In the previous part of our Montenegro guide we explored the Bay of Kotor: we walked along the mighty walls of Kotor, admired the architecture of Perast and took a boat ride to the Blue Cave. Now we head south - to Budva Riviera, the country's main resort region.
Here, along 35 kilometers of coastline, bustling beaches alternate with quiet bays, medieval fortresses with ultra-modern clubs, cozy villages and superyacht marinas. This part of the Adriatic is the heart of Montenegrin tourism, and it is here that the feeling of a “real holiday” is born.
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Budva – Old Town, best restaurants, beaches and nightlife
Budva lives a double life. During the day it is a charming medieval Old city (Stari Grad), which is more than 2500 years old. It is surrounded by powerful walls, inside which are hidden the Citadel, the ancient churches of St. John and the Holy Trinity, and narrow streets where it is pleasant to get lost. At the very gates you can see the ruins of a Roman necropolis, and from the walls of the Citadel there is a magnificent view of the sea and the famous sculpture "Dancers from Budva".
As dusk falls, Budva transforms. It is a multicultural city where tourists and expats from all over the world come, so there is an establishment for every taste.
- Coffee and desserts: There are some great coffee shops in the Old Town: Casper, North Coffee Shop, Polako Coffee Shop & Bar, Caffe Fiorino. And a little further from the historical center: CUPS, More Coffee, Local, Acacia.
- Cocktails: For the best cocktails, both classic and signature, head to barduck, Strix Bar or Hemingway in the Old Town. Also worth paying attention to Barbarabar и 504 Rooftop on the roof with a view of the city.
- Restaurants: The choice is huge. For authentic Montenegrin cuisine with a sea view, go to Jadran Kod Krsta or Restaurant Porto. Cozy, but no view - Perla Restaurant и Fontana. Excellent Greek cuisine is served in El Greco Budva, Korean - in Korean Food Montenegro, Thai - in Taste of Asia, Georgian - in Amber Restaurant Budva, and Turkish - in The House Kebab & Grill Restaurant.
- Night life: Besides the most popular open-air club Top Hill, located on a mountain above the city, where concerts and DJ sets take place until dawn, it is worth paying attention to Club Hide Budva, Environment и Theater.
Bečići and Rafailovići: the perfect family holiday
Moving east from noisy Budva, the coast smoothly flows into a series of more quiet and measured resorts, ideal for a family holiday.
The first ones to meet on the way Becici и Rafailovici — essentially one large resort, united by a long promenade and a magnificent wide sandy-pebble beach, which has repeatedly received an award "Blue Flag" for its purity.
Becici is famous for its large hotel complexes and new buildings at an affordable price, while Rafailovici, a former fishing village, has retained a more intimate atmosphere and is famous for some of the best fish restaurants on the entire coast, where gourmets from all over the Riviera come especially for the experience - Three Ribaras, Porat, hotel restaurant Aleksandar.
There is a wonderful restaurant in Becici. Two Captains and the coffee shop next to it Voronka, where you can also have a tasty snack.
A convenient embankment where you can walk with a stroller, and pedestrian tunnel, leading directly to Budva, make these places a great alternative for those who seek peace and quiet, but want to remain close to the center of action.
Petrovac: A peaceful holiday surrounded by pine trees
If you drive further along the coast, you will find yourself in Petrovac — one of the most cozy and picturesque towns of the Budva Riviera. Situated in a beautiful bay, surrounded by dense pine forests and olive groves, it enchants with its peaceful atmosphere. It is here that the famous "Health Path" — a picturesque walking route that runs along the sea through a pine forest, filling the air with a healing pine aroma.
The ancient Venetian church rises above the embankment Castello Fortress 16th century, and from the shore there is a view of two tiny islands - Katich и Sveta Nedelya, which have become symbols of the city. In addition to the main city beach with its characteristic reddish pebbles, just a 10-minute walk away is the picturesque Lucice beach, hidden in a secluded bay.
Petrovac has good family restaurants, pastry shops and cafes, and in the evening the promenade comes alive with street musicians. You can dine in local restaurants: Gastro Bar Piazza, MUN or Konoba Tramontana.
Petrovac is an ideal choice for those looking for a relaxing holiday surrounded by stunning nature, although its popular beaches can get quite crowded during peak season.
Sveti Stefan and Miločer Park: Montenegro's calling card
Sveti Stefan Island — Montenegro's calling card. Once a fishing village, it later became a residence for world celebrities, from Sophia Loren to Novak Djokovic. However, when planning a trip here, it is extremely important to have up-to-date information. The resort, managed by the elite Aman Resorts chain, has been closed since 2020, and as of this year public access to the island itself has been completely closed.
But this does not mean that Sveti Stefan cannot be enjoyed. However, now you need to know how to do it correctly.
- Best views: The most canonical photographs are obtained with panoramic platform on the main road above the island. But please be careful when crossing the road, there is heavy traffic.
- Available beaches: The beach to the left of the isthmus is public and accessible to all. But the main secret today is Milocer Park and Beach. The beaches in this bay were previously reserved for guests of the Aman Hotel. Now that the hotel is closed, this magnificent park with ancient pines and cedars, as well as a beautiful beach with pink pebbles, is available to everyone.
- Dinner with an island view: The best way to dine with a view of Sveti Stefan is to book a table at one of the restaurants opposite, such as Oliva Restaurant. For a special occasion, an exclusive one will do. Muse Restaurant & Bar at Villa Geba. More affordable, but no less beautiful options (though without a view of the island) can be found in the neighboring village of Przno: Finish the job, La Mar or Konoba More.
Secret locations rarely mentioned in guidebooks
In addition to the famous resorts, the coast also holds lesser-known corners that are worth discovering:
- Przhno: a quiet bay with traditional houses and boats. Here you will find the Royal Beach, surrounded by Milocer Park, and a modern casino hotel Maestral Resort.
- Drobni Pesak: a beach between Budva and Petrovac, surrounded by pine trees and rocks. It has particularly clear water and an atmosphere of privacy.
- Kamenovo: A picturesque beach between Becici and Przno, famous for its turquoise water and beautiful sunsets. It can be reached through a pedestrian tunnel or by car.
See also: A detailed guide to the beaches of Montenegro
Spiritual Heritage: Monasteries of Montenegro
The Budva Riviera, like the rest of Montenegro, is rich in monasteries. There are many of them, each with its own unique history. This heritage is an important part of the country's cultural landscape and serves as a reminder of its deep Orthodox roots.
Many monasteries are located right on the coast or close to it. Among them are Podmaine Monastery (Budva), Praskvica Monastery (Sveti Stefan), Rezevici Monastery (Petrovac), Gradiste Monastery (Buljarica), Savina (Herceg Novi), as well as Beška Monastery and the Monastery of St. Archangel Michael on the islands of Lake Skadar (Virpazar). Each of them is interesting in its own way and is often open to visitors.
Later we will tell you about the most famous of them - Ostrog monastery.
Modern resorts: Porto Montenegro, Portonovi and Luštica Bay
Although these projects are formally located outside the Budva Riviera, it is impossible to imagine a picture of modern Montenegro without them. Over the past 15 years, the country has become a magnet for the world elite, and new resorts with marinas have become the calling card of the coast.
- The Portons (Kumbor, near Herceg Novi):
A whole new generation has grown up on the site of a former military base. resort town with apartments, hotels, restaurants and boutiques. The first hotel of the chain in Europe is located here. One & Only, famous for its Chenot Espace SPA and swimming pool right by the sea.
Restaurant NOA Portonovi with an Asian fusion menu has long been a gastronomic landmark. In the summer, the marina turns into a venue for concerts, exhibitions and regattas - this year's program promises jazz and gastronomy festivals. - Porto montenegro (Tivat):
The most developed and lively project with luxury real estate, who introduced Montenegro to the world. There are hundreds of superyacht spots here, from MaxMara and BOSS boutiques to contemporary art galleries.
In restaurants you can try steaks in Gallant, signature Montenegrin cuisine Bokka Modern, enjoy Italian cuisine in Mala Bevanda La Pasteria or just have coffee with dessert in My dear or Cafeteria, eat ice cream in Moritz EisThere is a cozy cafe nearby. Sofi with a beautiful view of the bay, a famous grill restaurant Tanja and an excellent Asian restaurant MILÃ at the Casa Manor boutique hotel.
New quarter Boka place made Tivat a premium shopping center, with popular beach resorts nearby AURA Beach, Waikiki Beach Resort and a new gastro project D'LIRIO. - Lustica Bay (Lustica peninsula):
A young resort, built virtually from scratch. In addition to marinas and beaches, there are luxury houses and villas, a world-class golf course, stylish boutiques and restaurants (The Spot, Japanese and gelateria Hello Beautiful). Luštica Bay is particularly loved for its architecture in the spirit of traditional coastal villages, but with the comfort of a modern resort.
These three projects are not only holiday destinations, but also new “entry points” to Montenegro for travellers accustomed to the level of the Cote d’Azur or Liguria in Italy.
FAQ: When is the best time to visit Montenegro, how to get there, and prices
Best time to travel: May-June and September - a combination of warm weather, fewer crowds and more reasonable prices. July-August is the peak, book everything in advance.
Transport: Tivat Airport (TIV) - closer to Porto Montenegro and Budva; Podgorica (TGD) - more convenient for combining the middle of the country and the mountains. It is convenient to travel between the points by car; in the season, traffic jams are possible at popular parking lots. Public transport in the country is poorly developed.
Reservations: For tables in popular restaurants, it is better to book in advance, especially for dinner during high season.
Price: Dinner in a mid-range restaurant — €15–25 per person; premium establishments by the sea or marinas in Portonovi, Porto Montenegro, Luštica Bay — from €40 and up per person. Beach services (chaise lounges, umbrellas) are paid, but there are often places on the beaches where you can settle down with your own towel and umbrella for free.
Dress code and manners: Swimming trunks and bathing suits are only allowed on the beach, walking around the city or entering an establishment in this form is prohibited. Dress code: casual on the embankment and in cafes; smart-casual in the evenings in a number of restaurants at premium hotels.
What else is worth visiting in Montenegro?
The Budva Riviera is the concentrate of Montenegro: the historical center of Budva is combined with the family beaches of Becici and Rafailovici, and the luxurious marinas of Porto Montenegro, Portonovi and Luštica Bay give the country the face of a modern resort. Here you can spend a week of leisurely walks and tastings, or you can combine the beach with a party and shopping - everything is nearby and accessible.
- A Journey Through Montenegro's Bay of Kotor: What to See and Where to Eat
- A Guide to Central Montenegro: Podgorica, Cetinje, and Njegoš's Mausoleum on Mount Lovćen
- Northern Montenegro: Durmitor, Djurdjevic Bridge, Tara Canyon, and Mountain Lakes
- Southern flavor of Montenegro: Skadar Lake, Old Bar, Ulcinj and Ada Boyana
- Montenegro Beaches: Your Complete Guide to the Adriatic Coast
- Montenegro's National Parks: A Complete Guide to Wildlife Gems
