Let's tell you about the best resorts for a beach vacation in Montenegro, as well as what entertainment is worth trying.
Montenegro is a country of mountains and valleys with truly spectacular scenery. Often referred to as "The Pearl of the Mediterranean," it's one of the finest summer vacation spots in Europe. The Montenegrin coastline stretches for 295 kilometers, making it a true paradise for beach and sun enthusiasts. Montenegro's beaches are not only beautiful but also offer crystal clear turquoise blue waters.
Beach Season
The beach season in Montenegro typically runs from late May to September. Here are some tips:
May: Avoid visiting Montenegro in May as the weather can be quite unpredictable. Check the weather forecast and plan your trip accordingly.
June: The swimming season usually starts in mid-June.
July to September: Central Montenegrin beaches like Budva tend to be crowded during late July to late September.
Early Summer or Early Fall: For a more comfortable and less crowded experience, consider visiting Montenegro in early summer or early fall.
Late September: While the sea may start cooling down in late September, daytime temperatures can still be pleasant (around +24-+30 °C). However, nights become colder, leading to fewer swimmers towards the end of September.
The Adriatic Sea in Montenegro
Here are some interesting facts about the Adriatic Sea in Montenegro:
Azure Blue: Many tourists praise the unusual and beautiful azure blue color of the water in the Adriatic Sea. This unique color is attributed to the presence of salts and minerals, which are considered healthy.
Water Temperature: Due to underwater currents or offshore winds, the sea off the coast can unexpectedly turn cold at random times during the season. However, it typically warms up again after a few days.
Cool Water: The cleanliness of the water can result in it being cooler, as clean water heats up more slowly. The average sea temperature ranges from +22 to +24 °C.
Salty Water: The sea in Montenegro is notably salty, but fresh water showers are available on every beach for visitors' convenience.
Beaches in Montenegro
Before visiting any of the beaches in Montenegro, you should familiarize yourself with some beach laws that apply in the area:
All Beaches: All beaches are purely government property.
Beach Cleaning: Beaches are regularly cleaned, typically twice a day. However, during peak tourist season in July, even this may not suffice, as the beaches become dirty quickly due to the high number of visitors.
Beach Entry: Beach entry is exclusively free. Only in some places, such as St. Stephen's Island, do you need to pay an entrance fee.
Beaches in Montenegro come in three main types: sandy, concrete, and pebble.
Natural sandy beaches in Montenegro can be found mainly in the southern regions, while the rest of the beaches are rocky or pebbly.
Sand and Pebble Beaches
The natural surface of Montenegrin beaches is not always attractive, which is why renters often bring in sand and small pebbles to improve them. By the end of the season, the sand may wash out to sea or mix with rocks. Waves can break the coarse pebbles into smaller pieces, making the beaches less attractive as the season progresses.
Beaches with a sand-and-pebble surface are highly regarded because they keep the sea clear without muddy sand, are less affected by wind, and won't leave sand in your belongings after a beach visit.
Concrete Beaches
Concrete beaches are also popular in Montenegro, particularly in areas where the coast is steep. These beaches are less suitable for young children who can't swim yet, but they are a great option for adults.
Ponta beaches, typically found in the Bay of Kotor, are another variant of concrete beaches. These are often located in areas where regular sandy beaches are scarce. One of the largest Ponta beaches is situated 12 km from Budva and is known for being well-organized.
Beach renters are responsible for beach maintenance, including daily cleaning. During the high tourist season, when there are many visitors, cleaning may occur in the morning or evening. It's essential to understand that the perception of beaches as dirty is a myth and typically only applies to the busiest beaches in August.
Resorts in Montenegro
About half of Montenegro's popular resorts are not on the coast, but in the depths of large bays. Beaches are usually divided into Rivieras with the name of the nearest major town. We will tell you about the most popular places for vacation.
Bays of Montenegro
Did you know that half of Montenegro is located in the depths of large bays, and not on the seashore at all? Let's take a look at the country's most popular beach vacation spots.
The Bay of Kotor is the largest in Montenegro. Many people refer to it as a southern European fjord, but it is not. The bay covers so much area that it is divided into two: Boko-Kotor and Herceg-Novina.
Boko-Kotor Bay
When heading towards Boko Kotor Bay don't forget hats and sunscreen. Temperatures there are noticeably higher than on the coast.
Advice: look out for the towns of Kotor and Perast.
Don't pass by: The Church of Our Lady of God on the Rock. You can also see many Catholic churches and cathedrals. These places are a kind of Mecca for believers and religious people.
Satisfy yourself: great scenery and a rich historical heritage. Many of the villages and towns are medieval and yet have been preserved in beautiful condition.
The mild Mediterranean climate allows all year round to enjoy walks and excursions in these beautiful places.
The Bay of Herceg Novińsk can be reached through the connecting strait.
Gerceg Noviński Bay
The bay is connected to the sea. It is very wide, and you can hardly see the opposite shore. The water here is warmer and very clean, and the beaches are pebble and concrete. Many yachts, boats, and canoes can be seen here.
Local beauties worth your attention:
Janica Beach: Which used to be a private presidential beach but is now open to everyone. The clear water and the beauty of the pebble beach will not leave anyone indifferent. A luxurious olive grove complements the ambiance. Take special shoes with you; there are sea urchins there.
The city of Tivat: Besides the airport, there's a lot more to see here.
Herceg Novi: is called the botanical garden of Montenegro.
Blue Cave: The magical bright blue color of the water is a must-see for every tourist.
Mamula Island: Fans of military installations can visit the island to see the fortification built by the Turks to protect the bay from the enemy fleet.
Rivieras of Montenegro
The beaches in Montenegro are divided into Rivieras according to the name of the nearby big city. Let's familiarize ourselves with them closer.
Budva Riviera
Budva is 2500 years old, and there are so many historical sites here that it's easy to get lost among them.
The Budva Riviera is Montenegro's most popular resort. It includes:
the ancient city of Budva
elite places Milocer and St. Stefan
healing resort Petrovac
beautiful beaches of Becici and Rafailovici
one of the cheapest resorts in Sutomore
Budva beaches
The resort's beaches are glamor, parties until dawn, and plenty of entertainment.
Slavic Beach: One of the most popular.
Mogren Beach: Recognized as the most beautiful.
Pržno and Jaz: If you have a car - pay attention to them.
Hawaii Beach: Uncommonly visited, but very beautiful.
Lucice Beach: While in Petrovac, go to this picturesque beach.
Guvance Beach: For sun lovers, it's perfect.
Milovac and the King and Queen beaches near St. Stephen: These are the most elite beaches. The price of admission is 120 EUR. Here you can plunge into the luxurious life of the Riviera with the constant attribute - gleaming super yachts.
Kotor Riviera
Kotor, Perast, and Risan are the cities that belong to the Kotor Riviera. Perast is a village of millionaires, while Kotor is an ancient city with Italian architecture.
Gerzegno Riviera
The beaches here are small but interesting. Pebble, concrete, and imported sand. The following towns belong to the riviera:
Igalo: Montenegro sanatorium with therapeutic mud and mineral waters.
Herceg Novi: Montenegro's greenest city.
Meline
Kumbor
Ulcinjska Riviera
The warmest and sunniest place in all of Montenegro. Luxurious sandy beaches framed by olive groves and cypresses will not leave anyone indifferent. Dark gray basalt sand is the main attraction of Ultsin beaches. It is considered therapeutic.
Bar Riviera
Bar is a business and resort center with the largest port in Montenegro. Prices here are lower, and there are not many tourists. Shopping lovers go here for Italian shoes and clothes. The beaches are crowded and pebbly.
Tivat Riviera
Tivat is the city where all tourists fly to first. Montenegro's international airport is located here. It is not swarming with tourists, and the beaches are quite nice. Visit the largest port of expensive yachts on the Adriatic Porto Montenegro and the unique botanical monument - Island of Flowers.
Entertainment in Montenegro
If you've enjoyed your time as a tourist taking pictures and are looking for something new, you'll be pleased to know that hospitable Montenegro offers entertainment options for all preferences. Whether it's a sea voyage or thrilling diving, there's something for everyone.
Boat and Yacht Tours
Explore the beauty of Herceg Novi Bay and Boko Kotor Bay up close. Luckily, this option is available in all resort towns, and there's always space on the boats. Enjoy the ride!
Diving Adventures
Extreme divers won't be disappointed, as Montenegro is an excellent destination for diving. The rich flora and fauna, along with limestone caves, offer an amazing underwater experience. To top it off, there are shipwreck excursions for added excitement.
Blue Cave Exploration
A natural wonder that's a must-visit for diving enthusiasts. It boasts its own unique flora and fauna, with its standout feature being the extraordinary bright blue water.
Shipwreck Exploration
Close to the coasts of Herceg Novi, Kotor, Bar, Risan, Ulcinj, and Petrovac, you'll have the opportunity to visit sunken ships, some of which are recognized as archaeological treasures.
Montenegro caters to diverse preferences. Whether you want to soak up the sun on one of its beaches, dance the night away in a nightclub, explore the mountain peaks of this Balkan country, or swim in one of its many mountain lakes, get ready for an unforgettable trip!
