Best Beaches in Budva, Montenegro: Explore the Top 11 Beaches

Budva, Montenegro’s most popular holiday destination, is a stunning seaside town with historic attractions and summer holiday opportunities all in one.

This town on the Adriatic coast has a rich historical heritage, where ancient monuments and medieval architecture meet modern tourist amenities.

The charming town of Budva includes the medieval old town, with its cobbled streets and squares, and a walk around the town often reveals a breathtaking sea panorama. The Church of St John and the Budva Citadel, in the heart of the town, offer a further taste of Budva’s history.

However, the charm of Budva is not limited to the old town, as its beaches are also stunning. Budva stands out among the resorts in the area, and there is good reason why its beaches are called Budva Riviera.

The beauty and diversity of the Budva Riviera offer a unique experience if you are interested in crystal clear waters and sunny beaches.

In this article, you can discover the most beautiful beaches of Budva. We present what we think are the 11 top beaches to visit in Budva, show you photos of them, and include some of the best attractions in the area.

List of the best beaches in Budva, Montenegro

Our list below includes the most popular beaches in Budva, other beaches in the area and tips and information for a pleasant visit.

So let’s see the best beaches in and around Budva that are worth considering:

Ploce Beach

The Ploce Beach is a rocky coastal stretch located north of Budva, near the village of Krimovica. Accessible via a narrow asphalt road from the E65 highway, passing by Jaz Beach and Trsteno Beach.

At Ploce Beach, you’ll find several pools, and you can dine at the Plazni Bar Ploce restaurant, enjoying a meal with a fantastic seaside view.

The beach offers a choice between rocky and fine pebble sections. Additionally, there are facilities for children.

Highly recommended for diving enthusiasts as well, as there is a diving center with excellent reviews.

While Ploce Beach is not overly large, its elegantly designed and pleasant atmosphere makes it a delightful destination. What’s more, Ploce Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Budva area.

Ideal for those seeking a quieter location away from the city but still wishing to relax on a stylishly crafted, pleasant beach.

Jaz Beach

The Jaz Beach is a popular beach located north of the city of Budva. It offers almost everything an average tourist might need, making it highly recommended for those planning an extended beach stay.

The well-equipped beach, although truth be told, could use some renovations in certain aspects, such as showers.

There are opportunities to rent jet skis, kayaks, paddleboards, and many other water activities. Families arriving with children will find playgrounds for the little ones.

In addition, Jaz Beach also offers sandy and pebbly stretches.

On the shore, you’ll find plenty of beach bars like Blue Beach, Escape Beach Bar, and Madeira Jaz. Various restaurants, such as Restoran Sirena or Madeira Laguna, offer diverse dining options. If you wish to make some purchases, there’s even a small store on-site.

Moreover, there are hotels near the beach, such as Poseidon The Beach Hotel, which has excellent online reviews, making it a good option for accommodation in Budva.

Jaz Beach is also popular among those traveling in camper vans, as it provides the opportunity for a tranquil break in its spacious parking lot. Additionally, you’ll find an apartment, Apartmani Kunjic, nearby.

In summary, Jaz Beach is a well-equipped beach, highly recommended for families and those planning an extended seaside vacation.

Mogren Beach

Mogren Beach is a stunning seaside spot, just a few minutes’ walk from the old town of Budva. Nestled within a small bay surrounded by towering coastal cliffs, reaching the beach from the old town is an enjoyable walk. Simply stroll past the Terra-Ferita gate and follow the footpath carved into the rock face.

While on this path, you’ll encounter one of Budva’s key landmarks—the renowned statue of the Dancing Girl. Don’t miss the opportunity to capture some photos, as the statue stands out prominently against the picturesque backdrop of the old town.

Returning to the beach, if you’re seeking a sandy beach with crystal-clear turquoise water in Budva, Mogren is an excellent choice.

However, it’s important to note that it is less equipped than larger beaches, so primarily suitable only for swimming.

Mogren 2 Beach

Mogren 2 Beach is a continuation of the previously mentioned Mogren Beach, situated in another small bay surrounded by cliffs. It stands as one of Budva’s most secluded beaches, yet it has the ability to get crowded during the summer.

While it features a sandy shoreline, there are rocky sections, so it’s advisable not to leave your water shoes at home if you choose this spot.

Ričardova Glava Beach

The Ričardova Glava Beach or Richard’s Head Beach is located near the old town.

It offers perhaps one of the most beautiful panoramas among all of Budva’s beaches, as you can enjoy the view of the old town from the small pebble beach.

As mentioned, it is a small beach with few facilities, so it is best recommended for a short swim.

Pizana Beach

Pizana Beach is a small, rocky and pebbly beach in the center of Budva, about a one-minute walk from the old town.

Despite its small size, you’ll find water bike and sup rental, boat rental and the urban outdoor pool next to it.

It has one shower, but is otherwise not a highly equipped beach.

Slovenska Beach

Slovenska Beach or Slovenska Plaza is one of Budva’s most well-equipped, popular and longest beaches. Covering a significant part of the city’s coastline, this long, mostly pebbled beach offers numerous amenities, dining, and accommodation options.

At the beach, you’ll find companies offering various activities such as the Parasailing-JetSki-Center for thrill-seekers and Aquacity Budva for families with children. Also, as in many places, you can rent kayaks and sup here.

There are also various boat trips departing from the western part of the beach.

Next to Slovenska Beach, you will find a unique disco and nightclub if you are planning a night out.

Additionally, there are several great dining choices including Zeleni Gaj, Tropico, Jadran, and Lim Restaurant. Of course, there are plenty of beach bars to choose from too.

Accommodation options abound near Slovenska Beach, with recommended choices including Hotel Bracera, Apartments Menuet, and Fontana Hotel & Gastronomy.

Therefore, if you’re looking for a large beach with diverse offerings in Budva’s central area, Slovenska Beach could be an excellent choice.

Greco Beach

The Greco Beach is a private beach within Slovenska Beach, located at the Coco Bar, Food & Sea. It is a beautifully designed small beach recommended for those who prefer private, well-maintained spaces.

Becici Beach

Becici Beach is the largest beach around Budva, although it is not located in the center, but in the neighboring Becici.

It is over 2 kilometers of beach, with sandy and pebbly areas.

On the beach, of course, you will find a wide range of hotels, restaurants, beach bars and recreational facilities.

You can rent jet skis at several locations, and there is a playground area for children. Additionally, there is a small marina on the beach if you’re interested in boating.

The beach has various private sections, primarily associated with hotels, so it’s worth paying attention to this.

Among the best restaurants and beach bars, Azzuro Restaurant & Beach Bar, Dolce Vita Beach Bar, and Restaurant Porat are noteworthy.

One outstanding accommodation option is the five-star Splendid Conference & Spa Resort, located right next to the beach, offering luxury services at an affordable price.

Kamenovo Beach

Kamenovo Beach is a secluded shoreline near Becici Beach. With its pebble beach and stunning turquoise waters, it’s sure to captivate.

Access to the beach can be through a pedestrian tunnel carved into the rock from Becici or via paid parking lots along the E80 highway. There’s supposedly an asphalt road directly from the E80 leading to the beach, but it’s uncertain whether access by car is allowed, and parking spaces are limited.

The beach has minimal facilities, with only a few dining options available, making it suitable for a quick swim or relaxation. However, the water here is among the most beautiful of all the beaches.

Sveti Stefan Beach

A short drive from Budva, you’ll find Sveti Stefan, one of the most iconic places in Montenegro.

Sveti Stefan has several beaches, we would like to highlight just one of them, which is – you’ll never guess the name – called Sveti Stefan Beach. This is one of the longest stretches of beach there, a fine, red pebble beach with one of the most spectacular views of Montenegro’s Sveti Stefan peninsula.

You won’t find much on the beach apart from sun loungers and a few showers, so facilities are pretty limited. Still, because of its water and views, it’s there on our list.

So that was the list of the 11 best beaches in Budva.

However, there are other stunning beaches near Budva, such as:

• Trsteno Beach: located west of the town
• Przno Beach: in Przno, south-east of the town
• Milocer Beach: located north of Sveti Stefan
• Sveti Nikola Island: the small island near Budva also has some beaches, such as Sveti Nikola Beach and Laguna Beach. You can get to these by boat.

These beaches are less crowded, so you can enjoy a more relaxed holiday at them. However, they are usually less equipped.

We have listed the top beaches in Budva and its surroundings, so if you are planning a summer trip to Montenegro, you already know which ones are worth visiting.

Next, let’s see what else you should know if you want to travel to Budva.

Best things to do in Budva

Budva, as a summer tourist paradise, offers numerous excellent activities, ranging from water sports to hiking in the mountains and excursions to surrounding cities.

The best things to do in and around Budva:

• Boat tours: Explore the stunning coastline of Budva by embarking on a boat tour. Discover hidden coves, picturesque islands, and the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea.
• Scuba diving: Dive into the underwater world off the coast of Budva with scuba diving adventures. Witness vibrant marine life and fascinating rock formations await.
• Paragliding: Soar high above Budva’s breathtaking landscapes with a thrilling paragliding experience. Enjoy panoramic views of the town, the Adriatic, and the surrounding mountains.
• Visit Sveti Stefan: Take a trip to the iconic islet, known for its charming medieval architecture.
• One-day Montenegro tour: Immerse yourself in the diverse beauty of Montenegro with a comprehensive one-day tour. Visit cultural landmarks, natural wonders, and experience the rich heritage of the country.
• Day trip to the Bay of Kotor: Venture to the nearby towns of Kotor and Perast. Explore its well-preserved medieval architecture, stroll through narrow streets, and climb the ancient city walls of Kotor for stunning vistas.
• Day trip to the mountains of Montenegro: Escape to the mountainous regions surrounding Budva for a day filled with scenic landscapes, fresh air, and opportunities for hiking or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature.
• Gastronomic and wine tasting tour: Try Montenegrin and other Balkan delicacies, taste local wines on a guided tour organized by locals.

Best time to visit Budva

Although Budva is a small town in Montenegro, as mentioned above, it is a very popular seaside destination, so it is advisable to plan your beach holiday here in advance. While there is plenty of accommodation and restaurants to cater to tourists, the beaches tend to get overcrowded.

Therefore, we recommend the pre- and post-season, like June and September, when you can still enjoy the beaches without the same level of crowded beaches as in July or August.

If we had to pick the absolute best time to visit the beaches in Montenegro, it would be the first half of September. During this time, the water is still warm for swimming, yet the number of visitors has significantly decreased compared to the peak summer months.

If beach activities are not part of your plans, then visiting in spring or fall is recommended, such as in May or October when the weather is pleasant for various other activities.

As you can see from our article, in Budva, the beaches have something for everyone. Budva offers a variety of seaside pleasures, from sandy beaches to rocky coves. Sunbathing on the beaches, swimming in the turquoise waters, and the breathtaking views ensure an unforgettable holiday experience.

Don’t miss the special gems of the Budva Riviera, such as Becici and Jaz Beach, where sandy shores and vibrant life create memorable moments. And, of course, savor the charm of quieter moments, like the beauty of Ploce or Kamenovo Beach.

The coastal enchantment of Budva captivates every visitor. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon on the beach or a romantic sunset, Budva’s shoreline transforms a Montenegrin vacation into a truly memorable experience.

Finally, if you spend more time in Montenegro, we can recommend some other great places to visit as well.

Other attractions near Budva

Montenegro, perhaps less known, is actually full of wonderful attractions. If you have more time in the area or are planning an extended tour of Montenegro, check out the following:

Sveti Stefan

Located between Budva and Petrovac, the iconic Sveti Stefan islet stands as a symbol of Montenegro’s coastal beauty.

Once a 15th-century fishing village, it has been transformed into an exclusive resort, preserving its historic charm.

The islet is connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus, offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.

Bay of Kotor

Often referred to as the southernmost fjord in Europe, the Bay of Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a true highlight of the Balkans. The bay unfolds with steep mountains hugging its shores, creating a dramatic landscape.

Within the bay, you’ll discover charming medieval towns such as Kotor and Perast. Kotor, enclosed by well-preserved fortifications, boasts medieval architecture and a maze of narrow streets.

Perast, on the other hand, is known for its baroque buildings and the enchanting two islets: Our Lady of the Rocks and Saint George.

Boat trips around the bay offer a unique perspective on this natural wonder.

Pavlova Strana Viewpoint

The mountain road between Budva and Podgorica already offers numerous stunning viewpoints, but with a slight detour, you can discover an even more interesting one.

Just a few kilometers off the M2.3 road, you’ll find Pavlova Strana Viewpoint, providing truly breathtaking views of the meandering section of the Rijeka Crnojevica River, which feeds into the scenic Skadar Lake.

There are few such photogenic natural formations in Europe, making it a must-visit if you’re in the area.

Just be prepared for challenging road conditions in the final stretch, but the amazing scenery makes it absolutely worth it.

Podgorica

Montenegro’s capital, Podgorica, is a worthwhile stop if you’re in the area. It’s only an hour’s drive from Budva, and the road offers a number of stunning views.

This vibrant city offers not only a variety of attractions but also stunning surroundings. Key highlights in the city include the impressive Millennium Bridge, the popular Gorica Park, and the historic Old Ribnica River Bridge.

Additionally, for those visiting in spring, the nearby Niagara Waterfall is a must-see. As mentioned, it’s particularly breathtaking during this season, while in the rest of the year, it typically dries up.

Ostrog Orthodox Monastery

It is a popular 17th century religious site in Montenegro, dedicated to St Basil of Ostrog.

Locally, you can find it northwest of Podgorica, near the village of Dabovići. That’s a two-hour drive from Budva.

Built into a huge rock face, the monastery is a truly stunning sight to visit if you have extra time in Montenegro.