Excursions in Budva

Montenegro is not just about classic beach vacations. There's definitely more to see in this country, and Budva is a good place to start. It's not only a city, but also the center of the district of the same name, which includes resorts such as Becici and Rafailovici, Sveti Stefan and Petrovac.

The richest selection of excursions in Montenegro is also in Budva. From this city you can go almost anywhere in the country. For example, to walk along the coast along one of the great canyons, to appreciate the coolness of the national nature parks, to see monasteries with centuries of history.

"Lifehacks" for choosing excursions

To make the most of a sightseeing trip, keep the following things in mind:

• Excursions can be booked before you leave

(this is more cost-effective), or you can buy them online while in Montenegro.

• Trips with a group are much cheaper

than an individual tour. But some interesting routes (for example, Lipska cave) are not included in the standard excursion programs;

• Don't use public transportation

or a rented car instead of a tour bus, hoping to save money. You won't save a significant amount of money, but traveling on your own to see the sights is very tiring;

• Don't book excursions on Budva's seafront from "privateers"

It is better to plan the route with tour operators or representatives of tour bureaus;

• You should take water and a snack with you on excursions

(some tours last more than ten hours and there may be only one lunch), money to buy souvenirs and a jacket (if you plan to walk in one of Montenegro's natural parks, as they are usually cool even in summer).

Here are some exciting excursions in and around Budva:

Budva city tours

If you want to explore Budva on your own, you can follow these routes free of charge:

• Explore the Old Town, including its beaches like Mogren and Yaz.
• Take a walk along the beach to St. Stephen's Island, which is connected to the mainland by a thin isthmus.

You can also travel to neighboring towns from Budva by bus, allowing you to visit resorts such as:

• Kotor, often referred to as the little Venice inside Montenegro.
• Perast, a city known for its millionaires.
• Herceg Novi, a town surrounded by lush greenery.
• Cetinje, the ancient capital of the country.

Cruise in Miniature: Fish Picnic

The Fish Picnic is a delightful boat trip suitable for various age groups. The comfortable boat provides amenities like changing cabins, toilets, and sunbathing decks. During the trip, you can:

• Visit some of Montenegro's best beaches, including Bečići, Rafailovići, Kamenevo, Miločer, and Drobni.
• Swim in the extremely salty waters of the Blue Lagoon.
• Enjoy a meal of national fish dishes on the ship.
• Take a break on St. Nicholas Island for about an hour and a half.
• Get a sea view of Budva's Old Town, Jaz, and Mogren beaches.

Excursions for extreme lovers

If you're an adventure seeker, consider these exciting excursions:

• Paragliding: Take off from Budva and fly over St. Stephen's Island or Petrovac, with various flight options to choose from.
• Diving: Explore the underwater world near the island of St. Nicholas or Ploce.
• Jeep safari: Embark on a thrilling journey from Kolasin to Biograd Lake.

These excursions offer a diverse range of experiences for travelers in and around Budva.

Excursions from Budva

Longer Excursions

Longer excursions from Budva offer a sea of new sensations, including traveling through Montenegrin canyons, trips to neighboring countries, and thrilling rafting adventures. These itineraries often take up the whole day but are filled with memorable experiences.

Breathtaking Grand Canyons

The excursion through Montenegro's grand canyons spans almost fourteen hours, providing tourists with the opportunity to:

• Witness

the picturesque rivers Moraca and Tara;

• Capture

Montenegro's iconic Djurdjevic-Tara Bridge in photographs;

• Marvel at

the awe-inspiring canyons of the Morača and Tara rivers;

• Explore

the serene Moraca Monastery;

• Indulge

in a mountain restaurant for a delightful snack;

• Visit

The Beer Monastery situated on the namesake lake;

• Stroll through

Durmitor National Nature Park.

Excursions to Neighboring Countries

Departing daily from Budva, buses take tourists not only to explore Montenegro but also to neighboring Albania, Croatia, and Serbia. These excursions offer unique insights into these countries:

• In Albania

Discover its history, which was marked by dictatorship until the 1980s. Post-dictatorship Albania has opened up to tourists, offering architectural wonders and opportunities to purchase high-quality silverware at affordable prices.

• In Bosnia and Herzegovina

Explore the enchanting green city of Trebinje, a dream destination for poets.

• In Croatian Dubrovnik

Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site, just a three-hour drive away from Budva. Dubrovnik's unique layout ensures you won't get lost in its streets, as all roads lead to a dead end.

Extreme Rafting

Rafting is an excellent choice for those seeking adventure in Montenegro. The Bosnian part of the Tara River is perfect for rafting, including options for kayaking suitable for beginners and children over the age of seven. The river is calmest in summer, but in May and September, it becomes more extreme with challenging waves.

To ensure a comfortable rafting experience, it's recommended to bring the following essentials:

• Passport:

You'll need it to cross the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina for rafting.

• Shirt and Socks:

Wear these under a protective wetsuit.

• Bathing Suit, Towel, Change of Clothes:

There will be a brief stop during the tour, allowing everyone to swim in Tara.

• Camera/Gadgets:

Capture memorable moments with your camera or gadgets.

• Water:

While the standard tour program includes breakfast and lunch, having an extra water bottle with you is a good idea.

Lightweight Excursion Programs

Boko-Kotor Bay Trip

The Boko-Kotor Bay discovery is a highly recommended excursion suitable for families with children and elderly tourists. The travel program is comfortable, with several stops that don't require extensive walking.

The "Boko-Kotor Bay" excursion route offers the following highlights:

• Travel on a comfortable ship

through the breathtaking landscapes of the Kotor Riviera;

• Visit the Blue Cave

with its stunningly blue saltwater, perfect even for children to swim in;

• Exploration of the church "Gospa od Škrpela"

(Virgin Mary on Utes), situated on an artificial island;

• A leisurely walk through "Little Italy" - the city of Kotor.

Kotor is often called Montenegrin Venice, known for its cats and the annual Bokelska Nacht carnival parade.

Maxi-Montenegro Universal Route

The Maxi-Montenegro itinerary is perfect for those interested in exploring Montenegro's cultural and religious sights while enjoying picturesque landscapes. It's an all-inclusive excursion.

"Montenegro to the Max" includes the following attractions:

• Cetinje or "Montenegrin Petersburg"

The once ancient capital of the country, now its cultural and spiritual center;

• Cetinje Monastery

A destination for thousands of Orthodox pilgrims who come to touch the right hand of John the Baptist;

• Kattaro Stairs - a serpentine road to Lovcen Park

Natural Park Lovcen, where the mausoleum of the Great Lord of Montenegro, Petar Negus, is located;

• Negushi village with a tasting of traditional Montenegrin cheeses.

Monastery Tour - Program for Pilgrims

This excursion program is designed for religious tourists interested in pilgrimage. It includes visits to sacred places such as monasteries in Ostrog and Cetinje and the Cathedral in Podgorica.

Travelers considering this program should keep the following in mind:

• Length

The trip is relatively short, taking half a day, but may be tiring for those not interested in religion. It's not suitable for young children who may get bored.

• Clothing

Dress appropriately for the monastery tour. Women should bring