Casa Mireille

The coast of Montenegro is still less well-known than that of its Croatian neighbours, but it’s a discovery well worth making. Its stunning beaches and charming old towns provide all you need for an inspiring break in the Balkans.

Budva is one of the highlights of Montenegro, certainly if visitor numbers are anything to go by. As the country’s top coastal resort, it combines the high life with history, courtesy of Budva Old Town which is a real find. Commanding incredible views over the Adriatic, the heights of the Old Town are hugely rewarding, and the buildings are pleasingly well preserved too. Its narrow little streets and squares are filled with shops, galleries, cafés, and pretty churches like Sv Trojica and Sv Ivan.

A small Old Town beach is just one of many in the area – a lot of people come here just for the beach life, and as a result some can get crowded. The large Jaz Beach is a favourite and sometimes hosts music festivals and concerts, while the smaller Mogren enjoys a beautiful view back to the town. Dukley Marina is another pleasant hang-out, with cool bars and restaurants.

If Budva gets too busy, you can always explore further down the coast. This will eventually lead you to Ulcinj. This is the coastal getaway of choice for both Montenegrins and many Albanians, as it is not far from the border. There is robust security at its nudist and women-only beaches, and there’s plenty more choice along the 12km Velika Plaza. This stretch of beach extends all the way to the River Bojana – on the other side, the beautiful island of Ada Bojana is a secret worth knowing.

Read more about Budva

About Budva

Budva has been celebrated for its remarkable Riviera for decades! Not only are the beaches pristine and spoilt with turquoise waters, holiday-goers are continually reminded of this destination’s antiquated past wherever they look. With mesmerising streets in the Old Town and Monasteries rising over the symbolic Adriatic rooftop-slates, tourists unite in this glorious city for treasured holidays.

First stop, the Beaches! Budva’s coastline stretches for over 20km, so you will have to meander out of the city’s medieval walls to enjoy your choice of seventeen beaches. By far the most popular of these beaches is Jaz – here you will find lots of water-based activities that extend over the 4km shore. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, a day trip to the charming island of Sveti Nikola is urged. Not only will you experience stunning scenery, which locals liken to Hawaii, but you’re likely to see deer and rabbits. If the heat and sand is all becoming a little too much for you and the family, make sure to visit Aquapark Budva. This impressive facility not only has restaurants, shops and great views, but it also has a superb range of water related activities.

During the day, feel free to explore the Old Town. There’s lots to see and you will learn about this unique town’s history, so visit the numerous museums, the Citadel and Santa Maria del Punta Church. After some sightseeing, stretch your legs along the promenade that acts as a walkway between Budva and another of our favourites - Sveti Stefan. Perhaps stop off half way down this coastal boulevard and familiarise yourself with the Montenegrin food, which includes the well-known Njeguski Steak (schnitzel filled with Njegusi prosciutto & cheese), Buzara (shellfish & prawns) and Ispod Saca (a hearty stew). If shopping is your thing, we suggest a trip to Petrovac in order to explore the dozens of unusual boutiques that are still spoilt with prominent coastal views.

Budva does have a recognised nightlife scene, so if you fancy a cocktail in the evening then check out Mogren Beach or Maltez. Festival goers are drawn to this part of the world during late August for the intimate Sea Dance Festival.

Budva has seen some developed over recent years, but that hasn’t taken away from its 2,500-year history. If you want to be wowed by architecture, beaches and wonderful food & drink – we think you’ve found your next holiday!

Prior to Booking

As many of our regions in Montenegro are coastal, there can sometimes be some adverse weather. This tends to only really occur outside of the Peak Season though. When thinking about booking your holiday to Montenegro, please consult Foreign travel advice for more information.

Entry Requirements

Tourists who are British Citizens will not require a visa upon arrival, unless their stay lasts longer than 90 days. Please check Entry Requirements before departure.

Getting There

Sveti Stefan, Bar & Ulcinj are served by Tivat Airport and Podgorica Airport. Please note that Tivat is a smaller International Airport, which can experience overcrowding in Peak Season. Due to its proximity to Orjen & Lovćen Mountains, flights are sometimes re-directed to Podgorica Airport or cancelled in the case of bad weather.

From the UK:
Direct flights are available from London on Montenegro Airlines, easyJet, TUI, Ryanair and many others. Chartered flights are also available from several other UK airports.

From Dubrovnik, Croatia:
Connecting flights are available from Dubrovnik Airport to Podgorica Airport.

By Bus:
GetByBus operates from Dubrovnik, Tivat and Podgorica to Sveti Stefan, Bar & Ulcinj. Journeys can take up to 4 hours and 45 minutes.