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Budva Old Town
Budva is a rapidly growing resort town on the central stretch of Montenegro’s Adriatic coast. While its new neighborhoods revolve around modern high-rise apartment buildings, traditional two-story stone buildings with terracotta roofs and Mediterranean-style window shutters make up the pretty scenery in Budva’s 2,500-year-old historic quarter.
There are just over 200 residents living here and all the services needed to not only provide for them but also the thousands of sightseers visiting each year. Relaxed and captivating, the maze of cobble-stoned streets is fully pedestrianized and bears a resemblance to Kotor’s Old Town but at the same time also exudes its own very special charm.
Attention: Walking the streets of Budva’s Old Town bare-chested or in swimwear is frowned upon and not allowed. Please stick to the dress code to avoid paying hefty fines.
Budva
Swim in coves of crystalline waters, get lost in the beautiful narrow alleyways in the old town, and savor Adriatic cuisine at one of Budva’s waterfront restaurants.
Budva’s History and Culture
There are signs of human occupation in this area from Illyrian, Greek, Roman, Serbian, and Venetian times. The most significant archaeological site is the Budva Necropolis which is located between Hotel Avala and the main entrance into the old town (Porta di terra ferma). It’s a large cemetery with almost 500 graves from the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
Also from the Roman age are the remains of a Roman villa (Villa Urbana) from the 2nd century AD, including a beautiful mosaic showing sea creatures. It is estimated that Budva was founded by Illyrian tribes in the 5th century BC, as evidenced by three Illyrian-type helmets from that period found in the same necropolis.
In the early Middle Ages, Budva was a typical Byzantian (Eastern Roman) coastal town with a predominantly Illyro-Greek population, but there were also other European tradesmen living among them. During that period, Serbs and other South Slavs were living on the outskirts of town in a rural setting until Budva became part of the Serbian Empire at the end of the 12th century and the official Town Charter was confirmed by Dusan the Mighty.
But it was probably the Venetians who shaped present-day Budua (its Italian name) the most. During their 350-year-long rule (1443 – 1797), they left behind a notable architectural and cultural legacy. A Venetian dialect was spoken in Budva well into the 19th century, and there still are the annual Carnival festivities that are celebrated to this day.
Budva’s Venetian city walls positioned along the seafront are well-preserved, and back in the day would have served in the defense against pirates and potential invaders, especially the Ottomans. Set within the city walls are six entrance gateways – four facing north, one overlooking Ricardova Glava Beach, and the main Porta di terra ferma, opening onto the square in front of Hotel Avala.
Things to do in Budva
Among the best things to do in Budva are paragliding, taking a day trip to Sveti Nikola Island, scuba diving into the Oreste shipwreck, and leisurely coastal hikes.
Major Attractions
The Budva Citadel is the most emblematic building in the historic center. The elevated position of its upper observation deck means spectacular panoramic views of the old town, the charming harbor, and Sveti Nikola Island. You’ll also get plenty of photo opportunities walking atop Budva’s City Walls, allowing you to peek inside the heart of the old town, with its beautiful and picturesque courtyards.
Those majestic bulwarks are more than 1,000 years old but were later reinforced and raised in height by the talented craftsmen of the Venetian Republic (1443 – 1797) and Austro-Hungarian Empire (1814 – 1918). The best time for a tour of the ramparts would be the late afternoon / early evening hours when the sun slowly sets below the horizon, turning the sky red, blood orange, and pink.
Sveti Nikola Island
Discover Sveti Nikola Island, a picturesque 2-kilometer-long island off the coast of Budva, offering pristine beaches and panoramic vistas.
Soak up the atmosphere from above before strolling down to Citadel Square to admire some of Budva’s oldest and most captivating churches, most notably the Church of St. John the Baptist – Sveti Ivan in Montenegro; Budva’s patron saint – boasting a 36-meter tall bell tower and a colorful glass mosaic altar with the ancient Madonna of Budva icon, the Church of St. Sabba the Sanctified, and the Holy Trinity Church, which is renowned for its blue-golden murals and vibrant icons.
Budva’s Old Town is small and can easily be explored on foot, and walk just a couple of steps further and you’ll run into the 9th-century Church of Virgin Mary (Santa Maria in Punta), sitting on the outer edges of town and facing the Adriatic. It was erected by the Benedictines as part of a monastery and is one of the oldest religious edifices in this part of the Mediterranean.
Wander along the narrow cobblestone streets to the charming Poet’s Square, where during the summer months, many literary evenings and other performances take place almost daily. Consider visiting Budva’s City Museum, which holds a varied collection of archaeological and ethnographic objects (incl. the Illyrian helmets) from Budva and its surroundings, to learn more about its culture and rich, turbulent past.
Within walking distance of the social heart of town, located on the coastal pathway towards Mogren Beach, the iconic bronze sculpture of a female ballet dancer evokes movement and intrigue. The life-size artwork sits gracefully amid the Old Town and Sveti Nikola Island, providing contrast between the new and old – the perfect photo motif!
Mogren Beach
A lovely stretch of golden pebbles just a few steps away from the old town, Mogren Beach stands out with crystal-clear waters, watersports, and good amenities.
Restaurants in or near the Old Town
Despite its modest size, Budva’s Old Town has quite a variety of restaurants along its historic alleyways and waterfront, for all tastes and budgets. The long-running and quite affordable Regina E graciously delivers traditional Adriatic fare. It has atmospheric outdoor seating, overlooking the beautiful yachts docked in the marina.
For fresh and authentic Montenegrin and Dalmatian coastal cuisine, try Rivijera, a tavern-style eatery with a leafy courtyard that is located on a quaint back street. A romantic al-fresco terrace beside the water gives Citadela a natural advantage; their menu includes grilled fish, steaks, lamb chops, and classic Mediterranean specialties such as octopus salad.
Budva’s Top Restaurants
Budva’s best restaurants are dotted throughout the entire town, from cozy old taverns to waterfront restaurants serving fresh Adriatic fare – something for all.
Beaches near the Historic Center
There are four pebbly bays, all within a short walking distance of each other, offering rentable sun loungers, parasols, and a range of watersports. Mogren Beach is popular with beachgoers of all ages for its golden pebbles and crystal-clear waters, although it gets busy in the peak of the summer. It is divided into two halves, Mogren I and Mogren II, with an on-site restaurant on the latter one.
Slovenska Beach is the main city beach, extending over 1,500 meters from the old town to the Zavala Peninsula. Ricardova Glava Beach is wedged between the ancient city walls and Hotel Avala’s outdoor pool, making it very scenic and popular with hotel guests and providing a stylish setting for sundowners. Pizana Beach is an often-overlooked tiny stretch of pebbles on the other side of the historic center.
Mogren Beach
Picturesque, well-visited, and close to the old town, Mogren Beach is a great choice, especially in the off-season. Crystalline waters and good snorkeling!
Watersports in Montenegro
Scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and kitesurfing are some of the most popular watersports in Montenegro. Read on to find out more!
Hotels in or near the Old Town
For visitors looking to stay within the walled town, there are dozens of charming self-serviced apartment rentals but also a few boutique hotels such as the 4-star Hotel Astoria, sitting right on Ricardova Glava Beach, and La Villa Boutique Hotel, a beautiful 17th-century seafront palazzo with just 5 rooms, overlooking Budva’s glitzy yacht marina.
Hotel Avala finds itself well-located just a stone’s throw away from the main city gate. It is Budva’s oldest hotel and has a fabulous round infinity pool, a decent pampering hub, and private beach access. One of the most luxurious accommodations close to the historic center is the newly-opened 5-star Hotel Merit Starlit, which comes with an on-site casino and two restaurants, serving refined cuisine, including Turkish.
Budva’s Top Hotels
Budva’s family-friendly beachfront and its well-preserved ancient city walls have made it a major tourist hub. Discover the best hotels in Budva.
Events in the Old Town
Budva’s Old Town offers a broad spectrum of cultural activities throughout the year, including a series of events in July and August called ‘Grad Teatar’ (Theater City), comprising stage shows, open-air concerts, and literary evenings. Budva celebrates the festive season and the turn of the year with the Adriatic Streetfoo Festival and an abundance of open-air concerts.
The annual Carnival Celebrations take place over an extended weekend at the beginning of May. The event traditionally kicks off with the ABRUM, a theatrical warm-up ceremony notifying participants and visitors that the festivities have officially started. The following day is reserved for the main Carnival parade which includes plenty of singing and dancing. People also look forward to the children’s parade and masquerade ball on the third day – good vibes guaranteed.
Shopping in the Old Town
The Old Town of Budva has a small supermarket (a cheaper and much larger one is just outside the city walls), a pharmacy, a bookstore, and several real estate agents. You’ll also find two dozen or so boutiques here, selling clothes, gifts, jewelry, souvenirs, and home decorations. From Monday through Friday (7 am – 3 pm), there is a farmer’s market right behind the TQ shopping mall.
Living in the Old Town
Budva’s historic center is small, counting a population of only 220 people who live here year-round. While having an abundance of shops, bars, and eateries, it also has all the basic amenities and services for day-to-day living, including easy access to banks, government agencies, bus stops, water taxis, and a ferry boat line to Dubrovnik, Croatia.
The nearest (pre-) schools, daycare & medical centers are within walking distance of the old town. Due to the limited supply, there is never a large number of properties for sale at any given moment. The price for a small studio apartment starts at 150,000 Euros while larger apartments go for 300,000 – 500,000 Euros. Living within the walled town is not suitable for people with reduced mobility and those looking for a slower pace of life – expect many people visiting in the peak of the season.
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