Montenegro, a captivating nation often overlooked, boasts a stunning Adriatic coastline that rivals more famous Mediterranean destinations. Despite its modest size, roughly half that of Wales, this European secret offers an abundance of historical richness, culinary delights, and national parks teeming with wildlife. However, its true crown jewel lies in its array of magnificent beaches. This comprehensive guide delves into the finest coastal spots Montenegro has to offer, showcasing why now is the ideal time to explore its shores before they become widely discovered.
Situated on the western expanse of Montenegro, the Budva Riviera presents a breathtaking 35-kilometer stretch of coastline. Among its treasures is Bečići Beach, a shingle-covered paradise recognized as one of Europe's most exquisite. This 2-kilometer long beach, set against the backdrop of luxurious hotels, provides ample rental sunloungers and umbrellas at reasonable rates. Its crystal-clear waters and secure swimming zones make it a popular choice. For those seeking more than just sunbathing, Bečići is a hub for watersports, offering activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, parasailing, and jet skiing.
Further along the coast, between Sveti Stefan and Budva, lies Kamenovo Beach, a vision of pristine beauty. Its striking white sands and vibrant turquoise waters, framed by dramatic cliffs, create a picturesque setting. Though measuring 0.73 kilometers, its location imparts a sense of peaceful seclusion, differentiating it from more developed areas. Without the typical presence of hotels and resorts, Kamenovo offers an escape from urban commotion, making it an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling in its tranquil, aquamarine depths.
The island of Sveti Nikola, often referred to as Montenegro’s Hawaii, is a rocky expanse featuring multiple bays and three distinct beaches. As the largest island in Montenegro, spanning nearly 2 kilometers, it is exclusively reachable by boat. During peak season, daily boat services from Budva's shore transport visitors to this serene destination. It’s an exceptional location for snorkeling, with abundant marine life easily observed. The island also boasts impressive rock formations and submerged structures, while deer and rabbits freely roam its uninhabited forests.
Budva, a frequented town in Montenegro, lives up to its reputation with an impressive selection of beaches. Beach Greco, located near the Old Town, offers an expansive stretch of sand. Similar to some other Montenegrin beaches, it is divided into a complimentary area and a section with rentable sunloungers. Beach Greco maintains a relatively untouched feel, providing numerous spots for a truly relaxing day.
For those in search of sandy shores close to Kotor and Budva, Jaz Beach is an ideal choice. As one of the longest beaches in the Budva vicinity, it is not only popular for conventional beach activities but also serves as a key camping and event venue during summer weekends, having hosted concerts and festivals. One segment of the beach features a basic campground, perfect for campervan travelers, while another 500-meter section was formerly a naturist beach. Although less developed than Bečići Beach, Jaz provides sufficient amenities like umbrellas and sunloungers for visitors.
Ploce Beach, a pebble beach, offers unique sunbathing terraces equipped with small pools, including a knee-deep pool bar and inflatable water slides in its family-friendly section. Rock pontoons are adorned with sunloungers and umbrellas, providing welcome shade. For those who enjoy lively atmospheres, a beach club operates from day to night, occasionally hosting foam parties. Just a 20-minute drive from central Budva, near Petrovac, is Drobni Pijesak Beach, a white pebble stretch enveloped by an olive grove. This smaller beach offers convenient parking and is accessed via a winding road leading to steps that unveil a magical view of the Adriatic. It includes amenities such as a beach bar and nearby restaurants serving delectable local cuisine.
Ulcinj’s coast is home to Velika Plaža, or Long Beach, an impressive 13-kilometer expanse of soft sand, making it the longest beach on the Adriatic. Divided into various sections, it caters to diverse preferences. Notably, this beach features volcanic black sand, which, while giving the water a darker appearance, is remarkably clean and holds the prestigious Blue Flag award for its water quality. Nearby open-air restaurants ensure visitors can spend hours unwinding by the shore with refreshments. Old Town Beach, located just outside Budva’s Old Town walls, offers a tranquil ambiance despite its proximity to nearby bars. Following the destructive 1979 earthquake, the area was meticulously rebuilt using original materials, a process that also unearthed ancient ruins. The charm of the cobblestone streets and the beach itself is undeniable, with swimming around the citadel being a popular activity in summer.
Mogren Beach effectively offers two beaches in one, connected by a small tunnel. These pebbled stretches are framed by magnificent mountains and caressed by the Adriatic’s crystal-clear waters. Mogren 1 tends to be busier, especially during summer, but the option to cross to the second beach provides an escape from crowds. While snorkeling is possible in shallow areas, swimming shoes are advisable due to the rocky seabed and presence of sea urchins. Dobrec Beach, nestled between two wooded headlands, is a tranquil cove that feels almost entirely private due to its accessibility primarily by taxi boat. Departing from Rose and Herceg Novi Harbour, the 30-minute boat ride leads to a secluded pebble beach that was among the first in Montenegro to receive the international Blue Flag award for its water quality, safety, and environmental management. Finally, Perazica Do Beach, a stone beach located between Budva and Bar, is set in a mountainous region, offering stunning views and protection from inland cold. This area, once controlled by the Venetian fortress of Lastva, features an abandoned hotel along its pedestrian path but still provides dining options. A 20-minute walk through a pine forest and mountain tunnels from Petrovac leads to this picturesque destination.