Crvena Glavica Beach
Another one of Montenegro’s hidden gems, Crvena Glavica Beach (not to be confused with the adjacent Crvena Stijena Beach), is a series of small beaches located between the resort towns of Sveti Stefan and Petrovac na Moru, on the Budva Riviera. To its south, it neighbors the lovely cove of Drobni Pijesak, one of Montenegro’s most beautiful beaches.
Named after the crimson-colored cliffs surrounding it, Crvena Glavica Beach is mostly known for the Galija Beach Club which offers a hedonistic but pricey experience, and Crvena Glavica Nudist Beach, a secluded, hard-to-access, and clothes-optional oasis not many visitors to Montenegro know about.
Sveti Stefan
Welcome to Sveti Stefan, an upscale vacation destination south of Budva that is prominent for its picturesque resort island and its beautiful red-pebbled beaches.
Winds do rarely pick up on this part of the coast, but once they do, they bring small waves and currents, which are fun for splashing around. The nude beach is tucked in among steep rocky cliffs and has no facilities whatsoever – a real refuge in every possible way where beachgoers can happily skinny-dip to get that coveted all-over tan. It is protected on both sides by pine-draped cliffs, only adding to the ambiance.
Along the well-maintained beaches of Crvena Glavica, the waters are crystal-clear and perfect for snorkeling. Sun loungers, umbrellas, and Bali beds (in case you want to splurge) are available for hire at the Galija Beach Club. It goes without saying that its clean on-site facilities – showers, changing stations, and toilets – are a major draw for visitors.
Galija Beach
At the Galija Beach Club south of Sveti Stefan, it’s all about the glassy, intensely greenish-blue swim spots, the fun atmosphere, and the great cocktails.
Expect to find a mixed bag of people here, mainly a well-heeled under-40 crowd and families with older children. At night, Crvena Glavica gets into a party mode, with regular (themed) events being organized in its boho-chic surroundings, though watching the sunset from here with a beer or cocktail is already sufficient for most beachgoers.
Tourists might dominate in the peak of the summer, but scores of locals and expats also make the journey from the capital city of Podgorica, Budva, and other nearby coastal towns to soak up this one-of-a-kind atmosphere and scenery that has inspired so many impressionists and other artists for generations.
Budva
Beyond the yacht-filled marina and picture-perfect beaches, the bustling coastal town of Budva is a draw for its open-air events and beautiful historic center.
Access and Safety
Crvena Glavica Nudist Beach is reached via a steep and unpaved trail, making it a bad choice for everyone with impaired mobility. Still, the scenery around it is so picturesque that it has become one of the most popular nude beaches in Montenegro, particularly for those visitors vacationing on the Budva Riviera. And it is easy to see why: it’s the perfect spot for a relaxing seaside escape.
Despite coming with more fiery red pebbles than sand, it’s far from uncomfortable to lie on them because of their small size and softness. Offering the ultimate Robinson-Crusoe experience, with no sun loungers or parasols to rent and no drinks and snacks available, bringing your own towels and other prerequisites is mandatory.
Unpaid parking is available not far from the entrance to the Galija Beach Club, and from there, it’s just a few steps down to the shoreline. There is a public bus from Budva that stops in neighboring Sveti Stefan, roughly two kilometers away from the beach. There is no wheelchair access here, but a lifeguard is on duty from May through October.
Montenegro’s Top Nude Beaches
Explore the best nude beaches in Montenegro, from long stretches of soft sand to sheltered coves with gin-clear waters and good snorkeling.
The Budva Riviera
Discover the Budva Riviera, twenty-five kilometers of pristine coastline and home to some of Montenegro’s most picturesque coves and coastal towns.
Restaurants near the Beach
The Galija Beach Club serves refined MediterrAsian Fusion Cuisine, including sushi, steaks, and grilled seafood. If you are planning to stay at the nudist beach, it is a good idea to bring plenty of water and snacks. A bit further afield in Sveti Stefan, you’ll find good restaurants with a wide range of dishes. Pastrovica Dvori and Bankada are two typical local restaurants in nearby Blizikuce, serving Adriatic fare.
Budva’s Top Eateries
Discover the best restaurants in Budva, from old-town taverns serving local delicacies to sophisticated waterfront restaurants, overlooking the Adriatic.
Hotels near the Beach
The closest accommodations require driving the winding road up towards Sveti Stefan, where you can find a good range of listings for boutique hotels, holiday homes, and self-catering apartment rentals. It is also possible to stay at the modest Crvena Glavica campsite, which offers an immersive nature experience under the shade of pines and olive trees.
Budva’s Top Hotels
Budva offers travelers a range of hotel accommodations, whether you are looking for a stylish boutique stay or a resort-style getaway. Discover the best hotels in Budva.
Nearby Crvena Glavica Beach
The immediate area around the beach is a true refuge, where the closest sights are other beaches to explore. Sveti Stefan is a refined, upscale resort town that is great for sundowners and romantic dinners by the beach, overlooking the picturesque resort island. If you fancy a hike or bike ride, the 7-Bay-Trail starts here as well, taking you via some of Montenegro’s most spectacular coastal landscapes straight to Budva’s Old Town.
Both Budva to the north and Petrovac to the south are full of restaurants, boutiques, and waterfront cafes, and are within a 15-minute driving distance of Crvena Glavica Beach, traffic permitting. Nearby Rezevici has managed to retain its old rural charm and there are a couple of good quality roadside restaurants along the way, making it a great place to enjoy a relaxing lunch or dinner, or visit one of its centuries-old monasteries.
Petrovac na Moru
If you are looking for a family-friendly resort town with a pretty promenade lined with waterfront restaurants and shops, Petrovac shouldn’t be overlooked.
Budva’s Historic Center
With beautiful stone churches and courtyards, and narrow cobbled stone streets dotted with restaurants and shops, Budva’s Old Town is well worth a visit.