The poster child of Montenegrin tourism, Budva – with its atmospheric Old Town and numerous beaches – certainly has a lot to offer. Yet the child has moved into a difficult adolescence, fuelled by rampant development that has leeched much of the charm from the place. Still, it’s the buzziest place on the coast so if you’re in the mood to party, this is the place to be.
Budva's best feature and star attraction is the Stari Grad (Old Town) – a mini-Dubrovnik with marbled streets and Venetian walls rising from the clear waters below. Much of it was ruined by two earthquakes in 1979 but it has since been completely rebuilt and now houses more shops, bars and restaurants than residences.
CitadelaFORTRESS
At the Stari Grad’s seaward end, the old citadel offers striking views, a small museum and a library full of rare tomes and maps. It's thought to have been built on the site of the Greek acropolis, but the present incarnation dates to the 19th-century Austrian occupation. Its large terrace serves as the main stage of the annual Theatre City Festival.
Town WallsFORTRESS
A walkway about a metre wide leads around the landward walls of the Stari Grad, offering views across the rooftops and down on some beautiful hidden gardens. Admission only seems to be charged in the height of summer; at other times it's either free or locked. The entrance is near the Citadela.
Ploče BeachBEACH
If the sands are getting too crowded in Budva itself, head out to this little pebbly beach at the end of a scrub-covered peninsula, 10km west of town (take the road to Kotor, turn off towards Jaz Beach and keep going). The water is crystal clear but if you prefer fresh water there are little pools set into the sunbathing terraces.
Jaz BeachBEACH
The blue waters and broad sands of Jaz Beach look spectacular when viewed from high up on the Tivat road. While it's not built up like Budva, the beach is still lined with loungers, sun umbrellas and noisy beach bars. Head down the Budva end of the beach for a little more seclusion.
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