Explore Montenegro beaches, from hidden coves to crystal-clear waters, with this guide to the best coastal spots for your next trip.
I‘ll be honest with you, I didn‘t have a very successful first trip to the coastline in Montenegro. I had imagined soft, powdery sands similar to that of the Caribbean, and had turned up in flip-flops ill-equipped for the bed of stones. About four minutes into me dragging my feet over Mogren Beach, wincing with every step I suddenly thought I had done no research, none whatsoever, just seen a few pretty pictures of the Bay of Kotor floating around Instagram, and booked a flight.
Hence this little guide half for you, and half to make up for my own rookie schoolboy errors. Montenegro, once I ‘discovered’ the right places to go and especially the right shoes to wear, proved to be the most underrated seaside resort I‘ve experienced. It‘s scenic, a little rugged, and so much less congested than the Croatian resorts just along the coastline. Even the official Montenegro National Tourism Organisation bunts for the whole coastline as Montenegro‘s number-one selling point, and once you‘ve been on these beaches you‘ll understand what they mean.
Let‘s the stage (shift venue).
Not all Montenegro beaches are created equal, though and knowing what separates one from another in advance will save you the hassle I experienced.
And once a day of dodging pebbles and floating in the Adriatic has worked up your appetite, you’ll want to know where to eat — that’s exactly what ourMontenegro Food Guideis for.
Quick Answer: Sand or Pebbles in Montenegro?
Let‘s get it over and done with early as I am guessing this is what you are really eager to know. The majority of beaches in Montenegro are pebbly or coarse shingle, not soft sand. There are a few rare stretches of sandy beach, which I’ll highlight in the list below. But if you’re picturing yourself sinking your toes into soft, volcanic ash-like sand, you may need to adjust your expectations a little—or simply do what most sensible travelers do and bring water shoes.
That all said. Don‘t be put off by it. Pebble beaches are certainly a very different experience to a sandy one but there is a value in this. The quality of water is better (clearer), there is less sand in your pack, and in the long run the sensation of walking on a stone beach at the end of the day is…odd but strangely pleasant. (Imagine a crisp apple versus a soft one. Both lovely but just different). For reference Montenegro‘s coastline along the Adriatic is some 295km of which around 72km are beaches. There is far greater diversity in such a small country than most would think.
Quick Reference: Best Beaches in Montenegro at a Glance
Before we get to all of them, let’s have a cheat sheet so we can go straight to the one most interesting to you right away: a quick side-by-side display of the top beaches in Montenegro worth exploring.
| Beach | Region | Type | Best For |
| Jaz Beach | Budva | Sand & pebble | Beach parties, festivals |
| Mogren Beach | Budva (Old Town) | Pebble | Easy access, swimming |
| Sveti Stefan Beach | Budva | Sand & pebble | Cameras, luxury feeling. |
| Ada Bojana | Ulcinj | Sand | What has not been said so far? What has not been urged? For an example in the 7 men (with a patriarch and without a common life? Below another one. Naturism windsurfing seclusion |
| Velika Plaa | Ulcinj | Sand | Families, Leigh walks. |
| Plavi Horizonti | Budva Riviera | Sand and pebble | Such a relaxation as that of the shaded pine. |
| Kamenovo Beach | Near Budva | Pebble | Water sports, spot of the old ball and rest. |
| Ango-ist” Beach, created by combining the hope of hope-orientated seekers with a bad attitude adopted by the agnostic. | Herceg Novi | Pebble | Quiet, boat-in access |
Now, let‘s go through them actually.
1. Jaz Beach For When You Want to Dance Barefoot
Jaz Beach is a short drive from Budva and it has the vibe of being much bigger and more at liberty than most of the other beaches on this list. It‘s approximately 1.5km of open coast line, so even in July it is seldom crowded like many smaller coves are.
Fun fact I found out about: I‘m a that the Rolling Stones had a concert here back in 2007 and the borders of this place haven‘t been touched by other artists namely Madonna, then something about a wide open natural shoreline sounds like “she makes the big call” and in fact Jaz has been hosting a lot of music festivities all over the summer. I found out that this could be the best listed beach in Europe by Lonely Planet and the Government of Montenegro must have been proud to promote this.
- Getting to. Around 10–15 minutes by taxi/car from the centre of Budva, public transport is not so direct and you may need to factor in a short taxi ride.
- Informative: It‘s advisable to have some cash to pay for a suntan bed and go early if there happens to be an event that week since parking spaces are limited.
2. Mogren Beach The One Right Outside Budva‘s Old Town
This is the area where my flip-floppery took place (I have to warn you! Wear proper sandals), Mogren is in fact divided into two coves Mogren I and Mogren II linked together by a short tunnel through the rock which, if you happen on it suddenly on your way into the cave, can make you feel like you‘ve stumbled on something more than just another bit of pebble beach.
What I really enjoy about Mogren is how easy it is to reach. One minute I was sitting with a coffee in the Old Town of Budva, fifteen minutes later I was swimming in truly turquoise water with the Old Town and its surroundings in the background. It has to be said it is a beach that fits in well with a spontaneous adventure with no major planning, just a short walk.
- Getting there: 10–15 minute walk from Budva Old Town along the coast.
- Note: Gets crowded around noon in the summer; the early morning or the hours after 5pm are the quieter times.
3. Sveti Stefan Beach The One You‘ve Definitely Seen in Photos
If you entered Google “Montenegro” and then clicked for images, you probably have seen the legendary tiny islet linked with the mainland by a single thin strip of land, proud over all its terracotta rooftops–that‘s Sveti Stefan. The beach: though the islet is now occupied by a super-luxury hotel complex (looking frighteningly expensive), the beach in the first part it is affiliated with, is controlled.
I would often find myself on the public side and watching the sun retreat behind the islet, feeling that it was one of those scenes that no cameras could ever come close to capturing right. It is the kind of scene where you often just pause for a second and think look at that, which – if you know me – is a first.
- How to get there: About 15 min. drive by car, bus or taxi south of Budva.
- Great to be aware of: the public beach (Milocer/Kraljicina Plaza not far off) provides almost exactly the same postcard view with no charge for the privilege, a good cheap alternative.
4. Ada Bojana For the Free Spirits
Something entirely different now. Ada Bojana is a tiny river island close to the Albanian border and the two things it‘s famous for are of very different nature: naturism and windsurfing. That‘s the one on the right, naturism so be aware that there are two types of beaches on Ada Bojana and you don‘t want to end up in the wrong spot.
Even if that‘s not your scene, the environment alone is enough of a reason to detour. The beach itself is sandy (a true rarity on this list), bordered by the Bojana River on one side and the Adriatic on the other, with a slightly bohemian, off-the-beaten-path vibe that is completely unlike the smooth cruise of the more southern port cities.
- Getting there: 40 minutes from Ulcinj in a car, slightly remote renting a car makes it very easy.
- Just to inform you: Windsurfing rentals are possible on spot, if you want to give it a try winds are really trustful.
5. Velika Plaa Montenegro‘s Sandiest Stretch
Translated as “Long Beach,” this one lives up to its name: approximately 12 km of sandy beach, in the area of the town of Ulcinj. It is the most traditional sand beach of Montenegro; perfect for families with small children since you can find shallow waters with easy access and good space to set up in.
I‘ll say this was worth the grinding my earlier pebble encounters had brought me. Meandering back to the hotel in the dark with no shoes on, after the controlled scampering about from pebble to pebble, was a little bit of class.
- How to reach here: For a few kilometers drive or a taxi ride from the center of Ulcinj.
- Good to know.: The ruins are less crowded and a little further apart at the far ends. After the main highlights, go a little further away if busy.
6. Plavi Horizonti Pine Trees Meet the Sea
My top choice for a very particular reason: shade. A full day on an exposed Mediterranean beach teaches you what the perfect pine tree is so knowledgeable at 2pm. The Plavi Horizonti is surrounded by pine trees which run directly to the water so you can relax out of the sun without messing up the view.
The bay here is also protected, so no seas here – always a benefit if you‘re holidaying with children or if you don’t like to fight the dreaded swell when lying on your lilo.
- How to get there: 20 minutes from Budva on the main coastal road. On the route through villages, Przno.
- Helpful to know: Parking is limited, so finding a parking spot before 10am on the weekend is a good idea.
7. Kamenovo Beach The Water Sports Hub
If you enjoy a bit of excitement while lounging on the beach then you should check out Kamenovo. It‘s a small stony bay close to Budva, which has become popular for jet skis, banana boats, and the full feeling paddleboarding kit.
It‘s a little rowdier than I was expecting, but not the unplugged-from-life-island I was worried about.
- How to reach: The destination is from a short drive or walk along the coast from Przno, close to Plavi Horizonti.
- Helpful information: Rent the equipment directly on the beach. You do not need to book in advance for most of the activities.
8. Anxious Beach The Quiet One Near Herceg Novi
Settled in the Herceg Novi basin just inside the Bay of Kotor, anjic is a quieter, more intimate alternative to the crowds of the Budva Riviera and one that, by the way, some people even kayak to rather than drive to.
If Jaz Beach is the extrovert of this list anjic is the one who arrives, quietly reads in the corner, and leaves early. Sometimes exactly the kind of vibe you want a day at the beach to have.
- How to get there: Approximately 20 minutes by car from Herceg Novi; boat access is fairly popular from the marinas in the nearby areas.
- Note: There are fewer amenities here than at the other location, so bring your own snacks and water.
How to Choose the Right Beach for Your Trip
If one (#1 already points you to a few of the best beaches) of eight solid picks among Montenegro beaches, your choices can be rather daunting. Here‘s an easy explanation:
- Have a child or two? Velika Plaa or Plavi Horizonti sand or pebble beach, both kid-friendly.
- Want the Postcrossing photo? What‘s the definitive postcard photo? Sveti Stefan, no question.
- Want to taste that nightlife buzz? Jaz Beach can fit the bill, especially if you time your visit with a festival.
- Looking for convenience above all else? Mogren you simply cannot find a better location than this.
- Want to get away from the hordes altogether? anjic or right at the beginning of Velika Plaa.
- Looking for something else? Goofing around Ada Bojana would be worth the risk.
It‘s a bit like ordering a coffee. There’s no correct beach (exactly), just the one that suits the kind of day you really want to be having.
Frequently Asked Questions About Montenegro Beaches
What are the beaches in Montenegro like? Mostly pebbly or fine shingle. Actual sandy beaches are few and far between — Velika Plaa and Ada Bojana are the best known — remember to take water shoes!
Where is the best beach for kids in Montenegro? Velika Plaa and Plavi Horizonti tend to be the most popular thanks to their sandy or more gradual transitions into the water.
So in summing up, is Montenegro a good place to go for a beach holiday? Yes, it‘s less popular than Croatia up the coast and, in many areas, less expensive (though this varies) and still has the same sort of spectacular mountains that can be seen along many parts of the Adriatic.
How many days is enough for the finest beaches? An easy pace would take 5–7 days, allowing you to use Budva as your starting point for heading north to Herceg Novi and south to Ulcinj each day.
Do I require a rental car to get to these beaches? Not really, but it‘s very useful for them particularly for Ada Bojana, Velika Plaa & anjic, which aren‘t so accessible by bus.
Further Reading & Sources
If you‘d like to do a bit more research, here are the resources I find most helpful when planning a trip to the beaches of Montenegro:
- Montenegro National Tourism Organisation : List of most-visited beaches by the official government tourism board of the country.
- Lonely Planet : An authoritative and editorially independent guide is provided from one of the most experienced travel publishers in the world.
Final Thoughts
That initial painful trek along Mogren‘s stones has proved to be a rather good primer for Montenegro in general: a touch rough around the edges, raw in the nicest possible way and well worth forgoing a little initial comfort on the way there.
If I could tell you just one thing before you go, it‘s that. Don‘t visit all the beaches on this list in one trip. Choose two or three that suit your state of mind, stay there for real and take it a little slower than you usually plan. That‘s when Montenegro truly embraces you.
And on a serious note: pack the water shoes. Your future self will thank your current self.
When you decide to plan your journey properly, you‘re going to have no trouble with this, a guide to beaches in Montenegro.
