Petrovac Montenegro
For many first-time visitors, Petrovac with its two little islets, is love at first sight. At least it was for George Jovanovic, a young architect from Belgrade, who came to be the first tourist visiting this charming coastal town in the 1920s and remained the town’s most loyal fan in the decades to come.
Petrovac is known for its attractive coastal promenade that is lined with many waterfront restaurants, cafes, and bars, and is just 18 kilometers from Budva. The town center which is characterized by its beautiful stone architecture, enjoys a marvelous backdrop of towering mountains.
Budva
Discover the metropolis of Montenegrin summer tourism – Budva. Known for its beautiful beaches, ancient old town, and vibrant nightlife.
Petrovac is a quintessential resort for a traditional family beach vacation and has three beaches: the 2,400-meter stretch known as Buljarica Beach, the smaller cove Lucice Beach, and the main Petrovac Beach that extends from north to south along the promenade.
All the facilities and amenities for a perfect sand and sun family holiday are here and much more than that. This guide explores the best that Petrovac has to offer and includes all the information you want to know to make the most of this unhurried yet culturally satisfying fishing village turned coastal resort.
Lucice Beach
Lucice Beach is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Montenegro. It is within footwalk distance of Petrovac’s town center.
Petrovac History & Culture
The earliest marks left on Petrovac’s native landscape are from the Romans, who arrived here more than 1,600 years ago and left behind a substantial archaeological imprint in the form of Roman mosaics that can be visited today close to Saint Elijah Church.
Petrovac was primarily inhabited by the Pastrovici tribe during the Middle Ages. Lastva, as it was known back then, was first mentioned in a letter from a local priest in the 12th century. Petrovac’s more recent history is eternally tied to the Venetians who ruled from 1423 to their demise in 1797 over Petrovac.
Under Venetian rule, the town prospered, and during the 16th century, the Kastio Fortress (Castello) was erected at the northern end of the town, protecting Kastel Lastva (name during Venetian era) from pirates and invaders. When Montenegro became part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1918, the town’s name was changed to Petrovac – in honor of the then-ruling King Peter I.
Major Attractions
Kastio Fortress, which offers breathtaking vistas to all sides, still remains and is today the signature landmark of Petrovac. Atop you will find two well-preserved metal cannons and a Partisan war memorial, commemorating local residents and other victims of fascism at the time of the period 1940-1945.
The quay below, which is dominated by small fishing boats and anglers, is also the terminus for couples and families strolling along the lovely promenade. The area around Petrovac Harbor offers several good waterfront restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy a glass of local wine or beer and watch the world go by.
Perazica Do Beach
Take the picturesque walkway towards Rezevici to arrive at Perazica Do Beach, known for its turquoise waters and the abandoned hotel.
The 14th-century Saint Elijah Church sits on the parallel street to the coastal promenade and is adorned with beautiful Byzantine-style frescos. Take the walk up from there along the clifftops towards Rezevici and Perazica Do Beach. The pathway is framed by cypresses and here and there you get glimpses of Kastio Fortress, the two islets, and the stunning mountainscape of Petrovac.
‘Katic’ and ‘Sveta Nedjelja’ are the two islands that lie about a kilometer in front of Petrovac and constitute one of the town’s most important landmarks. Sveta Nedjelja is the islet with a small church on top. Due to its proximity to the coast, it is one of the most popular places to visit while in Petrovac.
You can go there by kayak, paddle boat, or boat. Boats go back and forth between the island and the marina frequently. It is a custom to ring the church bell when on the island; you can do so by pulling the rope. Neighboring Katic is rich in underwater life, and both islands are marine protected areas.
Things to do in Petrovac
The most favored activity in Petrovac is luxuriating on the beach or dining at one of the many bars and beachfront restaurants. Because of its easy access to the Adriatic Highway and the nearby national parks – Skadar Lake and Lovcen National Park – Petrovac makes an ideal base for hikers, bikers, and nature lovers.
For the younger generation, there is also the popular Lightland, a family light park located in the forests above Petrovac. The watersports offer is nothing short of extensive, including boat trips to wild beaches and picturesque islands, and there are also paragliding flights available for the adrenaline junkies.
Things to do in Petrovac
Kayak to the Katic and Sveta Nedjelja islands, go scuba diving, or simply relax on one of the beaches; here is a list of the best things to do in Petrovac.
The Beaches in Petrovac
Petrovac offers three major beaches and two minor ones that are all within walking distance from the town center. Petrovac Beach is the main beach stretching from the quay at the northern end to the ‘Ponta Beach Club’. Its small pink-colored pebbles are a nice contrast to the blue hues of the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea.
Petrovac Beach
The 600-meter-long Petrovac Beach sits right at the coastal promenade and is very popular with visitors and locals alike.
The 250-meter-long Lucice Beach sits in a picturesque cove with pine forests to both ends of the beach and little to no construction. It’s one of the most idyllic and best beaches in Montenegro for obvious reasons, particularly out of season. Its soft beige pebbles and quaint natural setting attract many tourists
Even though it lies in a secluded cove, there are still a couple of beachfront restaurants in Lucice; the best one is ‘Medin’, a traditional local eatery that serves superb Pizza but also a wide array of meat and fish dishes. Walking further south from there, you will arrive at Buljarica Beach, the longest beach on the Budva Riviera.
Budva Riviera
The Budva Riviera is known for its beautiful beaches, and Petrovac sits right in the middle with plenty of beaches to choose from.
Buljarica is a small village next to Petrovac and has been a sought-after camping destination for many decades. It is also increasingly popular with couples and families who are looking to escape the crowds. Alternatively, you can walk from Petrovac towards Rezevici along a beautiful pinewood trail.
It will take you through some tunnels before reaching the secluded, wild Perazica Do Beach which is split in two by a large rock formation with a large, abandoned hotel at one end. The water here is clean and turquoise-colored, perfect for snorkeling. There are two beach bars here, where refreshing drinks and savory meals can be purchased.
Halfway between Petrovac and Perazica Do, you will come across a small cove with a beautiful red-pebbled beach. You cannot access it by land and need to go by boat or kayak instead. Boat rides are available from Petrovac Marina for a couple of Euros.
Surrounding Areas of Petrovac
Budva is the most obvious town to visit nearby. Being the oldest, largest, and also busiest settlement on the Budva Riviera, it differs dramatically in ambiance and feel. Budva, also known as the ‘Epicenter of Montenegrin Tourism’, is known for its Venetian-era Old Town and its interesting history and can be reached within half an hour’s drive.
Budva Old Town
Budva’s Old Town is the oldest settlement along Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, home to numerous lively bars, restaurants, and shops.
If your idea of the perfect beach is one without a gift shop in sight, you will find your vacation nirvana at Drobni Pijesak Beach. An alluring natural cove sitting 7 kilometers north of Petrovac, there is a sense of remoteness and island feel you won’t find at some of the busier resorts.
A trip to exquisite Sveti Stefan, the island resort home to some of the most beautiful beaches and landscapes in Montenegro, is a truly memorable experience. Nestled along the wild and rugged coastline of the Budva Riviera, Sveti Stefan is a peninsula of astonishing natural beauty, famed for its isolated glamour.
Sveti Stefan
The luxurious island resort of Sveti Stefan together with its surrounding beaches is probably the most beautiful spot along Montenegro’s coast.
Events in Petrovac
Petrovac’s lovely coastal promenade is the location of the annual Night of Petrovac taking place in the last week of August. This is the most popular event coming with all sorts of live entertainment, singing, and dancing. There is also lots of free wine and fried fish.
Also at the end of August, the Red Commune Memorial House in the center of town and the outdoor terrace of the Palas Lux Hotel become the venues for numerous live concerts – as part of the lively Petrovac Jazz Festival which hosts many talented regional and international artists.
Petrovac is also famous for the annual New Year Celebrations that draw big crowds to this beautiful coastal town. Attracting such famous Balkan artists as Jeleza Rozga (Croatia), Ana Bekuta & Milica Pavlovic (Serbia), this 3-day festival brings back a touch of the atmosphere of the hot summer nights.
In September, Petrovac attracts huge numbers of locals and tourists for a moving and atmospheric event. This is the Squid Festival, an event in which local fishermen set out to compete in catching squids. It is accompanied by live music and stalls offering drinks and fried squids.
Restaurants in Petrovac
Petrovac’s coastal promenade is lined with waterfront eateries and bars, with outdoor dining tables where you can take in the town’s unhurried and romantic atmosphere. Restaurants of note include MUN, Tramontana, Katic, and Riva Restaurant. Out of town, Wild Orange in Buljarica uses organic produce grown in their garden.
Best Restaurants in Petrovac
This amicable resort town is a worthwhile stop on your gastronomic tour of Montenegro. Check out the best restaurants in Petrovac.
Hotels in Petrovac
The 4-star Hotel Amfora offers well-appointed rooms and a warm and cozy family-run atmosphere. Its intimate courtyard patio, full of Mediterranean vegetation and also featuring an outdoor swimming pool, is a welcoming escape from the crowds of the adjacent coastal promenade.
Best Hotels in Petrovac
This family-friendly beach resort with its lively promenade is perfect for relaxing by the sea. Here are the best hotels in Petrovac.
Overlooking the lively beachfront promenade, Hotel Riva is a stylish Boutique hotel with private beach access, well-furnished rooms, and an extensive breakfast buffet – probably the best in Petrovac – you won’t find a more central location in Petrovac. If you stay already somewhere else, make sure to splash out on a gourmet dinner at the sophisticated hotel Restaurant.
Immediately bordering on the Hotel Amfora and just a few steps away from the lively walkway, the Hotel Harmony comes about as fresh and modern. The only 5-star hotel in town, the Hotel AMI Petrovac is elegantly appointed and features a good Spa Center among others. It is housed in Petrovac’s tallest building guaranteeing breathtaking vistas.
5-star Luxury in Petrovac
The Hotel AMI (previously Melia) offers contemporary accommodation and top-notch amenities while being close to the center.
Living in Petrovac
Petrovac satisfies many demands as a desirable place to live or at least own a vacation property. It’s a town with a solid, well-established infrastructure and easy access to the main E65 Adriatic Highway, connecting all the coastal towns along the Adriatic shoreline.
There is an unprejudiced attitude to newcomers from abroad – Petrovac has been one of the favorite spots for Eastern Europeans to settle down in the previous decades with a decent offer of new constructions. There is one public elementary school here and even a small hospital.
The intense rainfall during winter creates an incredibly lush terrain, making it a much sought-after area. While the town center is compact and dense, Petrovac’s outskirts are country living at its best – stone cottages with sea and mountain views and contemporary houses set amongst beautifully-gardened grounds.
Residency in Montenegro
Find out about your Montenegro Residency Options and start to call this beautiful country that has it all your new home.
Conclusion
Petrovac is a great choice if you are looking for a calm resort that is pretty close to all major sights along the Montenegrin coast. You can reach Kotor or Tivat within 50 minutes while Budva and Bar are only 25 minutes by car.
Some of the most attractive beaches are just a couple of minutes away such as Drobni Pjesak, Sveti Stefan, Lucice, and Buljarica. Petrovac is the ideal base for exploring the country’s interior on day trips. You can go one day to Lake Skadar and the next to Lovcen National Park and return easily on the same day.