At a glance
- Best for
- Beaches, nightlife, family holidays and coastal walks
- Airport
- Tivat Airport (TIV), about thirty minutes away
- Time needed
- Two to four days
- Best season
- June and September for swimming without peak crowds
- Getting around
- Walking, coastal buses and taxis
- Good base for
- Sveti Stefan, Petrovac, Kotor and Cetinje
Why visit Budva
Budva has the best mix of beaches, restaurants, nightlife and easy day trips on the coast. It is one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic, with roots in Greek and Roman times, yet it is also the most modern resort in the country. Families come for the beaches, young travellers come for the summer clubs, and everyone ends up strolling the old town at sunset.
The old town
Budva's Stari Grad sits on a small peninsula, enclosed by walls. It was heavily damaged in the 1979 earthquake and carefully rebuilt, so the stone lanes, small churches and squares look much as they did. Walk the walls, visit the Citadel at the tip for sea views, and see the churches of the Holy Trinity and Saint John beside each other. In the evening the lanes fill with café terraces.
The beaches
The town beaches, Slovenska Plaža and Ričardova Glava, are central but crowded in summer. Mogren beach, reached by a cliff path from the old town walls, is prettier, split into two coves. Jaz beach to the west is long and wide, with space for families. South of town, Bečići, Kamenovo and Rafailovići have sand and pebbles, beach bars and seafront tavernas, and Drobni Pijesak is a small, hidden cove. Many beaches have paid sun loungers, but there is almost always a free public section where you can lay a towel.
Sveti Stefan
The fortified fishing village on a tiny island joined to the shore by a sandy spit is Montenegro's most famous view. The island itself is a private luxury resort, and access has been affected by a long running dispute, so check before planning a visit inside. The view from the coastal road above, and the public beach beside it, are free. The Queen's Beach and Miločer park nearby are lovely when open.
Petrovac and quieter spots
Petrovac, twenty minutes south, is a calm, family friendly resort with a promenade under pine trees and a small Venetian fort. Pržno is a little fishing village with a row of tavernas. Above the coast, monasteries such as Podmaine and Reževići offer a peaceful change of scene.
Nightlife
Budva is Montenegro's party town in July and August, with open air clubs, beach bars and the seafront strip busy until late. Outside high summer it is much quieter. If you want calm nights, stay in Petrovac, Pržno or away from the main promenade.
Day trips
Kotor is about thirty minutes away by bus, Cetinje is a short climb into the hills, and Lake Skadar is reachable in about an hour. Boat trips from the marina go to Sveti Nikola island and along the coast.
Where to stay
The old town and its edges suit couples who want atmosphere. Bečići and Rafailovići suit families who want to walk straight onto the beach. For a quieter trip, choose Pržno, Sveti Stefan village or Petrovac. Prices rise sharply in July and August, so book early.
Plan your visit
Browse beaches, restaurants and stays on our places to visit list, and see how Budva fits with Kotor in the trip planner.
Questions about Budva
Is Budva good for families?
Yes. The beaches of Bečići, Rafailovići and Petrovac have gentle water and seafront promenades. Stay away from the main nightlife strip if you want quiet evenings.
Can I visit Sveti Stefan island?
The island is a private resort and public access has been limited in recent years because of a dispute over the lease. The view and the beach next to it are open to everyone.
How do I get from Budva to Kotor?
Frequent buses run between the two towns, taking about thirty to forty five minutes depending on traffic. Taxis are also easy to find.
When is Budva busiest?
July and August, when hotels fill, beaches are packed and the nightlife is at its peak. June and September are warm enough for swimming and much calmer.
Facts checked . Fees, schedules and entry rules change, so always confirm the latest with the official source.
