Budva, Montenegro, is the oldest coastal town in the country. The Budva Riviera is Montenegro’s top tourist destination. The town’s old quarter is surrounded by stunning beaches, making Budva a renowned beach resort. One of my most cherished memories from my visit was watching the sunset over the Adriatic.
The Rich History of Budva, Montenegro
Budva is 2,500 years old, making it one of the oldest settlements along the Adriatic coast. The Greeks first founded the settlement, followed by Roman rule. Later, the Byzantine Empire took control of the town.
Over the centuries, Budva has changed hands multiple times, from the Russian Habsburg Monarchy to the French until 1813. After the First World War, the Serbian army entered Budva. It wasn’t until Montenegro became independent in 2006 that the town’s tourism really began to thrive.
A Rainy Day Adventure in Budva’s Historic Old Town
On the 7th day of our Montenegro road trip, we visited the old town of Budva. With its rich history, Budva is famous for its medieval walled town, narrow alleys, and Venetian-era stone buildings. The city museum showcases fascinating archaeological and ethnographic exhibits.
The old town is small but charming. Some alleys are incredibly narrow. Many cosy restaurants nestle within the town’s walls, ready to cater to any craving. Although it was a cold, rainy day and only a few souls wandered the streets, it didn’t stop us from exploring the picturesque surroundings.
The Tranquil Beaches of Budva: A Winter Escape
As I mentioned earlier, Budva is mainly known as a beach resort on the Adriatic coast. The beaches here are simply beautiful, with soft sands and pebbles. While most beaches are just outside the town, they’re not large, which gives them a more private feel. If you visit Montenegro, spending at least a day on the beach is a must. I can imagine how lively it would be in summer.
In winter, however, the beach was almost deserted. A few local children played around, while their parents strolled with dogs. It was a peaceful moment, perfect for a quiet walk.
Sunset Magic Over Budva’s Beach
The sunset over Budva is truly a sight to behold. Just before dinner, after the rain had stopped, we wandered down a narrow alley and passed through an arched doorway that led us to the beach by Budva’s old town. The sunlight bathed the sandy, pebbled shore, and even in winter, tables and lounge sofas from nearby cafes lined the beach, offering a perfect spot to relax.
The mild winter climate made it an ideal moment to settle into a café, where we watched the sun slowly sink into the Adriatic. The golden hues of the sunset over the water created a breathtaking scene. As the sky shifted to dark orange, a sense of peace washed over me. It was, without a doubt, the most beautiful moment of my trip, and the way the light reflected off the water and illuminated the old town will stay with me forever.
Hiking Trails Around Budva: Explore the Scenic Surroundings
There are several hiking trails in the surrounding area, though our family didn’t have the chance to explore them. We came across a website with detailed information about the trails, which seemed like a great resource. It’s a bit of a pity we couldn’t fit in a hike, as the views looked absolutely stunning. Hopefully, next time, our family will be able to experience the beauty of Budva’s landscapes on foot.
Events in Budva: Plan Ahead for a Memorable Experience
Budva hosts several unique events, like the lively Carnival. If you’re planning to visit during event periods, it’s wise to book your hotel well in advance. The area can get very crowded, especially in the summer. It’s definitely worth experiencing, but planning ahead will ensure a smoother trip.
Getting to Budva: Travel Options Made Easy
Buses run regularly from Tivat and Podgorica to Budva, making it easy to get there. If you’re travelling from Dubrovnik, Croatia, you can also book a private transfer for a more comfortable journey.
