Drobni Pijesak Beach
Drobni Pijesak is a heavenly, Blue-Flag beach located halfway between the popular resorts of Petrovac and Sveti Stefan, and just 12 kilometers away from buzzing Budva. Carved into one of the wildest and most dramatic parts of Montenegro’s Adriatic coast and backed by beautiful Mediterranean vegetation, Drobni Pijesak Beach is a real sanctuary, far removed from the demands of stressful daily lives. People come here to tune out and recharge.
The water surrounding it is truly spectacular – calm and Carribean-blue – and certainly one of the main appeals for visitors. At 250 meters long, Drobni Pijesak Beach has medium-sized white pebbles, but there is also a rocky stretch. While this beach is more about relaxing and socializing, you’ll still see some families with children here as well.
Blue Flag Beaches
Montenegro’s Blue Flag Beaches come in many forms and sizes, from intimate coves with crystal-clear waters to family-friendly long stretches of sand.
On-site, you can rent sun loungers, umbrellas, and Bali beds for the day and there are showers, toilets, and changing cabins. Alternatively, place your towel right on the beach – in the public section. Drobni Pijesak is all about the chill vibes and there usually is very little desire for any water sports activities – there are other beaches for that, for example, nearby Becici.
Beachgoers instead love to relax here on the ultra-comfortable sun loungers and cabanas, luxuriate in the warm glow of the sun on the coastal cliffs (great photo opportunities!), or at the beach bar, sipping cocktails and Aperol Spritz. It should surprise no one that Drobni Pijesak is widely regarded as one of the best beaches in Montenegro.
Watersports in Montenegro
Kayaking, sailing, kitesurfing, scuba diving, parasailing, and jet skiing are some of the most popular watersports in Montenegro. Read on to find out more!
Things to do
Drobni Pijesak sits on the Budva Riviera, which is surrounded by activity, yet the cliffs create an intimacy that makes this beach feel sheltered and exclusive. With white pebbles and transparent waters, Drobni Pijesak is an ideal beach for swimming and snorkeling. There is a mooring dock and rocky outcrops to either side, which turn into jumping spots for the venturesome and local youth.
Its low-lying cliffs also offer some decent coasteering routes. Due to its small size, there are really no water sports for hire here, but it’s still an incredibly idyllic destination for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, especially in calm weather – you will just have to bring your own equipment.
Coasteering
Try coasteering in Montenegro which is a new adventure sport similar to canyoning, allowing you to get to hidden and isolated stretches of shoreline.
Safety and Access
There are lifeguards on duty during the summer months and safe swim zones are properly marked with buoys. Drobni Pijesak Beach can either be accessed via boat or down a steep winding road by car or motorbike. You’ll be able to leave your vehicle in one of the two conveniently located parking lots above the beach and walk the remaining 100 meters.
You can also look for parking along the road (definitely not recommended for beginners), which is free but can be challenging to find, especially at the height of the season. Forget about arriving by bus: you will die of exhaustion before reaching the bus stop up on the coastal road. Consider taking a taxi for a less stressful travel experience. This is also a good beach for anchoring your boat for the day.
Due to its steep access, this beach is not recommended for anyone with mobility issues or families with strollers. Water shoes are a must for everyone with sensitive feet. For a less challenging day by the sea on the Budva Riviera, visit one of the beaches in Petrovac or nearby Becici Beach.
Petrovac na Moru
Petrovac is a picturesque and family-friendly coastal town close to Drobni Pijesak with a small marina and promenade lined with waterfront restaurants, shops, and cafes.
Becici Beach
Located between Sveti Stefan and Budva, Becici Beach is a family-friendly pebbly stretch with plenty of facilities and available water sports.
Restaurants close to the Beach
A local beach bar is most loved for its cocktails – best consumed while watching the sun disappear below the horizon – but also serves a good range of dishes besides the typical Mediterranean beach fare. It is particularly popular with younger crowds and has a laid-back boho vibe.
Smokov Vijenac is a family-run restaurant set on a rocky outcropping with a large al-fresco terrace and a menu focused on grilled meats, fish, and seafood. Reservations are usually not required here. Further back along the coastal road, in the direction of Budva, you’ll find more eateries, including Olivine, Pastrovica Dvori, and Bankada, all of which offer panoramic sea views and good Adriatic cuisine.
Budva
A bustling coastal town with a 2,500-year-long history and mild climate, Budva attracts thousands of visitors each year who come for the beaches, nightlife, and relaxed vibes.
Hotels near Drobni Pijesak
There are several decent hotels in proximity to the beach, as well as a good number of luxury holiday villa rentals with swimming pools. In recent years, some higher-end hotels started popping up nearby, including the 4-star Vivid Blue and the 5-star Ananti Resort, which comes with private beach access and breathtaking views.
Otherwise, it is best to look for accommodations in the nearby coastal towns. Just a 10-minute car ride away is Petrovac, a family-friendly resort that has remained classy yet accessible throughout the years. Sveti Stefan is even closer, offering a range of hotel accommodations and self-catering apartments.
Sveti Stefan
One of Montenegro’s most iconic holiday destinations, the old town of Sveti Stefan is built on an island that is connected to the mainland via a narrow causeway.