Budva in Montenegro - ancient city with 2500 years of history and the largest tourist centre country, the heart of the Budva Riviera. It is located in the center of the Adriatic coast, on a narrow strip of land between the sea and the mountain range, which creates a unique climate here. This place is considered the sunniest and warmest in the entire Mediterranean. Budva has everything for beach, active and family vacation: excellent beaches, clear sea, numerous hotels, restaurants, discos, casinos and sports centers. The city has a rich and varied cultural life - in the summer it hosts various music and theater festivals.
Business card
History and modernity
The history of Budva, according to legend, began with love. On the wall of the Citadel in the Old Town you can see the main symbol of the city - two interconnected fish. Once upon a time, young lovers lived in Budva - the beautiful Elena and the stonecutter Marko. The girl's rich father did not want to marry her to a poor man, and then the two of them threw themselves off a cliff into the stormy sea. But a miracle happened: as soon as they touched the water, they immediately turned into two beautiful fish and were never separated again. Seeing this, someone said: “Let two be as one” (Ko jedno nek budu dva). And so the name of the city was born - Budva. There is still a belief that anyone who touches this stone will find the same strong and eternal love.
What to see, where to visit
In Budva in Montenegro, many ancient monasteries and temples and other monuments of architecture and art have been preserved. Its main attraction is the Old Town with narrow cobbled streets and medieval houses with red-tiled roofs. It is located on a small peninsula and is surrounded by powerful stone walls built by the Venetians in the 15th century. Here you can see interesting monuments antiquities - the fortress of St. Mary, the Citadel, the fortress gates and several ancient cathedrals. The remains of Roman public baths (therms) found in the city, dating back to the 3rd-4th centuries, are also very popular. and the Gallery of Contemporary Art. And if you climb the fortifications on the hill, you can explore the ancient battlements and admire the stunning views of the city and the bay.
Budva is a place of pilgrimage for Christians all over the world. Here, in the Church of St. John, the famous miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary is kept, according to legend, painted by St. Luke himself.
A unique symbol of Budva is the elegant sculpture of the Ballerina. This is a beautiful figure of a girl frozen in a graceful pose, she stands on a large rocky stone in the sea near the Old Town. All tourists certainly try to take a photo with her.
In the western part of Budva Bay, on Cape Morgen, the Morgen fortress of the 19th century is located. From this place there is a charming view of the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea.
In the northern part of Budva on the top of the mountain there is an active monastery Sub-extremity XV-XIX centuries. There is an opinion that it was from here that Saint Sava of Serbia went on his pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Beaches
There are 11 km of sandy or pebble beaches. All of them are considered the most comfortable and comfortable on the Adriatic. The longest and most popular is Slavyansky Beach. Not far from the Old Town, at the foot of steep cliffs, there is the picturesque Morgen Beach. Excellent beaches are also located in the vicinity of the city, for example Yaz - the most beautiful sand beach Montenegro is about 2.5 km long; Trsteno is a small sandy beach with a gentle entry into the water, perfect for families with children; Ploce - rocky beach with pure water and untouched nature around. Not far from Budva in the sea there is a small island of St. Nicholas, where you can sail on a pleasure boat. Here you can relax on one of three well-maintained beaches or in one of the secluded lagoons.
Budva is the most popular resort in Montenegro. Therefore, it is not surprising that the range of entertainment here is very wide and allows everyone to organize their leisure time in the right way. And of course, considering that this is first of all seaside resort, you can start with its many beaches, stretching for many kilometers along the coast. If we talk about beach recreation areas located within the city, then this is, first of all, Slavic beach(Slovenska plaža), popular among tourists due to its impressive size and developed beach infrastructure (showers, changing rooms, sun loungers, water activities and a bar) and the beach Mogren(Mogren), located near the Old Town near very picturesque rocks and divided into two parts by them. There are also beaches within the city Pisana(Pizana) and Guvantse(Guvance), allowing you to admire the unique surrounding nature.
True, often the city’s beaches are not enough, you want to expand your horizons, so in these cases you can go to one of the most beautiful beaches Montenegro, located near Budva. The most popular and sought after among tourists is the beach. Yaz(Jaz) (3 km from Budva), located on the cape equipped beach Ploce(Ploce) (5.5 km from Budva), as well as picturesque beaches on the island St. Nicholas(istrovo Sv. Nikoli) (about 1 km from Budva). You can get to the island from Budva by boat departing from Slavyansky Beach (from 08:00 to 18:00, ticket cost is about 3 euros), or by water taxi (cost is 15-30 euros). And of course, we can’t help but say about the unique calling card of Budva - island hotel Sveti Stefan- a unique place near the city, famous for its beach and unique panoramas. You can get there by bus departing from the bus station (ticket price is about 1.5-2 euros), by boat or by taxi. The only thing that has stopped most tourists lately is the division of the beach into paid and free zones. On the first, sandy one, hotel guests can bask or pay 25 euros for the use of a sunbed and umbrella. Absolutely anyone can sunbathe on the free, pebble surface. True, there is not so much space here, and at the height of the season, cleaning the area can be slow.
But in Budva you can not only sunbathe under the gentle sun, but also enjoy diving, because here, like nowhere else, you can not only get acquainted with underwater life, see coral reefs, but also explore sunken ships located in the bay near the city’s borders. If you are not a professional diver, but really want to try yourself as an underwater explorer, you can use the services of a trainer and make your first dive accompanied by an instructor. To do this, you can contact, for example, the diving center Montenegrodive (Pro Dive Hydrotech) (Hotel Maestral, Pržno, Budva).
If you come to Budva with your whole family, then be sure to go with your children to Miracle amusement park, where you can not only go on exciting rides, but also swim in the pool, watch a performance or eat ice cream.
Fans of nightlife will also not be bored here. One of the most popular nightclubs the city is considered Trocadero(Trocadero), which after moving to a new building accommodates more than one and a half thousand people and is famous for its incendiary parties and special flavor. An evening spent at disco on Slavyansky beach, where you can take a break from the fun and sit on the coast, enjoying the sound of the waves. The real giant in the field of night entertainment is the open-air club "Top Hill", located at the foot of the mountain near Budva. The area of about 4,500 m2 can simultaneously accommodate about 5,000 people, and for their entertainment, not only famous DJs perform here and popular music plays, but also exciting parties are held, including in the swimming pool located here. There is also the first official strip club in Budva Moulin rouge, which opened in 2012.
You will be very lucky if your vacation coincides with one of the wonderful festivals. For example, every year in June, in the square near the Old Town, the Song of the Mediterranean festival is held here, where famous artists can perform. 
The holiday season in Montenegro, which is visa-free for Belarusians, is open until the end of October. Therefore, if you start to freeze in the Belarusian autumn, it’s not too late to go to warm Montenegro. So that the sea, sand and sun don’t get boring, beach holiday can be alternated with active. In this review, we will tell you where to go and what to do in a sunny country so as not to get bored.
Budva, beach
What active leisure options are offered? popular resorts Montenegro? Budva - a city with rich history and at the same time a center for youth and family entertainment. In addition to shopping and gastronomic adventures, here it is worth paying attention to:
Excursions around historical places . The sights of Budva include the ruins of a 5th century basilica, unique religious artifacts in the Church of Santa Maria (IX century), the medieval churches of St. Stephen and the Holy Trinity, the Citadel of the 19th century, narrow corridors and observation decks Morgen Castle...
Miracle Amusement Park. It is perfect for a family holiday. There are many attractions and swimming pools, children's animation, games and performances.
Bedici beach
Night parties in Budva. The most popular is on Slavyansky Beach, it does not last until dawn. Among the nightclubs, the Trocadero is especially famous: fiery music, costumed performances and a general atmosphere of a celebration of life and youth.
If, having gone on vacation to Bedici, you decided to have a little fun, take a closer look at these options.
Sports competitions on the beach. As a rule, they either happen spontaneously (the vacationers themselves decide to test their strength and dexterity), or they are arranged by animators. The choice is great: tennis, volleyball, basketball, beach soccer. By the way, every year a world beach soccer tournament is held here, where you can come as a spectator and fan.
Water skiing. This water sports especially popular among tourists, although there is plenty to choose from: rafting, paragliding, catamarans, etc.
Travel to the canyons of the Moraca and Tara rivers. Tara Canyon is a nature reserve, an oasis of untouched nature. It is here that the “Djurdzhevica Tara” was erected, the highest mountain road bridge in Europe, which connects the coastal and highland regions of Montenegro.
Have you ever wondered what Heaven looks like?
What are the people like there, the nature, the feeling of life, the mood... and how is it in general in Paradise???... For example, this question tormented me for many years...
Now I can answer that the flight to Paradise is 2.5 hours and it starts at the airport of Podgorica or Tivat...
My sister and I went on a voyage... It was a good start...
A day before departure, mom calls:
- Daughter, you have a plane to Montenegro tomorrow... CONGRATULATIONS!!!
I found something to congratulate, I thought... Some kind of Montenegro, and even for a week...)))
But it’s useless to kick... I threw the dresses and sandals into my suitcase and went...
The first acquaintance took place in the summer of 2009...
2.5 hours and we landed in Podgorica... completely relaxed and after whiskey and cola, we didn’t care where to land... but we were lucky, and it turned out to be Montenegro!!!
another 40 minutes on the bus through the mountains, and through such landscapes that I periodically rubbed my eyes, wondering where I was... and am I still alive?)))
So we got to the hotel in some Becici (I thought...) but as soon as I stepped out onto the balcony, life began to take on new shades!
We went out... looked around... reached the beach... along the way, starting to communicate with local guys... We thought that it seemed that they were very polite, pleasant and positive... Attributing all this to our “beauty”... We will find out that basically everyone in the country is like this a little later!
While we were “mocking” on the beach, jumping up and down for the camera on the pier, we met someone else... And the people were all really positive and kind... they never ceased to be surprised...
Another hour later, having changed into dresses, we were driving towards the center of Budva... not yet understanding what was here and why...
And here it is Budva... describe everything in one word: AMAZING!!!
We're in Old city to some restaurant... Just young people, everyone is positive, dancing on the tables and an eternal holiday...
The evening ended in the morning... somewhere in the area of Sveti Stefan... with the meeting of the dawn over the Adriatic on the beach... This is what I call “Love at first sight”... When you think that it seemed... and then gradually covers you so much that you can no longer do anything, just watch and enjoy the process...
Everything would be fine, but we had to move to another hotel, because... This place was only available for a day!
Having moved from Mediterran to Queen of Montenegro, we had fun for about 30 minutes... we were taken from the reception through back streets to our room.... about 10 minutes with passages through elevators and floors... We announced that for the second time, even with a hotel card, we We won’t repeat it and will sleep in the hall on white leather sofas...)))
The hotel is really Super! The view from the pool is fabulous, there is a huge park on the territory... and those 2 breakfasts and one and a half dinners that we still got to were just SUPER!!!
We were shown the entrance to our room through the Park, which ensured peace of mind for the hotel for another week...
It’s only now that I’ve begun to understand that I’m not good at sightseeing...except for some!
But there are a number of places that are worth at least seeing, and ideally, visiting, and we decided to start!!!
On the 3rd day we approached the guide with the words:
Seryozha, we should go on an excursion!
(he knew that, God forbid, we only come to the hotel for breakfast), looking at us with a sly glance, he asked:
- Where?
- Mom said, you definitely need to go to some monastery...
- Mom, it’s understandable... but where are you and where is the monastery)))
- Seryozha, but at least somewhere to show the photos to mom! because all that is now is in the style: “There is something to remember, but it’s a shame to tell the children”...
- Well... in this situation, it’s not far, pleasant and beautiful - Boko Kotor... and the bus ride is no more than an hour, and the photos are beautiful, and there are plenty of bars... and a boat trip...
Great... let's take it!!!
Departure was in 2 days!
The evening before departure we meet Seryozha...
- Seryozha, can we refuse... we just won’t even get on the bus by 9 am?
Smiled...
- Why am I not surprised...? You can't refuse, but you can't come!!!
But the love for mom and photography turned out to be stronger and at five minutes to 9 in the morning we flew onto the bus, having time to jump into our room, change clothes and drink coffee!!!
Seryozha later said that all morning he had been waiting for a call from us with the question: “Where is the bus?”...
Special thanks to Seryozha for the advice on the excursion... My love for this country continued to grow and develop...
The road included a stop and a walk around the city... there we drank coffee, took pictures without taking off our glasses...))
And then we boarded a ship and went to an island on which there is only one church!!! For the embankment of the island and its construction, sailors carried a “handful” of sand for many years! Inside the church there is a magic stone behind the altar, if you touch it and make a wish, it will come true within a year!!! (Mine turned 7 months later...)
DELIGHT!!! It’s worth coming there (to Boko Kotor) for 3-4 days and just waking up there...
Looking ahead, I’ll say that I almost didn’t manage to fall asleep during that trip... I slept for another 3 days so that everyone would appear rested!!!
A couple or three photos of simply beautiful views:
But night life continues and that evening we explored Miracle Park... Located high in the mountains... BMW convertible, 40 minutes and we are there!!! Huge complex, with a dance floor in a 50-meter pool... VIP box, panoramic view to Budva at night, and a lot of positive things... I didn’t find any decent photos... only one in Yandex Photo... Considering that Clubs and I are generally incompatible things, then I was very impressed...
So, what is still worth seeing in Montenegro: (preferably not in one visit, but gradually)
Ostrog Monastery
What is this? Ostrog Monastery is not the most ancient, but the most famous in Montenegro. The monastery earned the honor of being recognized by believers of all denominations due to the activities of Vasily Ostrozhsky. WITH early years Having set out on the path of serving God, Vasily (real name - Stoyan Jovanovic) walked it to the end, gaining respect for his holy asceticism and righteous life. The monastery is impressive with its unique location (it seems to be “built” into the rock) and the miracles that happen to believers on the territory of Ostrog.
Where is? 30 km west of Podgorica, 8 km from the road connecting the cities of Niksic and Podgorica.
What is the price? The monastery is open to free visits.
Boka Kotorska Bay
What is this? One of a kind Mediterranean fjord. The bay extends 30 kilometers deep into the mainland, wedges itself into dozens of Montenegrin cities and creates unforgettable natural landscapes. A tour of the Bay of Kotor is considered one of the most colorful. The bay is especially beautiful at night against the backdrop of resort lights.
Where is? Located in the western part of Montenegro.
What is the price? If you go with a tour – 20-25 euros. Or rent a car and drive on your own (from 35 euros per day)
Skadar Lake (Skadarsko jezero)
What is this? The above-mentioned lake is the largest lake-reserve in the Balkans, its territory has been declared a national park of Montenegro. Lake Skadar is unique for its flora and fauna: more than 30 species of fish and 270 species of rare birds live here. The rocky islands of Lake Skadar are home to many Orthodox monasteries and churches. Combined with stunning landscapes, the shrines create a genuine harmony of nature and the human soul.
Where is? 15 km from Podgorica, 25 km from Petrovac.
What is the price? An hour of boating on the lake will cost 20-30 euros.
Saint Stefan
What is this? An object that cannot but be included in the list of “what to see in Montenegro”. The island-hotel Sveti Stefan (in other words, San Stefano) is the calling card of the country of Montenegro. It can be seen on all postcards and souvenirs from Montenegro. In 1957, the entire island was turned into a single hotel, this moment The island is home to ultra-high-class hotels and villas.
Where is? In the village of Sveti Stefan, 10 kilometers from Budva.
What is the price? Olimpia Express bus to Sveti Stefan – 2 euros.
Mount Lovcen
What is this? Mountain range, symbol of Montenegro and its statehood. Highest part mountain range– Mount Lovcen – was declared a national park. Lovcen is replete with architectural attractions and picturesque villages. Also on Mount Lovcen there is a museum, library and mausoleum of Peter II Petrovic Njegos, one of the country's greatest philosophers, poets and statesmen.
Where is? On the coast near the city of Kotor; You can get there by bus number 32.
What is the price? Price entrance ticket to the park: 50 eurocents from each car; entrance fee to the mausoleum: 2 euros for adults, 1 euro for children.
Cetinje
What is this? Historical capital Montenegro, during the reign of Njegos, amazing buildings were erected in the central part of the city: churches, residences, educational institutions. In terms of the number of museums, Cetinje ranks first in the country. There is also a monastery here, which houses the imperishable hand of John the Baptist and the palace of King Nicholas himself.
Where is? At the foot of Mount Lovcen, 50 kilometers from Tivat and Podgorica.
What is the price? There are buses (3-4 euros) and taxis (30-40 euros) from two airports in Tivat and Podgorica.
Djurdjevica Bridge and Tara River Canyon (Kanjon rijeke Tare)
What is this? Until 2004 - the highest road bridge in Europe (height - 160 meters), for its aesthetic appearance received the name “openwork”. The bridge is made of monolithic concrete and was built by engineer Lazar Jaukovic before the Second World War. During the war, an engineer makes a “cunning move”, planting a bomb in one of the spans in order to restore the bridge as soon as possible. The monument to Yaukovic stands at the “entrance” to the bridge.
Where is? Above the canyon of the Tara River, on the Crkvina pass.
Tara River Canyon: The Most deep canyon in Europe, the second deepest in the world (1000-1300 m) after the Grand Canyon in the USA. It is a nature reserve and is included in the UNESCO list. The most interesting thing is that the expanses of the canyon with its numerous caves and animal and plant diversity have not yet been fully explored and are awaiting their discoverers.
Where is? In the north of the country, within the Durmitor mountain range
The Tara River is a great place for rafting...
To summarize, I would like to reflect on the pros and cons of this country:
Clear advantages:
1. Flight 2 - 2.5 hours from Moscow.
2. Visa-free country for up to 2 months.
3. Everything is relatively inexpensive... in restaurants the price tag is simply ridiculous, for renting apartments and cars too!
4. People... this can simply be written as a separate chapter... Everyone is not really beautiful... This is the kindest and most positive nation that I have come across in all my 3 foreign passports)))
5. Nature fascinates and beckons you to return... probably drugs in the air...))) but it’s difficult to convey in words what the sunset over the Adriatic and the silhouette of the mountains looks like... because no matter how you describe the sunset, words fade... I had one photo here, taken from a car window at sunset...
6. Gorgeous beaches... lots of them... I especially liked this one:
7. Internal attitude. This is a Fairy Tale... calm, comfort, love and harmony... And already on the second day you are not in a hurry, but live in every moment of time... space appears smooth...
8. Service. Have you ever encountered service “from the heart”... and not just “customer-oriented”, because that’s how it’s accepted... I’ve only encountered it there!!!
9. Love! There you clearly feel what it is...
Obvious disadvantages:
I didn’t find it... But, if anyone saw it, tell me... maybe I was just in love with Montenegro.. and Beloveds have no flaws!
There are not many places on the map where you definitely want to return... but when people ask me about this, the first place I name is Montenegro!!!
This tour was booked in travel company Emperor - Tour.
