Relatively small Montenegro — roughly half the size of Wales and arguably Europe's best-kept secret — should top the travel lists of beach bums, scenery lovers, and, well, everyone. As well as a whole host of history, delicious food, wildlife-filled national parks, and more incredible things to do, the country is also famed for the gorgeous strip of sand along the Adriatic coast. Here are the best beaches in Montenegro.
Bečići Beach
The Budva Riviera, on the western side of the country, features a 35km-long (22 mi) strip of coastline. Here, you'll find the shingle Bečići Beach, one of the most beautiful in Europe, which has plenty of sunloungers and umbrellas that can be rented at affordable prices. This specific beach is about 2km (1.2 mi) long and sits against the backdrop of some of Budva’s most sought-after hotels. It's one of the more popular beaches, complete with clear water and safe swim zones. If purely sunbathing isn’t your vibe, it’s a hot spot for watersports, too. A range of activities can get you active, including kayaking, paddleboarding, parasailing, and jet skiing.
Experience it for yourself on: Highlights of Montenegro
Kamenovo Beach
Kamenovo Beach, which sits between the towns of Sveti Stefan and Budva, is a picture of true beauty. With white sands and turquoise waters, the beach is surrounded by cliffs that make for a great backdrop. It spans 0.73km (0.45 mi) in length and is considered to be one of the busier beaches in Montenegro. While that throws up questions of how crowded it could be, its location makes it feel more remote and secluded than others. Unlike the areas that are lined by hotels and resorts, Kamenovo Beach doesn’t have residential areas nearby, giving it a feeling of being away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This beach is also renowned for its clear and calm waters, which make it a great environment for swimming and snorkelling in the aquamarine waters of the Med.
Sveti Nikola Montenegro
The island of Sveti Nikola (St Nicholas) in Montenegro has been called the country’s version of Hawaii, with this rocky isle being home to numerous bays and three beaches. It makes up the largest island in the country at almost 2km (1.2 mi) and is reachable only by boat. If you’re visiting in high season, boats depart daily from the shore of Budva. It’s a great place to snorkel, with lots of marine life viewable without having to go too far. There are several large rocks and underwater structures, too. Deer and rabbits roam the uninhabited island forest.
Experience it for yourself on: Discover Montenegro
Beach Greco
The town of Budva is one of the most visited in Montenegro, and it’s easy to see why when you see the breadth of beaches it offers. Beach Greco is another located close by, and it offers a long stretch to the west of the Old Town. Like a few of the others in Montenegro, this beach is split into two, with one being a free area and the other offering sunloungers for rent. Beach Greco feels relatively unspoiled, with a relaxing day possible at several points across the beach.
Experience it for yourself on: Montenegro & Albania Adventure
Jaz Beach
For travellers looking for a sandy beach close to Kotor and Budva, Jaz Beach should be on your list. It’s one of the longest in the Budva area, and aside from being popular for the usual beach activities, it has become a key camping and event spot for summer weekends away. The outdoor location has hosted concerts and even a three-day festival. Half of the beach features a basic campground next to the sand, which is fantastic for those exploring Montenegro by campervan. The other side, about 500m (1,640 ft) long, is a former nudist beach. The area isn't as built up as the likes of Bečići Beach, but it has enough umbrellas and sunloungers for visitors.
Experience it for yourself on: Classic Balkans: Trebinje to Tirana
Ploce Beach
Ploce Beach is a pebbly beach complete with small pools on sunbathing terraces. They are set back slightly, along with a knee-deep pool bar and inflatable water slides, which are in the family-friendly end. One of the pools is shallow, which makes it great for kids to splash in. Rock pontoons are laden with sunloungers and umbrellas, offering shade from the sun. For party lovers, it’s a fantastic area to visit because a beach club is open from daytime until the wee hours. It sometimes even hosts foam parties!
Drobni Pijesak Beach
A 20-minute drive from the centre of Budva, close to Petrovac, takes you to Drobni Pijesak Beach, a white pebble stretch surrounded by an olive grove. Parking options are nearby, and the beach is accessible via a winding road that leads to steps down to the magical view of the Adriatic coastline. Drobni Pijesak is smaller than other beaches, but it does offer some amenities, including a beach bar and nearby restaurants serving some great local grub.
Long Beach
The coastal town of Ulcinj is home to 13km (8 mi) of soft sand, an area called Velika Plaža (Long Beach). The name suits because it’s also the longest beach on the Adriatic. Long Beach is divided into different sections, so everyone can usually find a spot. This beach has volcanic black sand. While this can make the water appear not as clear as elsewhere, it’s exceptionally clean and holds the Blue Flag award for its water quality. Several restaurants with open-air seating are nearby, making it possible to spend many hours relaxing by the coast with a drink in hand.
Old Town Beach
Old Town Beach is in Budva, but this one sits just outside the walls. Despite the nearby bars, this beach feels worlds away from the party vibes of other European coastlines. After an earthquake in 1979, the most destructive in Montenegro's history, this area was rebuilt using original materials, and the natural disaster revealed ancient ruins. The cobblestone streets and Old Town Beach are charming, and a swim around the citadel is possible in summer.
Experience it for yourself on: Balkans Uncovered: Zagreb to Pristina
Mogren Beach
With Mogren, you get two for one because a small tunnel separates two stretches of sand. The pebbled duo is backed by beautiful mountains and lapped by the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic. Typically, Mogren 1 is a little busier, especially in the summer season, but the option of walking over to the sibling strand allows you to escape the crowds. While snorkelling is possible from a shallow distance, the seabed is rocky and potentially sharp in areas frequented by sea urchins. Swimming shoes are recommended.
Experience it for yourself on: Montenegro Sailing - Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik
Dobrec Beach
Nestled between two wooded headlands, Dobrec Beach is a romantic cove that feels almost private because of its size. It’s a lot more tranquil than other Montenegro beaches because it takes some effort to get there; it's accessible by taxi boat only. The boat leaves from both Rose and the Herceg Novi Harbour, and it takes about 30 minutes to reach. Dobrec Beach was one of the first in Montenegro to receive the international Blue Flag award, highlighting its water quality and safety and environmental management. It’s a pebble beach, but it’s one of the more quaint ones you can visit.
Perazica Do Beach
Perazica Do is a stone beach between Budva and Bar, a largely mountainous area. Not only does this mean you get a beautiful view, but the mountains also block out much of the inland cold. This area was once ruled by the Venetian fortress of Lastva. There’s an abandoned hotel along the pedestrian road, but don’t let that sway you because there are places to grab a bite to eat. It’s about a 20-minute walk through a pine forest and mountain tunnels from Petrovac.
