Best Budva Day Trips: Explore Montenegro’s Beauty

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Best Budva Day Trips: Explore Montenegro’s Beauty

Budva, so often called the pearl of the Montenegrin coast, makes for a pretty amazing vacation hub. Its sandy beaches, bouncing nightlife, and historic Old Town capture tons of visitors yearly. But the real magic happens, or so they say, when you move away a little and use Budva as your base to discover what all the rest of Montenegro can give. Here are, actually, five great trips that will make your visit truly unforgettable.

Budva Montenegro

1. Kotor: A Fairytale City

Kotor Montenegro

Visiting Kotor is almost like traveling into a fairytale. This ancient city, that’s hidden within towering, dramatic cliffs, boasts, truly, a past so rich that’s seen under each and every stone. Just, about, a 30-minute drive from Budva, or so it is, Kotor is just asking to be discovered.

Stroll all over the Old Town, so truly a UNESCO World Heritage site, and you’re going to discover the maze-like streets, and Venetian architecture so attractive and pretty impressive too. Check out the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, quite a roman temple dating back to the 12th century, that stands as, very, a reminder to just how long Kotor’s been relevant. Then, later on, think about climbing the Kotor Fortress. The views from up there? Absolutely incredible, and very worth the bit of a climb. In the evenings, Kotor kind of turns, rather, magical. The streets grow calmer, with local eateries providing conventional Montenegrin fare.

Things To Do in Kotor:

  • Wander the streets of Kotor Old Town
  • Scale the walls to reach St. John’s Fortress
  • Admire Kotor Bay from a boat
  • Visit the Cats Museum of Kotor
  • Explore the maritime history at the Maritime Museum

How to Get There: By car, there’s regular bus routes that take about 30 minutes from Budva. Consider boat tours for a great view. A taxi offers a pretty convenient, yet more expensive way, for certain, option.

Read our full review: Kotor Montenegro Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Kotor Tours)

2. Sveti Stefan: The Glamorous Island

Sveti Stefan Montenegro

Oh, Sveti Stefan, possibly Montenegro’s most photographed place, just about a short ride away from Budva. This is more than, actually, just a view, but so quite an insight into pure luxury that meets so deep, rather, historical importance.

Once a fortified village, Sveti Stefan happens to be today an island resort by Aman Resorts, really luxurious. Sure, unless you’re a guest there, you won’t be capable of exploring the island directly. But, frankly, the view from the mainland is spectacular and beautiful and also really really worth capturing. Make sure, though, to visit the Miločer Park just beside Sveti Stefan; its royal beach and pine forests, actually, make a tranquil and beautiful contrast to the vibrant scene of Budva.

Things To Do near Sveti Stefan:

  • Photograph Sveti Stefan from the mainland
  • Relax on the beaches of Miločer Park
  • Dine in a restaurant with views of the island
  • Visit nearby Przno for a quaint fishing village experience

How to Get There: A 15-minute drive, or use local buses for an affordable route. Walking or a taxi would give great coastal view and freedom, surely. A taxi is quicker, but more costly.

Read our full review: Sveti Stefan Montenegro Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Sveti Stefan Tours)

3. Dubrovnik, Croatia: A Medieval Marvel

Dubrovnik Croatia

Crossing over into Croatia, you could always visit Dubrovnik, which really provides, actually, a rich addition to the Montenegrin experiences. This iconic city is a bit further, so keep that in mind, it’s around a three-hour drive from Budva. But that’s really more than worthwhile given the history you get to observe firsthand and that breathtaking appeal it possesses.

Walk right through the historic walls, you know, featured really prominently in “Game of Thrones,” to sense centuries’ past come alive. The Rector’s Palace, along with the Franciscan Monastery, showcase the old and interesting, very deep cultural wealth. Going up Mount Srđ happens with a cable car and there, you’re given these panoramic city views combined with the shimmering Adriatic. Going to Dubrovnik offers this beautiful comparison of cultures and makes it quite amazing as part of any trip based from Budva.

Things To Do in Dubrovnik:

  • Walk the Walls of Dubrovnik
  • Ride the cable car to Mount Srđ
  • Visit the Rector’s Palace
  • Explore the Franciscan Monastery
  • Take a boat tour to Lokrum Island

How to Get There: Plan, actually, for three hours driving each way, or using organized bus tours; it’s pretty convenient but a long drive. Think, also, about booking tours to handle the border crossing process that is rather straightforward for visitors of most countries.

Read our full review: Dubrovnik Croatia Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Dubrovnik Tours)

4. Lake Skadar: A Natural Paradise

Lake Skadar Montenegro

When it comes to the amazing great outdoors, Lake Skadar presents a pleasant change from just beaches that’s not too far, distance-wise, from Budva. About an hour’s drive could take you, really, towards the largest lake found inside of the Balkan Peninsula, renowned thanks to wildlife that is so vibrant that offers an exciting chance to watch birds along with peaceful boat trips.

Consider taking a boat right from Virpazar, rather picturesque small village and main entry place into the park, which could get you quite near hidden monasteries and luxuriant wetlands, too. Check out the fortress in Lesendro. Often named “the Key of Skadar Lake,” it possesses remarkable historic value plus incredible sights too. And, anyway, if nature just soothes your soul and feeds your curiosity, a time around Lake Skadar really shouldn’t be overlooked.

Things To Do at Lake Skadar:

  • Take a boat tour on Lake Skadar
  • Visit the Lesendro Fortress
  • Go birdwatching in the national park
  • Explore the village of Virpazar
  • Enjoy local cuisine at a lakeside restaurant

How to Get There: It is about 1-hour driving. Getting a rental car is quite practical for independently exploration. Local tours often cover transport.

Read our full review: Lake Skadar Montenegro Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Lake Skadar Tours)

5. Ostrog Monastery: A Spiritual Retreat

Ostrog Monastery Montenegro

Lastly, to consider so you feed that cultural or spiritual part within yourself, visiting the Monastery Ostrog shows you a rather inspiring experience. Carved straight within a nearly vertical cliff, that’s located pretty high up within the mountain, the location happens to be one amazing feat architecturally, that holds significant relevance.

Dedicating time around Ostrog lets one appreciate the peaceful nature combined with panoramic sights plus find some deeper reflections personally that make one actually thankful when things do calm right down. Plan that one hour combined with a half hour of driving out from Budva; you would also go right through picturesque Montenegrin countryside views that build upon spiritual ambience quite considerably indeed.

Things To Do at Ostrog Monastery:

  • Explore the Upper and Lower Monasteries
  • Admire the frescoes and architecture
  • Light a candle and reflect in peace
  • Enjoy the panoramic mountain views
  • Learn about Saint Basil of Ostrog

How to Get There: Plan on about a 1.5-hour journey by car. Remember the winding mountain roads if you choose that mode. Directed trips often package this as, surely, a hassle-free encounter.

Read our full review: Ostrog Monastery Montenegro Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Ostrog Monastery Tours)