Budva holidays

How to reach Budva

• Flight time: There are no flights to Budva, but flights to Tivat and flights to Podgorica airports take about 2 hours 45 minutes from London and other major UK airports.

• Transfer time: From Tivat Airport, it takes about 20 minutes by taxi to reach Budva’s city centre. From Podgorica Airport, transfer time is around 1 hour 15 minutes.

• Price: A taxi from Tivat Airport to Budva costs approximately €20-€25. For a cheaper option, the local bus service costs around €3-€5 per person. From Podgorica Airport, a taxi ride to Budva costs about €40-€50, while the bus fare is around €7-€10.

Weather and best time to visit Budva

Budva enjoys a Mediterranean climate - very hot in summer and very mild in winter - making it an appealing year-round destination The timing of your holidays to Budva will depend on your tolerance for heat and crowds.

• April to June: Temperatures ramp up markedly month on month, ranging from 18°C to 26°C, with around 8-10 hours of sunshine daily and minimal rainfall. It's a great time for exploring the city's attractions and beaches.

• July to August: These are the peak summer months, so be prepared for bumper crowds, packed hotels and higher prices. Temperatures soar to 30°C and beyond, there’s endless sunshine (up to 12 hours a day) and almost no rain.

• September to November: Autumn in Budva is extremely pleasant, with the coastal waters warm enough to swim in. Temperatures gradually cool from 25°C in September to around 14°C in November but there are still plenty of sunny days.

• December to March: Winter is very mild compared to the UK, with temperatures ranging from 6°C to 12°C. Rainfall is more frequent, and there are fewer hours of sunshine, about 4-5 hours a day. A good time to explore Budva’s Old Town.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Montenegrin is the official language, though it’s essentially the same as Serbian (except that it uses the Roman alphabet rather than Cyrillic). English is widely spoken here.

• Local habits and customs: Montenegrins are proud of their nationality and are known for their hospitality and laid-back manner. The vast majority of locals belong to the Orthodox Church, and try to dress modestly if visiting religious buildings. A tip of around 10 percent is the norm in restaurants and taxis.

• Health and safety: Budva is generally very safe, but keep an eye on your belongings on the beaches and in the Old Town. Tap water is safe to drink, and healthcare facilities are of a high standard.

• Currency: Though not yet a member of the EU, Montenegro uses the euro (€). ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in most places.

• Getting around: Budva is well spread out, but unless you intend to venture to some of the more secluded beaches, for which there are plenty of buses, then getting around on foot is best.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 230V, with type C and F plugs (two round pins). UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Budva is in Central European Time (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of GMT. Daylight Saving Time is observed.

• Required travel documentation: UK travellers need a valid passport to enter Montenegro. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Best beaches in Budva

Budva, located on the stunning Adriatic coast of Montenegro, is renowned for its beautiful beaches that attract visitors from all over the world. Here’s a guide to some of the top beaches you should explore during your holiday:

Mogren Beach

Mogren Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Budva, is actually composed of two sandy beaches connected by a tunnel. Known for its crystal-clear waters and scenic surroundings, this beach is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The cliffs around the beach offer excellent opportunities for photography and the calm waters make it ideal for families.

Jaz Beach

Jaz Beach is another must-visit destination in Budva. It’s one of the largest beaches in the area, offering a mix of sand and pebbles. Jaz Beach is famous for hosting music festivals and concerts, making it a lively spot during the summer. There are plenty of amenities, including sunbeds, umbrellas, and several beach bars and restaurants.

Sveti Stefan Beach

Sveti Stefan Beach, located near the iconic islet of Sveti Stefan, offers a unique and luxurious beach experience. The beach is divided into two sections, with one side open to the public and the other reserved for guests of the exclusive Aman Sveti Stefan resort. The pinkish-pebble beach and turquoise waters provide a picturesque setting for relaxation and swimming.

Bečići Beach

Bečići Beach is known for its long stretch of fine sand and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Adriatic. It’s a great spot for both relaxation and water sports, with various activities available such as parasailing, jet-skiing, and volleyball. The beach is well-equipped with facilities, including sunbeds, umbrellas, and numerous cafes and restaurants along the promenade.

Tips for Visiting Budva's Beaches

• Arrive Early: Popular beaches like Mogren and Jaz can get crowded, especially during peak season. Arriving early ensures you get a good spot.

• Facilities: Check the available amenities such as showers, toilets, and beach bars to make your visit more comfortable.

• Activities: Take advantage of water sports rentals and activities available at many of the beaches to enhance your beach experience.

• Safety: Lifeguards are present at most major beaches during peak times. Always swim in designated areas for your safety.

Whether you’re looking for a lively beach atmosphere or a serene spot to unwind, Budva’s beaches offer something for everyone. Explore these beautiful coastal spots and make the most of your holiday in Montenegro.

###Local dishes in Budva The restaurant scene in Budva is excellent, the majority of places not surprisingly accented towards freshly caught seafood. That said, meat is never far from any menu.

Some typical dishes

• Prsut: A type of prosciutto traditionally salted and pressed to remove excess liquid, then smoked and dried in the cool mountain air.

• Cicvara: A creamy dish made with cornmeal, cheese and sour cream, often served as a side dish or a hearty breakfast.

Meat dishes

• Karađorđe vasnicla: Artery-clogging and gut-busting - but oh so delicious - this rolled veal steak stuffed with cheese and coated in breadcrumbs is named after the national hero, Karađorđe Petrović.

• Lamb under the bell (Lamb peka): Slow roasted over hot coals under an iron pan, allowing for a juicier, smokier flavour, this is quite simply spectacular.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Buzara: A steaming seafood stew made with mussels, prawns and clams, cooked in a white wine, garlic and tomato sauce.

• Grilled fish: Freshly caught fish, such as sea bass or bream, simply grilled and served with a squeeze of lemon, is a staple on Budva’s menus.

Street food

• Burek: A substantial wedge of flaky pastry filled with meat, cheese or spinach and occasionally mushroom, that’s just the job for a quick snack on the go.

• Ćevapi: These morish rissoles of spiced minced meat served with onion and a cut of thick, doughy bread are sold at street stalls all over town.

Sweets and desserts

The most popular sweet treat is priganice, fluffy, fried doughballs usually served with honey or jam. Look out too for syrupy baklava sweets, while Montenegrin ice cream (sladoled) is excellent, and sold on the streets almost all year round.

Local drinks

• Rakija: A potent fruit brandy that comes in various flavours, such as plum (šljivovica) or grape (loza) - but pace yourself to avoid waking up with a shocked head and raw throat.

• Vranac: A robust red wine made from the indigenous Vranac grape, known for its deep flavour and smooth finish.

• Craft beer: Montenegrin beer is terrific, the best of which is Nikšičko, from Nikšič, which comes in both light and dark (tamno) forms, and is best sampled in its draught version (točeno pivo).

Best things to do in Budva

Filled to the brim with bars, restaurants and limestone houses, Budva’s Old Town is almost as pretty as the one in nearby Kotor, and there’s plenty of fun to be had on the beaches, as well as at the seafront bars which pop up in the summer.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• The Citadel: Climb the ancient walls of Budva’s Old Town for splendid views of the Adriatic waves pummelling in.

• Sveti Nikola Island: For delightful views back towards Budva, hop on a water taxi and make your way out to this uninhabited lump one nautical mile offshore - and enjoy some peace while you're at it.

The best districts

• Old Town (Stari Grad): Grafted onto its own sunny promontory south of Slovenska, the pretty Old Town more than suffices for those thirsting for a drop of culture.

• Rafailovici: Charming fishing village turned beach resort, it’s much quieter than Budva’s main beach and offers a decent selection of waterfront restaurants and cafés.

Museums

• Town Museum: This gem of a museum conceals Greek and Roman booty - including a dazzling hoard of ornamented gold jewellery - from the ruins being unearthed beneath the citadel.

• Stefan Mitrov Ljubisa Memorial House: A small but enlightening assemblage of exhibits that reflect upon the life and times of Budva’s most prominent politician and writer, born here in 1822.

Historical monuments

• Church of the Holy Trinity: The highlight of the Old Town, this graceful church is home to frescoes that, while far from ancient, are rather beautiful.

• Podmaine Monastery: Just outside Budva, this restful monastery is set in beautiful surroundings and offers fascinating insights into the region’s religious history.

Day trips in the area

• Kotor: Perched on the edge of a majestic bay, the medieval Old Town of Kotor is the undisputed jewel in Montenegro’s crown. Explore the Old Town, hike up to the ancient fortress, and enjoy the colourful local markets. Discover our best offers on holidays to Kotor.

• Sveti Stefan: The coast’s most strikingly picturesque spot, where two great arcs of soft golden sand frame a slender isthmus leading to a peninsula crowned by an attractive fisherman’s village. Explore more options with our holiday packages to Sveti Stefan. ​​* Petrovac: A gorgeous, arcing red-coloured sandy beach is the defining feature of the coast's most laid-back resort. Check out our cheap holidays to Petrovac for your next scape.

Activities for families in Budva

It goes without saying that Budva’s beaches - of which there are dozens - are the big family draw here, but culture vultures and those seeking more adventurous fare will be easily pleased too.

• Beaches: The main beach, Slovenska Plaža, curls a few pebbly kilometres east from the Old Town, but far nicer are the sandy Mogren beaches, west of the Old Town, which are also of great appeal to families.

• Boat tours: Numerous companies operate out of the Old Town harbour offering trips along the coastline, but more excitingly across to Sveti Nikola Island, where there are some secluded beaches.

• Museums and historical sites: History needn’t be boring and Budva’s Old Town has stacks to offer families with kids interested in the town’s fascinating past. Wandering the Old Town’s narrow streets and fortresses can also be a fun and educational activity, perhaps with ice cream as an inducement.

Free things to do in Budva

The emphasis in Budva is on having a good time, and you can certainly do that for free courtesy of the densest concentration of beaches in the country and a plethora of outdoor summer events.

• Beaches: Budva offers the sandiest beaches anywhere along the Dalmatian coast: both Jaz and Slovenska provide a surfeit of water-bound activities too, though the beaches on Sv Nikola Island will appeal to those seeking a more restful time.

• Free events: Budva hosts various free cultural events and open-air concerts: these include the Sea Dance Festival, with music performances and beach parties; the Summer Festival of Theatre, an open-air theatre jamboree in Budva and other nearby locations such as the grounds of Villa Miločer; and a festival of traditional klapa (a cappella singing) in nearby Perast.

Nature and outdoor activities in Budva

Budva Holidays are not just all about beaches and nightlife; it’s quite the adventure playground, with coast, land and air all providing opportunities for thrill-a-minute fun.

• Water sports: Slovenska Plaža, the main beach, is the place to head for all kinds of watery fun. Jet-skis and parasailing are on offer for the adventurous, while kayaks and pedaloes are a calmer option.

• Paragliding: For those with a head for heights, the mountainsides above Budva dropping steeply to the glittering Adriatic offer all the adrenaline you need; Budva Paragliding is an experienced outfit offering tandem flights.

• Adventure Parks: Located in Lovćen National Park about an hour’s drive away, this ace park is a series of aerial walkways, zip-lines, cargo nets and hanging log poles, with different challenges depending on age and fitness - it’s an absolute blast.

• Birdwatching: Just south of Budva in Buljarica is a vast wetland adjoining the beach whose canals and reed beds are an important site for migrating birds such as the rare pygmy cormorant - a rare but exciting opportunity to see coastal birdlife.