Montenegro is no longer Europe’s hidden gem. The secret is out in the open and everybody knows about its spectacular beauty and picturesque coastline. It’s still one of the most precious gems on the continent, also known as “the pearl of the Adriatic”, but now its dramatic mountains and inviting golden ribbons of sand have unveiled themselves in all their splendor.
Despite its growing popularity though, Montenegro’s authenticity is still intact and untouched by mass tourism. Your beach trip to Montenegro will beautifully blend with visits to fascinating attractions, long walks on cobblestone streets and tours of picturesque villages. Blessed with 295 kilometers of coast and the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea, Montenegro is a real paradise for beach lovers.
Budva Riviera
Gravitating around the picturesque city of Budva, the Budva Riviera is the most popular choice when planning a beach trip to Montenegro. Expect crowded beaches and armies of tourists but also a lively and fun atmosphere and an overwhelming selection of accommodation and dining venues. One of the first beaches that tourists flock to is Sveti Stefan, a luxurious peninsula known more as a town-hotel than just a beach. The peninsula is attached to the coast through a narrow path framed on both sides by flawless strips of soft sand. The beach on the left side is free to use, while the beach on the right side requires a substantial fee to enjoy its soft sand and amenities.
However, if you’re not planning to spend a small fortune to stay at the luxurious 5-star Aman Resorts on the peninsula, you have plenty of other fabulous beaches to choose from. Mogren beach is one of the best beaches in Montenegro, a Blue Flag impeccable stretch of sand situated only 200 meters away from the old Venetian town of Budva. The beach includes two stretches of sand connected by a tunnel and offers superb views of the old town and coast. Locals love to sunbathe and hide away from the summer frenzy on the soft sand of this beach although tourists often gather here to admire this cliffy beach separated by a rather rugged and charming mountain.
Jaz Beach is worthy of your time and attention too, a picturesque beach surrounded by an oasis of Mediterranean greenery. This is a great place to sunbathe and enjoy a vast array of water sports. Families with kids will simply love the petite Przno beach, while Ricardova Glava Beach situated right next to the old town is the trendiest beach on the Riviera and the perfect place for selfies and Instagram shots, and, of course, for swimming and sunbathing.
Two of the most beautiful beaches on the coast are Drobni Pijesak and Petrovac. Tourists come here not only to be lazy on their sand and swim in the crystalline waters but also to take photos of the spectacular scenery. Drobni Pijesak is a beach dressed from head to toes in pure, soft yellow sand, secluded and shy, perfect for those who want to listen only to the sound of the waves, while Petrovac is a red sandy beach situated close to a beautiful fishing town where you’ll discover beautiful old churches and cute modern restaurants.
Bar Riviera
You’ll find many beaches on the Riviera of Bar, especially if you hire a boat and sail along the coast. The most popular beach is Sutomore Beach, a 2.5-km stretch of sand ideal for sunbathing and swimming, and home to many hotels that offer fantastic sea views. As expected, this also is the most crowded beach on this Riviera, so come here only if you’re not afraid of big crowds.
The locals prefer the beach situated next to the town center but this too tends to get very crowded, especially in the afternoon and during the peak season. If you want to hide away from the crowds, you should choose one of the beaches that await along the road to Ulcinj, such as the bay of Utjeha, home to a lovely beach hidden among olive forests that create an idyllic setting for relaxing in the sun.
Bay of Kotor
Almost as famous as the Budva Riviera, the Bay of Kotor combines breathtaking bays with splendid scenery. The bay is framed by craggy cliffs and abrupt mountains that seem almost as eager as you to plunge into the crystal clear waters of the sea.
However, the charm of the Bay of Kotor’s beaches doesn’t revolve around long stretches of sand but more around its hidden, quiet coves, tiny beaches, and picturesque pontoons. The Bay of Kotor is home to 4 important towns – Kotor, Risan, Tivat, and Herceg Novi and a plethora of small villages. There aren’t many sandy beaches in the area but you’ll definitely find intriguing concrete beaches, such as the one in the picturesque village of Perast dotted with cozy beach bars and welcoming restaurants.
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