Budva Riviera 2026: A Complete Guide to the Resorts from Budva to Petrovac
In the previous part of our Montenegro travel guide, we explored the Bay of Kotor: 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 the Budva Riviera, the main...
In the previous part of our guide to Montenegro, weexplored the Bay of Kotor: walked along the mighty walls of Kotor, admired the architecture of Perast, and took a boat to the Blue Cave. Now we head south — to theBudva Riviera, the country’s main resort region.
Along 35 kilometers of coastline, lively beaches alternate with quiet coves, medieval fortresses with ultra-modern clubs, cozy villages with superyacht marinas. This part of the Adriatic is the heart of Montenegrin tourism, and it is here that the feeling of a “real vacation” is born.
Budva — Old Town, the best restaurants, beaches, and nightlife
Budva lives a double life. By day, it is a charming medievalOld Town(Stari Grad), more than 2,500 years old. It is surrounded by massive walls, within which lie the Citadel, the ancient churches of St. John and the Holy Trinity, and narrow streets where it is a pleasure to get lost. Right by the gates, you can see the ruins of a Roman necropolis, and from the Citadel walls there is a magnificent view of the sea and the famous“Budva Dancer” sculpture.
As dusk falls, Budva transforms. It is a multicultural city, attracting tourists and expats from all over the world, so you can find a place here for every taste.
Cocktails:For the best cocktails, both classic and signature, head toBarduck,Strix BarorHemingwayin the Old Town. Also worth a visit areBarbarabarand504 Rooftopon the rooftop with city views.
Petrovac has good family restaurants, pastry shops, and cafés, and in the evening the promenade comes alive with street musicians. For dinner, you can choose local restaurants such as
Petrovac is the perfect choice for those seeking a relaxed holiday amid stunning nature, although in peak season its popular beaches can be quite crowded.
View of Kastello Fortress, Petrovac, Montenegro
View from the “Health Trail,” Petrovac, Montenegro
Sveti Stefan and Miločer Park: Montenegro’s calling card
In addition to the famous resorts, the coast also hides lesser-known corners worth discovering:
Pržno
:a quiet bay with traditional houses and boats. Here you’ll find the Royal Beach, surrounded by Miločer Park, and the modern hotel-casinoMaestral Resort.
Drobni Pijesak
:a beach between Budva and Petrovac, surrounded by pines and cliffs. The water here is especially clear, and the atmosphere is secluded.
Kamenovo
:a picturesque beach between Bečići and Pržno, famous for its turquoise water and beautiful sunsets. You can reach it through a pedestrian tunnel or by car.
Read also:
A detailed guide to Montenegro’s beaches
Spiritual heritage: Montenegro’s monasteries
The Budva Riviera, like all of Montenegro, is rich in monasteries. There are many of them here, and each has 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 nearby. Among them are the Podmaine Monastery (Budva), the Praskvica Monastery (Sveti Stefan), the Reževići Monastery (Petrovac), the Gradište Monastery (Buljarica), Savina (Herceg Novi), as well as the Beška Monastery and the Monastery of St. Archangel Michael on the islands of Lake Skadar (Virpazar). Each is interesting in its own way and is often open to visitors.
Later we will tell you about the most famous of them —
the Ostrog Monastery.
Ostrog Monastery. Montenegro.
Source
Modern resorts: Porto Montenegro, Portonovi, and Luštica Bay
Although formally these projects lie outside the Budva Riviera, it is impossible to imagine modern Montenegro without them. Over the past 15 years, the country has become a magnet for the global elite, and the new marina resorts have become the calling card of the coast.
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 peak season, so book everything in advance.
Transport:Tivat Airport (TIV) is closer to Porto Montenegro and Budva; Podgorica (TGD) is more convenient if you want to combine the trip with the central part of the country and the mountains. It is convenient to travel between destinations by car; in season, traffic jams are possible near popular parking areas. Public transport in the country is poorly developed.
Reservations:for tables in popular restaurants, it is best to book in advance, especially for dinner in high season.
Prices:dinner at a mid-range restaurant — €15–25 per person; premium venues by the sea or marinas in Portonovi, Porto Montenegro, and Luštica Bay — from €40 and up per person. Beach services (sun loungers, umbrellas) are paid, but many beaches also have areas where you can set up your own towel and umbrella for free.
Dress code and etiquette:swimwear is allowed only on the beach; walking around town or entering a venue in swimwear is prohibited. Dress style: casual on the promenade and in cafés; in some premium hotel restaurants — smart casual in the evenings.
What else is worth visiting in Montenegro
The Budva Riviera is Montenegro in a nutshell: Budva’s historic center combines with the family beaches of Bečići and Rafailovići, while the luxurious marinas of Porto Montenegro, Portonovi, and Luštica Bay give the country the face of a modern resort destination. Here you can spend a week on leisurely walks and tastings, or combine the beach with parties and shopping — everything is close and easily accessible.
A journey through Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor: what to visit, where to eat
A guide to central Montenegro: Podgorica, Cetinje, and the Njegoš Mausoleum on Mount Lovćen
Northern Montenegro: Durmitor, Đurđevića Tara Bridge, the Tara Canyon, and mountain lakes
The southern charm of Montenegro: Lake Skadar, Old Bar, Ulcinj, and Ada Bojana
Montenegro’s beaches: your complete guide to the Adriatic coast
Montenegro’s national parks: a complete guide to the gems of the wild
