Budva

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Budva, Montenegro, with a unique blend of sailing and on-land experiences. Explore stunning waters and beaches while immersing yourself in local culture.

Budva

Budva, Montenegro, is a picturesque seaside town on the Adriatic coast. It is a popular tourist destination for its stunning beaches, clear blue waters, and rich cultural heritage. But Budva is not just a summer resort. It is also a prime sailing destination, offering some of the region’s most beautiful and unique sailing experiences.

For sailors, Budva offers a diverse range of experiences, from exploring the narrow, winding waterways of the bay to enjoying the open sea and breathtaking coastal landscapes. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or a beginner, there is something for everyone in Budva. With its calm waters, protected bays, and excellent marinas, Budva is great to spend a few days sailing and taking in the local sights and sounds.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, Budva is the perfect destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors and wants to experience the beauty and diversity of the Adriatic coast. And for those who prefer to stay on land, Budva offers plenty of opportunities for adventure and exploration. From hiking and biking in the nearby mountains to visiting historical monuments and cultural sites, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Budva.

Sailing in Budva

Sailing in Budva, Montenegro is a must-do experience for anyone who loves the sea and adventure. The Budva Riviera is renowned for its stunning coastline, crystal-clear waters, and fantastic sailing opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just looking to experience something new, Budva has something to offer. 

The town is a charming mix of old and new, with a rich history and vibrant culture that draws visitors worldwide. In this subheading, we’ll take a closer look at the sailing opportunities in Budva, as well as the other sights and experiences that make this town such a popular destination.

The waters around Budva are perfect for sailing, with plenty of calm bays, hidden coves, and open sea to explore. You can rent a sailboat, catamaran, or other type of vessel and set off on your adventure.

When you’re not sailing, there’s plenty to see and do on land. Budva is a charming town with a rich history and plenty of cultural and recreational activities. You can explore the old town, surrounded by a medieval wall filled with narrow, winding streets and historic buildings. Here you’ll find the city’s main square, surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops, as well as several historic landmarks, including the city’s main church, St. John’s Chapel, and the old town’s clock tower.

For those who love history and culture, Budva is also home to several museums, including the Ethnographic Museum, which showcases the local culture and traditions, and the Aquamarine Museum, which explores the area’s fascinating marine life. The town is also famous for its festivals and cultural events, including the Budva City Theater Festival, which takes place in July and August and attracts visitors worldwide.

Whether you’re a sailor or just looking for a great place to enjoy the sun and sea, Budva, Montenegro is a fantastic destination. With its stunning coastline, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of opportunities for sailing, swimming, and exploring, this town has something for everyone. So if you’re looking for a unique and exciting vacation experience, consider a sailing trip to Budva, Montenegro.

The History

Budva is an ancient town on the very coast of the sea. It hides rich history and many legends. It’s estimated that there were settlers there in the fifth century BC. It is believed that the person who founded the city was a Phoenician named Kadmo and queen Harmonija. 

After that, Illyrians ruled it, and Romans took over in the second century BC. Romans brought with them trade and prosperity. The town began to grow, and its citizens grew olive trees on plantations around the city. 

The fall of the Roman Empire transferred power to the Byzantine Empire in 535, but the people did not enjoy it. Budva also suffered a few significant attacks from the Ottoman nation. 

But the biggest prosperity Budva sees under king Dusan in the middle ages. Then Budva gets a statute of a town, having its laws and a garrison, which significantly boosts its economic and geopolitical position. 

After the fall of a unified Serbian kingdom, Budva frequently changed owners after finally joining the Venetians in 1419, where it remained until the fall of the republic in 1797. During its period, Venetian authorities built a small shipyard in Budva to construct smaller ships for coastal navigation. 

After the Napoleonic Wars, Budva came under the rule of the Austrian Empire, and after the First World War – under Yugoslavia. Currently, Budva is a city in independent Montenegro.

The Legend

Buthua, Butoba, Butua, or today’s Budva, the numerous names behind it hide a mystery. But as the legend goes, Budva’s foundation is closely related to the city named Thebes, and its founder is a mythical personality and the son of Phenician king Agemore – Cadmus. 

Cadmus was forced to leave his homeland to search for his sister Europa, whom Zeus kidnapped. After having conquered Budva’s surroundings in the land of the Enheleians – the people of eels (the oldest population in the area of Budva). He and his wife Harmony founded the new city of BOUTHOE – Budva. He travelled far and wide; later in life, he was defeated when trying to conquer parts of Greece. However, because of a murder that Cadmus committed in his youth, he was punished by the gods, and according to legend, the Gods turned his spouse Harmonia and him into snakes. 

According to legend, Budva was named after the oxen (BOUS in Greek VO), which brought the wives of Cadmus and Harmonia, once the rulers of Thebes, to Budva. According to other sources, Harmony gave birth to Cadmus’ son Illyria in Budva.

Budva Today

Today Budva has become a popular place for all types of tourists. Those enjoying spending time at sea as well as those who are looking to party. It’s famous for its nightlife, a lot of popular artists have shows in Budva, there are a lot of hotels tightly packed so expect a lot of people during the summer period. 

Budva has around 18.000 citizens, but that period can even triple during summer. The area around Budva and along its coast is known as Budva Riviera. Famous for its sandy beaches and nightlife.

What to Visit?

Historical Sights

Because of its long and complicated history, Budva collected some interesting historical sights over the years that tourists find fascinating. 

For starters, Venetian walls still surround the city, and a lot has crumbled over time, but the remains of the winged Lion of St. Mark, the very symbols of Venice, are still visible at the main entrance.

Romans left their mark on structures, and the remains of an ancient Roman necropolis can be found outside the gates and inside are ruins of an ancient Roman villa and a Roman bathhouse (thermae).

Old Town

To this day, the old town’s appearance has remained intact, becoming one of the main attractions for all visitors to this Adriatic pearl. You can transport your senses back through centuries just by looking at the architectural buildings of this city. 

This coastal refuge was a fortification where the then-inhabitants protected themselves from attacks. Covered with defensive stone walls, it resembles a classic city on the Adriatic coast, reinforced with towers, a citadel and gates. Today, the elevated position of the Old Town allows a magnificent view of the entire surroundings of Budva, but it was primarily intended to ensure the safety of its inhabitants.

Walking through the narrow winding streets, you can get lost in the maze of passages and shortcuts, decorated with colourful gift shops, bakeries with homemade pastries, many antiques and much more. At the apparent end of the path, almost every alley leads to the seaside.

Citadel

Built sometime between the 5th and 6th centuries BC, today, this famous city theatre was once a monumental building and shelter for its citizens during the siege. However, it has changed throughout the ages, and how it looks now is many thanks to the Austrians and their rule over the territory of Montenegro. Its strategic purpose is even more significant, considering that the Citadel is the highest point of the Old Town.

Promenade

One of the greatest pleasures for visitors to Budva is a relaxing walk along the well-known promenade. It stretches from the back of Slovenska shore to the Old Town of Budva and, along its route, offers a view of numerous attractions and landmarks.

Markets, lively squares, parks, recreation areas – everything you need to relax and enjoy some sweet ice cream cone is in one place, all within walking distance.

Beaches

Whether you are an enthusiastic swimmer or want a golden tan to show off, you will find your beach, considering that the Budva Riviera is rich with a 12.5 km long strip of sandy beaches where guests can relax or find their adventure. From gravel to sand, there is something for everyone.

There is a long list of the best beaches to relax on in Budva, but we leave your preferences up to you. As different as they are, all these beaches have one thing in common – crystal-clear water. Families love that lifeguards are also engaged, who constantly monitor every part of the beach and sea for everyone’s safety.

Budva Riviera offers 35 amazing sunny beaches, 8 of which have the Blue Flag – meaning they provide outstanding beach service, and you can expect perfect conditions for enjoying the seaside.

St. Stefan

Throughout the entire Budva Riviera, this place is undoubtedly the most impressive on the Montenegrin coast. It is a fortified island on which there is a village decorated with stone villas from the 15th century, turned into a 5-star hotel resort surrounded by sparkling turquoise waters.

Photogenic and luxurious, this exclusive “city hotel” is an Adriatic playground for celebrities and other elite. However, visitors with lower incomes can see it from afar (which is not that far) and wander along the beach, visit the Miločer villa, or walk to the church of St. Save and visit other surrounding areas are equally filled with natural, historical and extravagant treasures.

Saint Nicholas Island

Wherever you are in Budva, your view will include a part of the country anchored in the Adriatic Sea – the Island of St. Nicholas, or as the locals call it, “Hawaii”. This piece of rock represents the largest island of Montenegro. This massive rock is uninhabited but has a few restaurants and beaches for tourists to enjoy. The island is also a hunting reserve for deer, mouflon, rabbits and many birds. 

Although it is connected to Budva by a small, narrow causeway (about half a meter deep), the most pleasant way to get to St. Nikola is by small taxi boats, ferries or sailboats. While on the island, you can enjoy the view of the many coastal towns, villages and beaches, as well as the steep slopes of the mountains that rise above Budva.

What Can You Do?

  • Nightlife

Nightlife is what Budva is famous for. There are a lot of nightclubs that work all night so expect to have a good time after dark. Whatever music taste you have, you will find your place in Budva. There is something for everyone.

  • Shopping

Budva is the biggest municipality on the coast of Montenegro. You can expect a lot of options when it comes to shopping, but prices can be on the high end. There are some malls and supermarkets where you can find discounts.

  • Food

As the saying goes, fishes swim three times, first in water, second in oil and third time in the vine. So expect an enormous assortment of meditation cuisine with a lot of fish.

  • Swimming

There are many different options for swimming in Budva. The extensive coastline provides places you can go and dive in the beautiful sea. There are a lot of exquisite beaches, so if you are in the mood to open up your wallet for luxury spots, it is possible. Keep in mind that some beaches tend to get more crowded.