Its always fun to create these posts and usually I have no shortage of idea’s. Budva however, has not been the most exciting destination, nor one with a whole lot to see and do. After spending a couple of weeks, I have come up with 5 free things to do in Budva Montenegro that might keep you entertained.
Mogren Beach
Possibly the most popular, and certainly the most picturesque, Mogren Beach is a real winner for Budva. Walking to the right of Old Town, visitors will follow a concrete path that has been constructed on the side of a cliff.
Divided into two beaches by a natural rock formation, there is a single club at each one. No fear, part of each little bay has been dedicated for public use as well. Walk to the far side of Mogren II, and the beach becomes quite rocky. Here you can look back at old town and in the early morning sunlight, this scene is magical.
Climb up into the hillside here for even better views of the beach and Adriatic Sea. Go for a swim with the little fish who will nibble at your feet.
The Budva Dancer
On the way to Mogren Beach, one will pass by the Budva Dancer. She is a gorgeous bronze statue built in 1965 by artist Gradimir Aleksic. It is believed his inspiration came from a tragic local love story.
The legend tells us of a beautiful young woman and a sailor who fell deeply in love. Wanting to set up home, but having no funds to do so, he set out to sea to find an income. Regularly, the woman would return to this spot, to await her sailors return, but alas, she aged and weakened and eventually passed away alone.
Podmaine Monastery
Located on a hillside in Budva, this beautiful complex will fill you with peace and wonder. Built in the 15th century, there are now two churches here. The newest one, constructed in 1747 is where the services still take place.
Each time I visited, the church was full and spilling into the courtyard. The Serbian Orthodox prayers are broadcast over a speaker and as you walk around the complex, and see the old bell tower and ancient well, you are filled with a sense of history.
In the back, quietly tiptoe into the garden and marvel at the beautiful bounty before you. Citrus and olive trees, little tomatoes and peppers and all sorts of herbs are here.
Roman & Greek Necropolis
One the way to Old Town, just to the right when facing the sea, visitors will see a low stone wall filled with ruins. These are the remains of the ancient Roman & Greek Necropolis. When excavations were ongoing to construct the large hotel nearby, this site was discovered. Graves were opened and treasures found.
As archaeologists dug deeper, numerous artifacts of gold, pottery and bronze were discovered and are now housed inside the small museum in Old Town Budva. There is a placard here to provide visitors with information and it’s beside a large square where one can view the massive fortifications of the old city. Inside Old Town, continue to see ancient Roman structures such as an altar and the thermae.
St Thomas Church at Becici
Not to be confused with the little red church in the city, St Thomas at Becici beach offers some spectacular views. First, walk to the end of Slovenska beach (the city beach) and pass through the dark pedestrian tunnel. This might be a little frightening for children, but trust the process, its not as scary as it looks. Early in the day this tunnel will be virtually empty and feel like it goes on forever.
Once you are through, turn to the left and follow that road to the Iberostar Waves Bellevue. Here turn right and head down to the beach. Enjoy walking on this bright and clean esplanade until you see a little archway in amongst the trees.
Here you will walk up the small shaded hillside and arrive at an enchanting little church! The best part though are the views. Walk over to the café chairs and have a peek over the edge and through the large pine trees. Magical views of Becici beach in all her glory await you.
Budva is the most popular and visited of all the Montenegrin cities. There is not a whole lot to do or see here really. The Old Town is small and charming, I have a post dedicated to that if you are looking for more information. Budva is a beach destination for sure and I’m guessing this is why most people come.
