Trsteno Beach
Trsteno Beach is a perfect example of why beaches on the Montenegrin Riviera can be so exceptional. Tucked in between the larger resort towns of Budva and Kotor, Trsteno Beach sits in a small cove only about 50 meters wide and 10 meters deep and is ringed by low-hanging limestone cliffs and, admittedly, two outmoded beach clubs – one on each side.
Out of season, it’s a picturesque, tranquil spot that is popular both with tourists and locals, especially families with small children. With soft sand and turquoise-colored water, Trsteno Beach is an ideal beach for splashing around, swimming, and snorkeling, as there are no other watersports available here, most visitors come here just for that, and children love building castles in the fine beige sand that sticks like clay.
Kotor
Surrounded by UNESCO-listed Venetian city walls and towering mountains, Kotor is an absolute must-visit for its incredible setting and laid-back Mediterranean vibes.
In the peak of summer, particularly in August, Trsteno gets overwhelmed by more tourists than it can comfortably handle. A limited number of rentable sunbeds and Bali beds line up tightly spaced, and otherwise, beachgoers set their towels right on the small public beach section, or, on the sea terraces managed by the beach clubs.
On-site, you’ll find facilities with showers, changing cabins, and toilets. Because of its shallow entry – it starts getting chest-deep only after 100 meters or so – the sea naturally warms up much faster during the day. The beach is backed by verdant Mediterranean greenery and looks out onto the southernmost stretches of Montenegro’s Adriatic coast.
Watersports in Montenegro
Kayaking, sailing, kitesurfing, water skiing, and scuba diving are some of the most popular watersports in Montenegro. Read on to find out more!
Safety and Access
Though it feels isolated and secluded, Trsteno Beach is easy to find off the Adriatic coastal road by following the signs coming either from Budva or Kotor. There is (usually sufficient) paid and unpaid parking adjacent to the beach. You can access the beach from a metal stairway and it is just a couple of steps from the parking lot.
Lifeguards may or may not be on duty here, so it’s important to remain watchful, especially with small children. The natural cove of Trsteno, with its sandy base, makes up a good spot for anchoring your boat for the day. Just be careful not to get too close to the beach where it becomes shallow. The nearest port with facilities is in Budva.
Budva
Budva is a bustling resort town with a charming coastal promenade lined with waterfront restaurants and a historic center with centuries-old churches and piazzas.
Things to do
The clear waters filled with a variety of colorful fish and mollusks provide the perfect place to get a taste for snorkeling or scuba diving – excursions to the ‘Oreste’ shipwreck, the Krekavica Cave, and Cape Platamuni can be arranged at the diving center on neighboring Ploce Beach.
Its vicinity to the stone villages of Grbalj makes it a popular choice with hikers and especially cyclists who love to explore the sparsely populated rural coastal areas with its abundance of Orthodox churches and picturesque landscapes. Trsteno Beach is not particularly a relaxing beach for sunbathing and lounging during the tourist season, at least not for too long.
Ploce Beach
Most of the sun loungers and umbrellas on Ploce Beach are placed on concrete decks around the swimming pool. This beach is particularly known for its foam parties.
Restaurants on/near Trsteno Beach
There are two local beach bars on Trsteno Beach – one on each side, overlooking the tiny bay and offering traditional beach fare, drinks, and ice cream. The prices are above average but you can’t beat the view. Grilled or roasted meats and seafood, traditional Balkan meals, and homemade desserts are some of the specialties served up at Restaurant Carevic, a family-friendly eatery with a large outdoor terrace located in Krimovica, perfect for contemplating the sunset.
There are several ice cream parlors, cafes, bars, and restaurants along the beachfront in nearby Jaz, which is just a 5-minute drive away by car. One of the most emblematic eateries close to Trsteno Beach is Restaurant Vista Vidikovac, an elegant venue perched on the cliffs above Mogren Beach, overlooking Budva’s Old Town and Sveti Nikola Island. It specializes in steaks, risotto, and typical regional seafood dishes.
Sveti Nikola Island
A picturesque island off the coast of Budva’s Old Town, Sveti Nikola Island can be visited via water taxi, boat, or kayak from Slovenska Beach and Budva Marina.
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Hotels on/near the Beach
While there are no accommodations on Trsteno Beach itself, a sea glamping site with contemporary facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool, is within a 10-minute walking distance from the beach. For a choice of self-service holiday homes and villas, you’ll need to look in the village of Krimovica.
Hotel Opera is an affordable 3-star hotel along the Adriatic coastal road. About 15 minutes by car or taxi is Budva, where you can find an abundance of accommodation options, from charming boutique hotels and mid-sized luxury hotels to apartment rentals for all tastes and budgets.
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