Beaches and the walking route along the Budva Riviera: an overview of the beaches Mogren, Slovenska, Becici, Kamenovo, Milocer, Sveti Stefan. Personal experience of walking along all the beaches from Budva to the island of Sveti Stefan.
Budva Riviera is the place where most tourists come for the sea. And with good reason. On a relatively small stretch of coastline, there are dozens of completely different beaches: wide family beaches with fine pebbles, cozy coves between cliffs, trendy beach clubs and the famous postcard views of Sveti Stefan.
During our trip in Montenegro, we decided to walk almost the entire coastline from the Old Town of Budva to Sveti Stefan. In one day, we visited most of the most famous beaches of the Riviera, compared them to one another, and figured out which beach is best for family vacations, where it’s better to snorkel, and where to watch the sunset.
In this article, I’ll talk about the best beaches on the Budva Riviera and share my own impressions.
Overview of Budva Riviera Beaches from Budva to Sveti Stefan
The sea in Montenegro has the aroma of watermelons – that’s no joke. It’s very pleasant to swim in it. Around 170 beaches stretch along the country’s entire coastline. Most of the beaches are conveniently located in coves, under natural protection from wind and strong waves.
The beaches along the Riviera are absolutely different: on some, there is reddish coarse sand or pebbles, on others fine and yellow, and in some places even emerald-colored. All beaches are divided into paid and free sections.
A paid sunbed with an umbrella costs from 5 to 15 €, in other places you can lie on the sand or your own towel. Almost all beaches have a fresh water shower and changing rooms. You can walk to the beaches that are farther from Budva or get there for 1–2.5 € by bus. Or rent a car — in Montenegro it’s very easy.
Mogren Beach – the Most Picturesque Beach of Budva
If you ask me which Budva beach I would recommend first, it would be Mogren.
The beach is just 10–15 minutes on foot from the Old Town. The road to it runs along the cliffs and is already an attraction on its own. This is where the famous ballerina statue is located – one of the most popular photo spots in Montenegro.
Actually, Mogren consists of two beaches — Mogren I and Mogren II. They are connected by a narrow passage through the rock. The water here is incredibly clear, and the surrounding cliffs create the atmosphere of a hidden bay.
Mogren – 1 – sandy, paid, with sunbeds and umbrellas, bar,
Mogren – 2 – sandy-pebble, free, not very crowded, with clean water, sand, and without loungers. We often saw fish in the water – we swam beyond the buoys – it’s more interesting for snorkeling there.
Who will like it:
- couples;
- lovers of beautiful photos;
- those who live in the center of Budva;
- snorkeling enthusiasts.
Richard’s Head Beach
Richard’s Head Beach is located under the fortress walls of Old Budva. A small beach – 200 m, sandy-pebble shore, there are sunbeds, cafes, and a bar.
Pizana Beach
Pizana Beach is a city beach, near the marina and yacht parking. A narrow strip of sand adjacent to restaurants and many stalls, a loud and lively place. Motorboats and boats constantly dock at the piers, there are activities for children. The shore is gently sloping.
Beaches of St. Nicholas Island
St. Nicholas Island is located opposite Budva’s buoys. The island is wild, nobody lives there. The beaches on the island are sandy-rocky, there are sunbeds and a paid toilet, a restaurant, a bar. It’s great for snorkeling — more fish and marine life and far fewer people than on Budva beaches.
From the pier at Pizana Beach, a boat departs to the island every half hour.
Slovenska Plaža
Slovenska Beach is the biggest and busiest beach in Budva. It stretches almost one and a half kilometers along the city’s promenade. It’s always crowded here, with many cafes, restaurants, children’s rides, and water activities.
It’s suitable for holidays with children, thanks to its easy access and numerous cafes, shops, and entertainment. Plus, there are free sections of the beach and close proximity to the city’s infrastructure.
The only minus is that during the high season, there can be a lot of people here.
Where to stay in Budva:
- Montesun Fontana Apartments≫ – Excellent location of the apartments – close to the promenade and the sea, the Old Town, shops, restaurants. Fresh furniture and renovation. Stable and fast internet. Having a dishwasher and washing machine is a plus.
- Hotel Oaza≫ – Wonderful location, in the center of Budva with the opportunity to stroll to the beach or Old Town. Also very close to Budva bus stop (13 minutes walk) and Sveti Stefan bus stop (5 minutes walk). 12 minutes by taxi to Jaz Beach.
- Orange Apartment 2≫ – Easy to reach the city center, markets, and the organic market. Very good transport connections. The beach is very close, the promenade with restaurants too.
Guvance Beach
Guvance Beach – a small organized beach, 145 m long, located between Becici and Slovenska Beach. Entry is free, there are paid sunbeds and umbrellas, toilet, shower, restaurant and bar. The shore is gently sloping and sandy.
Becici Beach – Best for Family Holidays
Becici regularly makes the list of the best beaches of Montenegro. A wide shoreline, gentle entrance to the sea, and plenty of space even during peak season make it a great choice for family holidays. There are almost two kilometers of wide beach here, a gentle entrance to the water, and well-developed infrastructure. Cafes, playgrounds, and attractions operate along the promenade. That’s why most family hotels are located right here.
I liked Becici much more than the central beaches of Budva. It is calmer, cleaner, and easier to find a spot even without renting loungers. Entry is free, there are paid sunbeds and umbrellas, a toilet, shower, restaurant, and bar. The shore is gently sloping and sandy.
It’s especially beautiful here in the evening, when the sun begins to hide behind the hills of the Budva bay.
Where to stay in Becici:
- Hotel Svarog≫ – The hotel’s location is 3 minutes to the sea and 25 minutes walk from Budva. A luxurious view from the window and balcony of the sea and mountains. New furniture and renovation. Responsive and nice staff. The price is extremely fair and probably the best deal on the coast.
- Hotel Montenegro≫ – A great hotel for a holiday: from cleanliness, comfort, to tasty cuisine in the cafe (wonderful varied food), free sunbeds, and a playroom for children.
- Apartments Ivanović≫ – Spacious clean studio rooms with a view of the mountains and the sea, all new. Quiet street, within walking distance of the beach, pleasant hostess. 5 minutes walk to the beach, 10 minutes to a large grocery store. There is free parking near the house. Good value for money.
Kamenovo Beach – Turquoise Water and Fewer Tourists
After Rafailovići, through a small tunnel, you can reach Kamenovo Beach. This is where I first saw the color of the sea usually shown in promotional brochures about Montenegro. The water has a deep turquoise shade, and there are far fewer people than in Budva.
The beach is perfect for those who want to spend a quiet day by the sea without noisy bars and crowds.
Length 300 m, gently sloping sandy-pebble shore. Free entrance, there are paid sunbeds and umbrellas, toilet, shower, restaurant, and bar. After Mogren Beach – I really liked Kamenovo Beach.
Golubinj Beach
Golubinj Beach adjoins Kamenovo. On the shore, there were several interesting blue boulders protruding from the sand. The shore is sandy, partially covered with small blue-green pebbles. Almost free of sunbeds, entry is free.
Milocer Park and Royal Beach
Milocer and Royal Beaches are located in the territory of Milocer Park, where the hotel of the same name is situated – formerly a royal residence, and later dictator Tito’s. Entrance is paid – 75 €, perfect sand, infrastructure. The beach is surrounded by a park of relict pines and various tree species, adjoining a botanical garden.
This is the most beautiful part of the entire Budva Riviera, and it begins at the village of Przno.
The Royal Beach is considered one of the most beautiful in Montenegro. Even if you don’t plan to swim here, it’s worth walking along the park for the views.
Or just take a stroll along the trail through the Milocer pine park, where the royal family once vacationed. Here is an incredible combination of pines, cliffs, and turquoise sea.
Sveti Stefan Beach – Montenegro’s Most Famous Beach
Sveti Stefan Beach is that very postcard you see in almost every travel guide to Montenegro.
The island is connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, and on both sides there are beaches with pink pebbles and crystal-clear water. This very view has become the symbol of the country.
Even if you’ve already swum at other beaches of the Budva Riviera, it is worth coming here at least for photos.
Where to stay near Sveti Stefan Beach:
- Apartments Lungo Mare≫ – The property has a simply perfect location at the very southern end of Sveti Stefan Beach. There are no paid loungers and no crazy crowds of tourists. The apartment itself is wonderfully equipped with everything you will need during your stay. Cleaning is done several times a week. But the most amazing thing is the terrace (a shared area divided into 3 sections – for as many apartments as on the ground floor), which offers stunning views of the beaches and Sveti Stefan island. There is direct beach access (no need to take anything, even a private shower is available on the terrace). A big plus is that the owner offers all necessary beach equipment for free – snorkeling boards, canoes, masks, children’s equipment, and sun loungers.
- Vila Horizont≫ – Very nice view of Sveti Stefan, nearby bus stop to get to Budva, pleasant staff. 5 minutes to the beach by stairs.
- Apartments Grloman≫ – The apartment is nice and big – suitable for a family of four. The terrace offers a breathtaking view. The location is very convenient – close to everything: shops, various beaches, and all attractions. But at the same time it is cozy and quiet, without any noise or disturbance.
Which Budva Riviera Beach to Choose?
If you are traveling with children — choose Becici.
For the most beautiful views go to Mogren and Sveti Stefan.
For a quiet holiday without crowds, I liked Kamenovo and the surroundings of Milocer the most.
And if you want to combine a walk, swimming, and beautiful panoramas, I recommend walking the entire route from Budva to Sveti Stefan. This is one of the most pleasant hiking routes on the coast of Montenegro, allowing you to see the best beaches of the Budva Riviera in a single day.
Useful links for planning your trip:
Useful links for planning your trip:
Car rental in Montenegro – the best way to find a cheap car is through the aggregator Rentalcars
Hotels and apartments– I traditionally book via Booking.com
Travel insurance with discounts – online at the portal HotlineFinance
More interesting reads:
- Where to swim in Madeira – beaches, natural pools
- Where is the best place to relax in Montenegro
- Spring holiday on the Antalya coast – a review of the beach vacation
- Budva – beach holidays in Montenegro
