When people talk about a beach vacation, they usually mean visiting Mexico, Spain, Greece or Indonesia. These are common destinations for a great summer vacation, but what if I told you that Montenegro, the hidden jewel of the Adriatic, has five stunning beaches that you absolutely must visit?

Allow me to tickle your travel bone with these incredible beaches in Montenegro.

Best beaches in Montenegro

Montenegro (Crna Gora as the locals call it) doesn’t have the popularity that Croatia has, most people can’t even find it on a map, but this is a blessing in disguise as it has kept Montenegrin beaches calm, clean and (most importantly) extreme accessible to all types of budgets.

I’m not joking!

You can spend a whole day at the beach in Montenegro for less than 15 EUR! If that’s enough to pique your curiosity, allow me to show you the 5 best beaches this incredible country in ex-Yugoslavia has to offer.

See also: Things to do in Montenegro

1. Luštica Bay

Lies in the Lustica Peninsulawhere it got its name from, this beach serves as an entrance to Boka Kotorska or the Bay of Kotor. In the past, Luštica was a rural municipality isolated from big tourist centers like e.g Podgorica or Herceg Novithis relative remoteness has fueled a small but steadily growing tourism boom in the region.

This makes Luštica an attractive destination for those seeking tranquility. In summer, many Serbs, Western Europeans and Russians visit Luštica Bay and as a result, the local population has adapted by offering different types of entertainment and local products.

Today you’ll find tons of activities here to enjoy! Kayak and stand up paddle boarding tours are always available and restaurants are famous for only stocking local produce! Luštica produces its own olive oil, cheese, prosciutto, wine and rakija. Believe me, you cannot leave Luštica without trying some!

2. Perast

Located at the beginning of Kotor Bay, Perast is a pretty little town, as is the beach. Nonetheless, this is a place to plan for when you visit! There is a legendary small artificial island called Gospa of Škrpjel (Our Lady of the Rocks) within sight of land and you can paddle all the way there!

It’s an experience of a lifetime.

“Why would that be entertaining?” You ask because of the legend that this island carries. It is said that the island was created by local sailors over the centuries and that upon returning from each successful voyage they placed a rock in the bay, causing the island to emerge from the sea. This custom still lives on today. Each year called an event Fasinada takes place during the sunset of July 22, local residents take their boats and throw stones into the sea, making the island’s surface wider.

Apart from the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks, Gospa od Skrpjel has a museum, small gift shop and navigation light. Worth all the effort!

3. Tivat

Home of the luxury marina Porto Montenegro, Tivat is a beach in Montenegro for those looking for comfort and luxury. A relatively new town in the Boca Region, Tivat is one of the most popular tourist beaches in Montenegro.

It is the home of Plavi Horizontia full sandy beach in front of the two famous islands of Ostrvo Sveti Marko (island of Sveti Marko) and Ostrvo Miholjska Prevlaka (Island of Flowers).

Sveti Marko Island is a mostly deserted island with 500 French Polynesian style houses completely covered with greenery. It used to be a popular destination before the beginning of the Yugoslav Wars Even though there is no water or electricity supply, this makes Sveti Marko an exotic mystery that must be seen!

The island of flowers is home to the beautiful monastery of St. Archangel Michael and a small population of around 100 people living in bungalow-style houses. It’s connected to the mainland by a small isthmus, making it an easy visit!

Don’t be fooled by Tivat’s extreme luxury, there are affordable activities for everyone such as Bocce Olympicsthe Tivat Summer Festival Music Festival (June 4-6) and the Tivat Botanical Garden which is home to a wide variety of exotic tree and plant species that were gifted to Bokan sailors who brought them back from their voyages.

4. Budwa

If you are looking for a perfect balance between beach and nightlife, this is it Budva Riviera is the right place for you!

Budva boasts some of the most attractive beaches on the Adriatic mogren Strand is probably the best known and most attractive of them. Accessible only via a 250m long narrow path along the cliffs, mogren offers relaxation and beauty to all visitors.

Most of the beaches on the Budva Riviera are outside the town itself: jazz Beach, is a popular concert and festival venue, as well as a campground, Becici has a long sandy beach in the southeast of the city and Pizana is a city beach next to the old town.

Budva’s nightlife started in the 1980s with dance clubs attached to the hotel. However, the first discos and clubs only became popular in the 1990s, when numerous open-air clubs opened along the seafront. Nowadays, Budva’s Old Town and its promenade are home to many bars, pubs and restaurants, but two of them currently dominate the clubbing scene: top hill and Trocadero.

Last but not least is the Budva Carnival, A three-day festive event takes place in late April or early May each year. This carnival brings together people from all over Montenegro to relax and party, so why not join in?

Come and see for yourself!

5. Kotor

Yes! I saved the best for last, Kotor is my favorite town in Montenegro, hell in the world!

Its old town is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, the ancient walls that stretch 4.5 km above the city are a World Heritage Site, protected by UNESCO as well as the Cathedral of St. Trypho in the middle of the town square. Accommodation in this city is quite affordable, since many hostels offer a variety of services in addition to a bed hostel in the old town is one such place with numerous tours and beach activities for those who wish to participate.

Of a Boat trip to a party bus visiting all the famous beaches in Montenegro, the entertainment options here are endless!

Another great activity is coming up Fort of St. Giovanni, where one can enjoy breathtaking views of the community, the city and the bay. In front of its bay called Boka Bay, there are two islands that are very popular as tourist attractions: Sveti Djordje and Gospa or respectively.

If you also love cute animals, then I have good news for you!

Kotor has a large cat population, with the town having several cat shops, a cat museum and even a ‘cat place’ by the name Trgodmačaka. You will see these furry creatures running around everywhere, there is water and food all over town for them to feed themselves. Cats have become the symbol of the city, so Kotor has its own charity that takes care of all stray cats: Kotor kitten.

Bonus! Pržno

Ok, I’ve touched on every touristy known beach in Montenegro, but the next one is extremely close to my heart. Pržno is a pristine beach where you can camp, have a barbecue, have a beach party and not be disturbed by anyone.

Now Pržno has a tourist part but you must be sure to go to the opposite side if you want to experience the pristine virgin beach. It’s a place only known to locals, not easy to find yet accessible. People at the end of the working day maybe go there to relax and unwind. If you want to enjoy the sunset, light a fire and have a few drinks with the boys or your significant other, then visit Pržno while you’re there in Montenegro.

Fun doesn’t stop with relaxation though, there is a small cliff about 10m high from which to climb and jump into the sea!

What are you waiting for?

Montenegro is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Since the revival of the tourism sector, Montenegrins have adapted by offering a variety of services and tours. Take a picture of the famous Budva Dancers, Enjoy a pub crawl in Kotor’s letrika bar, maybe a spa day in Tivat, there is something for everyone here: Nightlife, gastronomy, culture, beaches, spas, adventure experiences, these are just a few glimpses of what this country has to offer.

Montenegro is one of the friendliest countries on earth, an experience you will never forget or regret. Wherever your travel agenda takes you this year, be sure to book a few weeks in this slice of paradise. Visit Crna Gora once and you will come back a million times! Guaranteed!