- Sea cleanliness and water clarity — a guarantee of quality
- How to choose a beach: sandy, pebbly, wild
- 5. Sveti Stefan: Montenegro’s elite beaches
- Hidden beaches rarely mentioned in guidebooks
- 3. The coastline of Kotor and Perast
- 4. Veliki Pijesak and Utjeha
- 2. Ada Bojana Island
- Active water recreation
The unique azure-turquoise hue of the water is due to the high concentration of dissolved salts and minerals, which are considered beneficial to health. The international“Blue Flag” award, which in 2025was awarded to39 Montenegrin beaches
for cleanliness, safety, and developed infrastructure, serves as confirmation of the highest environmental standards.How to choose a beach: sandy, pebbly, wildTo help you navigate the wide range of options, below is a summary table of Montenegro’s main resort areas.RivieraAtmosphereBeach typeIdeal for...BudvaEnergetic, developed, livelySandy-pebbly, wide, well-equippedFamilies, young people, lovers of active entertainment and comfortBay of KotorHistoric, peaceful, picturesquePebble coves, concrete platforms, piersRomantics, lovers of history and scenery, peaceful relaxationBarCalm, sunny, authenticPebbly and sandy-pebbly, spaciousFamily holidays, budget travelers seeking peace and quietUlcinjDistinctive, active, wildLong, wide, with fine sandKitesurfers, nature lovers, budget travelersThe best beaches of the Budva Riviera (Mogren, Jaz, Kamenovo)The Budva Riviera is the tourist heart of Montenegro, a 35-kilometer stretch of coastline known for its vibrant energy, developed infrastructure, and magnificent beaches for every taste. It is the perfect place for those who want to combine beach relaxation with entertainment, shopping, and nightlife.Plaža Ričardova Glava, Old Town, Budva, Montenegro. Photo:JinHui CHEN1.
Slovenska PlažaBudva’s main and longest city beach (1,600 meters), stretching from the Old Town to the tunnel leading to Bečići. It is the epicenter of resort life, always noisy and crowded.- Surface type: Mixed, sandy-pebbly. Closer to the Old Town, imported sand predominates, while toward Bečići there is more pebbles.
- Infrastructure and sunbed prices:Along the entire promenade there are rows of cafés, restaurants, souvenir shops, and fast-food outlets. The beach has showers, changing cabins, and paid toilets (about 1 euro). A set of two plastic sunbeds and an umbrella costs on average15 euros, while more comfortable wooden options cost20 euros and up. There are also free areas for visitors with their own towels, but they are overcrowded in peak season.
- Who it’s for: Ideal for young people, groups, and anyone who likes to be in the middle of the action, isn’t afraid of noise, and wants maximum entertainment. Families with small children and those seeking peace and quiet may find it uncomfortable here in July and August.
- Water activities:A full range of activities is available: from banana boat rides and water skiing/boat rides to parasailing behind a boat. You can also rent kayaks and SUP boards to head to nearby beaches or Sveti Nikola Island (Sveti Nikola ).
- Features: Its main advantage — accessibility and abundance of services — is also its drawback. In the height of the season it can get crowded, and the proximity of the port and the mouths of small rivers flowing into the sea can sometimes affect the smell and cleanliness of the water right by the shore, which is a rare exception for Montenegro.
2.Mogren
: picturesque coves by the walls of the Old TownRightly considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Budva. It consists of two small coves, Mogren I and Mogren II, connected by a picturesque tunnel in the rock. The walk to it from the Old Town is a separate 15-minute stroll along a scenic path by the cliffs.- Surface type: Fine pebbles mixed with sand. The entry into the water is gentle, which is convenient for families with children.
- Infrastructure and sunbed prices:The beach is equipped with everything you need: there are cafés, showers, and changing rooms. Entry is free. Renting a set of two sunbeds and an umbrella here is more expensive than on Slovenska Beach and costs15–25 euros depending on how close you are to the water. There is very little space for laying out towels.
- Who it’s for: Ideal for romantic couples, lovers of beautiful scenery, and families willing to take a short walk. Because of its popularity and small size, the beach fills up quickly, so it is best to come early in the morning. Note that after 4:00 p.m. the sun disappears behind the cliffs.
- Water activities: Mogren I offers the standard range of activities (jet skis, kayaks), while Mogren II is quieter and only pedal boats are available for rent.
3.
JazOne of the longest (more than 1.2 km) and most spacious beaches in Montenegro, located 3 km from Budva. It once gained worldwide fame by hosting concerts by stars such as The Rolling Stones and Madonna, as well as the Sea Dance music festival.- Surface type: Unique zoning: the right side of the beach (facing the sea) is sandy, while the left side has fine pebbles that turn into larger stones. The entry into the sea is gentle everywhere.
- Infrastructure and sunbed prices:The beach is excellently equipped. There are showers, toilets, many cafés, and a large auto camp. Sunbed rental is very affordable —8–10 euros per set. Thanks to its huge size, you can always find a free spot to relax on your own towel.
- Who it’s for: A universal beach suitable for absolutely everyone: families with children (thanks to the sand and gentle entry), motorists and campers, as well as young people. At the far left end of the beach there is a secluded nudist area.
- Water activities: Pedal boats, kayaks, and jet skis are available.
4.BečićiandRafailovići
: ideal for family holidaysThis wide and long beach (about 2 km) received the Grand Prix in Paris in 1935 as the most beautiful in Europe. Today it is a modern resort area, quieter than Budva, but with first-class infrastructure.- Surface type: Fine pebbles and sand. The entry into the sea is gentle, making it safe for children.
- Infrastructure and sunbed prices:The beach has been awarded the “Blue Flag” for cleanliness. A beautiful promenade with hotels, restaurants, and cafés runs along it. There are showers, changing rooms, and playgrounds. Renting a set of sunbeds costs15–20 euros .
- Who it’s for: Considered one of the best places for a family holiday in Montenegro. The wide shoreline, comfortable surface, and calm atmosphere create ideal conditions for a vacation with children. Those who love nightlife are better off heading to nearby Budva.
- Water activities: Full range: jet skis, pedal boats, banana boats, parasailing, diving.
5.Sveti Stefan
: Montenegro’s elite beachesThe beach at the foot of the famous island-hotel Sveti Stefan is divided into two parts by the isthmus leading to the island. This place offers relaxation for different budgets in physically separated areas.- Left beach (municipal):
- Open to everyone.
- Surface type: Pinkish medium-sized pebbles, with sand in some places.
- Prices:A set of two sunbeds and an umbrella costs15–20 euros . There is space for relaxing on towels.
- The two right-hand beaches (formerly private) —Miločer Beach,Queen’s Beach(Kraljičina Plaža):
- Belonged to the Aman Sveti Stefan hotel.
- Surface type: Finest pink sand.
- Prices:Access for hotel guests is free. Previously, for other visitors the price was from100 euros per day , offering exclusivity and privacy, but now the hotel is closed and the beach itself has become free for everyone.
- Who it’s for: The public beach attracts those who want to enjoy a postcard-perfect view of the island. It is much quieter and less crowded than Budva’s beaches.
- Water activities: The offerings are more limited and include yacht, SUP board, and kayak rentals for sea trips and diving near the island.
- Kamenovo: Located between Bečići and Pržno, it is famous for its turquoise water and beautiful sunsets. It can be reached through a scenic pedestrian tunnel.
- Pržno: A charming small sandy beach in a former fishing village, surrounded by cliffs and olive groves.
- Petrovac:A popular family resort with a main beach of reddish sand 600 meters long and two picturesque islets in the sea. Nearby is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Riviera —Lučice , located in a cozy pine-covered bay.
- Crvena Glavica,Drobni Pijesak,Perazića Do Beach : several picturesque beaches located between Sveti Stefan and the town of Petrovac.
A holiday in theBay of Kotoris a completely different experience from the open coast. Here, it is not endless beaches that dominate, but breathtaking landscapes reminiscent of Scandinavian fjords and the atmosphere of medieval towns. Beach отдых here means the chance to swim in the calm, clear waters of the bay against the backdrop of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Instead of traditional sandy stretches, there are mostly small pebble areas, piers, and concrete platforms (pontons
), which is not a drawback but a unique feature of the region.Herceg Novi, Montenegro. Photo:dailysabah.com1. Beaches of Herceg NoviThe greenest part of the bay, located at its entrance. The coastline here is extremely diverse: from the healing mud of Igalo to secluded pebble coves accessible only by sea.- Beach types: A mosaic of concrete platforms, often belonging to hotels, cozy pebble coves, and rare sandy stretches.
- Famous beaches:
- Igalo:Famous for itsInstitute of Physiotherapyand the beachBlatna plaža with healing mud. The shoreline here is mostly concrete, with a gentle entry into the water, making it ideal for families and wellness holidays.
- Žanjic:A large-pebble beach on the Luštica Peninsula, best reached by boat. It is famous for its crystal-clear water, as it is closer to the open sea, and is surrounded by olive groves.
- Njivice:A “Blue Flag” beach with mixed surface (sand, pebbles, concrete) and a nudist section.
2. Beaches in Tivat
Tivat is the sunniest town in the bay, combining the glamour of the elite Porto Montenegro marina with cozy, well-equipped beaches.
- Famous beaches:
- Plavi Horizonti:Considered one of the best sandy beaches in the entire region. Located in a bay on the Luštica Peninsula. Nearby is another cozy beach —Velja Špilja / Pecka. Fine sand and a very gentle, long entry into the water make it an ideal place for families with small children. A set of sunbeds costs about15–20 euros.
- Waikiki:A stylish beach club in the very center of Tivat with imported sand, excellent infrastructure, and a trendy atmosphere.
- Island of Flowers:A small island near Tivat offering several quiet pebble beaches surrounded by lush vegetation.
- The full list of beachesis availablein this brochure(and here you will find thebeach map).
3. The coastline of Kotor and Perast
Here, swimming is first and foremost an immersion into history. The beaches are narrow strips of pebbles or private and public piers located right by the walls of old stone houses.
- Beach types:Mostly small pebble areas and concrete or stone platforms.
- Famous swimming spots:
- Dobrota,Orahovac,Luta:Settlements stretching along the coast from Kotor, with a series of small beaches and piers. The beach inOrahovacis especially valued for its fine pebbles, crystal-clear water, and peaceful family atmosphere.
- Perast:The main swimming spot here is the concrete promenade, from which you can dive into the water. The value of this experience lies not in beach comfort, but in the unforgettable view of the islands of St. George and Our Lady of the Rocks.
Infrastructure and prices: - Basic infrastructure is available. Sunbed rental is possible, but prices can be high; for example, in Kotor a set can cost up to25 euros, reflecting the area’s tourist popularity.
Sutomore
One of Montenegro’s most popular and affordable resorts, with a long main beach (more than 1.2 km) stretching along the entire promenade.- Surface type:
- A mix of sand and pebbles. The local sand is considered therapeutic and beneficial for rheumatism. Infrastructure and sunbed prices:
- There are many cafés and restaurants along the beach. The infrastructure is well developed. This is one of the most budget-friendly places on the coast: a set of two sunbeds and an umbrella can be rented for just10–15 euros. Who it’s for:
- An ideal place for a budget family holiday and for young people who value a fun, relaxed atmosphere. In August the beach can be overcrowded, as it is very popular with people from Montenegro and Serbia. Water activities:
- Standard beach activities are available, such as pedal boats, parasailing, and banana boats.
Čanjand“Pearl Beach” (Biserna Obala)
A quiet resort village known for its 1.5-kilometer “Pearl Beach,” named for its colorful smooth pebbles resembling pearls.- Surface type:
- A mix of sand and unique fine pebbles. Infrastructure and prices:
- The promenade has everything needed for a comfortable stay — cafés, restaurants, sunbed rentals (15–20 euros). There is always plenty of free space. Who it’s for:
- An excellent choice for families and couples looking for a beautiful and relatively quiet beach.
Red Beach
A unique natural wonder — a small cove between Bar and Sutomore, where the sand and pebbles have a deep red-burgundy color due to the composition of the surrounding rocks.- Surface type:
- Reddish sand and gravel. Who it’s for:
- A must-visit for photographers and lovers of unusual natural landscapes. Because of its modest size (50–100 meters), it is better suited to a short visit than a full day of relaxation.
Veliki PijesakandUtjeha
These beaches south of Bar are known for their lively atmosphere and incredibly clear turquoise water.- Surface type:
- Fine sand and pebbles. Feature:
- In the Utjeha area, freshwater karst springs flow into the sea. Mixing with the saltwater, they create a unique color and make this place popular among divers and snorkelers. Who it’s for:
- Veliki Pijesak beach attracts young people thanks to its developed infrastructure and nightlife, while Utjeha is the perfect place for underwater swimming enthusiasts.
Velika Plaža: a 13-kilometer paradise
This is the longest beach on the entire Adriatic coast, stretching 12 to 13 km. It is not just a beach, but an entire ecosystem and a magnet for a special kind of traveler.- Surface type:
- Finest dark basalt sand, considered therapeutic. The entry into the sea is very gentle and shallow for dozens of meters, making it completely safe for the smallest children. Infrastructure and sunbed prices:
- The beach is divided into many zones (beach bars) such asSafari,Copacabana,Mojito, each with its own infrastructure: restaurant, parking, kitesurfing school. Prices here are the lowest in the country — a set of sunbeds can be found for10 eurosand up. Between the equipped sections lie kilometers of wild beach for complete privacy. Who it’s for:
- The perfect place for everyone: for families with small children because of the shallow water, for those seeking solitude because of the vast spaces, for budget travelers because of the low prices, and above all, for athletes. Water activities (kitesurfing):
- Velika Plaža is Montenegro’s kitesurfing mecca. The steady afternoonMaestralwind and the huge open space with no obstacles create ideal conditions for this sport from June to September. The identity of this place is inseparable from kitesurfing; the sport has shaped its infrastructure and attracts an international audience, creating a unique, relaxed, and sporty atmosphere.
- Prices:
- Numerous schools offer lessons. A basic course (6–10 hours) costs on average250–400 euros, while a private lesson with an instructor is about50 euros per hour.
Ada Bojana Island
A unique triangular river island located in the Bojana River delta on the border with Albania. It is one of the most famous and oldest naturist (FKK) resorts in Europe.- Surface type:
- Fine, therapeutic sand, just like on Velika Plaža. Infrastructure and prices:
- The island has a nudist village with bungalows, a campsite, restaurants, and sports grounds. Entry to the island is paid — about5–7 eurosper car. Restaurants on the Bojana River are famous for their freshest fish. Who it’s for:
- Primarily for naturists and anyone seeking privacy, freedom, and a bohemian atmosphere. This is a place for complete immersion in nature. Water activities:
- In addition to naturism, Ada Bojana is a popular spot for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and beach horseback riding.
Montenegro offers a wide range of water activities. Below is a table with approximate prices for the most popular ones:
Type of activity
Average priceMain locationsSunbed rental (set)10–25 euros (exclusive 100+ euros)Everywhere (prices vary)Parasailing50 euros (1 person), 80 euros (2 people)Budva RivieraJet ski rental50–80 euros / 30 minBudva Riviera, major beachesPedal boat / kayak rental15–20 euros / 3 hoursEverywhereDiving (1 dive)50–80 eurosBudva Riviera, Utjeha, Bay of KotorRafting (Tara River, excursion)65–80 euros per personExcursions from all resortsKitesurfing (basic course)250–400 eurosUlcinj (Velika Plaža)Sea excursion (Bay of Kotor)25–50 euros per personExcursions from all resortsFAQ: how to choose your ideal beach in MontenegroDespite its compact size, Montenegro’s coastline offers a kaleidoscope of experiences that can satisfy any traveler’s needs. Choosing the ideal beach depends entirely on your priorities.
For energy, entertainment, and maximum comfort- your choice is
- the Budva Riviera.For romance, history, and breathtaking scenery head to
- the Bay of Kotor.For a peaceful and budget-friendly family holiday the
- Bar Rivierais ideal.For active sports, communion with wild nature, and a sense of boundless freedom there is no better place than the
- Ulcinj Riviera. The best strategy for exploring Montenegro’s beach diversity is to rent a car. The short distances make it easy to combine different types of holidays: you can stay in a comfortable family hotel in Bečići, spend the day on wild Jaz, explore the historic piers of the Bay of Kotor, or even drive down to the endless sands of Ulcinj. This approach will give you your own unique impression of this amazing corner of the Adriatic.
Read also:
A journey through Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor: what to visit, where to eat
Budva Riviera and Montenegro’s new resorts: a guide to luxury towns and marinas- 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 national parks: a complete guide to the gems of the wild
- Путеводитель по центральной Черногории: Подгорица, Цетине и мавзолей Негоша на горе Ловчен
- Север Черногории: Дурмитор, мост Джурджевича, каньон Тары и горные озера
- Южный колорит Черногории: Скадарское озеро, Старый Бар, Ульцинь и Ада Бояна
- Национальные парки Черногории: полный гид по жемчужинам дикой природы
