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The Ultimate Budva, Montenegro Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know About This Riviera Gem

Laidback, fun, and luxurious, Budva is often called “ The Miami of Montenegro ” — and for good reason!

Although the city is associated with clubs and nightlife, there are plenty of things to do in Budva ! For example, the city has a sprawling Old Town overlooking the Adriatic Sea, as well as dozens of beaches, a charming seaside promenade, and chic cafes to cool off during the afternoon.

If you want to live the good life, then Budva is definitely calling your name. Check out my Budva travel guide and I’m sure you’ll want to add it to your itinerary !

PSA: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book something through them. This is at no cost to you and helps keep this site running. Thank you!

BUDVA CITY GUIDE Perfect for … The nightlife capital 💃 An Old Town to rival Kotor’s 🏰 Plenty of beaches 🏖

Each country has its own place to go all out and party: there’s Ibiza in Spain, Pattaya in Thailand, Las Vegas in the United States… You get my point.

Of course, Montenegro is no exception! With names like Omnia nightclub, the Sea Dance Festival (voted one of the Top 10 Europe Summer Festivals by Forbes!), and Top Hill, Budva is the place for nightlife .

In fact, I wasn’t too keen on adding Budva to our itinerary because we aren’t party people, but I’m glad I changed my mind. Although Budva might be primarily associated with nightlife, it’s much more than that!

Even if you don’t plan to go out past 9 PM, there’s still a ton of things to do. We spent the first day walking around and admiring the walls of Budva’s Old Town — it’s more than 2,500 years old! — and checking out Sveti Stefan the day after. Of course, there were plenty of cafes, seaside strolls , shopping, and visits to museums in between.

How many days do I need in Budva?

One or two days is plenty if Budva is part of a larger itinerary. However, Budva is an excellent ‘home base’ if you want to explore the rest of Montenegro but want to stay in one place.

Prefer something with a touch of luxury? There are also all-inclusive resorts all along the Montenegrin Riviera — I have plenty of recommendations below :)

HOW TO GET TO BUDVA

If Budva is your first destination in Montenegro, I recommend flying to Tivat airport (TIV) — from there, it’s a short drive to the city of Budva. For those flying into Montenegro’s second airport, Podgorica (TGD), it’s a bit further out and takes a little over an hour to get to Budva. Make sure to choose wisely when booking your airline tickets . :)

Traveling to Budva from other cities? Thanks to its central location, Budva can be accessed from virtually any city in Montenegro. Here are some examples so that you can see the distance and approximate travel time (by bus/car):

You can look up schedules on the www.busticket4.me and then buy tickets online or at the bus station. I recommend booking early (especially during the summer!) because Budva is a popular destination and tickets are often sold out. In fact, we had to wait for an hour because the bus we wanted to take to Budva was sold out.

Once you arrive in the city, Budva bus station is a 15 minute walk to the Old Town.

TRANSPORTATION & GETTING AROUND BUDVA

Although Budva is slightly larger than its sister city, Kotor , getting around Budva is still a breeze. The entire city can be explored on foot and it should take most people a leisurely 30 or 40 minutes to get from one end of the city to the other.

If you want to stay close to all of the attractions, I recommend staying near the waterfront (i.e. anywhere from Budva Old Town to Slovenska Plaža) as that’s where all the action happens.

Likewise, if you plan to visit the postcard-perfect Sveti Stefan, you can take an Olimpia Express bus from the main street that runs outside the Old Town for 2.50 EUR one way. It also stops at Jaz Beach and Petrovac if you want to check them out too. :)

WHAT TO DO IN BUDVA

Ahh, the age old question: What are some of the best things to do in Budva ? Although I originally thought that Budva was only good for nightlife and partying, it turns out that there’s so much more to this city!

Get Lost in the Old Town

… And when I said ‘get lost’ in Budva’s Old Town, I really mean it: it feels like a maze once you’re deep inside! We spent around 30 minutes trying to find a specific store before realizing we were going in circles.

Budva’s historical center is similar to Kotor’s Old Town but smaller and more compact: you’ll find plenty of explorable alleys that lead you to secret nooks and crannies, cobblestoned plazas to take a quick break, and fantastic finds in local boutique stores.

If you’re wondering what to do in Budva’s Old Town, I recommend checking out the city museum (listed simply as Muzej on Google Maps), sitting in the plaza and checking out the nearby Saint Ivan Church, or relaxing on Old Town Beach. For amazing views, you can check out the Citadel.

The beauty of Budva’s Old Town is that you can spend hours slowly strolling around and taking in the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of the place. :)

See the Famous Ballerina Statue

The quintessential symbol of the city, Budva’s Ballerina Statue has been featured on virtually every brochure and travel guide to the city. Funnily enough, people aren’t sure if she’s really a ballerina or actually a gymnast!

The statue has at least a dozen legends, including a story about a local gymnast who fell into the water and died, or a young couple who were playing near the water and the boy drowned. However, the most popular story is that of a young couple: the girl was a dancer and the boy was a sailor who had to sail one day on a mission. The girl waited by the water every day, hoping that he would return soon, but he never did.

Enjoy a night out and experience Budva nightlife

Of course, we can’t forget Budva’s legendary nightlife. As I mentioned in the beginning of this section, Budva is considered the party capital of Montenegro, especially during the summer season (June through August). Here are a few spots to check out if you want to spend a night out:

🎉 Budva Old Town — Surprise, surprise! Although the Old Town is a great tourist attraction during the day, it’s also a fantastic place to pre-game or pub crawl during the evening as well. Get the party started at one of the pubs and bars found in the old town, or enjoy a quieter night out by drinking craft beer at the aptly-named Old Town Pub.

🎉 Top Hill — Located at the top of a hill, you’ll need to take a taxi to get to this nightclub. However, this is one of Budva’s best nightclubs and definitely the place to go clubbing.

🎉 Omnia Night Club — Although it doesn’t quite reach the status of the nightclub with the same name in Las Vegas, Omnia is located right in the center of Budva and often features top guest DJs.

Travel tip: Most nightclubs in the Balkans don’t have a ‘dance floor’ per se. Instead, there are tables scattered around the club where you and your group can hang out, dance, and order drinks/food.

… And then chill out on the beach

Thankfully, Budva has more than 30 beaches in its vicinity! Here are just a few of the top beaches in Budva to get you started:

⛱ Jaz Beach — Located 6 km west of Budva is this lovely beach, which has 1.2 km of coastline and plenty of activities. It’s great for families or day trippers because there are cafes and restaurants nearby, plenty of parking, and kiosks where you can rent a paddleboat, kayak, or even a jet ski.

⛱ Richard’s Head Beach — Don’t want to spend time walking to far-off beaches? No problem – Richard’s Head beach is located right off to the side of Budva’s Old Town! Although it’s smaller than other beaches, it’s convenient to access and has everything you need (as well as being pet friendly).

⛱ Becici Beach — Clear water, beautiful views, and convenient amenities – what’s not to like? If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to get here early and grab the best spot.

Start off with a traditional Turkish breakfast at Smyrna ( Turkish cuisine ) before heading over to try a delicious bowl of Tom Yum soup at Taste of Asia ( Thai / Asian fusion cuisine ). For something a little closer to the Balkans, Restoran Sarajevo ( Bosnian cuisine ) makes mouth-watering ćevapčići (their national dish!), or for a taste of Russia, Alinka cafe. Heck, you can even try Californian cuisine at Bermuda cafe, which specializes in smoothies and healthy dishes.

DAY TRIPS FROM BUDVA

Sveti Stefan — One of Montenegro’s famous attractions is the half-island of Sveti Stefan . It originally used to be a fishing village in the 15th century, fell into disrepair, and was renovated into a luxury resort. Sveti Stefan’s guest sheet reads like a list of celebrities, from famous actors to musicians, writers, sportsmen, and more. Who knows, maybe you might have shared the same room as Orson Welles, Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, or even Marilyn Monroe?

Although the actual grounds of Sveti Stefan are off limits to everybody except hotel guests (prices start around 800 EUR/night), you can take a paid walking tour or admire the islet from afar. There are plenty of fantastic viewpoints near the road to get that perfect shot, as well as mini hiking trails.

Hawaii island — Did you know that you can visit the island of Hawaii without leaving Montenegro? That’s right!

Located just one kilometer off the coast of Budva is Saint Nikola Island, or better yet known as Hawaii thanks to its blue waters and sandy beaches scattered around the island. You can catch a ferry to the island for around 3 EUR per person, and visit as a quick trip or spend an entire day exploring.

WHERE TO STAY IN BUDVA ACCOMMODATIONS IN BUDVA

BUDVA HOSTELS

Freedom Hostel Budva — A hostel located in the old town, Freedom also offers day tours around the area and has bike rentals available. Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com

Montenegro Hostel B&B Budva — This was the first ever hostel in Budva and is still going strong after a decade! Prices start at $9 for a bunk bed in a shared room, or a bit more for a private room. Best of all, the hostel is right in the center of Budva’s old town! Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com

HOTELS IN BUDVA

Anyway, back to business: Fontana is located steps away from the main beach and promenade, and has spacious rooms with fantastic views of the sea. Guests love the attention and high level of service from the employees, and, like the name mentions, the food here is delicious. Check Availability & Book @ Booking.com || Hotels.com

Hotel Aleksandar Rafailovići — Want to feel like you’re living the posh lifestyle without paying the $$$ price tag? Voila! With amazing sea views, a private beach, and an upscale interior, Hotel Aleksandar feels like a high-end hotel but with a very moderate price. Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com

Hotel Kadmo — Located in the center of Budva, Hotel Kadmo is a smaller family-run hotel with impeccable service. It’s great for families or romantic getaways, and breakfast is included. Tip: Book the Deluxe Suite with Sea View to have your own private terrace with jacuzzi! Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com

BUDVA LUXURY RESORTS

Boutique Hotel Vissi d’Arte — Phew, where do I even start? Vissi d’Arte is easily the best-rated hotel in this entire section (it has a 10/10 rating!) and is the epitome of luxury. There are plenty of high-end touches throughout the hotel, such as having a personal butler assigned to you, as well as gorgeous decor. In fact, one reviewer even noted that “the rooms are decorated better than a 5 star hotel, [and] the view leaves you speechless.”

Each suite is equipped with premium beds from Hästens, as well as a personal balcony/terrace, luxury toiletries, and a complimentary breakfast every morning. Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com

La Villa Boutique Hotel — True to its name, La Villa is a lovely boutique hotel with only five suites and very cozy boho decor that’s reminiscent of the Budva riviera.

Thanks to its small size, each guest gets personalized service from the staff from the moment they check in to the daily breakfast, concierge recommendations, and check-out. The hotel is located in the middle of Budva’s old town and features two in-house restaurants: a traditional Mediterranean restaurant called LaVilla and Asian cuisine at Shanghai. Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com

Avala Resort & Villas — For those who want to be close to Budva’s tourist attractions, it doesn’t get more central than Avala! Located just 50 meters from the Old Town, as well as some of Budva’s best beaches and the seaside promenade, Avala is a great choice if you want an ‘all in one’ hotel. Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com

Hotel Zeta — Although Zeta is a fantastic choice for any traveler visiting Budva, what really sets it apart is the beautiful view — as one reviewer noted, “[the] view from the room is one of the best I’ve ever seen.”

Zeta also offers complimentary breakfast that’s made to order off the menu. For those craving peace and quiet, I highly recommend booking this hotel – it’s actually located in the small village of Rafailovici on the eastern end of Budva and has easy access if you want to visit Sveti Stefan. Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com

BUDVA APARTMENTS

This four-star villa in Budva offers different room options, from cozy studios to spacious one-bedroom apartments. Best of all, there’s an amazing pool and garden with jasmine flowers and exotic plants. Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com

Marinero Apartments — From budget-friendly studios to private apartments with spa baths (seriously, check out the Duplex Two-Bedroom Apartment with Spa Bath, it’s jaw-dropping), Marinero has it all.

The apartment is centrally located and is a 10-minute walk to Budva bus station and an 8-minute walk to the Old Town. It’s also fantastic for groups, especially because you can rent multiple apartments in the same building (or a whole apartment for smaller groups!) Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com

See all accommodations in Budva here

WHERE TO EAT IN BUDVA

Bermuda Cafe – Located just outside of the old town, Bermuda Cafe is a cute tropical-style cafe that serves delicious sandwiches, brunch, smoothies, and more.

Restoran Sarajevo – Hands down, one of the best restaurants in Budva. The waiter was so nice and guided us through the entire menu, which prepared us for the rest of our Balkans trip — we even tried our first ćevapčići here and were impressed with how juicy and flavorful it was. :)

Forsage Gastro Lounge – A lovely upscale restaurant just outside the center of Budva, Forsage specializes in meat and seafood, and creates beautiful presentations for their dishes.

Verde – Budget-friendly prices, vegan options available, and delicious street food. One reviewer even said, “don’t go to Greece for your gyros, go to Verde.”

COFFEEMONKEY – A cozy cafe near the central mall that makes delicious coffee. There’s a children’s play area and a few tables that are work-friendly.

USEFUL REFERENCES FOR TRAVELING TO MONTENEGRO

Looking for more information before your trip to Montenegro? I recommend the following websites that I personally used:

🛂 Need a visa to Montenegro ? Check out iVisa for more information .

✈️ Once you have your visa all set, it’s time to book airline tickets ! I use both CheapOAir and SkyScanner to book flights.

🛏 Book accommodations on Booking or Hotels . These two offer fantastic options for every traveler, from hostels to hotels, apartments to penthouses, local guesthouses, and everything in between!

✨ Speaking of amazing accommodations… I have an entire blog post dedicated to the best guesthouses, apartments, and Airbnbs in Montenegro !

📷 Find tours, day trips, or sightseeing activities at Get Your Guide or Viator .

❗️ One of the most popular day trips is the All Montenegro Tour . This 12-hour tour gives you a taste of Montenegro as you enjoy breakfast at a local village, tour the Old Royal Capital, visit the birthplace of the Petrović dynasty, enjoy a boat ride through River Crnojevica, and finish the day with a panoramic view of the famous Sveti Stefan.

🚗 Prefer to carve out your own itinerary ? Rent a car through RentalCars.com, which has the biggest selection of car rentals and the company that I use whenever I rent a car.

🧳 Not sure what to pack ? I have an entire blog post that details what to pack for a trip to Montenegro for all four seasons!

🇲🇪 Looking for even more information before traveling to Montenegro ? Check out my Ultimate Montenegro Travel Guide for everything you need to know before your trip OR 17 Montenegro Travel Tips for some bite-sized tips…

🇲🇪 … Or check out all of my blog posts on Montenegro here ! Happy travels :)

2 thoughts on “ the ultimate budva, montenegro travel guide: everything you need to know about this riviera gem ”.

Wow, I want to go to Budva. Thank you so much, very interesting blog.

Thank you! :)

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Holiday gift guide, google pins, budva, montenegro: a complete travel guide, budva , europe , montenegro.

What do you know about Montenegro? Honestly, I knew very little when I picked it as a holiday destination a few years back. My decision to visit was solely based on my love for Croatia. I wanted more of the medieval beauty that had me smitten in Dubrovnik , Hvar and Korcula , and I thought I could find more of the same a little further south. I’ve now visited Budva twice, and it works both as a home base for exploring the nearby Bay of Kotor or as a two-night stop on a roadtrip down the Adriatic Coast. My travel guide to Budva will help with an itinerary for either type of trip. It includes the best beaches, Old Town sights, day trips, hotels, restaurants and more.

This post contains affiliate links. When you click these links I may get a small commission that won’t cost you anything, but it does help me run this website.

A complete travel guide to Monteregro's Bay of Kotor including the best towns, beaches, hikes and hotels in Kotor, Budva and Sveti Stefan.

I love beach days alongside medieval city walls. Quintessential summer in Europe.

HOW MANY DAYS IN BUDVA

Length of stay in Budva really depends on how you are moving through Montenegro. If Budva is a mere stop on a roadtrip down the coast, you’ll only need a couple of days to explore Old Town and visit the nearby beaches. If Budva serves as your home base for exploring the surrounding region (Sveti Stefan, Bar, Kotor and the Lustica Peninsula), then I suggest staying six full days.

Sunbathing along medieval walls is quintessential European summer.

Mortiz Eis has a location in Old Town Budva, and it’s delicious.

WHEN TO VISIT BUDVA

APRIL, MAY, SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER – Shoulder season is the best balance of weather, crowds and hotel prices along the Bay of Kotor. The chance of rain can be hit or miss in April and October, but May and September are generally pretty warm and the best months of the year to visit.
JUNE-AUGUST – Summer season in Montenegro is overly crowded with tourists pouring in from across Eastern Europe. I’ve never seen beaches so packed with people. Temperatures are pretty toasty this time of the year, especially August. And hotel prices are also at their peak.
NOVEMBER-MARCH – Avoid a low season visit when the weather is cold and rainy.

Exploring every corner of Old Town Budva.

EXPLORE BUDVA

GALIJA BEACH

Located just south of Sveti Stefan, Galija Beach is one of my favorite little escapes in this part of Montenegro. The quiet cove is completely idyllic, and a lovely place to spend a summer day. There’s a small beach bar, as well as white umbrellas and loungers scattered across the beach and surrounding red rocks.

If the crowds of Slovenska Beach are overwhelming, head a few miles west to Jaz Beach. You’ll find rows of umbrellas and sunbeds here too, but it doesn’t feel as cluttered thanks to the beach’s expansive size. For complete seclusion, there are quiet coves tucked away in rocks at the east end of Jaz Beach. Perfect for sunbathing.

MOGREN BEACH

Follow the pedestrian pathway west from Old Town, and it leads to beautiful Mogren Beach, which is actually two beaches connected by a small tunnel built into the surrounding limestone cliffs.

OLD TOWN BUDVA

Old Town feels a world away from the beach bars and dance clubs that sit just outside the fortified walls. The medieval town dates back more than 2,000 years, and walking through the labyrinth of alleys, squares and corridors is like a step back in time. This is one of the more popular tourist attractions, so visit early in the morning to have Old Town to yourself for a couple of hours.

OLD TOWN BEACH

The beach is small, but the medieval walls of Budva serve up a pretty spectacular backdrop for an afternoon of sunbathing. It sits just west of Old Town.

Sveti Stefan might be the most iconic sight in Montenegro.

DAY TRIPS FROM BUDVA

BLUE GROTTO

Yup, Montenegro has a Blue Grotto. Group tours and private boats can be booked from Zanjice Beach, or as part of larger tour packages from Kotor. If you can splurge, opt for a private boat so you can visit without other tourists in the sea cave. Similar to the blue grottoes in Croatia and Greece , it’s a stunning place to swim when the water glows.

The fortified town of Kotor belongs in a fairytale with its winding stone alleys that create an utter labyrinth of orderly chaos. Old Town is a must-visit tourist attraction – top sights include Kotor Fortress, St. Luke’s Church, St. Tryphon’s Cathedral and the South Gate.

Perast sits a mere 10 miles north of Kotor, but feels like another world entirely. The sleepy waterfront village resembles a postcard with cobbled streets, palazzos, churches and clocktowers that face the Bay of Kotor. You’ll find a small parking lot just outside of Perast where views of St. George Island will tempt you to visit. Ferries shuttle tourists out to the island, or if you arrive early in the morning, hire a local for the five-minute boat ride and have the place to yourself. The tiny islet is home to the 12th-century Saint George Benedictine monastery.

For an off-the-beaten-path escape, follow the coast out to the charming village of Rose on the Lustica Peninsula. It takes all of 10 minutes to walk the pleasant waterfront lined with swim ladders that plunge into sparkling turquoise waters. The harbor is home to stone villas, blooming flowers and a mere handful of restaurants. Rose is only worth visiting in the summer months when you can lay out a towel for an afternoon of swimming and sunbathing.

Hop in the car for a day trip down to see the remains of ancient Stari Bar. With no traffic, it’s about an hour drive to reach the settlement that sits in ruins, just a couple miles inland from Bar. Explore the remains of the fortified town that is quite literally a set of crumbling ruins.

SVETI NIKOLA

It might feel a bit touristy seeing posters of Sveti Niola plastered all over Budva, and honestly the crowds, garbage and party atmosphere don’t make this the most appealing day trip destination. Nonetheless, the island is popular with tourists, known locally as the Hawaii of Montenegro. Tour companies, water taxis and ferries shuttle visitors to and from the island throughout the day. Travel time by boat is approximately 30 minutes from Budva.

SVETI STEFAN

Once a 15th-century fishing village, this fortified islet is perhaps the most iconic sight in all of Montenegro. Sveti Stefan was converted into a luxury hotel more than a decade ago, and only resort guests and paid tour groups have access to the island. Visitors can still soak in the spectacular views from the surrounding beaches. Sveti Stefan Beach is a public beach that sits to the left of the tombolo, while the Aman Sveti Stefan beach sits to the right for hotel guests, as well as non-guests willing to pay a beach club fee.

ZANJICE BEACH

Also located on the Lustica Peninsula, Zanjice Beach can be paired with Rose as a full day trip from Budva. The calm water of this sheltered cove makes it a particularly inviting destination, so arrive early to claim one of the beach’s coveted parking spots.

Kotor makes for a lovely day trip from Budva.

STAY IN BUDVA (+ SVETI STEFAN)

AMAN SVETI STEFAN

If you’re ever going to splurge on a hotel, this is the place to do it. Aman Sveti Stefan is more than just a hotel stay, it’s an experience. Once a fishing village, the 15th-century island has been completely restored, and is private to guests of the five star property. The property transformed the old medieval buildings around the island into 50 impeccable hotel rooms, suites and cottages. Guests have access to private beaches on the mainland, two small pools on the island, the exclusive Aman Spa and on-site restaurants.

AVALA RESORT & VILLAS

Avala Resort & Villas sits just outside of the Old Town walls with spectacular views over the Adriatic, possibly the best location in Budva. Rooms are minimalist and modern, and there’s a pool that faces the sea. The resort also lays claim to half of Old Town Beach with umbrellas and loungers for hotel guests.

DUKLEY HOTEL & RESORT

It sits a couple miles up the road from Old Town Budva, but the Dukley Hotel & Resort feels a world away from the bustle of the city. Surrounded by pine forests on the Zavala Peninsula, the sprawling hotel is home to 50 apartment style residences that overlook the private Moet & Chandon Beach.

Luxury villa that sits on the hillside perched over Sveti Stefan and the surrounding sea. Villa Geba is home to several designer suites, a villa and a spectacular infinity pool surrounded by “ancient” marble column ruins. Very picturesque.

Fresh seafood always when in Montenegro.

EAT IN BUDVA (+ SVETI STEFAN)

DRAGO RESTAURANT

A popular family-run establishment that sits on the hillside overlooking the Adriatic. The dishes here are delicious, and taste even better if you can nab a table on the terrace with views of the Sveti Stefan islet. Drago Restaurant offers a variety of meat and seafood dishes, but their specialty is the fresh seafood.

FAMELIJA KENTERA

Another restaurant perched on the hill with a terrace that looks out over Sveti Stefan. The menu is filled with a tasty selection of pasta and seafood offerings.

KONOBA DEMIZANA

For charming ambiance and delicious seafood, grab dinner at Konoba Dmeinaza. It’s located just outside of Budva’s Old Town with an unassuming entrance that is easy to miss. The pleasant terrace sits sheltered by green vines and leaves, a lovely setting in the evenings.

KONOBA MORE

Just north of Sveti Stefan is a swath of red sand beach known as Przno, and it’s home to a handful of delightful restaurants. Konoa More is particularly charming, set on the water surrounded by stunning medieval views and a sparkling cove.

KONOBA PORTUN

A popular restaurant located on an alleyway within the walls of Old Town Budva. They serve a variety of meats and seafood – all very standard, but the ambiance in Old Town at night is wonderful.

Beach club access at Sveti Stefan.

GET AROUND BUDVA

A car isn’t necessary when exploring Budva. The tiny walled city is a pedestrian zone with no vehicle access, and the waterfront promenade is best explored on foot. For day trips around the Bay of Kotor, a car is a must with driving distances ranging from 20 minutes to 90 minutes to reach Sveti Stefan, Kotor , the Lustica Peninsula, Perast and some of the surrounding beaches.

My mission uncover all the sweetest corners of Budva.

GET TO BUDVA

Podgorica is Montenegro’s capital city, but for a coastal road trip, it’s easier to fly in and out of Dubrovnik . It’s a 20-minute drive from the airport to reach the Croatia – Montenegro border, and then another two hours onward to Budva. Crossing into Montenegro is straightforward and painless, but leave plenty of time on the return (especially if you are catching a flight). The wait can be hit and miss – I’ve experienced both a five minute and a two hour delays at the border.

Most major car brands have rental kiosks at the Dubrovnik Airport, but let them know you plan to cross the border into Montenegro (you might need to pay a small fee for a green card).

This is probably the most comprehensive guide about Montenegro that I ever reed. It can be very helpful for first-time visitors of Budva and Kotor.

Thank you for the great advice. We are thinking of basing ourselves in Budva for 2 weeks. Is there a neighborhood you would recommend? We love nightlife, cafes, restaurants, gyms and beaches

Budva isn’t that big, but the closer you can be to Old Town and the water the better. And make sure you have a car to explore the nearby Bay of Kotor towns.

Great little article , visited Montenegro on a road trip last year , and stayed in Budva for 2 days , but it rained most of the time . Hopefully this time , in early September 24, the weather will be kinder , so I can explore , give 1 or 2 of the restaurants you recommended a try as well . Great stuff

I visited in September last year and the weather was fabulous!

We are thinking of making Budva our base & renting scooters to travel to Kotor/Perast, Bar. Would you say that is safe?

Very easy to travel between the two!

I love your photos! Which beach is in the picture with Sveti Stefan in the background?

It’s the Aman private beach!