Beyond the Town Beaches
Montenegro's most popular beaches in Budva and Becici are easy to reach but packed in summer. The best swimming spots are the ones you need a car to get to, tucked behind headlands, down unmarked tracks, or at the end of gravel roads that buses cannot navigate.
These twelve beaches are spread along the entire coast, from the Albanian border in the south to the Croatian border in the north. Some have beach bars and sunbed hire. Others are completely wild and reachable only on the gravel tracks where a rental car with a bit of clearance earns its place. Bring everything you need.
Southern Coast: Ulcinj to Bar
Valdanos Bay
A horseshoe-shaped bay surrounded by olive groves just north of Ulcinj. The beach is pebble, the water is deep and clear, and the bay is sheltered from all but the strongest south winds. Drive from Ulcinj centre for about ten minutes on a paved road that turns to gravel for the last kilometre. Free parking in the olive grove above the beach.
Murici Beach, Skadar Lake
Not technically on the coast, but Skadar Lake has its own beaches. Murici is a pebble strip on the south shore of the lake, reached by a narrow winding road from Virpazar. The water is warmer than the sea and you can swim looking at the Albanian mountains across the lake. About 45 minutes from Bar.
Buljarica Beach
A 2.5-kilometre crescent of sand and fine pebble south of Petrovac. The north end is developed, but if you drive to the south end and park near the old military tunnel, you will find empty beach stretching ahead of you. The wetland behind the beach is a bird sanctuary.
Central Coast: Petrovac to Budva
Drobni Pijesak
A small sandy beach hidden below the main coastal road between Petrovac and Budva. There is a car park at the top of the cliff and a steep path down. The beach is about 240 metres long and south-facing, meaning it gets sun all day. Arrive before 10am in July and August to get a spot.
Przno Village Beach
The old fishing village of Przno sits in a sheltered cove below the Aman Sveti Stefan resort. The beach is pebbly with clear water and several excellent seafood restaurants right on the shore. Parking is limited to about 30 spaces above the village, so come early or late.
Ploce Beach
Technically a beach club with an entrance fee (around €10-15 which includes a sunbed), but the swimming is among the best on the coast. Built into a rocky peninsula south of Budva, with multiple terraces, pools cut into the rock, and deep-water swimming from concrete platforms. Drive from Budva in about 15 minutes.
Live prices for your exact dates.
Free cancellation 24h before pickup
Bay of Kotor: Hidden Coves
Zanjice Beach
On the Lustica peninsula, reached by driving through Herceg Novi and around the headland. The beach faces the open sea (unusual for the bay area) and has crystal-clear water. There is a restaurant, sunbed hire, and a car park. It fills up by midday in summer, so arrive by 9am.
Mirista Beach
Just past Zanjice, continue along the coast road to find this quieter alternative. The beach is smaller and rockier but never overcrowded. The monastery ruins above the beach provide shade and an unusual backdrop. Parking is informal, along the road.
For more on the central coast, see our Budva car rental guide.
Lustica and Northern Bays
Dobrec Beach
One of the most secluded beaches accessible by car, at the far end of the Lustica peninsula. The road is narrow and winding but paved. You will pass through Radovici and Rose village before reaching a small parking area. The beach is a mix of pebble and sand, backed by dense forest.
Blue Grotto (Plava Spilja)
Not a beach but worth the drive. Park at Rose village on the tip of the Lustica peninsula and take a small boat (€5) to the Blue Grotto. The cave is about 30 metres deep, and the water inside glows an intense blue from sunlight filtering through an underwater opening. Go between 11am and 2pm for the best light.
Almara Beach Club
On the outer edge of Lustica Bay, this beach club has a more upmarket feel with cocktails, DJs on weekends, and imported sand. Drive from Tivat through the Lustica Bay development. There is a dedicated car park. Entry fee applies in summer.
Beach Driving Tips
- Parking: Most hidden beaches have informal gravel parking. Never block the road or local driveways.
- Shoes: Many of these beaches are pebbly. Bring water shoes for comfortable swimming entry.
- Timing: Arrive before 10am in July-August. By noon the small car parks are full.
- Supplies: Wild beaches have no shops. Bring water, sunscreen, and food from the last town you pass through.
Best car for the hidden beaches
Most of the beaches in the guide are reachable in any compact car. Valdanos, Murići and Plavi Horizonti need a 4x4 or high-clearance SUV for the last gravel kilometre; 40+ listings carry true 4-wheel drive under the "4 wheel" filter, plus 80+ SUVs. Plavi Horizonti sits out on the Luštica peninsula, so if you rent a car in Tivat you are about ten minutes from the gravel turn-off. Roof racks (55+ cars) help if you are carrying paddleboards or surfboards.
The natural pickups for the southern beaches are car rental in Ulcinj, Bar or Dobre Vode; for the central and northern beaches Budva, Petrovac and Buljarica; hire a car in Herceg Novi for the Luštica and bay-entrance coves. Free cancellation on 170+ cars covers the days when weather doesn't cooperate.
The quiet coves the buses skip are yours once you are driving.
Cancel free up to 24 hours out