Discover Montenegro's coastal landscapes, a gateway to an unexplored paradise. This small Balkan nation, cradled by the Adriatic Sea, reveals a 300-kilometer coastline adorned with bays and coves—an ideal setting for exploration and retreat. Known as Crna Gora in Montenegrin, meaning "black mountain," it echoes the dark hues of the Mediterranean and the mixed forests draping the coastal ranges. Join us on a journey to uncover the secrets of this hidden gem, where the beauty of the landscape is a testament to the allure of the Adriatic coast.
Montenegro is home to a diverse range of beaches, from sandy stretches to rocky shores with healing minerals, corals, and stones—each intricately woven with myths featuring nymphs, heroes, and gods. These coastal landscapes serve as vibrant narratives, where life is intertwined with stories, shaped by the rhythmic influence of the waves. Along its coastline also lies the Adriatic's deepest point, plunging to a remarkable depth of 1280 meters, and the enduring imprints of the Venetian and Austro-Hungarian empires manifest in the architecture of seaside villas, forming a cultural and artistic legacy shrouded in unparalleled mystery that continues to captivate observers today.
Beaches in the Bay of Kotor
Herceg Novi Beach
The coastal stretch embracing the city of Herceg Novi is recognized as one of Montenegro's premier beaches within the Kotor region, acknowledged as the southernmost and sunniest fjord across all of Europe. This distinction is attributed to the Montenegrin mountains, cleverly directing the sea inland and forming a rocky channel, reminiscent of nature's artistry in the Dinaric Alps. Adding to the allure is an intriguing historical note: in its early stages, the fjord was bordered by an estuary shaped by the now-vanished Bokelj River. This departure from the typical glacial origins observed in most fjords highlights a unique river-influenced formation.
The Iberostar Waves Herceg Novi hotel, situated along the waterfront, provides exclusive access to a private beach. This family-friendly resort, fully renovated in 2019, is conveniently located near Kotor, Perast, and Herceg Novi itself, and is a mere twenty-six kilometers away from Dubrovnik airport. To enhance your connection with the sea, the hotel features a water platform complete with a snack bar, sun loungers, and opportunities for paddleboarding, as well as kayak and canoe excursions along the coastline. As the day draws to a close, the rooftop bar invites you to witness a breathtaking panoramic view of the sunset while enjoying a delightful cocktail.
Beaches of the Bay of Kotor
Numerous beaches in Kotor, Montenegro, grace the shores of its bay, located within the city of the same name. Many of these charming coves, nestled among the trees against a mountainous backdrop, consist of stone and pebbles, making it advisable to don comfortable, water-friendly footwear. In return, you'll be treated to coastal vistas of exceptional and unspoiled beauty. Near the Bay of Kotor, the Maritime Museum of Kotor, housed in an 18th-century palace, offers an opportunity to explore the rich history of the region intricately linked with ports and their flourishing trade during the High Middle Ages and the Renaissance. This city holds UNESCO protection, recognized under the unique designation of a "Natural, Cultural, and Historical Region."
Blue Grotto or Blue Cave
The Blue Grotto, or the Blue Cave, may not strictly qualify as a beach, but it is a must-visit destination. Situated close to Spilja Beach, adjacent to the entrance of the fjord, it is exclusively accessible by sea. Typically, organized routes depart from major tourist hubs like Herceg Novi or the Port of Kotor to facilitate visits. True to its name, this captivating cave penetrates the cliffs, allowing beams of light to cascade perpendicularly, casting an enchanting glow within. A vibrant shade of blue infuses life into the space. Once inside the cave, controlled swimming and diving are permitted. Beneath the water's surface, an almost surreal marine world awaits, inhabited by fascinating creatures.
The best beaches in Montenegro on the Adriatic Coast
Slovenska Beach
Nestled in the heart of Montenegro, the pebbled and semicircular expanse of Slovenska Beach presents an iconic coastal panorama. On one side, standing sentinel over the sea is the mysterious island of San Nicolas. On the other, its hills are adorned with the profiles of numerous bars, restaurants, and shops, injecting vibrancy and liveliness into the forefront of this beach. Here, Iberostar Waves Slavija, a five-star oceanfront hotel, transports you to a bygone era, specifically the opulence of the Venetian Empire. Catering to both couples and families, this accommodation channels the elegance of a bygone era while remaining contemporary and sustainable, with meticulous attention to detail. The historic old town and medieval walls of the ancient city of Budva are conveniently just a fifteen-minute stroll away, making its location ideal for leisurely explorations.
Petrovac Central Beach
Petrovac Central is situated in the town of Petrovac, part of the Budva municipality. This freely accessible public beach, spanning 600 meters, has gained popularity for offering all the amenities and services necessary for a delightful day of sun and sea with your family. It includes shops showcasing local crafts and typical products that make for excellent souvenirs. Adjacent to the beach, the Venetian fortress of Castio, also known as Castello, stands as a prominent artistic and cultural point of interest. As the night falls, the surrounding nightclubs enliven the atmosphere, providing entertainment for those seeking a lively nightlife.
Jaz Beach
Several of Montenegro's best beaches grace the Budva Riviera, renowned for its sand purported to possess unique medicinal properties worldwide, owing to its high concentration of active minerals. The 1.5-kilometer expanse of Jaz includes a section of golden, fine sand, making it perfect for visitors of all ages, particularly children. The profound blue waters create a striking contrast with the reddish hues of the shoreline and the lush greenery of the mountain vegetation, evoking an almost theatrical ambiance. In its alternate sector, closer to the city, the landscape transforms into a more rocky and intimate setting, with a designated nudist area.
Jaz Beach, a lively venue with a constant backdrop of live music, has hosted iconic artists like the Rolling Stones, Lenny Kravitz, and Madonna. It has been chosen numerous times as the setting for significant music festivals, including Sea Dance, acclaimed by the prestigious Forbes magazine as one of the top 10 festivals in Europe. Alongside the rhythmic beats, the beach provides essential services like sunbed and umbrella rentals, showers, bathrooms, parking facilities, and a variety of beach bars. What's more? Even during the peak season, there's ample space to guarantee a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Becici Beach
The pristine, crystal-clear turquoise waters of Becici Beach grace the town bearing the same name, nestled between Budva and Boreti. Similar to Slovenska, this beach is known for its lively atmosphere, drawing a crowd, and offering an extensive array of entertainment and activities suitable for all ages. An interesting historical note adds to its allure—back in 1935, it was already recognized as the best beach in all of Europe. Today, it consistently renews its Blue Flag status, a testament to the quality of its waters and facilities. One section is freely accessible to the public, while the other is reserved for beach clubs and hotels in the vicinity.
Iberostar Waves Bellevue, positioned right on the beachfront and encompassed by 40,000 m2 of lush gardens, offers a delightful retreat. Its facilities include four pools, three of which are outdoors, along with tennis and beach volleyball courts, encouraging guests to embrace outdoor activities. The Spa Sensations spa, featuring massages, a water area, and a hammam, provides a haven for relaxation and indulgence. Montenegro’s typical dishes, such as freshly grilled fish, vegetable moussaka, and traditional smoked ham, take their place alongside a diverse and high-quality selection of international cuisine on the restaurant menu. Notably, the resort even houses a pizzeria for added culinary variety!
Cala de Crvena Plaza or Red Beach
Among the many beaches in Bar, Montenegro, a charming coastal town retaining the allure of its Venetian heritage, Crvena Plaza, also known as the Red Beach, distinguishes itself. Its name is derived from the color of the small stones that form its sand, possessing medicinal qualities, including fragments of coral reefs. Situated in the southern part of the country, this coastline is, in reality, a beautiful semi-hidden cove spanning just 50 meters in length, with a total area of 600 square meters. Here, the rocky ecosystem of Montenegro unveils its magnificence. Legend has it that mermaids frequented this bay, emerging to comb their long hair with corals while singing. As per folklore, the beach holds a healing effect for those who venture to visit. You can personally experience this during your vacation.
Queen's Beach
Queen's Beach earned its nickname as the favored retreat of Queen Milena Vukotić, the sole queen consort in Montenegrin history, who married King Nicholas I of Montenegro in 1860. Nestled at one end of Sveti Stefan Island, the beach features a portion of pink sand alongside another adorned with multicolored stones visible along the shore. Dense vegetation surrounds this exclusive cove, protecting calm and translucent waters. Access is solely by sea, facilitated by water taxi services. Boats dock in an estuary that, traversing through a cave, leads to the shore. Additionally, the beach is private, charging an entrance fee for those seeking to visit.
Mogren Beach
The two segments of Mogren Beach are intricately linked by way of a cave. Located near the historic old town of Plavi Horizonti within the Budva Riviera, this beach is easily accessible by bus, followed by a short stroll to its confines. The beach enclave features several bars for dining or enjoying a refreshing drink. The optimal time to visit is in the mornings when the sun bathes the surroundings in its warm glow. As the afternoon progresses, the cliffs surrounding the area gradually cast shadows over the sandy shores. Mogren Beach is a public and family-friendly cove, welcoming visitors with free access during the low season and a modest entrance fee during the summer months.
About Montenegro's beaches
Montenegro is home to few sandy beaches and predominantly pebbled or rocky beaches, creating a distinctive aesthetic that blends the grandeur of the Balkan mountains with the charm of the Mediterranean. Over time, the Adriatic Sea and the Bay of Kotor have carved enchanting corners into the coastline, reminiscent of the landscapes found on the French Riviera, Mallorca, or Capri—a diverse terrain that caters to every preference. Notably, the water on Kotor beaches is more saline than that along the Adriatic, a characteristic attributed to the unique terrain.
Furthermore, the beaches of Montenegro fall into different categories—public, private, or a combination, often divided into distinct zones. Some areas are open to the public, while others belong to accommodations, beach clubs, or even the estates of historic Montenegrin families, featuring private palaces and bathing spots. This differentiation extends to places where sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent. It's recommended to do some research in advance to explore the range of leisure activities and amenities offered by each beach, allowing you to make the most of your stay and, in many cases, participate in organized trips to nearby islands and sea caves.
Private beaches on islands: What you need to know
As highlighted earlier, Montenegro is home to a multitude of islands, encompassing both natural and artificial formations, contributing to a cumulative coastline of 11.1 kilometers. Certain islands are accessible through boat excursions, with options ranging from free entry to those requiring payment of an entrance fee. Private islands are restricted from public access during specific periods or exclusively cater to guests of the accommodations situated on-site. Notably, Ada Bojana stands out as a naturist island situated off Ulcinj, featuring a nudist resort established in the 1970s and cabins, accessible solely to residents. This same exclusivity can be found in Queen's Beach in Sveti Stefan.
In the mid-20th century, Montenegro's beaches emerged as a coveted destination for the jet set, drawing iconic stars like Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren, and Elizabeth Taylor. These luminaries sought refuge along the Montenegrin coast, escaping the public eye. Today, the glamour of yesteryear undergoes a modern makeover, captivating present-day travelers amidst waters that echo the energy of the majestic mountains. This fusion establishes Montenegro as one of the most distinctive and sought-after destinations of the current moment.
