By Benoit Collin
Last updated: 2024-12-05
While the Bay of Kotor is renowned for its stunning fjord-like landscapes and charming medieval towns, it often falls short for those seeking the best swimming and sunbathing spots. Herceg Novi's coastal strip is dotted with pebbly beaches and concrete terraces, ideal for a quick dip but not the best for lounging. And Kotor offers some swimming spots, but they are rocky and often crowded.
For a superior beach experience, the Luštica Peninsula, just a short boat ride away, boasts beautiful beaches. Here are the top picks:
1. Plavi Horizonti Beach: One of the few sandy beaches on the Luštica Peninsula, Plavi Horizonti is located in a sheltered bay. Its shallow waters make it ideal for families with children. The beach is surrounded by pine trees, providing natural shade, and offers various amenities including cafes and water sports
2. Žanjic Beach: Offers clear waters and a blend of pebbles and sand. Surrounded by olive groves, it’s perfect for a tranquil beach day. Facilities include sunbeds, umbrellas, and a couple of beach bars serving fresh seafood
3. Mirišta Beach: Located a few minutes south of Žanjic, this beach offers turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is a blend of pebbles, sand and concrete shoreline and features basic amenities and a restaurant
4. Rose Beach: Rose is a charming, secluded village with a small, pebbly beach. Its calm, clear waters make it ideal for a peaceful swim. The beach is less crowded, offering a more intimate experience, and the village itself is a delight to explore with its stone houses
Spanning from Budva to Petrovac further south, the 35km-long stretch of coastline, commonly called the Budva Riviera, boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the country and attracts hordes of holidaymakers every summer:
1. Jaz Beach: Located 2.5km west of Budva, it is one of the longest and most popular beaches on the Budva Riviera. It’s known for hosting music festivals and concerts, and is well-equipped with amenities, including sunbeds, umbrellas, cafes, and restaurants. Expect noisy beach bars
2. Slovenska Beach: Budva’s main beach, stretching over 1.6km. It’s a lively spot, perfect for those who enjoy a vibrant beach atmosphere. The beach offers a wide range of facilities, including sunbeds, umbrellas, restaurants, bars, and water sports. If you are seeking a quiet beach experience, you might want to skip this one
3. Mogren Beach: Located just a short walk from Budva’s Old Town, this beach offers a picturesque setting and excellent swimming conditions. Facilities include sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach bars
4. Bečići Beach: Just a short distance from Budva, this long sandy beach is perfect for families and is a hub for water sports, including jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides. Expect a heavily commercialized area that has been completely swallowed by large resort complexes over the years. If Bečići Beach is too packed, walk south to Kamenovo beach for more peaceful beach experience with still all the amenities for a comfortable day by the sea
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5. Sveti Stefan Beach: Perhaps the most iconic beach on the Budva Riviera, this pebbly beach offers crystal-clear waters and a stunning backdrop but be prepared for high sun-loungers prices
1. Petrovac Beach: Located by the laid-back resort town of Petrovac, this sandy beach is particularly popular with families. It is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it convenient for a full day of beach fun. The only issue is you might find more people than sand in peak summer
2. Buljarica Beach: This beach is the perfect alternative to Petrovac beach for those who seek a more relaxed and natural environment. A scenic path across the forest from Petrovac will lead you there in around 30 min
3. Čanj Beach: Another favorite among families due to its shallow waters, this pebble beach is well-equipped with amenities such as restaurants, cafes, and shops. Expect a strong influx of tourists and the occasional littering
4. Sutomore Beach: Sutomore, a cheaper alternative to Budva, is bustling with bars, restaurants, and nightlife options, offering plenty of entertainment for visitors. While the vibrant nightlife is a draw for many, it can also be noisy, which might not be ideal for those seeking tranquility
5. Velika Plaža (Long Beach): This expansive 12-km long sandy beach, the longest in Montenegro, provides plenty of room for everyone, making it a great choice for those who dislike crowded spaces. Besides, it offers excellent wind conditions for kitesurfing and other water sports
