Budva — The Heart of the Montenegrin Riviera
Budva is Montenegro's most popular beach destination, about 90 minutes north of Ulcinj via the coastal road through Bar and Petrovac. The town attracts visitors from across Europe to its stunning coastline, vibrant nightlife, and beautifully preserved medieval Old Town.
The Budva Riviera stretches 21 km from Jaz Beach in the north to Petrovac in the south. With a rental car, you can explore the entire coastline — stopping at hidden coves, beach bars, and clifftop viewpoints that are impossible to reach by public transport.
Beaches Worth the Drive
Key stops along the riviera:
- Mogren: Two cove beaches connected by a tunnel carved through the cliff, walking distance from the Old Town. Loungers and a bar operate May to September.
- Jaz: A large sandy bay 3 km north of Budva town. Free parking in the upper lot. Hosts summer music events.
- Sveti Stefan: The famous fortified island village 6 km south of Budva. The mainland beach is public; the island is a luxury hotel. Best photographed from the road above.
- Becici: A long, gently sloping sand beach between Budva and Sveti Stefan. Family-friendly with lifeguards in season.
Budva Old Town
The walled peninsula is compact enough to walk in 15 minutes. Enter through the main gate, loop through cobblestone streets past churches and galleries, and exit at the Citadela for views south toward Sveti Stefan. Restaurants inside the walls charge a premium — locals eat at places just outside the gate.
Day Trips from Budva
Drive 6 km south on the coastal road to the Sveti Stefan viewpoint. Walk down to Milocer beach (public, free entry). The Queen's Beach next door requires a hotel pass.
Head north through the mountains to Kotor — 30 minutes through a dramatic tunnel. Combine with Perast for a full-day bay loop.
The mountain road to Lovcen National Park offers the Njegos Mausoleum at 1,657 metres — carry a jacket even in summer. The winding road has limited guardrails.
Getting Around
Budva has paid parking near the Old Town walls and behind the bus station. Both fill by mid-morning in summer. Free street parking exists along the Becici road but requires a 10-minute walk.