Budva is undeniably the top beach resort in Montenegro. In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know: the Top 15 Attractions in Budva, the best beaches and restaurants, maps, photos, and insider tips to help you make the most of your trip.
Table of contents:
- Budva and the Budva Riviera: General Information
- How to Get There and Travel Along the Riviera
- Where to Stay: Hotels and Apartments
- Budva’s Best Beaches: Map, Descriptions & Recommendations
- Top Taverns and Restaurants in Budva
- Top 15 Attractions: What to See in Budva
It will be difficult for you to plan your dream trip to Montenegro without these websites
Budva and the Budva Riviera: General Information
Without exaggeration, Budva is the most important beach resort in Montenegro. Every year, the country welcomes around 3 million tourists, and 1.5 million of them visit Budva—some for their entire two-week vacation, others just for a day trip to see the sights.
💡 Did You Know?
Although Budva is Montenegro’s leading beach resort, it ranks only second among the most visited cities. The top spot belongs to the historic town of Kotor.
Here are some key facts about Budva:
- One of the Oldest Cities in the Region – Founded in the 5th century BC.
- Mostly Flat Terrain – Even 1-2 km from the beach, the roads are level and easy to walk on. This is important for families with children.
🛑 Useful Tip:
Budva and Bar are the only relatively flat coastal towns in Montenegro. In other resorts, just 100 meters from the beach, you’ll encounter hills and steep climbs.
The Budva Riviera refers to the entire Adriatic coastline within the municipality of Budva—equivalent to a province or district. The Riviera stretches 35 km along the coast.
The Budva Riviera includes the resorts of Budva, Bečići, Rafailovići, Sveti Stefan, and Petrovac—all popular among tourists.
Some also consider Sutomore part of the Riviera. Geographically, it fits the description, but administratively, it belongs to the Bar Riviera.
You’ll find detailed reviews of each resort in this guide. To decide where to stay, check out our dedicated article on choosing the best Montenegrin beach town.
How to Get to Budva and Travel Along the Riviera
Budva’s central location on the Montenegrin coast makes it an excellent base for travel. The city sits at the crossroads of all major routes. Consider the distances from Budva to:
- Tivat International Airport – 21 km
- Podgorica International Airport – 60 km
- Kotor – 22 km
- Herceg Novi – 43 km
- Sveti Stefan (Montenegro’s postcard-perfect island) – 8 km
- Bar (Montenegro’s main ferry port to Italy) – 37 km
🚢 New in 2025!
Starting summer 2025, ferries will run from Budva to Dubrovnik, Croatia. More details, including schedules and prices, can be found at the link below.
🛑 Important to Know:
There are no direct buses from either Tivat or Podgorica airports to Budva. At least one transfer is required. Also, many of Montenegro’s top attractions are not easily accessible by bus.
🚗 Car Rental is Highly Recommended!
Public transport exists, and bus routes along the coast are decent. But for trips inland or exploring beyond Budva, a car will give you much more freedom.
🔗 Two Must-Read Articles:
- Car Rental in Montenegro: What to Watch Out For
- Public Transport in Montenegro: Timetables, Prices & Ticket Info
That said, reaching Budva is still easy. Dozens of buses run daily from major cities. For example:
- Podgorica to Budva – 34 buses per day
- Tivat to Budva – 29 buses per day
Where to Stay: Hotels and Apartments
Budva is a large city, offering accommodations for every budget—from luxury hotels to affordable apartments. Prices are higher in peak season, and availability drops quickly, so book in advance.
- Features of Montenegrin accommodation, how an apart-hotel differs from a hotel and what awaits tourists – all this is in a separate article.
- And the best hotels in Montenegro, there are also Budva hotels with a view of the old town at the link.
Below you will find a dynamic ranking of the most popular accommodation options in Budva. There are apartments and hotels, many options are very budget. Click on any, see photos, prices, read reviews. For a comprehensive list of apartments and hotels in Budva, check out Trip.com.
Tip for Drivers:
If you’re renting a car, check for free parking when booking accommodations. Parking in Budva—especially in peak season—is a huge challenge.
Most parking areas are paid.
Even on paid lots, finding an empty space is nearly impossible.
Budva’s Best Beaches: Map, Descriptions & Recommendations
Beaches are one of Budva’s greatest strengths. While the main city beach gets packed during peak season—practically a human mosaic—there are plenty of other beaches in and around Budva. Not all of them are overcrowded. If you have a car or are an active traveler willing to walk 2-4 km, you’ll easily find your perfect spot by the sea.
- 🔗 Top Beaches in Montenegro – Several beaches from the Budva Riviera made it into this ranking!
Good to know:
Budva’s beaches are varied and truly amazing. Unlike the rest of Montenegro, where most beaches are pebbly (and in the Bay of Kotor, people even sunbathe on concrete slabs), Budva offers something for everyone. There are many sandy beaches here.
A map of all Budva beaches, as well as top restaurants and attractions, can be found in the section “What to See in Budva.”
Slovenska Plaža
This is Budva’s main city beach, stretching along the entire town—from the Old Town and marina to the border with Bečići. It’s a mix of pebble and sand, with some areas being purely pebbly and others fully sandy.
Locals divide this beach into smaller sections (Župlja, Slovenska, Greco), but in reality, it’s just one long beach. This is Budva’s most developed beach, offering everything:
✔️ A seafront promenade
✔️ Hundreds of cafes and restaurants
✔️ Sunbeds & umbrellas
✔️ SUP & kayak rentals
✔️ Showers and restrooms
It’s a classic urban resort beach.
📍 Coordinates: 42.28482, 18.84818
Sunbeds & umbrella price: €10-20 per day
Length: Just under 2 km (promenade runs the entire length)
Free entrance
🚩 Author’s Rating: 5/10
It’s a standard beach, but not my favorite in Budva. During peak season, it gets insanely crowded. Because of its proximity to the port, the water is murkier, and a river flowing into the sea here brings cold water and debris from the mountains. If you do choose to stay here, pick a spot closer to Bečići, known as Župlja Beach.
Pizana Beach – Under the Old Town Walls
A tiny hidden gem—just 100 meters long—tucked away from tourist crowds. It’s located right in the historic center, literally beneath the Old Town walls. The unique thing about this beach? It’s invisible unless you walk right up to it! Even if you’re standing just 10 meters away, you wouldn’t know it’s there. The beach only reveals itself as you step onto the sand. If you don’t know about it, you’ll likely miss it!
📍 Coordinates: 42.27873, 18.83959
Pebble & sand beach
Free entrance
Seasonal amenities: Showers & changing cabins (no sunbeds)
Richard’s Head Beach (Plaža Ričardova Glava)
One of Budva’s best city beaches. If you look at a map of Budva, you’ll see that the Old Town sits on a small peninsula. On one side of the walls lies Pizana Beach, while on the opposite side, you’ll find Richard’s Head Beach.
📍 Coordinates: 42.27788, 18.83648
Length: 300 meters
Pebble & sand beach
Facilities:
Sunbeds: €15 per pair
Beachfront cafes & restaurants
Direct access to the Old Town through medieval gates
Free entrance
🚩 Author’s Rating: 6/10
Similar to Slovenska Beach, it gets crowded in peak season, but the water here is much cleaner. Almost the entire beach is covered with paid sunbeds, leaving little space for towels. However, its compact size gives it a more intimate atmosphere. The best time to enjoy this beach is May or September, when crowds are smaller.
Mogren & Mogren 2 Beaches
These are the best beaches within walking distance from Budva. You can’t drive here—access is only by foot via a stunning coastal trail carved into the cliffs along the sea. The trail starts at the very end of Richard’s Head Beach and is about 200 meters long. Along the way, you’ll find Budva’s famous landmark—the ballerina statue, but more on that in the sightseeing section.
These two sandy beaches, each around 300 meters long, are separated by a rock formation with a small bridge running through it.
✔️ Wide beaches
✔️ Located in a bay, sheltered from the wind
✔️ Fewer crowds than Slovenska Beach, even in peak season
📍 Coordinates: 42.27708490649319, 18.832537045258356
Facilities: Sunbeds available, two cafes operate during the season. If you rent a sunbed, you get Wi-Fi.
Price for two sunbeds & umbrella: €20-30 per day
Free entrance
🚩 Author’s Rating: 10/10
The best beach within a 10-15 minute walk from Budva’s center. Plus, getting there is a little adventure in itself.
Dukley Beach – Exclusive & Private
This is a small private beach belonging to the Dukley Hotel & Residences. It’s located at the very end of Slovenska Beach, right on the border with Bečići.
✔️ Exclusive access: Free for Dukley guests, but non-guests pay €50 per person, which includes:
- Sunbed & umbrella (for two people)
- Wi-Fi
📍 Coordinates: 42.28217, 18.85792
Paid entrance
Extremely clean, elite atmosphere – no crowds, no towels packed side by side.
🚩 Author’s Rating: 8/10
A fantastic beach, pristine water, no wind or waves. But €100 per couple just to access a beach? Pricey. And during high season, even if you’re willing to pay, they might still refuse entry due to full capacity.
Bečići Beach
Bečići is a coastal village that has merged with Budva, making it part of the city today. Its beach, Bečići Beach, is very similar to Slovenska Beach in terms of infrastructure:
✔️ Sunbeds & umbrellas
✔️ Seafront promenade
✔️ Hundreds of cafes & thousands of tourists
💡 The water here is much clearer than in Budva.
The best part? It’s easy to reach on foot from Budva:
- 2.5 km from the Old Town
- 800 meters from the end of Slovenska Beach
- A pedestrian tunnel through the cliff connects Budva and Bečići
📍 Coordinates: 42.28120200740622, 18.872064318383316
Sunbed prices: €10-20 per day (free after 5 PM)
Length: Just under 2 km (promenade runs along the entire length)
Mix of pebbles & sand, with some fully sandy sections
Free entrance
Overview of the Becici resort, where to eat, what to see
🚩 Author’s Rating: 6/10
Bečići Beach and Slovenska Beach feel almost identical. Crowds are everywhere during peak season. However, the water here is cleaner and more turquoise.
Hawaii Beach (Sveti Nikola Island Beach)
The Sveti Nikola Island is visible from anywhere in Budva. This large, green, uninhabited island is located 700 meters from the Old Town and Slovenska Beach.
- 90% of the coastline consists of cliffs
- The remaining 10% is a large-pebble beach
💡 The beach has two names:
- Official name: Sveti Nikola Beach
- Local nickname: Hawaii Beach (used to attract tourists with an exotic vibe)
📍 Coordinates: 42.2707, 18.84608
Length: 500 meters
Facilities (seasonal):
Sunbeds (€15 per pair)
Cafes, toilets, showers
Free Wi-Fi & restrooms with sunbed rental
💰 Getting there:
- Boats run frequently from all beaches (even from Bečići)
- One-way ticket: €5-10
- Or, you can paddle over by SUP or kayak (rentable at Slovenska Beach)
Free entrance, but everything else (sunbeds, boat transfer, food) is paid. Prices here are higher than on the mainland.
🚩 Author’s Rating: 8/10
Yes, boatloads of tourists come here, but even in peak season, there’s enough space for everyone. It’s not a paradise beach, but there’s something special about lying on an uninhabited island while gazing at Budva and pondering the meaning of life.
And that’s not even all the beaches in Budva and its surroundings! Within a 10 km radius of Budva, there are officially 28 beaches. No wonder this area is called the Budva Riviera.
The beaches listed above are only the ones within walking distance from the city center. If you have a car, a whole new world of hidden gems along the coast opens up to you!
Best Taverns and Restaurants in Budva
Finding a place to eat in Montenegro is never a problem. The country takes its national cuisine seriously, and there is an abundance of restaurants, taverns, cafés, and Montenegrin fast-food spots everywhere. Budva is no exception—you’ll find eateries on every corner, offering generous portions and lots of meat.
A few key points to keep in mind:
- Restaurants on the beach, along the seafront, and in the Old Town tend to have higher prices and smaller portions.
- Just walk 300 meters inland, and you’ll find traditional Montenegrin taverns where you won’t leave the table hungry for less than €15 per person. Any hot dish typically includes at least half a kilo of meat.
Below, I’ve listed a few places I personally recommend. They serve delicious food, have large portions, and are budget-friendly. However, that doesn’t mean these are the absolute best restaurants in Budva—these are simply my personal favorites. The best restaurant is the one where you enjoy the food and atmosphere the most! All of the places I mention are marked on the Budva attractions map.
- L&M: (42.28398, 18.83605) – A simple, no-frills spot with big portions, fast service, and low prices. They also offer Montenegrin cuisine.
- Grape Cafe: (42.28936731599119, 18.84796919806021) – A cozy, family-run restaurant serving Montenegrin dishes. Try the grilled kebabs, cevapi, and pljeskavica. Highly recommended.
- Konoba Bocun: (42.29307, 18.83815) – Often called the best Montenegrin restaurant in town by locals. The portions are enormous, and an average dinner costs around €15 per person, whereas the same meal on the seafront would be €30-40. The only downside is that it’s about 1.2 km from the beach, but a short walk will only help build up your appetite.
- Kafana Rivijera: (42.278552525283736, 18.837470967687224) – A fantastic seafood restaurant located right in Budva’s Old Town. The menu features fish, shrimp, octopus, and calamari—a true paradise for seafood lovers. However, given its location, prices are on the higher side: pasta or risotto costs around €15, while grilled octopus is €20-22. But in this price range, it’s the best seafood restaurant in town—others are even more expensive.
Top 15 Attractions: What to See in Budva
Budva is a truly unique city, unlike any other in Montenegro. Here’s why: it has countless beaches, an uninhabited island, breathtaking mountain views, and, most importantly, plenty of sights to explore—including a well-preserved medieval Old Town.
No other city in Montenegro offers all these things at once. Kotor has an incredible historical center and stunning bay views, but no real beaches. Petrovac, Ulcinj, and Sutomore have great beaches and nature, but only a handful of attractions. Bar has neither beaches nor significant landmarks.
Budva, on the other hand, has it all—and it remains lively even in winter. In most small Montenegrin towns, everything shuts down during the colder months, and there’s little to do. But in Budva, life continues, even without the tourists.
The Old Town of Budva
Budva’s Old Town is the city’s main attraction. I don’t know a single person who visited Budva and didn’t explore this historic gem. It’s a genuine medieval town, completely surrounded by stone walls. Exceptionally well-preserved, the Old Town offers a true taste of the 15th century.
Interesting to know:
Although it looks ancient, much of the Old Town is actually a reconstruction. In 1979, a devastating earthquake severely damaged Budva, and many of its historic buildings had to be restored—some even improved. As a result, today, Budva’s Old Town looks even better than those in many other Montenegrin cities.
You can simply wander through the charming streets, soaking up the atmosphere, or explore specific landmarks within the fortress walls. Nearly every building here has a long history.
Key Attractions in the Old Town:
- Budva Citadel: Entrance fee: €4.5, open from 9 AM to 10 PM. Inside, you’ll find a museum, an art gallery, and an observation deck with stunning city views.
- Fortress Walls: You can walk along the walls for panoramic views of the city and the sea. Entrance fee: €2. However, if you visit after 8 PM, you might get in for free when the ticket booth is closed. Honestly, charging €2 for a 100-meter-long wall walk feels a bit excessive!
- St. John’s Church: One of about five churches within the Old Town.
- The Main Bell of Budva: A massive bell, displayed as a monument outside the fortress walls.
- City Gates: The fortress has several entrances, which historically—and still today—serve as the main access points to the Old Town.
This is by no means a complete list of Budva’s Old Town attractions. You could write an entire detailed guide just about this area, but I’ll leave some mystery for your first visit—you don’t want to feel like you’ve already seen it all before arriving!
- Coordinates of Budva’s Old Town: 42.2781861559217, 18.837638010711874
- Entrance: Free
- Open: 24/7
- Time Needed to Explore: Anywhere from one hour to half a day. In about an hour, you can walk through all the streets at a normal pace—the Old Town isn’t very big. But if you visit museums and the citadel, you could easily spend five hours here.
Author rating:
⭐ 10/10 – A must-visit in Budva for everyone. In Montenegro, the only Old Town that surpasses this one is in Kotor.
The Symbol of Budva – The Ballerina
The statue of a dancer, or ballerina, depicts a girl who, according to legend, waited at this spot for her beloved to return from a long voyage. Today, this ballerina is the symbol of Budva, appearing on postcards and souvenirs throughout the city.
And what to bring as a gift to family and friends from Montenegro, read in this article.
📍 Coordinates: 42.27745, 18.83493
Location: Along the coastal walking path through the cliffs leading to Mogren Beach
Time needed: 5 minutes
Free and accessible 24/7
⭐ Author’s rating: 8/10
A picturesque viewpoint with great photo opportunities, and the scenic trail to the beach is an added bonus.
Scenic Walk to Mogren Beach
Budva is not just about historical sights—it also boasts incredible natural beauty. The trail leading from the Old Town to Mogren Beach is a man-made pathway carved directly into the cliffs along the sea. The route is simple yet breathtaking.
📍 Starting coordinates: 42.27791367563702, 18.835557740250312
Trail length: About 200 meters
Free and accessible 24/7
⭐ Author’s rating: 8/10
This is the only land route to Mogren Beach (otherwise, you’d need a boat). A must-do walk that won’t take much time but is definitely worth it.
Mogren Fortress on the Hill
A forgotten relic of the Austro-Hungarian era, Mogren Fortress now stands in ruins atop a sheer cliff overlooking Mogren Beach. It’s inaccessible from the beach itself, but it offers spectacular panoramic views.
📍 Coordinates: 42.275201434984844, 18.82699394523994
Distance from Old Town: 1.4 km (~20-30 minutes on foot)
Elevation gain: 150-200 meters
Time needed at the fortress: About 20 minutes
Free and open 24/7
⭐ Author’s rating: 6/10
The fortress itself is in ruins, overgrown with bushes and littered with debris, so don’t expect much from the structure. However, the panoramic views from here are simply outstanding.
Half-Day Coastal Walk: Bečići – Rafailovići via Cliffside Tunnels
I like to call this the “Budva Health Trail.” Everyone who has visited and taken this walk has absolutely loved it! The route passes through two charming villages, four beautiful beaches, two pedestrian tunnels carved into the cliffs, and several scenic viewpoints. The entire path follows the coastline, lined with restaurants and shops. No need to bring food—there are plenty of places to stop along the way.
📍 Starting point: Slovenska Beach, Budva
Distance: 4.5 km one way
Finish: Kamenovo Beach (42.27555833670663, 18.8863790946696)
Duration: ~3 hours round trip (longer if you stop for swimming or dining)
Free and accessible 24/7
⭐ Author’s rating: 9/10
It may not be an official “landmark,” but it’s an incredible route. Highly recommended for a scenic, car-free coastal walk.
St. Nicholas Island
Visible from almost anywhere in Budva, St. Nicholas Island is an uninhabited natural paradise. If you’ve read about Budva’s beaches, you know about Hawaii Beach, the only accessible shore where boats bring tourists during the summer.
However, the island itself is much more than just a beach! There are several hiking trails, though they aren’t particularly interesting and don’t lead to any hidden beaches. Most of the coastline consists of steep cliffs, making swimming difficult outside of Hawaii Beach.
The best way to experience the island is by kayak or SUP board. Several rental spots on Slovenska Beach offer these for a self-guided tour around the island. It takes about two hours to paddle around the entire island, revealing hidden beaches that are only accessible by water.
📍 Island coordinates: 42.26579, 18.85167
Free and accessible 24/7
Rental prices:
- SUP board for a full day: €30
- Two-person kayak for a full day: €30
- 1-hour rental: €10
⭐ Author’s rating: 10/10
Visiting St. Nicholas Island by boat felt ordinary. But kayaking around it? WOW! It was a true adventure—landing on hidden beaches, exploring sea caves, and paddling under Budva’s historic walls. Highly recommended!
These landmarks are all within walking distance of Budva, and they’ll easily keep you busy for at least three days. But if that’s not enough, and you have a car, there are even more incredible places nearby:
- Sveti Stefan – Montenegro’s postcard-perfect island-hotel
- Kotor – A medieval marvel on the Bay of Kotor
- National Parks – Lovćen and Skadar Lake offer breathtaking nature
- Cetinje – Montenegro’s historic royal capital
- Lipa Cave – The largest karst cave in Montenegro
Final Thoughts
Budva is, without a doubt, Montenegro’s #1 beach destination. The benefits far outweigh the downsides. The only real negatives? Crowds in July-August and parking difficulties. But that’s common for any top resort town.
Unlike smaller Montenegrin coastal villages, Budva has enough attractions and activities to keep you entertained for two full weeks. It’s also one of the best destinations in Montenegro for a family vacation.
If you’re planning a trip, you won’t be disappointed—Budva has it all!
Resources to help you plan your dream trip to Montenegro
- WayAway: Cheap flights and best deals.
- Car rental in Montenegro:
- LocalRent – works with local rental companies. Leader in car rental in Montenegro.
- DiscoverCars – a large international platform.
- Budget-friendly vacation packages to Montenegro: CheapOair.
- Hotels and apartments all over the country:
- Trip.com – the most popular accommodation booking platform
- TripAdvisor compares the prices among dozens of other booking services and offer the best price
- Tours, excursions and activities (including extreme ones):
- GetYourGuide – more than 800 tours
- Viator – 1000+ excursions and activities throughout the country
- Comprehensive travel insurance: EKTA
- Internet and Calls:
- Airalo eSIM in Montenegro
- Drimsim – universal sim card for frequent traveler
- Taxi and airport transfers: Intui.Travel