Best Beaches Near Budva, Montenegro
The Budva Riviera packs more beautiful beaches into 35 kilometres of coastline than anywhere else in the Mediterranean. From the wide sandy sweep of Jaz to the exclusive platforms of Ploče, every beach has its own character. Here is the definitive guide — written from Krimovica, where we live three minutes from the best of them.
Jaz Beach — The One Everyone Comes For
Jaz is a 1.2-kilometre crescent of fine pebble and sand backed by a green valley, with the open Adriatic stretching to the horizon. The water is clean enough to see the bottom at three metres. The beach splits into two halves — the eastern side has sunbed rentals (€10–15 per set in peak season) and beach bars playing chill house music, while the western side is free and quieter, popular with families who bring their own umbrellas. From Mata Apartments in Krimovica the drive takes exactly three minutes — turn left at the main road, pass the tunnel, and the parking lot is on your right. Parking costs €3 in June and September, €5 in July and August. The lot fills by 10am in peak season, so either arrive early or come after 4pm when day-trippers leave. There is a second overflow lot 200 metres further that rarely fills. Two beach restaurants serve grilled fish, pasta, and cold beer at reasonable prices (€8–12 for a main). The water temperature reaches 24–26°C in July and August.
Trsteno Beach — The Local Secret
Trsteno sits in a small cove five minutes south of Krimovica, sheltered from wind by low cliffs on both sides. The beach is about 200 metres long with a mix of sand and fine pebble. What makes Trsteno special is the colour of the water — an almost unreal turquoise that photographs beautifully without any filter. The beach is never as crowded as Jaz because most tourists do not know about it. There is one restaurant right on the beach serving fresh seafood and Montenegrin specialities. Sunbed rental is €8–10 per set. Parking is free along the road above the beach, with a short walk down stone steps. The beach faces south-west, so it gets sun from mid-morning until sunset — perfect for long lazy days. Families with small children love Trsteno because the water is shallow for the first 10–15 metres and the cove is protected from waves.
Ploče Beach — The Beach Club
Ploče is not a traditional beach — it is a series of concrete platforms built into the rocky coastline, with ladders descending into deep, crystal-clear water. There are also two saltwater pools for those who prefer calmer swimming. The vibe is upscale beach club: DJ sets in the afternoon, cocktails at sunset, well-maintained facilities. Entry costs €5–10 depending on the day, with sunbed packages from €15. The restaurant serves sushi, grilled seafood, and Mediterranean plates at higher prices than the other beaches (mains €15–25). Ploče is eight minutes from Krimovica toward Budva. It is best for couples and groups who want a polished beach day with good music and Instagram-worthy views. The platforms face the open sea, so on windy days the waves crash dramatically against the rocks — beautiful to watch but swimming can be rough.
Mogren Beach — Old Town Charm
Mogren is Budva's most beautiful beach, tucked beneath the old town walls and accessible through a short coastal path that passes a famous bronze ballerina statue. The beach is split into Mogren I and Mogren II, connected by a tunnel carved through the rock. Mogren I has sunbed rentals and a beach bar; Mogren II is free and wilder. The sand is fine and golden, the water is deep blue, and the backdrop of medieval walls and pine trees is stunning. The downside is access — there is no parking at the beach itself. From Krimovica (12 minutes), park in Budva and walk 10 minutes along the coastal path. This makes Mogren better as part of a Budva day trip rather than a dedicated beach day. Visit in the morning, swim, then explore the old town for lunch.
Bečići Beach — The Long Stretch
Bečići is a wide, sandy beach stretching nearly two kilometres east of Budva, backed by large resort hotels. It was voted the most beautiful beach in Europe in 1935 and while competition has increased since then, the fine golden sand and gentle slope into the water still make it one of the best swimming beaches on the coast. The beach is 15 minutes from Krimovica. It is more developed than Jaz or Trsteno — expect water sports rentals (jet skis, parasailing, banana boats), multiple restaurants, and a lively atmosphere. Sunbed prices are similar to Jaz (€10–15). The eastern end near Rafailovići is quieter and has some excellent seafood restaurants right on the waterfront.
Sveti Stefan Beach — The Iconic View
The beaches flanking the Sveti Stefan isthmus are among the most photographed in the Mediterranean. The public beach (Sveti Stefan Beach) is on the left side — a long pebble beach with views of the iconic island hotel. The private beach on the right (Miločer) belongs to the Aman resort. The public beach has free areas and sunbed sections (€15–20 per set — the most expensive on the riviera). The water is exceptionally clean and the setting is unforgettable. From Krimovica, the drive takes 20 minutes south along the coastal road through Budva. There is a parking lot above the beach (€3–5). The best time to visit is late afternoon when the sun lights up the island and the crowds thin out.
Which Beach Should You Choose?
For everyday swimming from Krimovica: Jaz (3 min) or Trsteno (5 min). For a beach club experience: Ploče (8 min). For old town atmosphere: Mogren (12 min, combine with Budva). For long sandy stretches: Bečići (15 min). For the iconic view: Sveti Stefan (20 min). For families with small children: Trsteno (calm, shallow, uncrowded). For couples: Ploče or Sveti Stefan. The beauty of staying in Krimovica is that you can visit a different beach every day of your holiday and never drive more than 20 minutes.
Where to Stay for Beach Access
Mata Apartments in Krimovica sits at the geographic centre of the Budva Riviera's best beaches. Three fully equipped apartments with free parking, WiFi, air conditioning, and sea views from €35 per night. The free parking is essential — every beach on this list requires a car, and parking in Budva or Kotor is expensive and limited. Book directly at apartmentsmata.com for the best price with no middleman fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best beach near Budva for families?
Trsteno Beach is ideal for families — the water is shallow and calm, the beach is never overcrowded, and there is a restaurant right on the sand. It is five minutes from Krimovica. Jaz Beach also has a family-friendly western section with free access.
Is parking free at beaches near Budva?
Most beaches charge €3–5 for parking in summer. Trsteno has free roadside parking. Guests at Mata Apartments have free parking at the apartments and can drive to any beach in minutes.
When is the best time to visit Budva beaches?
June and September offer warm water (22–24°C), fewer crowds, and lower prices. July and August are peak season — beaches are busiest between 11am and 4pm. Arrive early or late for the best experience.
Can you swim in October in Montenegro?
Yes, the sea temperature stays above 20°C until mid-October. Beaches are nearly empty and the weather is often sunny and warm. It is one of the best-kept secrets of the Montenegrin coast.
Stay at Mata Apartments
3 apartments in Krimovica from €35/night. Free parking, WiFi, sea views.
