Kotor to Budva — The Scenic Coastal Drive
The 25-kilometre road from Kotor to Budva is one of Europe's most scenic coastal drives — climbing from the fjord through a mountain tunnel, passing through Krimovica, and descending to the open Adriatic with jaw-dropping views the entire way.
The Route in Detail
Starting from Kotor Old Town, the road follows the southern shore of the bay past the small towns of Muo and Prčanj — stone houses right on the water, fishing boats bobbing in the shallows. After about 5 kilometres, the road begins to climb away from the bay, entering a series of short tunnels cut through the limestone mountain. The main tunnel (about 500 metres long) marks the transition from the Bay of Kotor to the Adriatic coast. When you emerge on the other side, the view hits you — the open sea stretching to the horizon, Jaz Beach curving below, and on clear days the faint outline of the Italian coast 200 kilometres away. The road then descends through Krimovica (where Mata Apartments is located) before reaching Jaz Beach and continuing to Budva. Total distance: 25 km. Driving time: 20 minutes without stops, but plan for 45–60 minutes because you will want to stop.
The Best Viewpoints
The viewpoint immediately after the main tunnel on the Adriatic side is the most dramatic — there is a small gravel pull-off on the right side of the road. From here you look down on Jaz Beach, across the open Adriatic, and back toward the mountains. In the morning, the light is behind you and the sea is a deep blue; in the evening, the sun sets directly ahead and the water turns gold. A second viewpoint is on the Kotor side, about 2 kilometres before the tunnel, where the road curves around a headland and you can see the entire inner bay with Perast and its islands in the distance. If you continue past Budva toward Sveti Stefan, there is a signed viewpoint above the island that gives the classic postcard photograph — best in morning light when the sun illuminates the stone buildings.
Stops Along the Way
Krimovica sits at the midpoint and makes a natural rest stop. Restaurant Carevic serves traditional Montenegrin food with mountain views — far better and cheaper than anything in Kotor or Budva. Jaz Beach is 3 minutes downhill from Krimovica — stop for a swim if the weather is right. Trsteno Beach is 5 minutes away in the other direction — a hidden turquoise cove that most tourists never find. On the Kotor side, the village of Prčanj has a waterfront cafe where you can sit with a coffee and watch the bay. The entire drive can be stretched into a half-day experience with swimming, lunch, and photography stops.
Driving Tips
The road is well-maintained but narrow in places, with blind corners near the tunnels. Drive carefully, especially in summer when tourist traffic increases. The tunnels are lit but narrow — keep your headlights on. There is no toll. The road is busiest between 10am and 1pm when day-trippers move between Kotor and Budva; early morning and late afternoon are quieter and have better light for photography. In the opposite direction (Budva to Kotor), the drive is equally beautiful but the viewpoints are on the left side of the road, making it harder to stop safely. If possible, drive it in both directions on different days.
The Lovćen Serpentine Extension
For an even more dramatic drive, turn off the main road at Kotor and take the serpentine road up to Lovćen National Park. This legendary road climbs 25 hairpin turns from sea level to over 1,000 metres, with each turn revealing a more spectacular view of the bay below. The road was built by the Austrians in the 19th century and is an engineering marvel. It adds 30–40 minutes to your journey but the views are among the best in Europe. You can continue over the mountain to Cetinje (the old royal capital) and return to Krimovica via a different route, making a full loop.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Kotor to Budva drive?
25 km, about 20 minutes without stops. But plan for 45–60 minutes — the viewpoints and photo opportunities are too good to rush past.
Is the road safe?
Yes, it is a well-maintained two-lane road. Some sections are narrow with tunnels. Drive carefully, keep headlights on in tunnels, and watch for tourist traffic in summer.
Which direction is more scenic?
Both are beautiful. Kotor to Budva gives you the dramatic tunnel-to-sea-view moment. Budva to Kotor reveals the bay gradually as you descend. Drive it both ways on different days.
Stay at Mata Apartments
3 apartments in Krimovica from €35/night. Free parking, WiFi, sea views.
