Montenegro is a breath-taking destination that offers a blend of mesmerising beaches, majestic mountains, rich history, and diverse culture. Once the hidden gem of the Balkans, it’s increasingly becoming a popular holiday destination for people from all over the world.
Kotor and Budva are two of its most stunning destinations. Both cities are located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea and offer visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. While they are only 22km apart, where you base yourself will have a large influence on your stay in Montenegro.
I spent a shoulder season living in the area, and hope my experience will help you choose the right destination for your holiday to Montenegro.
Budva vs. Kotor
Budva and Kotor offer unique experiences and attractions. Budva is known for its beautiful beaches and lively nightlife, while Kotor is famous for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and well-preserved Old Town. Yet, despite the differences, figuring out which city is best base yourself in can be a challenge.
In this post I’m going to share my opinion and recommendations on both Kotor and Budva, to help you find a location that captures your heart and complements your travel preferences.
Budva
Budva is a coastal city known for its sandy beaches (a rare site in the Adriatic) and 2,000 year old historic Old Town. There’s more high rise buildings and urban sprawl than Kotor, but that works in your favour when looking for lower cost accommodation.
It’s ideal for those who prefer a more vibrant holiday experience. It’s popular for its lively nightlife, bustling promenade, and Jaz Beach, which attracts thousands of visitors every summer.
In fact Budva boasts over 700,000 visitors a year, who are drawn to its large sandy beaches. This accounts for nearly half of all the costal tourism in Montenegro.
Its picturesque Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to numerous historic buildings and churches, which contrasts with a modern marina and luxury hotels, ensuring that all visitors will find something that suits their tastes.
In addition to bars and beaches, Budva also has more options when it comes to sports. Despite travelling with a motorcycle, I carry with me my tennis and padel rackets, so am always up for a match. Budva has both clay and hard tennis courts and a padel courts.
Pros:
- Beautiful beaches and clear waters for swimming and sunbathing
- Rich history and culture, with a well-preserved Old Town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Numerous historic buildings and churches to explore, including the Church of Saint John
- Island of Sveti Stefan is a unique and picturesque destination
- More nightlife options compared to Kotor, with numerous bars and clubs
Cons:
- Can be crowded with tourists during peak season
- Beaches can be crowded and noisy
- Limited opportunities for outdoor activities compared to Kotor
- Can be expensive for budget travelers.
Kotor
In my opinion, Kotor and the surrounding area, is one of the most picturesque destinations not only in Montenegro but in Europe. Situated along the stunning Bay of Kotor. The Old Town is an enchanting maze of cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and hidden gems, with 4km of castle walls to rival Dubrovnik.
The surrounding mountains make for a dramatic backdrop and offer great hiking opportunities with incredible views over the bay. While the bay itself offers sunbathing and swimming without the crowds found elsewhere.
With walls of mountains rising up to 1,000m to the east and west, I was concerned that Kotor might be a little dark and deprived of direct sunlight, but that wasn’t case, and the shores of the bay were flooded with sunlight during my stay. Though that might very well be different should you visit at the tail end of the season.
While Kotor itself is relatively small and compact, it spreads north along the shores of the bay and merges into Dobrota and beyond. This means that there are numerous accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences in Kotor, from luxurious hotels to cosy guesthouses. Though those further along the bay will likely need to rent bicycles or scooters reach the old town.
Kotor is the most visited city in Montenegro and already early in the season it’s busy with cruise ship arrivals (fortunately they only get a couple of hours onshore), and tourists looking for something other than a beach in the sun.
Despite its popularity, the atmosphere is little more subdued than Budva, in a good way. There’s nightlife there if you want it, but it’s a lot more relaxed. Think Ibiza town vs San Antonio, but less extreme on both accounts.
Pros:
- Stunning natural beauty with a picturesque bay and surrounding mountains
- Rich history and culture, with a well-preserved Old Town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Impressive medieval walls and fortifications
- Numerous historic buildings and churches to explore, including the Serbian Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas and the Church of Our Lady of Health
- Opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities
Cons:
- Can be crowded with tourists during peak season
- Old Town can be difficult to navigate due to narrow streets and steep hills
- Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities
- Can be expensive for budget travellers
For a full breakdown of Kotor from where to stay, what to do in Kotor and where to eat, see my Kotor Travel Guide.
How to decide between Budva and Kotor
- Prefer sandy beaches & nightlife? → Budva (Slovenska, Mogren, beach clubs).
- Want quiet bay views & medieval streets? → Kotor (Old Town or Dobrota).
- Travelling on a tighter budget? → Budva often has lower‑cost guesthouses; Kotor’s bayfront rooms start about 10–15% higher.
- Looking for outdoor adventures? → Kotor for local hikes or Lovćen national park; Budva for water sports and tennis/padel courts.
- Do you mind sharing space with cruise ship crowds? → Both get cruise visitors, but Kotor’s Old Town can feel more congested mid‑day; Budva’s beaches fill up fast in July/August.
When is the best time to visit Montenegro?
In this part of Balkans, winter is long, and spring comes late. As such the best time to visit Kotor and Budva is during the summer months from June to September when the weather is warm and sunny, and the beaches are at their best.
Unfortunately, this is also the peak tourist season, and when prices are at their highest. For those looking to avoid the crowds, the shoulder season from May to June and September to October may be a better option. The weather is still pleasant during this time, but can be variable.
At the beginning of May there was still a lot of rain during my stay. This cleared up by the 3rd week of May, and averages highs were in the low to mid 20c range, with sunny days and partial clouds. There was still the occasional downpour that came up out of nowhere, and then just as quickly disappeared.
This time also coincides with Montenegro’s Independence Day 21st May (which spans 2-3 days). And while a many regular businesses are closed, bars and restaurants are open, and crucially local crowds and traffic are at their lowest, so you can enjoy exploring, or driving around without the hassle of negotiating hoards of people.
How to get from Budva to Kotor (and visa-versa)
These two cities are just over 20km apart by road (the only way to get there). Don’t expect travel between them to be a quick hop though.
Even on a motorcycle, the traffic can be heavy enough that it would take me a good 30 minutes. Most holidaymakers will travel by bus which at under $8 each way is reasonable value for the 30-45 minute journey.
If you’re in a group you could try splitting at taxi. There’s no Uber in Montenegro.
How to get to Budva and Kotor
As an overlander, I travelled up from Greece on my motorcycle, and crossed through Albania. Typically though, most people are going to fly. There is an international airport in Tivat (30 mins away), with flights from a number of European cities.
Prices range from £24 from London with easyJet, to €200 from Austria with Austrian Airlines.
Ryanair flies to Podgorica, the capital city of Montenegro. Before you book your tickets though, you’ll want to take a look at my Ryanair Flight hacks guide.
For those flying further afield, Podgorica has over 400 international flights a week, with a 90 min transfer time to Budva or Kotor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Budva or Kotor better for families with kids?
Budva generally offers more family‑friendly beaches and larger resorts with kids’ clubs, making it a top pick for families seeking sun and sand. In contrast, Kotor appeals to families who enjoy quieter, cultural outings. Its pedestrianised Old Town is safe for little ones to explore, and easy hikes up to the city walls can be fun for older kids.
Which town has the best beaches?
Budva wins when it comes to sandy, accessible beaches. Mogren and Slovenska Beach both have shallow entry points, rental chairs, and nearby cafés. Kotor doesn’t have traditional sandy shores; instead, you’ll find small stone piers along the bay that are great for snorkeling but not necessarily for lounging on sand.
Can I day‑trip to Kotor from Budva (or vice versa)?
Yes, Budva and Kotor are only about 23 km (14 mi) apart. Buses run hourly during high season (roughly 30 minutes each way).
What’s the cheapest time to stay in Budva vs. Kotor?
Late September through early May sees a significant drop in rates for both towns, often 30–40% cheaper than peak summer prices. Budva’s hotel prices begin falling earlier in September, while Kotor’s average rates remain relatively steady until October before dipping for the offseason.
How safe are Budva and Kotor at night?
Both Budva and Kotor are very safe after dark. Petty pickpocketing can occur around crowded markets or nightlife areas, so it’s wise to keep an eye on bags, but overall you can stroll through either Old Town or beach promenade without major concerns.
Which town offers better nightlife – Budva or Kotor?
Budva is the clear winner for nightlife, with beach bars, nightclubs, and summer festivals running until dawn. Kotor’s evening scene is more low‑key: you’ll find cozy wine bars and a few live music spots, but it quiets down by 11 PM once day‑trippers leave. There are nightclubs in Kotor, but Budva is the place to be if you’re travelling for that.
How do accommodation costs compare between Budva and Kotor?
On average, mid‑range hotels in Budva run about €70–€120 per night in high season, with occasional deals in September. Kotor’s boutique inns and bayfront apartments average €90–€160 per night during peak months, making it roughly 10–15% more expensive than Budva for similar quality.
That being said, staying further out along the bay in Kotor can be more economical with prices lower than those in Budva.
Which town is more walkable and easy to explore on foot?
Kotor’s compact Old Town is entirely pedestrianized, so you can stroll from the bay’s edge through narrow alleys in under 10 minutes. Budva’s Old Town is also walkable, but its modern outskirts (Becici, Rafailovici) require a short bus or taxi ride to reach beaches and nightlife areas.
Which town is better for couples vs. solo travelers?
Couples often prefer Kotor’s romantic bay views, intimate restaurants, and sunset strolls along the sea wall. Solo travelers might prefer Budva for its social beach atmosphere, hostels, and group activities (water sports, boat parties) that make meeting others easier.
Which town has more convenient access to outdoor activities?
For mountain hikes and national parks, Kotor is closer to Lovćen National Park and Đurđevića Tara Bridge tours, making day trips simpler. Budva gives faster beach access and is a better launch point for water‑based adventures like jet skiing or boat excursions to nearby islands (Sveti Stefan, Mamula).
If you’re looking for something a little different, see my guide on where to stay in Montenegro, covering the best towns and regions.
