’s most interesting landmarks such as the Njegos Mausoleum are all part of the Lovcen National Park.
Day Trip to Sveti Nikola Island
While there’s unquestionably no shortage of beaches in proper Budva and its immediate surroundings, few on the Budva Riviera can compete in terms of views and ambiance with Hawaii Beach, Sveti Nikola Beach, and Halfmoon Beach. How to get there? You can simply jump on a water taxi from Slovenska Beach or Budva’s marina.
Sveti Nikola Island has a few beach bars and restaurants, delivering everything from simple beach fare and refined Adriatic cuisine to the most incredible vistas and inimitable island vibes. Besides the larger beaches of Sveti Nikola, you’ll also find a range of small cliffside coves on the island, but the calmest waters can be found on its northern side.
Sveti Nikola Island
Easily accessible by water taxi from Budva in the summer season, Sveti Nikola Island is worth a visit for its untamed nature and beautiful island beaches.
Watch the Sunset from Fort Mogren
Mutterings of how impressive Budva’s old town and Sveti Nikola Island look from here, especially at sunset, are often overheard between tourists dining in one of the eateries along the waterfront. Built in 1860 by the Austro-Hungarians on a cliffside above Mogren Beach, and lying abandoned for many decades, Fort Mogren is the go-to place in town for striking, vibrant sunsets amidst a relaxing atmosphere.
Mogren Beach
A popular and busy beach within footwalk distance of the historic center, Mogren Beach stands out with crystalline waters and a picturesque cliffside setting.
Go Fishing
Besides supplying Budva’s restaurants with the freshest fish and seafood, the little sport fishing yachts bobbing in the harbor, some local fishermen also offer charter fishing trips – gear included. They know the best spots around Budva Bay and Sveti Nikola Island, and many also offer additional watersport experiences.
Let the captain take you to hidden coves of clean, gin-clear waters. Go snorkeling at the sea caves, try stand-up paddleboarding, and enjoy breathtaking views of Montenegro’s coast as you eat your day’s catch on your private floating restaurant while being surrounded by the vast, deep blue Adriatic – it’s not rare to spot dolphins and sea turtles on those trips!
Watersports in Montenegro
Sailing, kitesurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding are some of the most popular watersports in Montenegro. Find out more!
Go on a Little Canyoning Adventure
Few people know about the wonderful Krapina Canyon, located within a 15-minute drive from Budva, in the small hamlet of Krapina. Zig-zagging up the steep mountain road and following the signs for the zip line is already an adventure in itself, but it is nothing compared to the fun experience to be had at the canyon.
If abseiling down a picturesque waterfall, jumping off 5 – 7 meter high verticals, and swimming in an emerald-colored natural pond ticks all your boxes, consider going on an organized canyoning tour. The family-friendly Krapina Canyon is about one kilometer long and takes 2 hours to complete. Descends are possible from April through October.
Marvel at some Art
There’s a good range of municipal and local commercial art galleries dotted around Budva’s old town, which you can browse for interesting and promising artworks. The Modern Gallery ‘Jovo Ivanovic’ (Moderna Galerija Budva) is one of the most reputable and largest contemporary art centers in Montenegro.
This art gallery, which has recently celebrated 50 years of existence, presents modern art lovers with a collection of 400 works by renowned Montenegrin and international artists such as Petar Lubarda and Vojo Stanic. In addition to regularly updated exhibitions, visitors are occasionally delighted by concerts and other cultural events that take place here.
Take a Dip
With so many beaches within easy reach on the Budva Riviera, it is hard to come up with an excuse why not to slip into those beautifully calm and crystal-clear waters. While finding an uncrowded spot on Budva’s urban beaches can be challenging during the peak season, there are always the neighboring coves – Jaz Beach and Becici Beach in particular – with great bars for sundowners.
Mogren Beach is great in the off-season, particularly if you’re hankering after some golden pebbles while the coastline from Kamenovo Beach to Drobni Pijesak Beach is rarely crowded throughout the year. The Budva Riviera as a whole has ten Blue-Flag certified beaches – so you’ll have plenty to choose from while vacationing in Budva!
P.S. Make sure to check out the inofficial symbol of Budva on the way to Mogren Beach – the sculpture of the female ballet dancer.
Blue Flag Beaches
You never have to drive far to arrive at a Blue Flag Beach. Besides secluded coves with crystal-clear waters, beachgoers can enjoy long stretches of sand in Montenegro.
Drobni Pijesak
Drobni Pijesak is a Blue-Flag Beach that is great for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring its rocky coastline by kayak or stand-up paddleboard.
Charter a Boat
With such a beautiful yacht-filled marina, there’s obviously no shortage of water excursion opportunities in Budva, and chartering your own boat is the ultimate way to explore neighboring coves and beaches. From small motor yachts to large sailboats, there is an ample supply of vessels for all tastes and budgets. You could easily pop over to the islands of Sveti Nikola and Sveti Stefan, or explore the stunning Bay of Kotor, for the day.
Sveti Stefan
A resort island and adjacent coastal town, Sveti Stefan is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque stretches of the Montenegrin coastline.
Go Snorkeling or Scuba Diving
This Budva Riviera boasts some of the clearest waters in Montenegro, as evidenced by the Blue Flag designation of many of its beaches, destining it as a prime spot for snorkeling expeditions and underwater explorations. Budva’s rocky shoreline, with its countless coves, cliffs, and capes makes up for the perfect snorkeling grounds, as is Sveti Nikola Island.
The calm, translucent waters also present the ideal conditions for picking up – or upgrading – your scuba diving skills. Some of the most noteworthy diving sites close to Budva are Cape Platamuni, the Oreste shipwreck between Jaz Beach and Trsteno Beach, and the Galiola Reef at Sveti Nikola Island.
Trsteno Beach
A tiny, narrow cove on the outer edges of the Budva Riviera, family-friendly Trsteno Beach is known for its gentle entry and sandy grounds. Great in the off-season!
Cool off at a Waterpark
While your idea of the perfect day by the sea might include luxuriating in the sun, lazing at the pool, or sipping refreshing cocktails, your children might prefer going full throttle on a waterslide and … wham into the pool. You can choose between two water parks in Budva: Aquapark Budva, located on ‘Topliski Put’, and Aquapark Mediteran, a smaller venue sitting on the premises of Hotel Mediteran in Becici.
Becici
One of the longest beaches on the Budva Riviera, Becici particularly attracts families with children for its clean waters, good facilities, and watersports.
Have Fun Carting
Fun for the whole family, karting is one of the best ways to get a quick dose of adrenaline in between dips. Karting Centar F1, just off Jaz Beach, has kid’s karts and faster ones for mums and dads. This karting track is also popular with groups of friends racing against each other. It’s not cheap and the karts need better maintenance, but it’s super fun.
Jaz Beach
Almost two kilometers of fine pebbles, plenty of beachfront restaurants, watersports, and good amenities make Jaz Beach a family-friendly option near Budva.
Tour a Vineyard
With Crmnica, one of Montenegro’s main wine-growing regions, on your doorstep, Late Summer / Early Fall is the perfect time to jump in your car and head off to explore this beautiful part of the country and taste some zesty whites or the autochthonous Vranac Wine. There are numerous steeply terraced vineyards with beautiful estates facing Lake Skadar, just a 45-minute drive away from Budva.
The picturesque wineries along Montenegro’s wine trail are well-marked with brown road signs but usually require notice before going. Nestled in a small valley below the Lipa Cave is the Markovic Winery, a product of dreams and aspirations, and a passion for the art of winemaking that has been handed down over generations. The thin and eroded soils here produce reds of a balanced ripeness but intense berry aromas and flavors.
Vranac Wine
One of the most popular grapes in Montenegro, Vranac Wine is made from an autochthonous variety grown on the slopes of the Skadar Lake Valley.
The Skadar Lake
Especially popular with birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, the Skadar Lake National Park is a lush oasis straddling the borders between Albania and Montenegro.
Visit the local Farmer’s Market
Every Monday to Saturday from 7 am to 3 pm, the area behind the TQ Plaza shopping mall bursts to life in the form of Budva’s Farmer’s Market, drawing people from across the region. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Budva or an expat living here for years, the curiosity to learn more about Montenegro’s culture and traditions usually starts at a local market.
Farmer’s markets are gathering places where residents come to do their weekly grocery shopping and trade some good old gossip. Take your time to saunter amongst the market stalls that offer everything from farm-fresh fruit and vegetables to Njegusi Prosciutto, cheeses, and a wide assortment of seafood. Vendors will offer you free bites to nibble on while you continue browsing.
Njegusi Prosciutto
Njegusi Prosciutto is a dry-cured ham produced in a small hamlet above Kotor. It is traditionally served with homemade bread and cheese as a breakfast or side dish.
Lightland Petrovac
A luminous outdoor wonderland awaits at Lightland, a family-friendly light park located deep in the forests above Petrovac. Regular (kid-friendly) music events are organized here to match the dazzling vibe, and even when not, there are plenty of hammocks, swings, and an on-site cafe to relax at. A small loop road winds past pretty light installations, but don’t be too fanciful, this is a comparatively small venue.
Petrovac na Moru
Discover Petrovac na Moru, one of the most charming coastal towns close to Budva. Enjoy its pretty promenade lined with waterfront restaurants and cafes.
Zip Line Budva
Pure adrenaline! Drive up the scenic zig-zagging mountain road from the roundabout in Becici to Brajici, the starting point for one of the most exciting zip line adventures in Montenegro. From an altitude of more than 800 meters above sea level, you will whizz parallel to Budva’s impressive coastline, enjoying stupendous views of the entire Budva Riviera along the way.
While not exactly cheap (25€ per person, children ride for free), it is a dream for desperados of all ages, and you can even film your adventure with your camera or phone, as you won’t have to use your hands on this zip line! It is super safe (a short security briefing is included) and well worth the 15-minute drive up from Budva.
The Budva Riviera
Welcome to the Budva Riviera, a 25 km-long stretch of magnificent coastline, home to some of Montenegro’s most picturesque beaches and coastal towns.
Explore the Lipa Cave
During those days of record-breaking tropical heat, you can find welcoming shade and coolness inside the Lipa Cave, one of Montenegro’s largest caves located close to Cetinje (33 kilometers north of Budva) and maintaining a refreshing temperature of 10º C all year round. Guided tours lead through several karstic halls and passages, forming a 2.5-km-deep underground expanse.
Cetinje
Also referred to as the Old Royal Capital of Montenegro, Cetinje is a small town that is located at the foot of Mount Lovcen, between Budva and Podgorica.
Try Paragliding or Parasailing
April through October is the paragliding season in Montenegro, affording panoramic views of its spectacular coastal scenery, Brajici, a small village above Budva, is one of the premier launching sites for paragliders in the country, and over the last 40-odd years, it has seen a surge of novices and pros gliding from here over Budva and beyond.
Depending on the air currents, your (tandem) flight may last as long as 20 minutes or more, with breathtaking views of Sveti Nikola Island and Becici Beach. While paragliding does not come without risks, experienced teams such as Paragliding Montenegro have been in business for many years and take every possible precaution.
Visit a Museum
While probably not the first thing on your mind when coming to Budva in the summer, the off-season is the perfect time of the year for becoming a culture vulture and visiting Budva’s City Museum, where you’ll be amazed to see a collection of interesting and unique archeological finds, including an Illyrian helmet from the 4th century BC.
Learn Horse Riding
For something a little different, take horse riding lessons or try hippotherapy at Monterancho, a small but amazing equine ranch located in one of the hamlets above Budva, overlooking the old town. They offer a well-looked-after collection of beautiful horses of all sizes, perfect for both children and adults to learn to ride or upgrade their skills.
There’s also the option to participate in the annual summer camp which is geared towards all children aged 10 – 18 with a burning passion for horses. The idea is for them to practice and elevate their dressage and develop a deeper connection with their horse. Each of the three weekly programs in July and August consists of many fun group activities that will keep the kids happy for days.
Discover Budva’s Nightlife
Budva’s nightlife mainly revolves around nightclubs and bars along its paved seaside walkway, attractive yacht marina, and charming piazzas and cobblestone streets of the old town. Most nightlifers begin their evening with dinner in a nice waterfront eatery before sauntering to the harbor for cocktails beside the yachts and ancient city walls.
Since Budva’s bars and clubs are so close together, you don’t even need to commit to a single venue for the night. The only exception is Top Hill Nightclub, which as the name might already suggest, sits on a hillside location outside of town. While outdoor music is allowed until midnight, some cocktail lounges, pubs, and nightclubs are open until the wee hours of the morning.
Attend a Local Event
When you attend the annual International Carnival celebrations in Budva, it’s a social event drawing everyone in over an extended weekend in early May. With more than 3000 participants from more than 10 countries who are dressed in vibrant Venetian-style carnival costumes with masks, this popular event surely has plenty of character, and there is lots of singing and dancing as well.
Besides the main carnival processions, which include a fun and well-received kid’s parade, more than 25 open-air concerts are organized during these joy-filled days that traditionally also kick off the yearly summer season. What’s more? Grad Teatar (Theater City) is a popular cultural event in the peak of the summer, including an abundance of theatre performances, open-air cinema, live music, and the like.
Test Your Luck at a Casino
Every day from the early afternoon to late at night, you can ride your luck at one of Budva’s casinos. A game of Texas Hold’em Poker, Blackjack, or Roulette is a refreshing change from the scorching summer heat for many holidaymakers. The newest addition to Montenegro’s gambling scene is located within the premises of the Merit Starlit Hotel, in an exclusive area close to the old town.
The 5-star Maestral Resort in Przno also has a relatively small casino on-site that is open year-round and offers everything from American Roulette, Baccarat, and their own version of poker. This casino is particularly known for its exhilarating high-stake games, as evidenced by the recent 20-million dollar loss by George Cottrell experienced here.
Furthermore, there’s also a popular casino – also run by Merit – located within the 5-star Hotel Splendid in Becici, where the roulette tables are usually full and cards are being shuffled until the last gambler has left the room. The casino is located on the last floor, offering panoramic views of the Adriatic.
Hotel Splendid
Montenegro’s first 5-star resort, Hotel Splendid Conference & Spa sits right on the Becici beachfront, offering plenty of fun on its designated casino floor.
Hotel Maestral
The Maestral Resort & Casino is a 5-star hotel located in the picturesque fishing village of Przno close to Budva. The Maestral Casino is popular with high rollers.