Budva is a charming coastal town in Montenegro well-known for its rich history, stunning surroundings, and vibrant nightlife.

The town boasts a slew of incredible beaches – from quiet and secluded stretches of sand to lively coves providing the ideal setting for swimming and water sports, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your inner beach bum!

Still, with over 35 beaches to choose from, deciding where you want to spend your time in Budva can be a bit of an overwhelming experience. Especially if you’re looking to experience as much as possible on your Balkan getaway and you’re not visiting for long!

After all, there are also magnificent mountains, restaurants, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site to explore, not to mention, an array of exciting nightclubs and bars to experience.

Don’t worry, this is where I step in to help you make the right decision and ensure you get the most out of your holiday! I’ve rounded up the BEST beaches in Budva here and highlighted what sets them apart. Thank me later!

An aerial view of Petrovac Fortress, Budva on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
Once upon a time… Budva.

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When to Go to Beaches in Budva

The best time to visit the Balkans and Budva’s beaches will really boil down to your personal preferences since each season offers a unique experience. However, if you’re looking for warm weather and crowded beaches, then the peak season from June to August is the best time to visit. 

Daily temperatures can reach up to 30°C, making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing. That being said, the town can get quite busy and prices for accommodation and activities may be noticeably higher during this period.

If you would prefer to avoid the crowds and unwind in milder temperatures instead, then the shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October are ideal.

The weather is still pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C and the beaches are less crowded, which makes it ideal for a relaxed holiday experience and for those who want to stay away from crowds.

Winter in Budva lasts from November to March and is the low season for tourism. The weather can be quite chilly, with temperatures between 7°C and 12°C. Even so, the town’s coastal location means that it never gets too cold.

The beaches are largely deserted during this season, but it’s an excellent time to enjoy the town’s cultural attractions, so keep an open mind when figuring out when and where to stay in Budva!


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Slovenska Beach Budva
Slovenska Beach is a European hidden gem.
  • Who’s It for: Those looking for a lively atmosphere and scenic surroundings.
  • Don’t Miss: Sampling delicious local meals at one of the many bars or restaurants nearby.

Kicking off my list, I have the beloved Slovenska Beach. Arguably the most popular and easily accessible beach to tourists in Budva, the beach stretches for over 1.5 kilometers and is located near the city center. Slovenska is also a pet-friendly beach, so you can bring your furry friends to enjoy too!

Its shores offer soft sands, breathtaking waves, and a friendly ambiance, where you can be sure to have a good time.

The beach is also well equipped with sun loungers and parasols, so you can get your sunbathing on, while the crystal-clear water of the Adriatic Sea makes Slovenska Beach ideal for swimming and water sports.

Chill and Go Aparthotel – Best Hotel

Chill and Go Aparthotel Budva

A luxurious hotel near Slovenska Beach with 2 pools, sea-facing rooms, a terrace and top-notch amenities. The staff is incredibly warm and helpful, you have access to free underground parking and Wi-Fi, plus there’s a supermarket only 5 minutes away so you can stock up on some essentials if need be.

Freedom Hostel – Best Hostel

Freedom Hostel Budva

This is a cosy, top-rated hostel with a welcoming atmosphere just a stone’s throw from Old Town, home to amazing Mediterranean restaurants, coffee bars, and cultural attractions. On offer are a range of dormitory and private-room options as well as a lounge area with sea views. Use the fully equipped kitchen, chill in the cosy common room, strum a tune on the guitar, or listen to a vinyl record on the gramophone!

Large Balcony Apartment – Best Airbnb

Large Balcony Apartment Budva

This apartment is centrally located (a short walk to the beach and city centre) and well-equipped with modern amenities. You will have access to spacious rooms and a large balcony with garden views. Don’t forget to pick up a delicious morning pastry from the bakery down the street to have along with your morning coffee!

Old Town Budva

The Citadel

Hike to a historic Venetian fortress on the top of a hill overlooking the picturesque Old Town and the Adriatic Sea.

 

 

Iron Gate Old town Budva

Budva City Walls

Explore panoramic views of the city and the sea and take memorable photos at a well-preserved defensive system dating back to the Middle Ages.

Speedboat Tour Budva

Take a Boat Tour

Explore the town and its surrounding areas with a guided boat tour around the coast.

 

 

Eat platefuls of tasty seafood at Jimbaran

Taste Traditional Seafood

Go on a flavour adventure by sampling local seafood dishes and learn more about organic mussel and oyster farming

Mogren Beach – Best Beach in Budva for Swimming

Mogren Beach Budva
VIP beaches… for free!
  • Who’s It For: Fans of safe, calm waters, socializing, and people-watching.
  • Don’t Miss: The otherworldly sunrises and sunsets.

You’ll loveeee the enthralling Mogren Beach, situated in a cove just a short walk from the Old Town. Surrounded by two rocky cliffs and tranquil waters, I can safely say that it’s the perfect spot for swimming!

The beach is divided into two parts – Mogren I and Mogren II, both connected by a small tunnel carved through the rock.

The sea is shallow here, making it safe for children to swim. Moreover, the beach boasts a social atmosphere, while also offering a lifeguard service, showers, and changing rooms, so your safety and comfort are certain!

Villa Lazy Hill Budva

Villa Lazy Hill – Best Hotel

A homely hotel not far from the beach, you will have access to a swimming pool, sea-view rooms, modern amenities as well as a bicycle and car-rental service. Budva Citadel is only 2.4 kilometres and Mogren Fort is 3 kilometres away so you can get some sightseeing in too!

 

2-Bedroom Apartment Close to the Sea Budva

2-Bedroom Apartment Close to the Sea – Best Airbnb

This stylish and spacious family-friendly apartment in a quiet neighborhood offers all the modern creature comforts and an outdoor swimming pool. The convenient location ensures you can easily walk to Budva Old Town as well as to the Mogren, Slovenska, Richardova, and Town beaches. The bus station is also only about 400 meters away so you can get connections to other places very smoothly.

Old town Budva Montenegro

Old Town

Visit one of the most famous medieval Budva beach towns, which is now a World Heritage Site, and explore its charming cobbled streets and historic buildings.

Sveti Stefan Budva

Sveti Stefan

Explore a quaint and iconic island village, housing a luxury hotel connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway.

Private walking Budva

Go on a Private Walking Tour

Learn more about the rich history and traditional culture of Budva with a private walking tour.

 

 

Lipa Cave Guided Adventure

Explore Montenegro’s Caves

Discover the magical underground world of Lipa Cave with an enthralling guided cave tour.

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Jaz Beach – Best Beach to Experience Budva Culture

Jaz Beach Budva
Always Fun, Always Chill!
  • Who’s It For: Those looking to experience Budva’s culture in a vibrant setting.
  • Don’t Miss: The chance to get photos of the majestic surrounding landscape.

This long, sandy beach called Jaz is located just a short drive from the city center and offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions.

It’s become quite a popular spot for both tourists and locals alike thanks to its lively atmosphere, gorgeous scenery, and the variety of activities on offer. 

Jaz Beach is also ideal for visitors who want a taste of local life, as it has close proximity to historical landmarks while being a hub for music festivals and cultural events year-round.

Naturally, Jaz doesn’t have any shortage of stunning views of the Adriatic Sea or the surrounding mountains either.

Poseidon The Beach Hotel Budva

Poseidon The Beach Hotel –  Best Hotel

A 4-star hotel within walking distance from Jaz Beach featuring a private beach area, sea-facing rooms with balconies and airport shuttle services. Don’t miss the top-rated continental breakfast here!

 

Jaz Beach Apartment Budva

Jaz Beach Apartment – Best Airbnb

This gorgeous apartment sits right on Jaz Beach and offers a cleaning service, a sea-facing balcony, and modern amenities. Additionally, you can feel free to enjoy the free parking and the big barbecue in the courtyard!

Old Town Budva Montenegro

Old Town

Explore the well-preserved baroque architecture and magnificent churches while enjoying stunning sea views in a nearby village on the Bay of Kotor.

Lovcen Park Budva

Lovcen National Park

Relax in a nature lover’s paradise offering stunning hiking trails that lead to breathtaking views of the Montenegrin coast and the surrounding mountains.

Winery Tour Budva

Go on a Wine Tour

Sample Montenegro’s finest wines, while learning more about the history of its production in scenic nearby vineyards on a wine tour.

 

Kayaking and SUP Tour Budva

Go Kayaking

Explore Budva’s revitalizing waters while getting some exercise and discovering coastal caves on a kayaking and SUP tour.

Trsteno Beach – Quietest Beach in Budva

Trsteno Beach Budva
Heaven caught on camera.
  • Who’s It For: Traveling couples and families who want to enjoy a peaceful and secluded beach experience. 
  • Don’t Miss: The chance to try water sports.

Trsteno Beach is a small, secluded beach on the outskirts of Budva surrounded by lush green hills, in a picturesque cove, with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. It offers the ideal setting for visitors who want to avoid crowds and treat themselves to some peace and quiet. 

Of course, the waters at Trsteno are so pristine that you can try snorkeling here (and swimming and sunbathing of course). Just remember to bring your sun loungers and umbrellas along since there usually aren’t any available for hire.

Villas Arboretum Budva

Villas Arboretum – Best Hotel

Live your beachside dream at these rustically decorated villas within walking distance of the beach. With all the luxury amenities, furnished terraces, and an outdoor swimming pool on offer, what more could ask for?!

 

Room 9 Budva

Room 9 – Best Airbnb

This private room sits just 200 meters from the beach and is 10 minutes away from the city centre! You can avail of housekeeping service, modern amenities and an en-suite balcony. There are also plenty of restaurants and markets nearby!

Arboretum Trsteno Croatia

Arboretum Trsteno

Enjoy mesmerising Adriatic Sea views from this historic garden dating back to the 15th century.

 

 

Cable Car Up Mount Srdj

Mount Srd

Take a cable car to the top of the mountain or hike up one of its many trails and enjoy breathtaking mountain views.

Photo shoot in Old town Budva

Capture the Moment

Take romantic and stylish photos on the beach with a professional, local photographer.

 

 

Perast Private Tour

Tour Perast

Embark on a picturesque, private boat tour of this historical town in the Bay of Kotor.

Is This the Best Backpack EVER???
Aether Backpack

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Ploce Beach – Best Beach in Budva for Water Sports

Ploce Beach Budva
POV: Should I move here?
  • Who’s It For: Water sports and nature enthusiasts.
  • Don’t Miss: The chance to try a local seafood platter.

Ploce Beach is a small pebble beach, surrounded by towering cliffs, located just outside Old Town. The beach offers a wide range of activities, certain to satisfy even the most adventurous of visitors, as well as various equipment rentals and surf courses.

With its stunning backdrop and excellent swimming conditions, it’s the ultimate bucket list adventure for adrenaline junkies and nature lovers.

Having said that, it is quite popular and can get crowded, especially during the peak season. It’s still well worth a visit! Follow your heart and go for it!

Fontana Hotel Gastronomy Budva

Fontana Hotel & Gastronomy – Best Hotel

Stay at this beautifully decorated and centrally located hotel offering luxury amenities, a business centre, on-site meeting rooms and a variety of breakfast options to help you get the best start to your day!

Atina – Best AirbnbAtina Budva

This cosy, centrally located condo offers sweeping mountain views, modern amenities, and a furnished terrace. Everything you could possibly need is a few minutes’ walk away: Old Town, the beach, the shopping centre, the central market, restaurants, bars, shops, and the bus station!

 

Budva Nightclub District

Get to know the city’s lively nightlife and music scene and dance the night away with locals and tourists alike.

Milocer Park Budva

Milocer Park

Explore a lush green oasis filled with exotic plants, trees, and flowers on the outskirts of town.

Skadar Lake Boat Tour

Go on a Lake Cruise

Sail around neighbouring islands and historic landmarks while admiring a variety of bird species on one of the biggest lakes in Europe with a guided lake cruise.

 

Interactive Zoo Park

Visit a Zoo Park and Animal Shelter

Interact with a variety of animals and learn how they’re cared for on a guided zoo park tour.

Buljarica Beach – Best Beach in Budva for Surfing

Buljarica Beach Budva
Surf, snorkel, dive, repeat.
  • Who’s It For: Surfers looking for first-rate surfing conditions in a relaxed environment.
  • Don’t Miss: The chance to snorkel in its see-through waters.

Nestled between the towns of Petrovac and Bar, Buljarica is a serene beach that stretches over 2 kilometers.

It offers ideal conditions for surfing with its strong, steady waves. It’s also famous for its clean and transparent water, making it a popular spot for diving and snorkeling. 

As a bonus, Buljarica Beach is relatively uncrowded. You’ll find cafes and restaurants scattered along its shores so you can enjoy a delish meal or a refreshing drink. It’s definitely not a bad place for a scenic stroll or sunbathing either.

Resort Maslinjak

Resort “Maslinjak” – Best Hotel

Relax in this luxury hotel, only 4 kilometres away from the city centre, that offers an on-site restaurant, outdoor pool, and panoramic sea views. Your kids will love the playground with swings while you can chill at the terrace bar.

 

Buljarica Holiday Home Budva

Buljarica Holiday Home – Best Airbnb

This cosy, well-equipped home is pet-friendly and offers a quiet environment as well as ample amenities for an altogether relaxed stay away from the madness of the city. Also, being only 2 kilometres from the beach, you can run to cooling waters whenever you like!

Skadar Lake National Park Budva

Skadar Lake National Park

Visit this stunning nature reserve housing a variety of wildlife and with excellent opportunities for hiking and birdwatching.

 

Old citadel Bar Montenegro

Bar

Explore this endearing historic town that dates back to Roman times.

Jeep Safari budva

Go on a Jeep Safari

Explore one of Europe’s only rainforests and a traditional village on a half-day Jeep safari.

 

 

Horse Riding in Biogradska

Go Horse Riding in a National Park

Explore mountains and dense forests with a one-day tour in a picturesque National Park.

Kamenovo Beach – Most Family-Friendly Beach in Budva

Kamenovo Beach Budva
Beach life = Best Life
  • Who’s It For: Families looking for a peaceful day trip in a safe environment.
  • Don’t Miss: The chance to sunbathe on a sunbed with ice-cold refreshments.

When it comes to the best beaches in Budva for families, you really can’t go wrong with Kamenovo Beach.

Easily accessible near Old Town, it offers a range of beachside amenities including sunbeds, umbrellas, restaurants, and beach bars.

The beach is surrounded by verdant green vegetation and a magnificent mountainous backdrop and the water is clear and shallow. Plus, the beach offers various water activities like jet-skiing and parasailing, which are perfect for older children and adults.

Iberostar Slavija Budva

Iberostar Slavija – Best Hotel

This enchanting hotel offers up an outdoor swimming pool, a spa centre complete with a sauna and steam room, as well as a restaurant, bars, and otherworldly sea views. You will be under 2 kilometres from Old Town, and the Omnia Night Club, TQ Plaza, and Podmaine Monastery are also nearby!

 

Cosy Apartment Close to the Beach Budva

Cosy Apartment Close to the Beach – Best Airbnb

This cosy and comfortable 2-bedroom apartment offering views of the quiet neighbourhood and the sea is perfect for families! You are a quick 6-minute drive from Kamenovo Beach and a stone’s throw from many shops, bars, and restaurants.

Praskvica Monastery Budva

Praskvica Monastery

Explore a beautiful 13th-century monastery surrounded by greenery and stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.

 

Petrovac Fortress Budva

Petrovac Fortress

Climb to the top of a 16th-century fortress used during the Ottoman Empire and treat yourself to panoramic views of the coastline and its surrounding area.

Durmitor National Park Excursion

Explore Durmitor National Park

Discover charming villages on a scenic drive and admire a stunning mountain range, glaciers, lakes, and canyons with a guided tour of Durmitor National Park.

Go Hiking

Experience the unspoiled nature of Budva with a guided hike of the magnificent Lovcen Mountain.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Budva

Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Budva.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Budva Packing List

best travel money belt

1. Security Belt with Hidden Pocket: I never hit the road without my security belt. This is a regular-looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside. You can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Grayls Geopress Water Bottle

 2. Travel Water Bottle: A water bottle will save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl geopress is a true behemoth amongst water bottles acting as a purifier AND temperature regulator.

Matador NanoDry Packable Shower Towel

3. Microfibre TowelIt’s always worth packing a proper towel. Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Headlamp

4. Headtorch: A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must. Currently, I’m using the Petzl Actik Core rechargeable headlamp – an awesome piece of kit! Because it’s USB chargeable I never have to buy earth-polluting batteries.

Eno Hammock

5. Hammock: Taking a tent and pad on a road trip is not always practical but hammocks are lightweight, cheap, strong, and allow you to pitch up for the night pretty much anywhere. Right now, I’m rocking an Eno parachute hammock – it’s light, colorful, and tough.

AR Toiletry Bag

6. Toiletry Bag: I always travel with a hanging toiletry bag as it’s a super efficient way to organize your bathroom stuff. Whether you are hanging it from a tree whilst camping, or a hook in a wall, it provides quick access to all your stuff.

Final Thoughts on the Best Beaches in Budva

And just like that, I’ve reached the end of my list! I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this guide and that I’ve helped you come a little closer to finding the perfect beach in Budva as per your needs.

If you want to enjoy the ocean with your furry friends, head up to pet-friendly Slovenska Beach. Get your swim on in the shallow and tranquil lagoon-like waters of Mogren Beach and relish some quiet time at the secluded Trsteno Beach.

Surf lessons are up for grabs at Ploce Beach, and you can have a tasty meal or a chilled drink in the cafes and restaurants at Buljarica Beach. The choice is yours!

Do also take the time to explore the historical and cultural aspects of Budva. Explore incredible medieval fortresses and historic gardens, go caving, join walking tours, hike your way around stunning national parks, and get the most out of Montenegro.

Budva is the ideal beach destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway, so what are you waiting for? Plot your trip, pack your bags, and get ready to enter chill mode!

An aerial view of Fort Mogren, a historic stone castle on a cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea in Budva, Montenegro.
Look behind the fortress walls.
Looking for more info on visiting Budva and Montenegro?

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