The Budva Riviera
The Budva Riviera, or Budvanska Rivijera as it’s called in the local dialect, is one of this tiny Balkan nation’s most esteemed locations. Occupying the central stretch of Montenegro’s 293-kilometer-long Adriatic coastline, this region certainly boasts magnificent beaches, lovely coves, idyllic coastal towns, great food, and a laid-back Mediterranean atmosphere.
If you can embrace some of its imperfections, most notably overdevelopment, traffic jams, and improper waste management in Budva proper, and come with an open mind, you’ll absolutely love the eclectic Budva Riviera. From the sun-drenched Jaz Beach in the north to Buljarica on its southern border, this narrow slice of paradise has long been a magnet for (mainly Eastern) Europeans of every persuasion.
Budva
Budva’s seaside walkway is perfect for leisurely strolls, morning coffees, and romantic dinners. Its historic center is vibrant throughout the summer months.
Jaz Beach
Jaz Beach is one of the most family-friendly beaches in Montenegro, with both sandy and pebbly sections. Sheltered from large waves, watersports are also a thing here.
The Budva Riviera boasts 25 kilometers of pristine coastline, with beaches ranging from secluded coves backed by dramatic, pine-draped cliffs to vibrant, family-friendly sandy stretches with an abundance of watersports. The AMAN Sveti Stefan resort island and Villa Milocer are known the world over for their splendor and beauty.
From the romantic promenades of Petrovac na Moru and Rafailovici to the see-and-be-seen boardwalk of Budva, there are a whole lot of places to explore year-round, including Budva’s 2,500-year-old historic center and Sveti Nikola Island. The region is also known for its many events like the annual Carnival Celebrations, creating a vibrant cultural scene along the entire Budva Riviera.
Sveti Nikola Island
A popular day trip and scuba diving destination off the coast of Budva, the pretty Sveti Nikola Island also draws visitors thanks to its pristine beaches.
Watersports in Montenegro
Scuba diving, snorkeling, kitesurfing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and parasailing are some of the most popular watersports in Montenegro.
Even though it’s a relatively small geographical area, the Budva Riviera offers a great variety of coastal resorts, all with their own unique charm and ambiance. These range from traditional fishing villages such as Przno and Petrovac to chic retreats like Sveti Stefan and Becici, and of course, Budva proper. Whether you’re looking for the perfect people-watching spots or a more understated luxury vibe, here are some of the can’t-miss-destinations on the Budva Riviera.
Sveti Stefan
Discover Sveti Stefan, a beautiful coastal town south of Budva, offering everything you need for a relaxed yet family-friendly coastal getaway.
Sveti Stefan
Picture-perfect Sveti Stefan has all the sought-after attributes of a perfect Adriatic refuge: crystal-clear waters, charming stone architecture, and towering mountains surrounding it, and at the same time, is less crowded than some of its neighbors. Its three beaches – Sveti Stefan Beach, Milocer Beach, and Queens Beach – are all but empty in the off-season.
This is in large part owing to the fact that most of the beach acreage is administered by the AMAN Sveti Stefan Resort, and the pricey rentable sun loungers are free of bargain-hunting tourists. With over 250 days of sunshine per year, beautifully landscaped gardens, and quality Adriatic cuisine, it’s an ideal spot for a day trip.
Milocer Beach
Milocer Beach seduces leisure lovers with its fine pebbles, park-like landscapes, and views of the picturesque, fortified resort island of Sveti Stefan.
Famed for having hosted numerous Hollywood actors back in the day, including Marilyn Monroe and Sophia Lauren, today Sveti Stefan rather seems to attract professional athletes and the international jet set, as evidenced by David and Victoria Beckham’s multiple summers spent here. The luxurious resort island is connected to the mainland via an elegant causeway, with beaches to both sides and overlooking pine-and-olive-clad hills and Mount Lovcen in the distance.
The coastal town of Sveti Stefan itself combines modern apartment buildings, boutique hotels, and classic Mediterranean-style residential homes, winding up along the street from the waterfront to the Adriatic coastal road above. If the beach calls, there are a few beach clubs on-site, which is typical for this region, and some public stretches of red pebbles, too.
Sveti Stefan Beach
You will have to fight a bit to get your towel on the pebbles in the public section in July and August, but Sveti Stefan Beach is still very appealing, especially in the off-season.
Budva
The beachfront town of Budva curves for more than two kilometers around a wide and sheltered bay, just north of the craggy, forested Zavala Peninsula that is home to the 5-star Dukley Resort. On the bay’s northern flank, Budva’s Old Town is guarded by centuries-old ramparts and Fort Mogren, which overlooks the historic center from a commanding position, one hundred meters above sea level.
Budva is the perfect blend of urban summer buzz and laid-back Mediterranean beach life. Stroll around the maze of boutique-filled cobblestone streets to soak up the old-town atmosphere and people-watch, wander around the glitzy yacht marina, admiring the polished yachts, and then head to the golden pebbles of Mogren or Slovenska Beach for swimming, snorkeling, watersports, or simply sunbathing on a sun lounger with coffee or cocktail in hand.
Take a saunter along Budva’s pretty, palm-lined coastal promenade, where cozy waterfront taverns serving Adriatic specialties share precious real estate with modern hotels and condo buildings. You could easily linger an entire afternoon or evening here, sharing a seafood platter with your partner, friend, or family, and a bottle of chilled Montenegrin Chardonnay.
Budva’s Historic Center
Meander through the narrow, cobbled streets of Budva’s Old Town and discover its charming little courtyards, boutiques, and restaurants.
Mogren Beach
Take the scenic coastal pathway separating Mogren Beach from Budva’s lovely historic center and reach the crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering cliffs.
Petrovac
Just 25 minutes from Budva, the much quieter Petrovac na Moru is a typical fishing village turned Riviera resort town. Here, an eclectic mix of traditional stone houses and apartment buildings cling to the verdant hillside, looking out over the greenish-blue Adriatic Sea adorned with small yachts and bobbing fishing boats.
Alongside Petrovac’s picturesque coastal promenade, there are plenty of cafes and waterfront restaurants housed in old stone buildings, so take the opportunity to sit down, with a refreshing drink in hand, and luxuriate the day away. For a more active morning or afternoon, spend some time strolling to one of those picturesque, neighboring coves on both sides.
Petrovac na Moru
A charming and family-friendly coastal town that also draws many couples and older travelers in the off-season, Petrovac has a lot going for it.
Swimming in Petrovac is easy; a narrow strip of red pebbles (too crowded in the peak of summer) wraps around the shoreline, half of it open to the public and great for a quick and easy dip. You can also imitate the locals who love to swim off the rocks at the town’s marina, where the water is clear and there’s good snorkeling. Alternatively, Lucice Beach or Perazica Do Beach are within easy walking distance, offering a winning combination of pristine natural surroundings and good amenities.
For panoramic views of the mainland and revitalizing, protected landscapes free of crowds, take a 15-minute boat ride to the two islets off Petrovac’s coast: Katic, known for its lighthouse and rich maritime biodiversity, and Saint Nedjelja, the rocky outcrop with the Orthodox church on top; it is a custom for visitors to climb the winding stairs and ring the church bells.
A drive up the coast towards Budva reveals some of Montenegro’s most exclusive real estate, where converted stone cottages and lavish villas recline under olive trees or lounge atop the cliffy and dramatic coastline. Pro tip: At the end of August, the town goes all out with its ‘The Night of Petrovac’ festival, a celebration that fills up the promenade with food stalls and live music.
Lucice Beach
Lucice Beach sits in a beautiful cove surrounded by pine trees. We suggest walking up the side for the best views of the sparkling indigo sea and the two islets.
Perazica Do Beach
This sleepy stretch of coast north of Petrovac is rocky and dramatic. Visit Perazica Do Beach for a peaceful yet untamed Adriatic experience.
Becici
The architecturally modern and contemporary Becici is considered by many to be a good option for a base when vacationing in Budva. While in itself not one of the most fascinating coastal towns in Montenegro – no historic center and many towering apartment buildings – Becici offers a whole range of leisure activities.
These include strolling along the seaside promenade which connects Becici to Kamenovo Beach and the old town, coetaneously inhaling the salty breeze from the Adriatic, or swimming in the stupendously clear waters, to enjoying a variety of watersports, including parasailing and waterskiing, or taking a boat trip to Sveti Nikola Island for snorkeling or leisure.
One of the biggest draws here, apart from the striking views of Sveti Nikola Island, is Fort Kosmac, a former Austro-Hungarian fortress perched atop a dominating hill north of town. This 3-storey structure (now in ruins) is marked by impressive-looking ramparts and watchtowers, overlooking the entire Budva Riviera.
Becici Beach
Becici is a family-friendly town beach, so it does fill up quickly in the high season but its crescent of soft beige pebbles blends perfectly with the deep blue Adriatic.
Kamenovo Beach
Thanks to its stylish beach club, Kamenovo Beach is particularly popular with a younger crowd that comes here to relax, drink cocktails, and play beach volleyball.
Przno
Within just 10 minutes of driving distance by car from Budva, Przno is an idyllic spot for all-day bathing, particularly in the off-season. The Indigo-blue waters of the Adriatic flood the surrounding bays, many of which are considered to be the most beautiful in the whole of Montenegro, so it’s easy to spend long sun-drenched hours stretched out on the pocket-sized piece of public beach or some of the rentable sun loungers on the private sections.
It costs a lot to enter Hotel Maestral’s beach area, but there are also lower-priced options (not exactly cheap either) on the other side of the beach. Przno is seriously picturesque – a cluster of historic stone cottages with colorful window shutters hug the small harbor dotted with fishing boats, rocky outcrops, and small islets.
Przno Beach
Backed by a row of charming stone cottages, with fine pebbles, calm waters, and lovely vistas along its riveting coastline, Przno Beach is perfect not only in the off-season.
It’s easy to see how, many poets, novelists, and famous Yugoslav painters, including Marko Celebonovic, Milo Milunovic, and Vuko Radovic, were inspired by this lovely scenery. Especially the impressionists would often set up their tripods around here, entranced by the glistening quality of the morning and evening lights.
After a leisurely afternoon spent lazing on the beach and swimming or snorkeling in the sun-warmed water, visit one of the beachfront restaurants (you can’t go wrong with Konoba More or Porat) with outdoor terraces that spill onto the sand. This is the perfect opportunity to try Mussels a la Buzara, the light seafood stew that is popular all along the Eastern Adriatic coast. We suggest staying until the evening hours for the sunset.
Budva’s Top Beaches
Discover the best beaches in Budva, from intimate coves with crystal-clear waters to sandy stretches with good amenities, perfect for a family day at the beach.