Budva: a guide to the capital of sun, sandy beaches and history
Budva is the tourist metropolis of the Montenegrin coast, known for the incredible contrast between ancient history, beautiful sandy coves and a modern, lively rhythm that goes on 24 hours a day. With a tradition of over 2,500 years, it is one of the oldest urban centres on the Adriatic.
What to see and do in Budva
Budva Old Town
The Old Town lies on a small rocky peninsula and is surrounded by fortified towers and walls from the Venetian period. Inside the walls are cobbled streets, small galleries, souvenir shops and several important sacred sites: the Church of Saint John with a bell tower that dominates the panorama, the Church of Santa Maria in Punta and the Church of the Holy Trinity.
The Citadel (Fortress of Saint Mary)
The highest point of the Old Town offers a fascinating view of the open sea, the cliffs and the island of Sveti Nikola. The Citadel houses a valuable library of rare books and maps of the Balkans, as well as a small museum space.
The “Ballerina” sculpture (the Dancer of Budva)
Set on a rock along the footpath leading to Mogren beach, this bronze sculpture is one of Budva’s most recognisable symbols and a favourite photo spot, with the Old Town walls in the background.
The most beautiful beaches of the Budva Riviera
The Budva Riviera has beaches for every taste, and these are the three chosen most often:
- Mogren (I and II): two connected sandy beaches tucked beneath high cliffs, reached by an attractive path carved into the rock.
- Jaz: one of the longest and best-known beaches, made of fine pebbles and sand, with clear water and a rich offer of water sports.
- Ričardova Glava: a charming beach right below the Old Town ramparts, perfect for a drink to the sound of the waves.
Sveti Nikola island (“Hawaii” or “Školj”)
The largest island of the southern Adriatic lies right opposite Budva. It is covered in dense pine forest and has beautiful pebble beaches with crystal-clear sea. Numerous taxi boats run there daily from Budva harbour.
Sveti Stefan and Miločer
Just 15 minutes’ drive from the centre of Budva lies the world-famous peninsula of Sveti Stefan, once a fishing fortress of the Paštrovići clan, later turned into an exclusive hotel-town. Even when entry to the peninsula itself is not open to the wider public, the panoramic view of the red roofs and a walk through the century-old Miločer park with the King’s and Queen’s beaches are a real feast for the eyes.
Practical tips for a visit from Tivat
- Distance and route: Budva is about 22–25 km south of Tivat. The drive along the main road takes about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Traffic: on the Tivat – Budva stretch (especially at the Kotor/Tivat/Budva roundabout and on the approach to Budva) frequent jams are possible in July and August, especially 10:00–12:00 and 18:00–20:00. It is best to set off before 09:30 in the morning.
- Parking: the best options are around the TQ Plaza shopping centre (a large underground public garage) or the open car parks near the town harbour and Slovenska beach. Do not try to park in the narrow streets near the Old Town.
A one-day trip: “Beaches, history and the panorama of Budva”
- 09:30: arrive in Budva and stroll through the Old Town with a morning coffee, visit the Citadel and take photos at the famous “Ballerina”.
- 11:30: head to Mogren beach for sunbathing and a swim, or board a taxi boat to Sveti Nikola island for a few hours of complete sea calm.
- 15:00: lunch at a restaurant by the marina (grilled fish, squid or seafood pasta).
- 17:00: drive to Sveti Stefan, take photos from the famous roadside viewpoint, then enjoy a relaxing walk through the pines of Miločer park.
- 20:00: back to Tivat.
