When I think back on my travels in Montenegro, the Budva Riviera stands out as the beachgoers’ destination.
Mountain adventure starts in Durmitor National Park, and history and boat cruises are more accessible in the Bay of Kotor, but for those Mediterranean beach resort vibes, Budva is the place to be.
I spent some time here on my second trip through the Balkans, and it pleasantly surprised me with its gorgeous old town, wonderful day trips, and glamorous beaches. It reminded me a lot of Ksamil in Albania, with a range of interesting historical sites and diverse beaches nearby.
In this post, I’ll share some of my favorite things to do in Budva, including the coastal villages worth seeing in the region and what beach might fit your style. Plus, I give some accommodation and food tips, which I always find useful when staying somewhere for more than a couple of days.
Here’s my guide to Budva, Montenegro.
Wander Through Budva’s Old Town
The Old Town of Budva, known simply as Stari Grad, is a labyrinth of slim stone alleyways, discreet plazas, and historic buildings. And while it might be a bit confusing to navigate your first time through, it’s equally as beautiful.
Appearing on a rocky peninsula overlooking the Adriatic Sea, the Budva Old Town is the place to be after a long day at the beach. Lovely restaurants line the narrow streets, along with small clothing boutiques, souvenir shops, and a few bustling bars.
If you’ve been to nearby Kotor, you’ll notice some similarities between the two. They are often brought up in tandem by travelers heading through the Balkans, but I find that they each have their own character when you get to know them.
Here are some of the main attractions in Budva’s Stari Grad:
CITY GATES IN THE OLD TOWN
A handful of city gates allow you to enter and exit the old town. You’re most likely to see them all if you explore enough, but they’re worth noting for different reasons.
The Main Gate | This once served as the primary way into and out of the city. It sits near the remains of an antique necropolis and is probably the quickest entry for those wanting to go to the Citadela.
Iron Gate | A simple entryway, but it’s the closest gate to the iconic Budva Bell, a former movie prop from a historic film.
Pizanela Gate | This is the closest gate to Budva Port, and sits at the end of the marina. Pizana Beach is close by, and there’s a pretty icon above the doorway on the interior of the walls.
Gate to the Sea | It’s not really an entryway, but a viewing point at the end of a small street. It’s picturesque and was named Vrata do Mora, which translates to Door to the Sea.
CHURCHES IN OLD TOWN
There are a few small churches in the “center of the maze.” They’re all situated around the aptly named Square of Churches and share a bit of Budva Old Town’s history through the years.
Church of Saint John the Baptist | The 7th to 12th century church is most noticeable by its soaring bell tower, which becomes aglow at night. The church is smack in the middle of Stari Grad, and has a large, very pretty mosaic inside.
Holy Trinity Church | A small Orthodox church that was built after the downfall of the Venetian Republic, either in the late 18th century or early 19th century. The interior is spectacular, with gorgeous colorful murals and iconoclasts.
Church of Santa Maria in Punta | A simple, aging church that was built in the 9th century. It’s pre-Romanesque and is sometimes open to the public.
Church of St. Sabbas the Sanctified | Built in the 12th century, it stands right next to the Church of Santa Maria in Punta. There’s a nice viewpoint along the city walls next to it.
MUSEUMS & ART GALLERIES
Citadela Budva | This is the most iconic building in the Budva Old Town. It doubles as a small museum that houses a room with model ships and the ‘Library in the Citadel,’ but was once the city’s former fortress. The remains of the Church of St. Maria de Castello are also on the property. Entry inside costs €5.50.
Budva City Museum | The three-floor building is considered the city’s main historical museum. You’ll find a modest collection of historical artifacts and an ethnography exhibit. I find it to be a bit more interesting than the Citadela Budva. Entry is €3.
Jovo Ivanovic Modern Gallery | They have a moderate assortment of contemporary art and sometimes host events. Entry is free.
TOWN SQUARES IN STARI GRAD
Square of Churches
Square of Poets
Square of Palms
Explore Budva’s Coastal Beaches
As the most popular resort getaway in Montenegro, you can expect some pretty wonderful beaches in Budva. Think rocky shores, hidden coves, and vibrant turquoise waters, all set amongst a rugged Mediterranean coast. It’s quite elegant!
But with the beauty comes the crowds. During the peak summer season, you can anticipate packed beaches and the typical colorful sun umbrellas in neatly organized rows.
Here’s a breakdown of the beaches around Budva, so you can pick one that fits your style.
Mogren Beach & Mogren Beach 2
In my opinion, the two Mogren beaches are the most picturesque in all of Budva. I mention them together because the only thing separating them is a natural rock arch.
To get here, you’ll need to take a coastal path called the Mogren Beach Footway west of the Old Town. Along the way is the photogenic Budva Ballerina, before it eventually comes to the two beaches.
The sights are stunning, with a mix of soft yellow sand and small pebbles making up the shoreline. High rocky cliffs are in the background, and a couple of restaurants sit underneath them. While the setting is idyllic, it gets extremely crowded in the summer. Most of the beach is taken up by sunbeds, and the water is dotted with tourists lazily floating. Two sunbeds with an umbrella start at €20 and go up depending on crowds and season.
Jaz Beach
Past the Mogren beaches and the cliff that Fort Mogren is on, to the west, is the scenic Jaz Beach. It’s a rocky beach with delightful views of the Budva coastline and a couple of restaurants and bars at its edge.
It gets crowded here, but not nearly as much as the beaches in the center. And because of that, it tends to stay a bit cleaner. Sun loungers start at €10 for one, and some other watersport activities like jetskiing and parasailing are offered.
If you’re up for an adventure, you can head to the more secluded Trsteno Beach or Ploče Beach, both of which are further west from Jaz Beach.
Richard’s Head Beach & Pizana Beach
Richard’s Head Beach, or Plaža Ričardova Glava, is as charming as it is popular. Nestled against the western walls of Stari Grad, it provides easy access to the historic center and wonderful views of the Adriatic and the fortified peninsula.
Sveti Nikola Island is also in clear view, so even if you don’t plan on swimming, I suggest coming for the nice panoramas.
On the opposite side of the Old Town from Richard Head’s Beach, near the Port of Budva, is Pizana Beach. Like its counterpart, it’s tiny but offers some good views of the city and the sea. It’s also less likely to see sun umbrellas up compared to the rest of the beaches.
Slovenska Beach
Slovenska Beach, or Slovenska Plaža, is Budva’s main stretch of shoreline. The Budva Embankment runs the full length of its edge, and so do dozens of restaurants.
While it isn’t the most beautiful beach in the city, it’s definitely the most convenient. You’ll probably end up here at some point, whether it’s for a quick dip before lunch or to enjoy one of the more thrill-seeking activities.
Kayaking and SUP tours leave from this beach and are a great way to see the more hidden coves in the area. They often stop by Pigeon Cave and Calypso Beach to the west, and are a fantastic way to see Budva from a different vantage point, aka the sea!
EDDY Kayak & SUP Rental is the main company I know of, and you can check them out a bit more here on GetYourGuide, or here on Viator.
Sveti Nikola Island & Southeast Beaches | There are a handful of beaches on the Sveti Nikola Island, and several more all along the Budva Riviera to the southeast. I cover these more in later sections.
DIVING IN BUDVA BAY
There are also a couple of dive centers near Slovenska Beach. If you’re certified and want to head out for some underwater adventure, they are worth checking out. The two main shops in Budva are Montenegro Diving and Budva Dive Center. Before choosing one, I’d suggest visiting both and seeing which one you vibe with.
I know Budva Dive Center is PADI certified and has 10 different dive sites they go to, mostly around Sveti Nikola Island. They sometimes have deals here on GetYourGuide.
Have a Peek at the Budva Ballerina
Along the walkway from the historic old town to Mogren Beach, you’ll come across a beautiful bronze statue of a ballerina. Built in 1965, the dancing sculpture has gone by many names over the years.
These include the Budva Dancing Girl and the Budva Gymnast, but most know it simply as the Budva Ballerina. While it is common knowledge that Serbian sculptor Gradimir Aleksic created this figure, the story behind it is a bit of a mystery.
At least for me, it was difficult to determine which story was true about its design.
Some believe its origin comes from a sad lover who waited on the shores for a sailor to come home, while others think the dancing act represents the spirit of love. But it is now widely believed to be fashioned after a real athlete looking out to sea.
Who exactly? No one’s really sure. It’s possible that it was an unknown Montenegrin gymnast or maybe a young Serbian athlete. I personally like that it has multiple legends; it gives its history a powerful mystique.
On a more factual note, after stormy weather in late 2020, the sculpture was swept out to sea. It was subsequently searched for by locals and restored to its original place on the seafront rock.
Trek up to Fort Mogren
Set above Mogren Beach II, west of the old town, is a 19th-century fortress called Fort Mogren.
Austrian soldiers built it as military barracks and as a strategic way to protect Budva from attacks coming from the sea. While it has now mostly become ruins, the outer wall is still intact, making it a neat historical site for those trying to escape the crowds.
The fort has also become a de facto viewpoint, with several benches being placed around the property facing the bay on one side and Jaz Beach on the other. Sveti Nikola Island is in full view, and the rugged Montenegro coast can be seen off in the distance.
For those wondering where to spend sunset, this is a great option. There’s enough room to set up a picnic and enjoy panoramas of the Budva Riviera.
Getting There | You can reach Fort Mogren in about 20 minutes on foot by following the E65/E80 road to the west. There’s a small turnoff near a tourist info point that leads you to the ruins.
Entry | Free
Take a Boat Taxi to Sveti Nikola Island
The most prominent view from Budva’s main promenade is undoubtedly Sveti Nikola Island. In the summer, the beaches here get packed and offer a nice change of scenery from the mainland ones.
Boat taxis run often, and normally take you to Sveti Nikola Beach, which also goes by the name Hawaii Beach. This is a gorgeous area, with a small restaurant onsite, umbrellas for rent, and turquoise waters to float in. However, the seas floorbed is rocky here, so I suggest wearing water shoes or sandals when going in.
Other beaches on the island include the crescent-shaped Halfmoon Beach and the quieter, more tucked-away Laguna Beach. The southeastern part of the island also has caves you can swim in, but they are only easily accessible by private boat, snorkeling, or a kayak.
Sunbed Rental | A pair of sunbeds with an umbrella usually goes for between €15 and €25. Prices are dependent on the season and crowds.
Getting There | Boats run on set times from the Public Dock (maps) in the middle of Slovenska Beach or from the Budva Marina. Alternatively, you can head there on a private cruise or join a kayaking or SUP tour like this ‘Sveti Nikola Caves Kayaking Tour’ for something a little more exciting.
Boat Taxi Price | The cost for a round-trip boat taxi to Sveti Nikola Island should be around €5 to €7. Some drivers might try to upcharge, so ask around to get a correct price if you feel like they’re being dishonest.
Grab a Bite to Eat
After a long day exploring the surrounding beaches and fighting off the heat, you’ll want to grab a nice bite to eat. While I wouldn’t call Budva a foodie destination like other Mediterranean destinations (for example…Italy), there is still good food to be had.
Expect a variety of Balkan dishes, above-average seafood, and plenty of Italian dishes on the menus. And, unlike some other parts of the country, vegetarian-only restaurants exist.
Here are some recommended restaurants around Budva:
Padrino | They make a nice pizza, which can be very hit-or-miss when traveling through the Balkans, and have good serving sizes, halal options, and friendly staff.
Paradise Food | A quality vegan/vegetarian restaurant serving everything from pastries to quiche to lasagna. Ingredients are clearly labelled, and there is plenty of variety.
Verde | Small fast-food restaurant known for its gyros. I’ve had better in the region, but they hit the spot after a beach day. The prices are solid, and the menu has quite a few vegetarian options.
M-Irena | Local food coming in large portions. They have a lot of typical Balkan dishes like pljeskavica, ćevapi, goulash, and roasted red bell peppers. Plenty of salads worth getting on the side, too. Plus, the prices are very reasonable for Budva.
Restoran Mlin | An upscale restaurant in the heart of Budva Old Town. They have excellent seafood and a romantic setting.
Waterfront Restaurants | I went to a handful of the restaurants that line the main promenade on the Budva Riviera. There are dozens, and for the most part, they serve similar things. You can expect a blend of Balkan and Italian cuisines. And of course, there’s plenty of fresh seafood to go around.
If you have time, I suggest walking the promenade and checking out the menus to see what fancies you. Expect decent service, wonderful views, and large crowds. Restaurant Porto had live music and good food, while Lim Restaurant and Zeleni Gaj are also decent.
Day Trip to Kotor and BOKA Bay
When I was first looking into visiting Montenegro, two places were always mentioned together for seaside destinations. The first was Budva, and the second was the UNESCO town of Kotor.
There are a lot of similarities between the two, but the most obvious is their historic Venetian old towns. Some people opt to choose one or the other for their holiday, but they are only about an hour away by bus, so why not see both!
Here are a few things to do during a day trip to Kotor:
- Explore the cobbled streets of the historic Stari Grad and see the beautiful churches.
- Admire the curious cats that have set up home in the old town.
- Hike up to St. John’s Fortress for some epic views of BOKA Bay (Bay of Kotor).
- Explore some of the popular villages that sit along the bay, like Perast, Tivat, and Herceg Novi.
- Head out on the Bay of Kotor by boat to see some of the historic sights. These include the picturesque Our Lady of the Rocks, the Island of Saint George, the Blue Cave, Mamula Island, and the hidden submarine bunker.
Before visiting Kotor, I suggest having a look at my ‘Guide to Kotor’ article for a more in-depth look at the fortified town. I do think the town deserves a few days to explore, but you can certainly see a lot in a single day.
Getting There | Daily buses leave from the Budva Central Bus Station to Kotor. There are several routes per day, and the Kotor Bus Station is only a couple of minutes walk from the Stari Grad.
BOKA BAY TOUR OPTIONS
As I mentioned above, touring the Bay of Kotor by boat is a popular thing to do. You can book these directly with boats at the Kotor Marina, in person at one of the tour agencies in the city, or online beforehand. If you want more details about booking a tour through a company based in Kotor, have a look at the ‘Kotor Guide’ I linked above. I cover this in detail and have a few recommended companies.
Despite spending more than a week in Kotor, I actually did a Bay of Kotor cruise while being based in Budva. I took a morning bus to Kotor, spent the day out on the water, and then hopped on a bus back to Budva, all while being back in time for dinner.
If you don’t want to deal with getting to Kotor yourself, then there are also a few tour options based out of Budva. Here are a couple worth looking into in advance:
Tour 1 | Boat Trip to Blue Cave, Kotor and More
Tour 2 | Kotor Cruise: Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks, Mamula, Blue Cave, Porto Montenegro
Tour 3 | Day Cruise to Boka Bay from Budva
More Coastal Day Trips
To the south of Budva lies a row of pretty towns and villages within a short drive. These collectively make up what is known as the Budva Riviera, a 35-kilometer-long strip of Adriatic coastline.
If you’re looking to escape the busier crowds, spending a day exploring the Riviera’s other locations is your easiest bet. In peak season, this area is still busy, but it tends to thin out the farther you get from Budva city.
Here are some of those places to see within the Budva Municipality:
Bečići | This is like an extension of Budva itself. It starts at the end of the promenade to the east, just past the cape known as Bečići Viewpoint. Bečići Beach is the main highlight, and it runs from the cape all the way to Beach Rafailovici. If you’re feeling adventurous, tandem paragliding tours leave from here. A short hike up the surrounding hills will offer nice viewpoints, including cool nature spots like Čučuci Waterfall.
Pržno | South of Bečići is the small village of Pržno. You can get some iconic panoramas of Sveti Stefan and the bay from the hills here. There are four beaches to visit here: Kamenovo Beach, Pržno Beach, Queen’s Beach, and Miločer Beach. If you get bored with the sea, check out the historic Praskvica Monastery or Rustovo Monastery. These can also be seen on tours like this ‘Coastal Monasteries’ one.
Sveti Stefan | An island luxury resort that could be easily mistaken for a James Bond filming location. Nearby beaches are Ivano Vidoni Beach, Sveti Stefan Beach, Red Rock Beach (Crvena Stijena), and Red Head Beach (Crvena Glavica).
Petrovac | A picturesque seaside town with the tiny Kastio Castle, a stunning coastal hiking trail, and nice beaches.
OUTSIDE OF BUDVA MUNICIPALITY
Bar | The coastal town is most famous for the Tito Express train ride. But it also has a stunning inland old town, nice architecture, decent beaches, and stunning nearby nature.
Ulcinj | One of my favorite places in the Balkans. It has a cute old town that sticks out on a small peninsula, beautiful sand beaches, and a strong Albanian presence that gives it a more chilled-out vibe.
HEAD INLAND TO SEE MORE OF MONTENEGRO
If you plan on spending your trip based in Budva, then heading into the interior mountains is a nice way to experience a different side of Montenegro. The country is quite small, so joining a tour or using a car means you can see a lot of the highlights in a single day.
Common inland day trips from Budva include:
Cetinje | The old royal capital is home to several popular museums like the Njegoš Museum Billiards, the National Museum of Montenegro, and the Museum of King Nikola. There’s also the historical Cetinje Monastery to go along with beautiful viewpoints and gardens.
Lovćen | A national park outside of Cetinje with epic views and the large mountaintop Mausoleum of Petar II Petrović Njegoš.
Njeguši | A small village known for its lovely prosciutto.
Podgorica | The capital won’t blow your mind. But it’s the country’s largest city, so it has great food and tons of historical monuments; specifically, the Orthodox Temple of Christ’s Resurrection, Old Ribnica River Bridge, and the Millennium Bridge.
Ostrog Monastery | This is the most famous pilgrimage site in the country, and it’s absolutely stunning. Ostrog Monastery is built into a cave-side between Podgorica and Nikšić and offers panoramas of the surrounding countryside.
Lake Skadar | Epic scenery and cute lakefront towns make this a wonderful place to visit. It’s also the largest freshwater lake in the Balkans and home to a variety of endemic species.
Durmitor National Park | Unless you’re on a tour, I don’t suggest visiting Durmitor National Park in a day. There’s just too much to see here, and all of it is time-consuming. With that being said, Black Lake is worth wandering around, the Tara Gorge is breathtaking, and there are dozens of trails to hike.
TOURS FROM BUDVA TO INLAND TOWNS
I’ll give a few options that cover most of what there is to see in the Montenegro countryside. If you’re renting or have your own car, then you can go at your own pace. These, however, are a great alternative for those with time constraints or who want a dedicated guide.
Tour 1 | Durmitor, Tara & Ostrog Monastery Day Trip
GETTING AROUND BUDVA
For the most part, Budva is easily walkable. It’s a smaller city, and the beach and most highlights are close to one another. Getting to the nearby villages, on the other hand, will mean public transport, using your own vehicle, or taking a taxi.
The best way for this will depend on who you talk to, but I found taxis tend to upcharge during the busier season. The bus system in Budva Municipality is decent, but messy. Here are the main public transport spots you’ll want to know about when taking day trips:
Budva Central Bus Station (maps) | This is Budva’s main bus station, and the place you’ll most likely arrive at if coming by bus from Podgorica or Kotor. It’s chaotic in the summer, has fees for everything, and the staff isn’t always the most helpful. With that being said, it’s small and easy to navigate. You’ll be charged to use the bathroom and enter the bus platform, so bring small bills if possible.
Buses from here go to just about anywhere in Montenegro, plus internationally to other countries in the Balkans like Serbia and Albania.
Bus Stop To Sveti Stefan, Petrovac & Jaz Beach (maps) | A bus stop on Mediteranska Street near the roundabout by the Tourist Information Center. It serves routes to all the smaller coastal spots in the Budva Municipality. Buses leave often, and there’s a timetable at this spot for help. Just be aware that the buses don’t always leave at exact times.
Travel Tip | Besides going directly to the station, I found busticket4.me to help figure out timetables and routes within Montenegro. FlixBus is also good for those looking for longer-distance buses within Montenegro and the Balkans.
WHERE TO STAY IN BUDVA
The majority of accommodations in Budva are either resort-style hotels or apartments with a small kitchen setup. If you want to be in the thick of things, then you’ll want to be near the city center. For those of you looking for a quieter holiday, then staying near Jaz Beach or in one of the nearby villages is a good option.
Here are some recommended lodging options:
Montenegro Backpackers Home Budva & Freedom Hostel | Two nice hostel options that are in Budva Old Town. The former is more budget-friendly, while the other is more of a renovated flashpacker hostel.
Apartments Vila Galileo & Apartments Royal | Two great apartment options that have a range of budget-friendly and mid-priced rooms.
Apartments Luka & Misisuone Apartments Budva | Two Mid-range apartments with well-equipped kitchens. Apartments Luka is within walking distance of most things, while Misisuone Apartments Budva is more modern, but a bit further away.
Apartments Aqua & Hotel Bono | Both are nice apartment-style rooms that are sort of between mid-range and upper-end in terms of price. Apartments Aqua has a shared pool, amazing views, and is close to the Old Town. Hotel Bono is a nice option for those wanting to stay near Becici Beach.
Merit Starlit Hotel & Residences | A luxury resort with modern rooms in the heart of Budva.
For more options, check here.
