Budva Old Town Beach – the City Beach Right Below the Citadel „Plaža Ričardova Glava”

Location: Right beside the Old Town walls of Budva, about a 200 m walk from the city gate

Length / Width: 150 m long, up to 25 m wide

Surface: Pebbles, with some concrete and patches of sand

Sunbeds: A large part of the beach is taken up by paid loungers

Best time to visit: Mid-April to mid-October, peak season July/August

Ideal for: Party crowds and anyone wanting a quick dip after sightseeing

This 150-metre-long, up to 25-metre-wide pebble beach sits right beside the Old Town of Budva. It has a picturesque setting with a great view of the old city wall and the citadel. In the middle of the beach there’s a small wooden pier – a favourite spot, especially with locals, for jumping straight into the sea. All around the beach you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants.

Where the name comes from: „Ričardova Glava” means „Richard’s Head”. Legend has it the beach was named after actor Richard Widmark, said to have filmed here in 1963 for „The Long Ships” – historically that’s not solidly documented, but it’s a story every good city tour includes.

Ideal for people who enjoy buzz and a party atmosphere. Or for anyone who wants a short beach break after exploring the Old Town and prefers to walk there.

Party crowd
City travellers
Photo lovers
Quick dip

✓ Advantages of the Budva Old Town Beach

  • Right on the promenade of Budva’s Old Town
  • Unique views of the city wall and citadel
  • Pier for jumping in and great photos
  • Numerous bars and restaurants close by
  • Reachable on foot from anywhere in the Old Town within minutes

✗ Disadvantages of the Budva Old Town Beach

  • Very small, so it’s always very crowded
  • Fairly noisy, as many bars and restaurants sit right behind it
  • You’re lying there „on display” for everyone to see
  • Most of the loungers are paid

Getting to the Budva Old Town Beach

  • Walkable within minutes along the Old Town promenade
  • Paid parking available in Budva (no direct beach car park)

Insider tip: It’s loveliest here early in the morning or just before sunset, when it’s noticeably calmer and the light on the city wall is especially photogenic. For a relaxed beach day, head to Mogren or Becici instead.


Other Beaches Nearby

→ Our Apartment in Becici – a calmer alternative to the Old Town

Beaches in Montenegro in one video

Informations about beaches in Montenegro

We have put together an overview of the most important information about beaches in Montenegro for you.

When is the best time for a beach holiday in Montenegro?

The best time to travel is from mid-April to mid-October. The summer months of July and August are the “high season”. Everything is full to partially overcrowded and also more expensive than off-season. It can also get extremely hot at the time – up to 40 degrees.
On the other hand, these two months are ideal for a party holiday – all the clubs are open and there is endless nightlife.

Are there sandy beaches in Montenegro?

Yes – but sandy beaches are only in the south. Otherwise there are pebble or pebble-sand beaches

Can you snorkel in Montenegro?

But of course – the water is wonderfully clear and invites you to do so.

Are the beaches in Montenegro suitable for families?

Look at the description of the individual beaches – many of them are ideal for families.

In which area are the most beautiful beaches?

You will find many beautiful stretches of beach around the municipality of Budva. However, the most beautiful pure sandy beaches are in the south of Montenegro. Ulcinj and the island of Ada Bojana can be reached in 1.5 hours from Budva. This may seem like a long time to some, but it’s definitely worth it.

Where can you find pristine beaches in Montenegro?

Lonely beaches are the Zagorski pijesak and the Plaza Crvena glavica.

I’m still young. In which holiday resorts or on which beaches in Montenegro can I party?

If you mainly value “party” on vacation, then Budva is the first choice for you. Budva is also called “Ibiza of the Balkans” in high season.

This post is also available in: German