The best places to stay in Montenegro are Kotor, Sveti Stefan, Petrovac, Becici and Budva.
This Balkan country is an ideal destination for travelers who can choose between a beach holiday and mountain excursions.
Montenegro’s Adriatic coast is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe – sandy and pebbled, surrounded by shady pine trees. It also has the stunningly beautiful Boka Kotorska Bay, surrounded by steep cliffs and dotted with seaside towns. If you’re planning a seaside holiday, I recommend looking towards these towns.
The best season – when to go to Montenegro
Summer is the invariable vacation season, but in July and August there are hot temperatures and housing prices.
Therefore, plan a trip to Montenegro either in advance. Or plan a vacation in more affordable months – in June or September. The mild climate, delicious and high-quality products, gentle sea are great for families with small children.
We chose September and do not regret it – there are much fewer people, prices are lower, the sea is warm and clean. And there is a huge selection of fruits and vegetables. And the sun is not so scorching – you can swim and sunbathe continuously all day.
The best resorts in Montenegro for a seaside holiday
It all depends on what you plan to do and what style of vacation suits you. If it is purely a beach vacation, then choose a beautiful beach and hotel, and enjoy the sea and silence in a cozy bay every day.
Or choose accommodation in a large city with good infrastructure and a diverse evening program. Let’s dwell on some cities that are most often chosen by tourists.
Sveti Stefan, Budva Riviera
Sveti Stefan is a seaside village on the Adriatic coast between Budva and Petrovac. Due to its romantic setting, thanks to the coastal island and the mountain backdrop, Sveti Stefan is considered one of the best places on the Budva Riviera.
The main reasons to stay in Sveti Stefan are the high-quality accommodation and direct access to Sveti Stefan beach. As well as to the neighboring beaches of Miločer and Kraličina. Sveti Stefan is also an ideal place for couples of all ages who want to relax by the sea, without nightlife and parties.
The well-known fortified rocky island is heavily built up with Venetian-style stone buildings with terracotta roofs. The highest point is occupied by a tiny chapel. Pines and cypresses grow boldly between the buildings and cobbled alleys.
Back in the 15th century, Sveti Stefan was a fishing village inhabited by the Paštrovići tribe. To protect the village from attacks by pirates and the Ottomans, the Paštrovići community financed the construction of a wall, thus transforming the island into a fortress. Later, Sveti Stefan was an important trading center. By the mid-20th century, the island was abandoned.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the Yugoslav government transformed the uninhabited island into a luxury resort, visited by high-ranking members of the royal family, politicians and celebrities. Despite its initial success, the resort faced decline after the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s.
In 2007, the Montenegrin government leased the island of Sveti Stefan to the Aman group, which reopened the resort as Aman Sveti Stefan in 2010 after extensive renovations. Unfortunately, the resort was closed in 2020 due to the pandemic. The island is completely closed to visitors from the summer of 2024.
Sveti Stefan beach and its neighbors – Miločer beach and Kraličina beach
The beach is divided into two crescents by a stone causeway leading to the island of Sveti Stefan. The beach area north and south of the causeway is open to the public. Between the hotel’s California private beach area and the causeway there are beach loungers and parasols for rent.
The beach is pebbly, from small pebbles to fairly large smooth stones. The area closest to the dam has the smallest pebbles (almost sandy) – from a distance it looks like sand. There are paid sun loungers and umbrellas. Overall, swimming is very safe and comfortable. This beach is suitable for children.
A compelling reason to stay in Sveti Stefan is that it is connected to other picturesque beaches by a walking path. From the northern edge of Sveti Stefan beach, this coastal path leads through a section of mixed cedar and pine forest to Miločer beach and further to Kraličina beach, also known as Queen’s Beach. The time for such a walk is 15-20 minutes, depending on which part of Sveti Stefan you are in.
The first thing you’ll notice on Miločer Beach is Villa Miločer, an elegant stone residence behind the promenade. It was the former summer residence of Queen Maria Karađorđević, Queen of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. In the 1960s, the royal residence was converted into a luxury hotel. When the hotel opened, the villa housed several elegant apartments and a spa. The hotel is no longer in operation, but when we visited, the beach was open and accessible.
If you continue north along the coastal path, you will reach Queen’s Beach or Kraljičina Plaza. This small, unsplit cove, tucked away and seemingly hidden, is a great place for those who like natural areas without beach bars, sun loungers and amenities. Like other beaches around Sveti Stefan, the beach is made of shallow pebbles.
Sveti Stefan hotels and apartments:
- Apartments Lungo Mare≫ – The apartment is in a perfect location at the southern end of Sveti Stefan beach. There are no paid sunbeds or crazy crowds of tourists. The apartment itself is perfectly organized with everything you need during your stay. Cleaning several times a week. But the most amazing thing is the terrace (common area, divided into 3 compartments – according to the number of apartments on the ground floor), which offers stunning views of the beach and the island of Sveti Stefan. There is direct access to the beach (no need to take anything, there is even a private shower on the terrace). A big plus is that the host offers all the necessary sea equipment for free – snorkeling boards, canoes, masks, equipment for children and folding sun loungers.
- Vila Horizont≫ – Very nice view of Sveti Stefan, close to the bus stop to get to Budva, nice staff. 5 minutes walk to the beach.
- 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 and successful – close to everything: shops, various beaches and all the attractions. But at the same time it is cozy and calm here, without any noise or disturbance.
Budva – the central tourist city of the Budva Riviera
Budva is the most famous resort town on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro, which is over 2500 years old. It consists of New and Old Budva. New is a whole hotels, villas, hotels, mini-hotels, a promenade, restaurants and a lot of entertainment (nightclubs, children’s attractions, discos).
The old town is a typical Mediterranean structure on a small cape jutting out into the sea, surrounded by a medieval fortress wall. Almost all the buildings in old Budva are used as hotels, restaurants and shops.
Narrow streets, walls made of sand-colored stone, bell towers and towers reaching up to the sun – such an impression that you suddenly fell into the past. But raising your head up and seeing the external air conditioner units, you quickly return to reality.
The town is located on the Adriatic coast, protected by a natural bay. Along the entire coast there is a promenade, along which there are restaurants, cafes, shops with tourist and beach goods.
Yachts are moored in the marina – from the most unpretentious to the very expensive. The water in the Adriatic Sea is very clean and already warm, periodically it smells of watermelons – even the locals will confirm this to you.
Budva beaches:
Budva will appeal to lovers of nightlife and discos, the most inexpensive package tours are often sold here. It is also not bad for families with children, because there is a choice of beaches and they are sandy, with a gentle entrance to the water.
Starting from the most popular and noisy Slavyanski beach, along which stretches a promenade dotted with shops and restaurants. To the Mogren beach hidden in a remote bay – a picturesque path carved into bizarre slate rocks leads here.
Hotels in Budva:
- Apartman Senka≫ – The apartment has a great location, in the heart of the Old Town, but also not too noisy. The apartment is well equipped, very clean.
- Montesun Fontana Apartments≫ – Excellent location of the apartments – close to the embankment and the sea, the old town, shops, restaurants. Fresh enough furniture and renovation. Stable and fast internet. The presence of a dishwasher and a washing machine is a plus.
- Seoce Villa≫ – Apartment near Jaz beach. Wonderful terrace, incredible stunning view of the mountains and the sea, very well equipped kitchen with everything you need, including a coffee machine.
Becici – a huge beach for a good vacation
Not far from Budva is the resort of Becici with a huge beach, which was recognized in the 30s of the 20th century as the best beach in Europe. Here are some of the best apartments on the Budva Riviera, which are located on the first line by the sea. There are also many shops, restaurants, cafes and bars.
Bečići beach is located in the village of the same name. The coast is gently sloping, sandy, at the entrance to the sea there is a small pebble. The entrance to the sea is gentle, but it is better to swim in beach slippers. Entrance is free, there are paid sun loungers and umbrellas, there is a toilet, shower, restaurant and bar. The coast is gently sloping, sandy.
A little further away is the small beach of Rafailovici, which is less noisy and more intimate. There are several good fish restaurants here, including one of the best on the coast – “Three Fishermen“.
Hotels and apartments in Bečići:
- Hotel Svarog≫ –The location of the hotel is 3 minutes from the sea, and 25 minutes walk from Budva. Luxurious view from the window with a balcony of the sea and mountains. New furniture and renovation. Responsive and nice staff. The price is as fair as possible and probably the most profitable on the coast.
- Hotel Montenegro≫ – A wonderful hotel for relaxation: from cleanliness, comfort to delicious cuisine in the cafe (a wonderful variety of food), free sun loungers, and a playroom for children.
- Apartments Ivanović≫ – Spacious clean studio rooms with a view of the mountains and the sea, everything is new. Quiet street, within walking distance of the beach, nice 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.
Petrovac
Fans of a more relaxed holiday will like the resort of Petrovac, located in the south of the Montenegrin coast. Petrovac is a rather quiet and small town, couples with small children prefer to go here. In high season, the entire beach is filled with families, leaving not a single piece of sand uncovered.
An alternative to the central beach of Petrovac is the beach Plaza Lučice. It does not have such fine sand, but is located in a wonderful bay with pine trees, has a sandy entrance from the north and a pebble entrance from the south, and the water is incredibly clear here. You can reach Lučice beach on foot along the path that leads along the sea.
The next beach, more remote from the town of Petrovac. But it is the best in the vicinity. This is Plaza Buljarica – a long pebble beach. The water is clear, but less gentle on the feet. This is an ideal place for swimming at sunset, since the beach is almost deserted at this time.
If you like walks by the sea, I recommend walking along the Reževići trail, which starts from the Castio Castle, an old Venetian fortress built on a rocky promontory.
Hotels in Petrovac
- Medin Apartments BluVista≫ – comfortable apartments not far from the city beach of Petrovac. Beautiful view from the balcony of the sea and olive trees in the garden. Very clean – room cleaning every day. Large parking lot under the house.
- Hotel Petrovac≫ – The hotel is centrally located, everything is nearby – supermarkets, bus station, taxi stand, market, beach. The hotel offers very high-quality breakfasts, and also has its own clean and large enough swimming pool.
- Vila Vukotić≫ – The villa is located in a quiet area, a little high for those who do not like to walk. All rooms are spacious, equipped with everything you need. The hosts offer daily cleaning and change of towels. Terraces with sea view (if you choose such a room). At the villa you can take beach umbrellas for the beach. The price for accommodation is very pleasant.
Kotor and the Bay of Kotor
Kotor is located in the Bay of Kotor on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro. Surrounded by steep limestone mountains on one side and a fjord-like bay on the other, Kotor is one of the most picturesque places in Montenegro.
The UNESCO-listed Old Town of Kotor is surrounded by a medieval fortification system consisting of defensive walls, bastions, towers and gates. You can enter the fortified city on foot through the North Gate (also called the River Gate). Or through the Sea Gate or the South Gate (also called the Gurdić Gate).
Inside the walls, a maze of streets and squares awaits you, lined with historic Venetian buildings and cats roaming around. The triangle-shaped city is filled with churches, shops, hotels, museums, restaurants, wine bars, pubs and candy shops.
During the day, the Old Town is bustling with people. I highly recommend staying in Kotor for at least 1-2 nights to experience the Old Town in the early morning and evening. Even better, come in September – a great time to visit Kotor.
Be sure to plan your visit to Kotor to climb the stone steps to the Kotor Fortress, walk along the city walls, visit the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, and walk along the Kotor Walls. For tourists looking for a great view of the Bay of Kotor, I advise you to prepare for a long climb, but the views are worth it!
More information: Boka Kotor Bay – vacation on the Montenegrin fjord
Hotels and apartments in Kotor
When deciding where to stay in Kotor, there are several factors to consider: access to the Old Town, parking (if you are traveling with a car, you must leave it outside the Old Town), access to the waterfront, atmosphere, etc.
- Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort≫ – A new wonderful hotel in a great location – Kotor Bay. Beautiful design, delicious breakfasts, has its own pool, so there is no dependence on the availability of the moon on a small beach.
- Casa Nuova≫ – very clean small hotel with beautiful views of the bay.
- J & P Apartments Orahovac≫ – apart-hotel, has clean rooms with necessary amenities, such as washing machine and dishwasher. The rooms have a view of the sea and mountains, very cozy and everything you need for a stay.
Useful links for organizing your trip:
Car rental in Montenegro – find a cheap car through Rentalcars
Hotels and apartments – I traditionally book on Booking.com
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