Montenegro’s 8 most beautiful beaches on our map

Montenegro’s Adriatic coastline features long sandy beaches, small coves, and pebble beaches. During our road trip, we also left the coast to go swimming in Lake Skadar. In this article, we share our personal selection of the 8 most beautiful beaches in Montenegro, along with a map and practical information to help you choose where to lay out your towel.

To plan the rest of your trip, check out our itinerary for Montenegro, along with our recommendations for accommodations, restaurants, and activities.

Where to Go Swimming in Montenegro? Our Map of Beaches

Montenegro’s coastline stretches 293 km and features 117 beaches. Around Kotor and Budva, the shoreline alternates between small coves, sandy beaches, and pebble beaches, while the Ulcinj region is home to Velika Plaža, a sandy beach approximately 13 km long. Our selection also includes Murići, a freshwater beach located in Lake Skadar National Park.

We have marked the eight beaches on the map below. They are located in a variety of settings: at the foot of the mountains in the Bay of Kotor, near the bustling towns of Budva and Ulcinj, among olive groves, and on the peaceful shores of Lake Skadar.

Which beach in Montenegro should you choose?

Our ranking isn’t based solely on the color of the water. We also took into account the setting, accessibility, available space, crowd levels, and the atmosphere we experienced during our trip. This table lets you quickly compare the eight beaches before reading our detailed review.

Beach	Sector	Floor	Ideal for	Point to Note
Kotor	Kotor	Pebbles	Swimming near the old town	Small urban beach
Murići	Lake Skadar	Pebbles	Peace and Nature	Narrow, winding road
Velika Plaža	Ulcinj	Fine sand	Space and Kitesurfing	Areas Designated for Water Sports
Jaz	Budva	Pebbles, then sand in the water	A large beach with amenities	Popular during the high season
Valdanos	Ulcinj	Pebbles	A cove lined with olive trees	Easier access by car
Mogren	Budva	Sand	Combining the Old Town with Swimming	Go into the shade a little earlier
Sveti Stefan	Budva	Pink to red sand	The Iconic View	Private Hotel Resort
Kamenovo	Bečići and Pržno	Sand	The clear water and the restaurants	Very crowded in the summer

Good to know: On public beaches with facilities, the rules established by the public agency Morsko dobro stipulate that half of the beach must remain free of beach furniture. Prices for beach chairs and umbrellas must be posted on site and may vary depending on the beach, the area, and the season. The type of surface and amenities may also vary from one section to another.

Kotor Beach, near the Old Town

Kotor Bay offers spectacular scenery. The beaches here are neither very long nor very wide, but they’re set in a truly unique setting: the calm waters of the Bay of Kotor, the steep mountains, and the villages nestled along the bay’s shores.

The beach near the old town is a great place to cool off without having to get back in the car. That’s what makes it especially convenient after walking through the narrow streets of Kotor or along the ramparts. It’s a small pebble beach with a wide-open view of the bay.

During our stay, the water was crystal-clear, and the view of the Bay of Kotor made this our favorite beach of the trip. We especially loved the contrast between Kotor’s urban atmosphere and the feeling of being surrounded by mountains just a few minutes later. If you want to relax on the pebbles without renting a lounge chair, be sure to bring a towel that’s thick enough.

Murići Beach, Lake Skadar

Murići is a world apart from the beaches along the Adriatic coast. This pebble beach is located on the southwestern shore of Lake Skadar, in the heart of the national park. Here, you can swim in generally calm freshwater, with views of the lake’s hills and small islands.

We especially loved how secluded it was. The atmosphere is much more peaceful than along the coast, and the setting makes you feel like you’re far from the main tourist areas. The water was crystal-clear during our visit, and the beach was well worth the effort it took to get there.

To find it, enter “Donji Murići” or “Plaža Murići” into your GPS. The mountain road is narrow and winding. Two cars may have trouble passing each other on certain sections: drive slowly and stay alert on the curves. Don’t set out expecting a quick drive; instead, plan this part of the trip as part of the excursion itself.

Amenities are more limited than on the large beaches in Budva or Ulcinj. Bring water, sunscreen, and—if you’re sensitive to pebbles—water shoes. Before you go, also check the access conditions and any park entrance fees, as these are subject to change.

Velika Plaža (Long Beach), in Ulcinj

Velika Plaža, also known as Long Beach, stretches for about 13 km south of Ulcinj, near the Albanian border. Unlike the small coves of Kotor and Budva, it forms a vast stretch of fine sand where you can walk for a long time right along the water’s edge.

Its size is its main advantage. Even when the areas near the entrances are crowded, you often just need to walk a little further to find more space. During our stay, we went to a section far from the city, and the atmosphere there was much calmer. The dark sand also gives the beach a very different look from the rocky coves found elsewhere in the country.

The steady wind attracts many kitesurfers. As a result, certain areas are reserved for water sports, and swimming may be prohibited there. This was the case in the easternmost area we had initially chosen. Before setting down your belongings, check the signs and head to a designated or supervised swimming area.

Velika Plaža is a great option if you’re looking for a real day at the beach, with plenty of space to walk, play, or get away from the busiest areas. It also fits easily into an itinerary that includes Ulcinj.

Jaz Beach, near Budva

Jaz Beach is located about 2.5 km from Budva. It consists of two sections, approximately 800 m and 400 m long. This gives it a considerable size in a region where many beaches are smaller and quickly fill up in the summer.

The shore is mostly covered with pebbles, while the seabed becomes sandy once you’re in the water. When we visited, the water was crystal-clear, and the bay offered a beautiful setting. There are cafes and restaurants behind the beach, as well as a parking lot and a campground.

Jaz is a well-known beach that’s easily accessible from Budva. As a result, it can get very crowded during peak season. To enjoy a quieter atmosphere and have an easier time finding a spot, we recommend arriving in the morning. Once there, check the signs to identify the areas where you can freely lay out your towel and those occupied by beach furniture.

We especially recommend it to travelers looking for a fairly large beach with nearby amenities, without having to stay in downtown Budva. Water shoes may come in handy for walking more comfortably on the pebbles.

Valdanos Beach, near Ulcinj

Valdanos is a pretty pebble cove located near Ulcinj. It is surrounded by a vast olive grove and bordered by hills, giving it a more natural setting than the region’s long, developed beaches. Arriving in the midst of the olive trees is already part of the place’s charm.

When we visited, the water was crystal clear, and there were areas where you could freely lay out your towel. Since the beach layout may vary by season, check the signs at the entrance before setting up. As on other pebble beaches, water shoes and a thick towel will make your experience much more comfortable.

Valdanos is a good choice if you’re staying near Ulcinj and want to alternate between there and Velika Plaža. The two beaches are geographically close, but the experience is very different: a long stretch of sand and wind on one side, and a more sheltered pebble cove with olive trees on the other.

Mogren Beach, in Budva

Mogren is the easiest beach to combine with a visit to Budva’s Old Town. It’s just a few minutes’ walk away via a paved path at the base of the cliffs. The path runs along the sea and lets you quickly escape the hustle and bustle of the city center without having to drive.

Contrary to what was stated in the previous version of this article, Mogren is not a pebble beach. It consists of two small sandy beaches connected by a passage carved into the rock. The entire stretch is about 350 m long and is therefore fairly compact.

Its easy access and setting explain its popularity. During peak season, the available space fills up quickly. We preferred to go there at the end of the day, when the crowds began to thin out and the light over Budva became especially beautiful.

Keep in mind, however, that the beach is set in a narrow valley and oriented in such a way that it goes into the shade earlier in the day. If you’re looking for several hours of sunshine, go early in the day. If you just want to go for a swim after visiting Budva, Mogren remains one of the most convenient options.

Sveti Stefan Beach, near Budva

Sveti Stefan is one of Montenegro’s most famous landmarks. This ancient fortified village is situated on a small island connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. Two sandy beaches with shades of pink and red flank this passage, with the island in the background.

The island is home to the Aman Sveti Stefan resort and remains private property. So you should come here primarily to enjoy the view from the coast and swim at the beaches along the isthmus. Access requirements, designated areas, and rental rates have changed several times: check the signs on-site rather than relying on an outdated price you found online.

The setting is still well worth a stop, even if you don’t plan on spending the whole day there. The water was crystal-clear during our visit, and the shape of the islet makes swimming there quite unique. The beach is a popular photo spot: for a more peaceful atmosphere, try to avoid midday during peak season.

We also recommend visiting the viewpoint at Saint-Sava Church, about 5 km away. From the hilltop, the view takes in the islet, the two beaches, and a large part of the bay. It’s one of the most beautiful panoramic views of our trip to Montenegro.

Kamenovo Beach, between Bečići and Pržno

Kamenovo is located between Bečići and Pržno, a few kilometers from Budva. This sandy beach is about 330 meters long and is lined with Mediterranean vegetation. It’s a decent size: it’s more spacious than some of the small coves in Budva, without being as vast as Velika Plaža.

The water was very clear when we were there. There are several cafés and restaurants along the beach, making it easy to spend half a day or more there. It’s a pleasant place to be at the end of the day, when the light fades and you can follow up your swim with a drink or a meal overlooking the sea.

Kamenovo gets very crowded during peak season. There is a parking lot nearby, but arriving early makes it easier to find a spot. You can also walk to the beach along the seaside promenade from Bečići, then continue toward Budva.

We recommend it to travelers who want a sandy beach with amenities, while still staying close to the main accommodations on the Budva Riviera. If you’re looking for a more secluded setting, Valdanos or Murići are better suited to your needs.

When is the best time to go swimming in Montenegro?

The best time to enjoy the beaches is generally from May through October. The Montenegro National Tourism Office describes this period as the best time for a vacation on the coast, with particularly high visitor numbers in July and August.

If you’re looking for the best balance between swimming, weather, and crowd levels, June and September are often the best months. The days are generally still ideal for outdoor activities, while the beaches are less crowded than in the height of summer. In May and October, swimming is still possible depending on the conditions at the time and your tolerance for cooler water.

We have removed the old, precise monthly temperature data from this article, as a national average gives a misleading sense of certainty. The wind chill varies depending on weather conditions, depth, wind, and location: the calm waters of the Bay of Kotor, the open Adriatic Sea around Ulcinj, and Lake Skadar all react differently.

Our practical tips for enjoying the beaches

Amenities and services vary greatly from one beach to another in Montenegro. At developed beaches, start by checking the sign at the entrance. It lists the operator, hours of operation, permitted equipment, and prices. Even when part of the beach is occupied by lounge chairs, a public area should normally remain available for you to lay out your towel.

• Be sure to bring water shoes for Kotor, Murići, Jaz, and Valdanos if you’re not comfortable walking on pebbles.
• Arrive in the morning in July and August to find a parking spot more easily and enjoy a calmer atmosphere.
• Please respect the water sports areas, especially at Velika Plaža, where certain sections are designated for kitesurfing.
• Be sure to bring water and sunscreen with you, especially on secluded beaches where amenities are limited.
• Check the swimming flags and adjust your plans according to the day’s conditions, even if the ocean looks calm from the beach.

Before swimming along the coast, you can also check the official seawater quality reports. Tests are conducted regularly during the swimming season. These results supplement the signs posted on each beach but do not replace the instructions given by lifeguards when swimming is supervised.

Where should you stay to enjoy Montenegro’s beaches?

Your choice of accommodations depends mainly on which beaches you’d like to explore. Ulcinj is the most convenient base for Velika Plaža and Valdanos. Kotor lets you enjoy the bay and visit the old town on foot. The Budva region offers easy access to Jaz, Mogren, Sveti Stefan, and Kamenovo.

Have a great trip to the Balkans! Feel free to leave us a quick note or a 5-star rating below to let us know if you’re planning this trip, or to ask any questions here or on Instagram. We’d be happy to reply.