Jaz Beach — Complete Guide
Jaz Beach is the crown jewel of the Montenegrin coast — a 1.2-kilometre sweep of pebble and sand facing the open Adriatic, backed by a lush green valley. It is consistently rated among the top beaches in Southern Europe, and it happens to be three minutes from our door in Krimovica.
Getting to Jaz from Krimovica
From Mata Apartments, turn left onto the main Budva–Kotor road and drive toward Budva. After 1.5 kilometres you will pass through a short tunnel — the Jaz parking lot is immediately on your right. Total drive time: three minutes with no traffic, five minutes in summer peak. The road is well-maintained and the turn-off is clearly signed. If you are coming from Budva (10 minutes) or Kotor (20 minutes), Jaz is on the right side of the road before the tunnel.
Parking
The main parking lot holds approximately 500 cars and costs €3 in early and late season, €5 in July and August. It fills up by 10am on hot summer days. There is a second overflow parking area 200 metres further along the road that is less known and rarely full. Some locals park along the road above the beach for free, but this is a 5-minute walk down to the sand. Our tip: arrive before 9am or after 4pm to guarantee a spot in the main lot. Alternatively, the three-minute drive from Krimovica means you can easily go back and forth.
The Beach Layout
Jaz divides naturally into two sections. The eastern half (closest to the parking lot) is the developed section with sunbed rentals, beach bars, and restaurants. Sunbeds cost €10–15 per set (two beds plus umbrella) depending on the row — front row by the water is most expensive. The western half is free and more natural, with no facilities but more space. This is where families set up with their own umbrellas and where you will find the calmest water for children. The beach is pebble with patches of sand — water shoes are helpful but not essential.
Swimming and Water
The water at Jaz is exceptionally clean — visibility is typically 5–8 metres. The seabed is pebble and sand with no rocks or sea urchins in the main swimming area. The beach slopes gently for the first 10 metres, then drops off to swimming depth. Water temperature ranges from 20°C in early June to 26°C in August, staying above 22°C until mid-October. The beach faces west, so it catches afternoon sun and is sheltered from the northeast bora wind. On rare days when the south wind (jugo) blows, waves can reach 1–2 metres — exciting for body surfing but not ideal for small children.
Food and Drink
Two beach restaurants serve food all day from around 9am to sunset. The menu is typical Montenegrin beach fare — grilled fish (€10–14), calamari (€8–10), pasta (€7–9), salads (€5–7), and cold beer (€2.50–3.50). Quality is decent but not exceptional. For a better meal, drive five minutes to Restaurant Carevic in Krimovica, which serves outstanding traditional Montenegrin food at lower prices than the beach restaurants. There are also small kiosks selling ice cream, water, and snacks along the path from the parking lot.
Events and Music
Jaz has hosted some major music events over the years, including the Sea Dance Festival (an offshoot of Serbia's EXIT Festival) which brought tens of thousands of people to the beach. While the festival schedule varies year to year, the beach bars play music throughout the summer — expect chill house and lounge during the day, building to livelier beats in the late afternoon. The eastern beach bar sometimes hosts DJ nights in July and August.
Best Time to Visit
Early June and September are the sweet spot — warm enough for comfortable swimming, uncrowded, and with lower parking prices. In July and August, arrive before 9am or after 4pm. The golden hour before sunset is magical at Jaz — the beach faces west, so the sun sets directly over the water, painting everything in warm orange light. This is when the locals come. October is a hidden gem — the water is still warm, the beach is nearly empty, and the autumn light is beautiful for photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Jaz Beach from Krimovica?
Jaz Beach is exactly three minutes by car from Mata Apartments in Krimovica. Turn left on the main road, pass through the tunnel, and the parking lot is on your right.
Is Jaz Beach sandy or rocky?
Jaz is mostly fine pebble with patches of sand, especially in the western section. The seabed is smooth pebble and sand — comfortable for swimming without water shoes, though some people prefer them.
How much does parking cost at Jaz Beach?
Parking costs €3 in June and September, €5 in July and August. The main lot holds about 500 cars. There is a free overflow area 200m further along the road.
Is Jaz Beach good for children?
Yes, especially the western (free) section where the water is shallow and calm. The eastern section with beach bars can be livelier. There are no dangerous currents or rocks in the swimming area.
Stay at Mata Apartments
3 apartments in Krimovica from €35/night. Free parking, WiFi, sea views.
