Tiny Montenegro has a magnetic pull, having lured intrepid travelers, the jet-set crowd, and beach lovers for generations. While beaches in Montenegro certainly pack a punch, the country also boasts a rugged, mountainous interior, gorgeous gastronomy, and picturesque ports.
Before planning your next vacation to this gem of the eastern Mediterranean, delve into our list to discover the 18 best beaches in Montenegro.
Zanjice Beach, Žanjic
Zanjice Beach, Žanjic
Lying in a neat crescent shape, Zanjice is one of the best beaches in Montenegro, thanks to its iridescent water shimmering against the pebbly beach. The crystal-clear sea will draw you in, so pack a pair of aqua shoes to protect your soles. Sunbeds and parasols line the beach, while a scattering of cafés and bars provide all of the refreshments you’ll need.
Zanjice is a short boat ride to one of Montenegro’s top natural attractions, the Blue Cave. The rocky ceiling of the cave is 30 feet high and the clarity of the water astonishing, shafts of sunlight piercing the blue, with visibility down an incredible 40 feet.
Take in views of the Adriatic coastline as you whizz along the shore to reach the cave. Boats typically draw into the cave for a swimming stop, so you can jump straight into the aquamarine water, snorkel, or try kayaking in and around the cave.
Jaz Beach, Budva
Jaz Beach, Budva
Jaz Beach is split into two sections, a smaller, clothing-optional section and a third of a mile of golden sand. Jaz’s shore personifies beaches in Montenegro, the golden hue accentuated by the surrounding bottle green forests and outrageously blue sea.
Jaunty Jaz is one of Montenegro’s liveliest beaches, and one of the country’s longest, packed with a thrum of activity, from the inflatable water park in the sea and a variety of watersports and even summer music festivals.
Cool off in the Adriatic, or rent a paddleboard or jet skis to join other thrillseekers in the water. There are plenty of sun loungers with umbrellas, as well as bars and restaurants lining the sand.
Plavi Horizonti, Tivat
Plavi Horizonti, Tivat
Situated near the upmarket Luštica Bay, Plavi Horizonti is a pine-fringed cove of fine sand, considered one of the best beaches in Montenegro. Take a dip below the clear water and check out the local marine life; there’s good snorkeling off the rocks that frame either end of the cove.
A section of the beach offers loungers and parasols. There’s a café and restaurant by the beach and more options just a short drive away in Luštica Bay, with its pretty marina, wine bars, and waterfront restaurants. This is a good option if you’re traveling with children, thanks to the gently shelving, sandy seabed.
Buljarica Beach, Petrovac
Buljarica Beach, Petrovac
Thanks to its more off-the-beaten-track feel, this spacious beach, featuring a mix of sand and pebbles, is a popular spot. The scenery is gorgeous; the beach is backed by green fields, which quickly give way to the craggy mountains that characterize Montenegro’s coast.
If you’re feeling active, take off on the Buljarica to Luštica hiking trail to soak up some of the delicious Adriatic coastline. Walk to the nearby Lučice Beach, a sandy strip just over a mile from Buljarica. Pack water to stay hydrated and your camera to capture the breathtaking views along the route. Reward yourself with an energizing dip followed by a refreshing local beer at the beach bar.
Bečići Beach, Bečići
Bečići Beach, Bečići
An idyllic swathe of honey-colored shoreline with outstanding facilities, Bečići is one of the best beaches in Montenegro. Doze, read, or daydream below a traditional thatched parasol on the sandy, shingly shore.
This beach is developed, with plenty of activities, from watersports to kids’ playgrounds and beach volleyball. The attractive promenade is lined with ice cream parlors, cafés, and restaurants, many of them specializing in seafood.
Kamenovo Beach, Budva
Kamenovo Beach, Budva
Backed by verdant mountains and nestled between two rocky outcrops, Kamenovo Beach offers sparkling water and a secluded spot for bathing. Its location, off the coastal highway between Bečići and Przno, provides a more private feel than some of the nearby beaches, though it offers all the facilities you’ll need, including sun loungers, beach bars, restaurants, and water sports.
This laid-back spot, facing the wooded Sveti Nikola island, has a shingle shore so it’s a good idea to pack water shoes to protect your feet.
Pržno Beach, Pržno
Pržno Beach, Pržno
A cluster of charming stone houses with terracotta rooftops lie near the south side of the beach in Pržno, an old fishing village that’s home to a handful of excellent seafood restaurants. Scenic Pržno Beach is a mix of sand and shingle, with beds for lounging on and clear water for swimming and snorkeling.
Leave time for a long lazy lunch at Il Brodetto, a delightful restaurant with a vine-covered terrace overlooking the beach, with views towards the traditional fishing boats gently bobbing in the bay.
Fish is the specialty here, so look out for mussels, shrimp, and octopus, as well as fish soup, fish pâté, and fresh, grilled fish. Wash down your catch of the day down with a tasty local wine from Montenegro, North Macedonia, or Serbia.
Miločer Beach, Budva
Miločer Beach, Budva
Also known as King’s Beach, the famous pink sand Miločer Beach lies in a pine-scented bay, backed by soaring cypresses and olive trees. Behind the park is the 18-hectare Miločer forest, a wonderful place to walk and admire exotic trees including Lebanese cedars, tropical Mimosas, Japanese medlars, cacti, and agaves.
Miločer itself is more of a strolling beach than a spot to sunbathe for the day; the loungers actually belong to the luxury resort on the beach. Once you’ve wandered along the sand, follow the path to the south of Miločer, through the pine forest to the Sveti Stefan viewpoint. There are views here across to the tiny islet, once a fortified village and now occupied by a luxury hotel.
You can take a cooling dip just beside the causeway that links the islet to the mainland. Then stop for a bite to eat at Olive Restaurant, serving delectable fresh salad, fish, grilled meats, pasta, and pizza, with views of the island.
Drobni Pijesak, Drobnići
Drobni Pijesak, Drobnići
This Montenegro beach has a beautiful, wild feel, surrounded by shamrock-green forests with a timber walkway leading from the restaurant on the south side of the beach into the gentle ripples of azure water. Facilities are limited, though there is typically an ice cream and drinks vendor on the beach.
Restaurant Smokov Vijenac, overlooking the water, serves the carefree crowds that visit Drobni Pijesak. Order a selection of seafood, salads, and pizza before enjoying some more eastern Mediterranean sun.
Lucice Beach, Petrovac
Lucice Beach, Petrovac
Lucice Beach is flanked by lush forests that offer impressive coastal hikes to either side of the crescent-shaped sandy bay. Make your way to the path that runs south of the beach towards Buljarica.
A short walk will lead you to eye-popping views through the dense pines back towards Lucice Beach and the bay. Alternatively, rent a lounger and just relax on the pristine sand.
Čanj Beach, Čanj
Čanj Beach, Čanj
Take a day trip to Čanj, a popular spot with local Montenegrins, which is a sure sign you’ve found one of the region’s best beaches. There is no shortage of space for bathing on this long stretch of sand, and nor is there a shortage of bars, casual restaurants, or soda stalls lining the road behind the beach.
Hire a pedalo and paddle across the shimmering shallows, or enjoy an ice-cold beer at one of the beachside bars at this relaxed Montenegro beach.
Sutomore Beach, Bar
Sutomore Beach, Bar
You’ll find the popular Sutomore Beach, a long stretch of pebbly sand, between Bar and Petrovac. Up a rocky incline, just to the north of the beach, lies the remains of Tabija, a former coastal fortress with magical sea views. If you’re not in the mood for a hike, spend the day on the beach for watersports, warm sea swims, and the buzzy atmosphere of the resort.
Mogren Beach, Budva
Mogren Beach, Budva
Just a short walk along the coast from Budva Old Town, Mogren Beach is one of Montenegro’s best beaches. Follow the peninsula path, passing the bronze statue by sculptor Gradimir Aleksich of a graceful dancer gazing out to sea, to arrive at this sandy spot.
Divided by the rocky cliff that splits the beach in two, Mogren is popular, thanks to its proximity to the town. The side of the beach closest to Budva Old Town is the smaller of the two, with sun loungers and shade, courtesy of the cliffs immediately backing the beach. A cave formed in the mountainside connects the two beaches, with a passageway under the rock connecting the two.
As with most Adriatic beaches, the water is clear and perfect for swimming. There’s also a fun aqua park in the water on the far shore, plus a beach bar and luxurious loungers on which to recline and take in the views.
Petrovac Beach, Petrovac
Petrovac Beach, Petrovac
While many of the beaches in Montenegro are pebbly, the half-mile Petrovac Beach is made up of soft, reddish sand to sink your toes into. Lofty palm trees frame this gorgeous half-moon bay, separating the promenade from the beach, which adds to the postcard-perfect image of the resort.
You’ll find everything on or near Petrovac Beach, including bathrooms, stores selling essentials, and fun watersports activities. Glass-bottom boat tours also operate from the beach.
On the northern fringes of the beach, you’ll find a row of picturesque restaurants with outdoor seating near the small harbor. Take a walk to the tip of the headland to the site of a former Venetian fortress, Kastio Castle. Little remains of the building, but the view of Petrovac is spectacular.
Mala Plaza Beach, Ulcinj
Mala Plaza Beach, Ulcinj
If you prefer a beach with a buzzy atmosphere and plenty of facilities, Mala Plaza in Ulcinj is the Montenegro beach for you. A row of bars and restaurants lines the beach, and the swathe of sand offers thatched parasols and sunbeds. Relax on the shore and enjoy a swim in the sapphire-blue sea.
Head north of the beach and spend some time exploring Ulcinj’s fortified Old Town, also known as Ulcinj Castle, one of the best places to visit in Montenegro. Wander the ancient streets, where you’ll find a local history museum, art gallery, souvenir shops, restaurants, and extraordinary views of the resort and the shimmering Adriatic Sea from the outer walls.
Trsteno Beach, Jaz
Trsteno Beach, Jaz
The petite Trsteno Beach lies a short distance west of Jaz’s main beach and, despite its remote feel, it’s easy to reach, just a 25-minute drive south of Kotor.
Trsteno Beach may be small, but it offers everything from a beach bar to loungers, parasols, and a picturesque setting of cerulean water with boats dotted on the horizon. Pack a picnic and essentials, including snorkel gear, to make the most of your time here.
Perazića Do Beach, Petrovac
Perazića Do Beach, Petrovac
A short distance north of Petrovac Beach and backed by high cliffs, sleepy, pebbly Perazića Do is a more remote spot for bathing, with just a few sun loungers and a beach bar. A pedestrianized trail hugs the coastline, incorporating a tunnel carved into the cliffs, linking Perazića Do to the resort of Petrovac.
While you’re here, visit the nearby Monastery of Rezevici, a Serbian Orthodox monastery with two churches in the flower-filled village of Katun Reževići, situated between Budva and Petrovac, under a mile from the beach.
Plaža Ričardova Glava Beach, Budva
Plaža Ričardova Glava Beach, Budva
Lying directly below the ancient walls of Budva Old Town, Plaža Ričardova Glava is an outstanding beach away from the throngs on Budva’s main stretch.
Before unpacking your towel, discover the ancient cobbled streets of Budva Old Town, a sprawl of traditional stone buildings and terracotta rooftops clustered within the old city walls, raised above the modern resort. Get lost in myriad winding alleyways, browsing local boutiques and souvenir shops before making your way down to Plaža Ričardova Glava.
This mesmerizing spot features a wooden jetty into the sea, inviting you to dive straight into the cooling water. Once you’ve dried off, head for a table at the Astoria Beach bar for an alfresco lunch. The restaurant here uses locally grown, organic ingredients, some produced on its own farm, complemented by the freshest seafood.
Kotor, Montenegro
Sparkling water meets steep, forested mountains, perfect coves, and beaches aplenty on Montenegro’s Adriatic coastline. Explore our cruises to Montenegro on our website to discover rolling vineyards, ancient towns, and some of Europe’s most spectacular seaside scenery.
