Budva: the old town, the beaches and Sveti Stefan in Montenegro

Budva: a beach town with a medieval soul

It is late afternoon and the sun is low over the sea beyond Budva's old town. The walls throw long shadows across the beach, and from a café on the square inside comes the clink of glasses. Budva is one of the oldest towns on the Adriatic, and today Montenegro's largest beach resort.

The old town sits on a small headland, ringed by walls. It was badly damaged in the 1979 earthquake and rebuilt stone by stone. Around it a modern town of hotels, bars and beach clubs has grown up. For the rest of the country, see our Montenegro travel guide.

The beaches around Budva

• Mogren: two small coves just west of the old town, reached by a path along the cliffs.

• Slovenska plaža: the long town beach, with everything you need and plenty of people.

• Jaz: a long beach a few kilometres west, quieter, but used for festivals in summer.

• Bečići: a wide beach south of town, with large hotels and shallow water for children.

• Sveti Stefan and Miločer: lovely beaches looking out to the islet, about seven kilometres south.

• Petrovac: a small, quiet town further south, with a beach and a promenade.

Sveti Stefan

The islet with the red roofs was a 15th-century fishing village. Today the whole islet is a hotel complex that is not open to the general public. You see it best from the beach or from the road above, where everyone stops for a photo.

Things to do in Budva

• Walk the old town. The citadel, the churches and the narrow lanes inside the walls take an hour or two.

• Take a boat to Sveti Nikola. The island just off town has small beaches and clear water. Boats leave from the harbour.

• Drive to Kotor. The old town at the head of the bay is half an hour away. Read our guide to Kotor.

• Take a boat on Lake Skadar. The lake on the Albanian border has water lilies, birdlife and small fishing villages, about an hour inland.

• Go out in the evening. Budva has the country's biggest nightlife in summer, with beach clubs and bars along the promenade.

Where to stay

• The old town: atmosphere and everything close by, but little space and lively evenings.

• Bečići and Rafailovići: beach hotels, quieter than the centre and good for families.

• Sveti Stefan and Pržno: for luxury and peace.

When to go to Budva

June and September are best, with a warm sea and fewer people. In July and August the beaches are packed and prices peak. May and October have good weather for the old town and day trips, but the sea is cooler. Tivat airport is about half an hour away, and Podgorica about an hour.

Frequently asked questions about Budva

Is Budva worth visiting?

Yes, especially for the beaches and the old town. In summer Budva is busy and lively, so choose June or September for a calmer stay.

Can you visit Sveti Stefan?

The islet is a hotel complex and not open to the general public. The beach next to it and the view from the road above are open to everyone.

How far is Budva from Kotor?

It takes around half an hour by car or bus between Budva and Kotor, depending on traffic.

What is the best beach in Budva?

Mogren is the most beautiful near the old town. For more space, Jaz and Bečići are good choices, and Sveti Stefan is lovely for the view.