The Budva Riviera is famous for its clear sea, clean beaches and picturesque islands. And also in Budva there are many historical sights - ancient fortresses and Christian churches. Find out why tourists love the most popular resort in Montenegro so much!
The city on the shores of the Adriatic Sea appeared 2.5 thousand years ago, and Budva has become a popular resort since the 1980s. On a peninsula protruding into the sea is the Old Town, a pleasant corner of Mediterranean and Venetian architecture. There are also interesting monuments in the vicinity of Budva.
The seaside resort captivates not only with ancient forts and monasteries. This part of Montenegro has amazingly beautiful nature. During your holiday in Budva, visit the picturesque beaches, go to the islands and admire the Adriatic coast from high vantage points!
Read reviews of tourists about Budva.
Old town in Budva
All the main attractions of Budva are located behind the powerful fortress walls. Walk the cobbled streets of Old Budva, see the wonderful examples of Venetian architecture, breathe in the aroma of coffee and fresh pastries from local cafes, and you will easily fall in love with Budva! Find out more about the Old Town.
Citadel
The medieval fortress of St. Mary is the decoration of the city. When you get behind the powerful fortress walls, the feeling is born that time has turned back. The fortress has the shape of a polygon, and the two-meter-thick walls rise by 10 m.
It is worth getting to the citadel at least for the sake of a beautiful panorama - especially at sunset. The entrance costs 3.5 euros. While walking through the citadel, do not forget to take a photo of the bas-relief with two intertwining fish - this is one of the main symbols of Budva.
Embankment and boulevard
A picturesque embankment is laid along the beach, and parallel to it is the representative Slavyansky Boulevard. The promenades from one end of Budva to the other are easy to walk in 30 minutes.
On both streets there are many cafes, mini-markets with beach clothes, places where they sell fast food, souvenirs and excursions in Montenegro. It will not be boring! Keep in mind that the promenade is narrow. In high season, when there are a lot of tourists, walking along the sea is not very comfortable.
Dancer statue
One of the main attractions of Budva is located near the Old Town. The bronze figurine of a girl rises on a large stone, on which the waves of the sea beat. The graceful sculpture by Gradimir Aleksic is dedicated to the local legend of a girl in love. Day after day she went out to sea and faithfully waited for her sailor.
For the residents of Budva, the dancer has become a symbol of loyalty and self-sacrifice. It is dangerous to swim up and climb the rocky ledges, so tourists take pictures of the statue from afar.
Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist
What to see in Budva for history lovers? Visit a medieval Catholic church dating back to the 7th century. The building of the cathedral, which has survived to this day, was built in the XII-XIII centuries. The one-nave basilica is adjoined by the episcopal palace and a slender tower - the tallest building in the Old City. See the ancient icon of Our Lady, ancient frescoes in a unique Murano glass mosaic!
Library
The boring word "library" in Budva is called the original cultural center in the historic heart of the city. From the inside, the book kingdom looks very impressive! The reading room is like an elegant living room, decorated with colorful armchairs, glazed bookcases and desks. The entrance to the library is free.
Church of the Holy Trinity
There is a picturesque Orthodox church in the center of the Old Town. It was built at the beginning of the 19th century according to the old Byzantine canons. The walls of the building are lined with alternating stripes of red and white stone, and the roof is covered with bright red tiles. Take a look inside to admire the work of the talented icon painter Naum Zetiri!
Podmaine monastery
The Christian Orthodox monastery appeared during the reign of the Nemanich dynasty - in the XII century. The buildings were badly damaged by the 1979 earthquake, but were later restored. There are two churches on the territory of the monastery. Brojanits are sold here - beads made of knots, which are worn by almost all residents of Montenegro.
Church of Santa Maria in Punta
One of the eight shrines of Montenegro, which are associated with the Mother of God, is located in the Old Town. The temple "on the cape" - in Punta - appeared in 840. This is the oldest attraction in Budva!
The shape of the church is unlike any other Montenegrin temple. It has the shape of an irregular rectangle. The entrance is on the side, not in the center. Due to the wonderful acoustics, concerts and music festivals are held in the temple.
Sveti Stefan Island
St. Stephen's Island is a colorful landmark of Budva and the most expensive resort in Montenegro. It's very cozy and green here. Tidy cottages are twined with ivy, and winding cobbled streets lead to picturesque courtyards. Alas, a mere mortal cannot walk on it. Find out more about Sveti Stefan.
St. Nicholas Island in Budva
Budva has its own Hawaii - the beach on the island of St. Nicholas, where they run to relax and sunbathe. A small picturesque island is located opposite the Slavic beach of Budva, 1 km from the coast. Find out more about the island of St. Nicholas.
Mogren beach in Budva
Mogren Beach with a picturesque rock is one of the most convenient and beautiful beaches in Budva. It is located outside the Old Town. The coast is covered with a mixture of sand and small pebbles, and the sea is very clear. A good alternative to the crowded main beaches! Find out more about Mogren Beach.
Mogren fortress
The second name of the fortress on the western outskirts of the resort is the Yaz battery. Free attraction of Budva is open to tourists at any time. Walk around the grassy walls and bastions and feel the fighting power of the old fort!
Praskvitsa monastery
In a picturesque olive grove, near the island of Sveti Stefan, there is an old monastery, whose history is full of secrets. According to legend, it was founded in 1050 on the lands of the old Slavic state of Zeta. Russian sovereigns - from Catherine II to Alexander I - gave valuable gifts to Montenegrin Praskvitsa and supported the monks with money. Look at two beautiful temples and cells, admire ancient frescoes and a gilded iconostasis!
Interesting collections are housed in an architectural monument of the 19th century and occupy 4 floors. Among the exhibits are ancient coins, wine goblets, amphorae, clay dishes, jewelry and military armor. The highlight of the museum is a bronze helmet of the 5th century BC. On the top floor there is an ethnographic department that tells about the life and traditions of the inhabitants of Montenegro. The entrance to the museum costs 2.5 euros.
Budva Art Gallery
This landmark of Budva delights lovers of modern art. The small art gallery displays over 200 works by Montenegrin authors and artists from the former Yugoslavia. Enjoy paintings, watercolors, sculptures, and prints Many of them depict the most famous places in Montenegro.
Parks
The Budva Riviera has excellent beaches, but there are not many places where you can walk in the shade of trees, sit on a bench or take a walk with your child. There is a small city park near Old Budva. There is also a pleasant park next to the Slovenskaya Plaza hotel, in the center of the resort. Walk along shady paths surrounded by lush Mediterranean plants!
"Rybnyak" and waterfall
This quaint eco-restaurant with a waterfall, a mini zoo and a fish farm is hardly a sightseeing, but the restaurant is pleasant. Spend time in a picturesque place, swim under the waterfalls and taste deliciously cooked fish! There is only one drawback - there is no public transport to Rybnyak.Tourists get there by taxi or rented car. The restaurant is located 6 km northwest of the city.
Aquapark
The largest water park on the Adriatic coast is located on Toplish Hill. From here a wonderful panoramic view of the coast and the sights of Budva opens up.
The water park has everything for a pleasant stay - swimming pools, slides, attractions, a recreation area for kids, sun loungers and umbrellas and the sun. Admission for adults and children over 130 cm costs 18 euros, and for children from 100 to 130 cm in height - 15 euros.
Zelena Pijaca Market
Want to know what the locals are buying for lunch? Come to the Mega Market supermarket. From early morning until evening, the Budva market sells seasonal vegetables, fruits, shrimps, fish, nuts, prosciutto, honey, homemade wine, cheese and olive oil. Taste fresh farm products and taste Montenegro!
Extraordinary sights of Budva
Church of St. Sava... An Orthodox church is built into the wall from the south of the Budva fortress. The old church is already eight centuries old. According to legend, from this place Saint Sava set off by sea on a pilgrimage trip to Jerusalem.
2000 year old olive in Becici... "Live calendar" grows in Becici village, within walking distance from Budva. Surprisingly, the old tree still bears fruit!
Church of St. Thomas... In Becici, on a hill stands the picturesque church Crkva Svetog Tome. Nearby, there are centuries-old pines and cypresses, and a spring with cold spring water gushes.
Panorama of Chelobrdo... One of the best viewing platforms in Montenegro is located on the mountain, not far from the Praskvitsa monastery.
Austrian fortress Kosmach... The ancient fortress on the hill is a sight worth seeing in the vicinity of Budva. From dilapidated old walls and round bastions, there is a wonderful view of the Adriatic coast.
Tunnel between Budva and Becici... It turns out that a boring underground passage can be turned into a fascinating street art exhibition! Want to see the original landmark of Budva? Walk through the tunnel that leads from the resort to Becici.
Flea market in Budva... There is a tiny bazaar near the walls of the Old City, where they sell antiques, old trinkets and souvenirs. As at any flea market, there are some very curious things to come across!
Top Hill Club... The nightclub, a 10-minute drive from the city center, is famous for its good sound and modern lighting installations. From Toplich Hill, resort Budva - at a glance!
