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The best thing about beaches in Montenegro is that there’s something for everyone. Are you looking for beaches with sun loungers to rent and high-end restaurants and bars nearby? Party beaches? Rugged natural beaches with crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkeling?
I’ve been enjoying Montenegro’s beaches for more than a decade, and no matter what kind of beach you’re looking for, you can find it in Montenegro. And while their neighbor to the north, Croatia, gets all the fame and glory for their beaches, Montenegro still flies under the radar!
Montenegro is about the size of Connecticut, yet has around 183 miles of coastline on the Adriatic Sea. And thanks to the dramatic landscapes — I think Montenegro is the most beautiful country in Europe — you can enjoy those beaches with a backdrop of stunning green mountains.
One thing to note about Montenegro beaches — and beaches of the eastern Adriatic in general — is that most of them are pebble beaches, not sandy beaches. I highly recommend bringing a pair of water shoes with you, as they will make getting in and out a lot easier!
If you head further south, though — think around Ulcinj and near the Albanian border — these beaches tend to be sandy.
From the Budva Riviera to the Luštica Peninsula, here’s a look at some of the best beaches in Montenegro!
(Planning a trip to Montenegro? Be sure to check out my Ultimate Montenegro Travel Guide and 30 Best Things to Do in Montenegro!)
This post was published in January 2024 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Dale Peterson.
Table of Contents
The Best Beaches in Montenegro
Jaz Beach
Jaz Beach is my personal favorite beach in Montenegro. I had so much fun here! If you’re looking for a solid beach in Budva with stunning scenery in every direction, Jaz is a great choice.
Jaz Beach is located about 15 minutes by car from the old town of Budva, and it’s the biggest beach in the area, so there’s plenty of room to spread out.
This beach has a section with fine sand, a rarity in this part of Montenegro, but most of the beach is comprised of small pebbles.
Jaz Beach is also home to Sea Dance Festival, a multi-day summer music festival that’s a ton of fun. (Though they’ve had their most recent festival in Croatia instead, it will likely return to Budva this year.) There’s nothing like listening to live music on the edge of the Adriatic, jumping into the water whenever you feel like it.
Read More: 15 Best Things to Do in Budva, Montenegro
Sveti Stefan Beach
Sveti Stefan Beach is one of the most picturesque beaches in Montenegro, and pictures like this one are why I first came to Montenegro! This public beach overlooks the small picture-perfect island of Sveti Stefan, which is home to a luxury resort and its private beach.
However, the main beach of Sveti Stefan is open to the public, and it offers unbeatable views. This beach also has crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming in on a hot summer day.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, there’s a section of the beach with sun loungers available to rent (for exorbitant prices — don’t say I didn’t warn you). There’s also a water sports rental where you can get kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkeling gear.
Mogren Beach
Mogren Beach in Budva is another of the most famous beaches in Montenegro. And it’s just a five-minute walk from Budva’s old town, making it one of the most popular beaches, too.
The beach is actually two different sections divided by cliffs. There is a “door in stone,” a wooden bridge going through the rock itself, that leads you to the further section of the beach.
Due to the convenient location of this beach, it can get really crowded during peak season. If you’re visiting in July or August, I recommend arriving early at Mogren Beach to claim a spot and beat the crowds.
This beach is fairly small, with a sandy shoreline sheltered by surrounding cliffs. It’s an excellent spot for swimming or just lounging in the sun on one of the sunbeds for rent here.
Žanjic Beach
Žanjic Beach is one of the quintessential pebble beaches that you’ll find along the Adriatic Coast. No sand, but a pebbled shore in front of stunningly clear, shallow waters that gradually deepen.
This beach is in an isolated location on the Luštica Peninsula, but it’s worth the journey to get there. To access Žanjic Beach, you can either drive down a rugged road (it’s about a 40-minute drive from Kotor) or reach the beach by boat. I would probably choose taking a boat over that drive.
It’s a popular destination for boat trips, so the beach can get more crowded in the late morning and afternoon. If you want to avoid the crowds during the high season, I recommend heading to Žanjic Beach early or later in the day.
Velika Plaža
Velika Plaža, also known as Long Beach, is an aptly named beach with a long stretch of sandy shoreline along the Adriatic Sea. This beautiful sandy beach is south of Ulcinj, close to the border with Albania.
Being one of the longest beaches in Montenegro, there’s plenty of room to stake out the perfect spot here. If you’re looking for sandy beaches in Montenegro, Velika Plaža is one of the best — and biggest!
It’s also a quieter beach, with just a couple of cafes and bars nearby. I also think this is a good beach for families, because the water is so shallow and relatively calm.
Dobrec Beach
Dobrec Beach is only accessible by boat, so while it’s harder to get to than some of the other beaches on this list, it’s well worth the journey. Also located on the Luštica Peninsula, this beach is a favorite of boat trips from Herceg Novi and Budva.
You can rent your own boat for the day, or you can take a water taxi to Dobrec Beach. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a secluded beach in a small bay with cool, clear waters.
This beach has limited facilities, so you will want to come prepared with your own provisions — pack some food and drinks for a picnic lunch! There is a small restaurant and bar at the beach that also offers sunbeds and umbrellas to rent.
Plavi Horizonti
Another one of the best places to find shallow water and a sandy beach is Plavi Horizonti. This public beach on the Luštica Peninsula is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the clear waters of the Adriatic.
It’s a smaller beach with a few basic amenities, including showers, restrooms, changing rooms, and one small restaurant. This beach gets very busy during the summer, and there’s only one parking lot, so if you’re arriving by car, you’ll want to come early.
Since the water at this beach is so shallow, it stays nice and warm compared to deeper water, making it an excellent beach to visit earlier in the season — think May or early June — before the ocean warms up with summer temperatures.
Libera Beach
Libera Beach, located on the southern end of Montenegro close to the border with Albania, is one of the more unique beaches in the country. This large beach is actually located on the small island of Ada Bojana, cut off from the mainland by the Buna River.
The river flows directly into the Adriatic Sea, and its proximity gives the beach a more wild, rugged look. It’s also quite windy here, which draws windsurfers and kitesurfers from all over Europe.
It’s important to note that there’s an FKK beach (clothing-optional beach) at Ada Bojana, and part of the beach is reserved for nudists. Because of this, no photos are allowed at the beach.
Kamenovo Beach
Kamenovo Beach is one of the most stunning beaches in Montenegro, with aquamarine blue water and views of the surrounding hills. It’s just a 10-minute drive from Budva, making it a popular spot in the summer months, but still less crowded than some other Budva beaches.
This beach has some of the most transparent water in Montenegro, so you can enjoy taking a dip in the gorgeous, clear Adriatic Sea.
There’s a beach bar and a restaurant here, as well as restrooms and changing cabins. You can also rent sunbeds here if you want to have a relaxing beach day.
Lučice Beach
Located in Petrovac, Lučice Beach is a lovely sandy beach in a little cove, surrounded by forests. It’s just a 10-minute walk from the quaint town of Petrovac, so it’s very easy to get to.
The beach has clear water and is excellent for swimming. Several restaurants and bars are nearby, and the beach has lounge chairs and umbrellas to rent.
If you’re up for a scenic walk, a hiking trail starts at this beach and leads to Buljarica Beach, the next one over. The walk has some steep inclines, but you’ll be able to enjoy outstanding views of Buljarica and the Adriatic.
Bečići Beach
Bečići Beach is one of the busiest Budva beaches, close to all the action of this popular resort town. There are tons of beach resorts, restaurants, and bars nearby.
It’s one of the larger beaches in Montenegro, so you won’t have to worry about finding an open spot. However, there are lots of hotels and resorts along this beach, many of which have private sections with sun loungers for guests.
You can rent one of these chairs for day use if you’re looking for a spot to relax on the beach. And on shore, you’ll see plenty of companies hawking boat trips, kayak rentals, and more.
Drobni Pijesak
This small beach in a secluded cove is one of the best hidden gems in Montenegro. It’s a small beach on the Budva Riviera, between Sveti Stefan and Petrovac. It’s well worth a visit if you’re looking for beautiful, clear water that’s perfect for swimming or snorkeling.
The only way to get to this beach is by car, and there’s a small parking lot at the end of a steep, narrow road that leads to the beach.
There’s one restaurant and bar at this beach, and sunbeds are available to rent during the high season. The beach is a mixture of sand in some areas and pebbles in others.
Miločer Beach
Miločer Beach, also known as King’s Beach, is an incredibly picturesque beach with almost-pink sand. Located along the Budva Riviera, this beach is situated in a small cove, making it quiet and peaceful. It’s as beautiful as any of the beaches in this area, but what sets it apart is the unusual color of the sand.
Unfortunately, this beach does not have a public section like most other beaches in Montenegro. It’s all owned by a luxury beach resort, so only hotel guests have free access to the beach. And yes, there are security guards who will notice if you try to sneak your way in.
Otherwise, your only option for visiting this beach is renting a sunbed for the day. You will pay DEARLY for a sunbed: 200 EUR, or $219, was the 2023 rate.
If you’re here in the off-season — think winter — you should be able to visit, no problem.
Petrovac Beach
If you’re looking for a great beach with many amenities nearby, look no further than Petrovac Beach. This beach is set right in front of the charming town of Petrovac, steps away from tons of cafes, restaurants, and bars.
There’s also a boardwalk that runs along the beach, which is the perfect place for an evening stroll and some people-watching.
Although it’s a rocky beach, it’s still a great spot to swim as long as you have some water shoes! You can also rent sunbeds and umbrellas at Petrovac Beach.
Buljarica Beach
Buljarica Beach is a long, narrow beach that is often less crowded than more popular beaches along the Budva Riviera. It’s located south of Petrovac, a bit out of the way of the main tourist corridor.
The further down the beach you go, the more secluded it gets. In addition to fewer crowds, this beach also has beautiful, clear water that is very calm — a great choice for families with young kids.
If you want to rent sunbeds for the day, they are reasonably priced at Buljarica Beach. The top end of the beach also has several beach bars and restaurants.
Pržno Beach
Although this beach is small, it’s incredibly charming. Pržno Beach is located on the Budva Riviera, in a scenic little fishing village of Pržno, between Budva and Sveti Stefan.
There are many great restaurants dotting the waterfront in Pržno, perfect for grabbing a bite to eat after you’ve spent the afternoon enjoying the beach.
Pržno Beach has a designated area for swimming with crystal-clear water. You can also enjoy great views looking up the coastline towards Budva from the beach.
Mala Plaža
Mala Plaža, also known as Small Beach, is a popular beach located in Ulcinj in southern Montenegro. Since this beach is quite small and located in the heart of town, it can get very crowded, especially during the peak summer months.
If you want to avoid crowds, it’s best to go first thing in the morning or later in the evening, right before the sun sets and most crowds have cleared out.
Otherwise, this is a fun beach if you don’t mind having lots of people around you. There are plenty of restaurants and bars just steps away, too. One thing you won’t see on many other Montenegrin beaches — a mosque and minaret. This part of Montenegro has a larger Muslim population thanks to its proximity to Albania.
Other Beaches in Montenegro
The above are some of the best beaches in Montenegro and should certainly be at the top of your list – but they’re not the only ones!
Here are some other beaches worth checking out, divided by location:
Beaches on the Bay of Kotor
The Bay of Kotor is absolutely stunning, but not known for having great beaches. You won’t find sandy beaches on the bay, but there are a few good spots for swimming or laying out in the sun.
Here are a couple of spots to check out on the Bay of Kotor.
- Kotor Beach: This small, pebbled beach isn’t going to be on a calendar of Montenegro beaches anytime soon — but it’s a beach, and it’s the closest one to Kotor‘s old town, making it a popular spot.
- Perast Beach: Located in the small town of Perast, about 15 minutes from Kotor, Perast Beach is actually a cement platform, not a traditional beach. Many of the beaches on the Bay of Kotor are these kinds of platforms.
Beaches on the Budva Riviera
The Budva Riviera is home to the most popular beaches in Montenegro, and for good reason. This 22-mile stretch of coastline is especially gorgeous, with fantastic beaches around every corner of the winding coastal roads.
Here are some more of the best beaches on the Budva Riviera to check out during your trip.
- Trsteno Beach: This small beach has some of the most beautiful crystal clear turquoise waters you’ll find anywhere in Montenegro. Half of the beach is public, and the other half has loungers and sunbeds for rent.
- Perazica Do Beach: Close to the popular town of Petrovac, this secluded beach comes with the interesting backdrop of an unfinished luxury resort that was abandoned midway through construction.
- Plaža Ričardova Glava Beach: The nearest beach to Budva’s old town, Plaža Ričardova Glava Beach is a small pebble beach where you can admire views of the walls of the Old Town. However, this beach can get very crowded due to its small size and prime location.
- Ploče Beach: If you’re looking for a unique and fun beach near Budva, head to Ploče Beach. This beach is home to swimming pools that fill naturally with saltwater from the sea. There are several bars and restaurants, giving the beach a lively atmosphere.
- Queen’s Beach: This small beach is one of the hidden gems of the Budva Riviera. Located in a small half-moon bay, this beach is a quiet and peaceful place to relax and enjoy the shallow, clear waters. It’s just up the coast from King’s Beach — the private Miločer Beach.
Beaches in Southern Montenegro:
Although the Budva Riviera and the Luštica Peninsula are some of the most popular destinations for beaches in Montenegro, there are also lots of great beaches in the southern part of the country. This part of the country tends to get more local visitors than far-flung travelers.
These are some more of the best beaches in southern Montenegro.
- Sutomore Beach: This popular beach north of Bar has plenty of sun loungers for rent, as well as water sports like kayaks, paddle boards, and jet skis.
- Čanj Beach: Čanj Beach is a beach in Southern Montenegro with great views and clear water. During the summer months, it can get loud.
- Ladies Beach: This is a unique beach near Ulcinj known for its healing properties due to being a source for sulfate-infused water. It’s in a small cove surrounded by pine trees, and you can pay for treatments like mud masks here.
- Valdanos Beach: Valdanos Beach, an isolated spot north of Ulcinj, is a good spot for those who enjoy swimming and diving because it gets deep very quickly and has beautiful, clear water.
Lake Beaches in Montenegro:
Montenegro is home to several beautiful lakes, the largest being Skadar Lake. If you’re looking for something a little different, check out these excellent lake beaches in Montenegro. Just know that it’s much cooler in the mountains than on the coast!
- Black Lake: The beach of Black Lake in Durmitor National Park is not a spot for lounging, but is a pretty place for hiking and photography. This glacial lake has clear blue-green waters and has a nice hourlong hiking trail circling it.
- Murići Beach: This beach is the largest on Lake Skadar, with a long stretch of pebbled shoreline. It’s a secluded spot perfect for taking a dip in the clear, cool waters of the lake.
More on Montenegro:
- Ultimate Montenegro Travel Guide (20+ Tips for Visitors)
- 30 Fun and Interesting Things to Do in Montenegro
- 15 Best Things to Do in Budva, Montenegro
- 17 Beautiful Things to Do in Kotor, Montenegro
- A Detailed Travel Guide to Perast, Montenegro
- I was Haunted by a Ghost in Montenegro for 3 days
More on the Balkans:
- Solo Female Travel in the Balkans: Is it Safe?
- What’s it like to travel in Albania?
- What’s it like to travel in North Macedonia?
- Ultimate 2-Week Croatia Itinerary
What are your favorite beaches in Montenegro? Share away!