Budva is Montenegro's most popular resort — a beautifully preserved medieval old town on a small peninsula, surrounded by some of the Adriatic's finest beaches. It's Montenegro's most lively destination, with good nightlife, excellent beach clubs and easy access to the rest of the country. Here's everything you need to know.
✔ Location: 25km south of Kotor, 35km from Tirana border
✔ Old Town: Venetian-era walled city on a sea peninsula
✔ Best beaches: Mogren, Jaz, Sveti Stefan (nearby)
✔ Nightlife: Montenegro's most active party scene
✔ Best time: June and September — warm, manageable crowds
Top Things To Do in Budva
🏰 Budva Old Town
Budva's medieval old town is one of the best-preserved in the Adriatic — 2,500 years old, entirely encircled by Venetian walls and sitting on a small peninsula jutting into the sea. The narrow lanes, Orthodox churches, a Venetian citadel and the sea views from the walls are all outstanding. Unlike Dubrovnik, Budva's old town is still lived-in rather than purely tourist — restaurants and bars are mixed with actual residents. Walk the full circuit of the walls at sunset.
🏖️ Mogren Beach
A double cove beach 10 minutes walk from the old town through a tunnel carved into the cliff — two connected bays of fine sand and clear turquoise water. Montenegro's most beautiful beach within walking distance of a major town. Arrive before 10am in July–August for a sunbed. Cafe and bar on site.
🏖️ Jaz Beach
3km northwest of Budva — a 1.5km sandy beach that hosted Rolling Stones and Madonna concerts. Good beach clubs, water sports and significantly more space than Mogren. Less scenically dramatic but excellent for a full beach day. Accessible by taxi (€5) or the local beach bus in summer.
🌊 Sveti Stefan
6km south of Budva — the most photographed image in Montenegro: a medieval village on a small island connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, now operating as the exclusive Aman Sveti Stefan hotel. The public beach below (Sveti Stefan Beach) is free to access and has extraordinary views of the island. The island itself is only accessible to Aman guests (from €850/night) but the view from the causeway is free and magnificent.
Book Budva & Montenegro Tours
Kotor Bay boat tours, sea caves and Montenegro day tours from Budva
Browse Montenegro Tours →🎵 Budva Nightlife
Budva has the most active nightlife scene in Montenegro — beach clubs open until 4am in summer (Top Hill, Aquapark), bars in the old town running late, and the casino hotels along the Slovenska Plaža promenade. Less international and sophisticated than Mykonos or Dubrovnik but lively, cheap (beer €2–3) and genuinely fun. The old town bars are the best starting point.
Where to Stay in Budva
Old Town — most atmospheric, sea views, within walking distance of Mogren. Boutique hotels and apartments from €50–120/night.
Slovenska Plaža area — the main hotel strip, large resort hotels, direct beach access. Good range of mid-range options.
Bečići — quieter beach area 2km south, family-friendly, slightly cheaper than central Budva.
FAQs
Is Budva better than Kotor?
Different rather than better. Budva for beaches, nightlife and resort atmosphere. Kotor for medieval history, UNESCO old town and the extraordinary Bay of Kotor setting. Most Montenegro itineraries include both.
How far is Budva from Kotor?
25km — approximately 35 minutes by car on the coastal road. Regular bus connection also runs (€3–4, 45 minutes).
Is Budva worth visiting?
Yes — the combination of the medieval old town and excellent beaches makes it one of the better Adriatic resort towns. Less crowded and cheaper than Dubrovnik with comparable coastal scenery.