🏖️ Sandy beaches of Montenegro: 10 resorts for holidays with children

Sandy beaches in Montenegro are fewer than the travel brochures promise. Most of the coast is covered by pebbles, concrete platforms, and rocks. But where sand does exist, it lies in wide strips along the central and southern shore.

We've put together ten resorts where a sandy entry into the sea actually exists, and organized them by type of vacation. For each one, you'll find exactly where the sandy stretch is, how to get there, and who the resort suits.

The country's coastline stretches for almost 300 km along the Adriatic (according to the National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro). Sand alternates with pebbles, so choose a resort not by its name, but by its beach type.

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Our pick: which resort suits you best

💡 In short:

For the longest sand on the Adriatic, head to Ulcinj; for an urban vacation with sandy sections, go to Budva.
With kids, Becici, Tivat, and the bays of the Bay of Kotor are more convenient.
Access and infrastructure of sandy beaches: 09/2026, verified on the official tourism organisation website

Below is the full top ten in one table: what the beach is, who it suits, and what to see nearby.

Resort	Sandy beach	Who it's for
Herceg Novi	Njivice, Baosici, Meljine	quiet vacation in the bay
Kotor	Morinj, Dobrota	walks through the old town
Tivat	Seljanovo, Island of Flowers	close to the airport, with kids
Budva	Slovenska Beach, Becici	nightlife, everything within walking distance
Bar	Topolica, Sutomore	big city, long promenade
Canj	Pearl Beach	quiet and pine forests
Rafailovici	town beach	upscale vacation, promenade to Budva
Dobra Voda	Veliki Pijesak	peace and quiet in a small village
Ulcinj	Velika Plaza	the longest sand, kitesurfing
Radovici	Plavi Horizonti, Alamar Beach	wild nature of Lustica

1. Herceg Novi

panorama of Herceg Novi from Kanli Kula Fortress

Herceg Novi sits on the shore of the Bay of Kotor, where the mountains come right down to the water. The beach area is fragmented, so there are no spacious sandy stretches here. But you will find small sandy sections sheltered from the wind.

Look for sand in Njivice, a suburb a few kilometers from the center. There you'll find sandy beaches with patches of fine pebbles and an easy entry into the sea. Another sandy stretch, "Yacht Club", has good beach infrastructure.

In the fishing village of Baosici, sandy beaches are surrounded by dense subtropical greenery, and there are many small guesthouses nearby. One of the best sandy beaches, "Santos", is in the suburb of Meljine near the yacht club. Next to it is the central Meljine beach with coarse sand, where a playground has been set up for children. The water in this area is constantly refreshed, so it stays clear.

Hotels in Herceg Novi on Trip.com

Where the sand is: Njivice, Baosici, Meljine.
Who it's for: those who want to swim in the bay rather than in the open sea.
The catch: the sandy sections are short, and between them there is only pebbles.

2. Kotor

Stone building with arches on a square in Kotor

Kotor hides among scenic mountains, and that alone makes it worth adding to your itinerary. Waterfront promenades, small houses, and restaurants in old mills create a special atmosphere. Cruise ships often enter the bay itself, but you'll find quiet stretches of coastline here too.

There are no purely sandy beaches in the city itself. Within Kotor, the beachfront is taken up by the port, so you'll need to head to nearby villages for sand. There are plenty of beaches there, including ones with sandy surfaces.

Start with Morinj: its sand and fine gravel strip lies on a cape, and sprawling umbrella pines provide natural shade. Then stop by Dobrota with its sand and pebble beaches among olive, orange, and lemon groves. The air here smells of citrus and pine. Come in the morning, before the cruise ships have unloaded their tourists.

Hotels in Kotor on Trip.com

Where the sand is: Morinj, Dobrota.
Who it's for: those who want to combine the beach with walks around the old town.
The catch: Kotor itself has no sandy strip, so you need transport.

3. Tivat

Tivat is known for Montenegro's main airport and sits on the Vrmac peninsula. A mild climate, a beautiful harbor, and good infrastructure have made it popular. If you're flying in and don't want a long drive to the sea, choose Tivat.

The coastline here consists of a series of small sandy beaches. The sandy beach on Cape Seljanovo is worth a separate trip. You'll find two well-maintained sandy stretches right on the central promenade, Belane and Zupa.

A kilometer and a half from town lies Donja Lastva: a strip of sea sand about a kilometer long runs along the shore with its piers. Blue Horizon beach, also known as Plavi Horizonti, is described below in the section on Radovici. Also near Tivat is the Island of Flowers, whose sandy strip wraps around almost the entire island.

Hotels in Tivat on Trip.com

Where the sand is: Seljanovo, Belane, Zupa, Donja Lastva.
Who it's for: families with children and those flying in.
The catch: the central beaches are short and crowded in season.

4. Budva

Panorama of Budva with a view of the sea and mountains

Budva sits at the center of the Adriatic coast and is divided into old and new parts. The old town has preserved a Venetian-era fortress, and it's worth a separate walk. The resort has the most urban pace of the entire top ten, and there is sand here.

The central Slovenska beach stretches along the city. During the swimming season it's one of the busiest, but it does have separate sandy sections, water slides, and equipment for water activities.

Tucked by the fortress wall is the small beach "Richard's Head": soft sand lies over a pebble layer. The same surface is found on the Mogren sections, which are shaded from the sun by a high cliff. Look for the rest of the sandy spots in the surrounding area. In Becici, a village three kilometers from the center, the beach is covered with coarse sand and pebble patches: the water is clean, the bottom is sandy, and the entry is gradual. Between Becici and Rafailovici lies the clean sandy beach of the Queen of Montenegro hotel-casino, open to everyone. The island of Sveti Stefan also has its own sandy strip.

Hotels in Budva on Trip.com

Where the sand is: Slovenska beach, "Richard's Head", Mogren, Becici.
Who it's for: those who want nightlife and a beach next to their hotel.
The catch: Slovenska beach is very crowded in summer.

5. Bar

Bar is divided into two parts. The old center stands away from the sea and has preserved several hundred medieval buildings. New Bar sits right on the Bar riviera, and it's a good fit if you want a large city by the water.

Bar has many beaches: rocky, pebble, sandy, and mixed. The only sand and pebble beach on the waterfront, Topolica, stretches for about 500 m from the main port to the Zeleznica River (according to traveltomontenegro.com). The catch is right next door: port facilities affect the water quality.

On the Bar riviera you'll find Crvena plaza, Red Beach, named for its reddish pebbles. Its shore is cut with small coves and lagoons, and a high cliff hangs over the strip. To the north lies Sutomore, known as Golden Beach: it's covered with clean fine grains said to have healing properties, with cypresses and pines growing around.

Hotels in Bar on Trip.com

Where the sand is: Topolica, Sutomore.
The catch: Topolica is near the port, so the water is worse than in the south.

6. Canj

panorama of the resort village of Čanj by the sea

Čanj, a tiny town, lies in one of the bays of the Bar riviera. On two sides it is framed by the Ostrovica and Veligrad heights, on the third by mountains and dense pine and eucalyptus forests. The microclimate with essential oils in the air is considered beneficial for health here.

People come here for the sandy-pebble Pearl Beach, also known as Bead Beach. Its infrastructure is good, and there are rental points: rent a catamaran or a boat, play beach volleyball and water polo. In the cozy Uvala Pecin bay, where sightseeing boats call, the Kraljičina spot is tucked away, the Queen's Beach.

Hotels in Čanj on Trip.com

Where the sand is: Pearl Beach, Uvala Pecin.
Who it's for: those who want quiet and the shade of pine trees.

7. Rafailovići

Panorama of Rafailovići with beach, boats and mountains

Rafailovići has grown from a fishing village into a popular resort. It offers clean warm sea, a comfortable climate, and modern infrastructure: boat docks, cafes, restaurants, bars, and a nice park. All of it set against subtropical greenery.

The local beach has long been considered one of the most beautiful on the coast. The beach itself is about 2 km long and divided into three sections, and Budva is 3.2 km away (according to traveltomontenegro.com). Turquoise water, cream-colored sand, and lush greenery along the edges make the view memorable. For active recreation, the strip is equipped with umbrellas and loungers, and the promenade connects the village with Budva.

Hotels in Rafailovići on Trip.com

Where the sand is: the central section of the beach.
Who it's for: those who want a quiet resort near Budva.

8. Dobra Voda

Dobra Voda lies between Bar and Ulcinj. The village has a population of about a thousand, so there are no upscale restaurants or lively nightlife here. People come for the clean air, transparent water, and peace.

The local Veliki Pijesak beach doesn't quite live up to its name: the surface is fine pebbles mixed with sand. On the plus side, there are plenty of loungers and umbrellas, and a row of cafes and small shops stretches along the shore. The water is perfectly clean, but the entry is steep: it gets deep within a couple of meters. Small villas and apartments happily welcome guests. Evenings here are quiet.

Where the sand is: Veliki Pijesak.
The catch: the steep entry into the water isn't suitable for small children.

9. Ulcinj

Panorama of Ulcinj: hills, beach, sea and boats

Ulcinj sits in the south of the country, near the border with Albania. The Ulcinj Riviera is known for its variety of beaches, historic landmarks, and mild climate. If you specifically want deep sand, put this resort at the top of your list.

The city's calling card, Velika Plaža (Long Beach), stretches for almost 13 km (according to the Ulcinj tourist office website). It essentially consists of a series of beaches with developed infrastructure, covered in deep basaltic sand of an almost black color. It's the sand that makes Velika Plaža so popular.

The volcanic sand is believed to have healing properties. In high season, thousands of people vacation here, served by hotels, restaurants, and rental outlets. All kinds of water sports and entertainment are available right on the shore. Windy days here are prized by kitesurfers.

Hotels in Ulcinj on Trip.com

Where the sand is: Velika Plaža, Ada Bojana.
Who it's for: those who come for long stretches of sand and water sports.

10. Radovići

Plavi Horizonti Hotel in Radovići by the sea

Radovići lies on the former pirate peninsula of Luštica. It's a small resort village loved for its natural surroundings: dense forests, clean stretches of shore, and transparent turquoise sea. The population is just over five hundred, and almost everyone is involved in hosting guests.

People are drawn here by the sandy beaches with wide views of the bay. Plavi Horizonti, "Blue Horizons," is considered one of the cleanest beaches in the country: a deep layer of fine sand and plenty of loungers with umbrellas. Alamar Beach feels more like a stretch of coastline for unhurried relaxation.

Under light canopies, soft sofas, armchairs, and tables are set up, and wooden walkways lead to the water. You'll pay a premium for the service, but the place is almost never empty. Villas, apartments, and guesthouses are always at your service.

Hotels in Radovići on Trip.com

Where the sand is: Plavi Horizonti, Alamar Beach.
The catch: high prices for loungers and service.

When to go to the sandy beaches

The swimming and beach season in Montenegro runs from April to November, but the best months fall in the middle. The second half of June offers a compromise: the sea is already warm, but there are no crowds on the beaches or in hotels yet. If you want to save money, go for the first half of June, but be prepared for cool water and swimming in the afternoon.

In July and August, the coast sees the most visitors, and accommodation prices rise. September and early October are considered the velvet season: the heat subsides, the warmth remains comfortable, and the water averages 23-25 °C (according to Vijesti). In these months, choose resorts farther from the big cities: after summer, the sea there is noticeably cleaner.

Family vacations: where to swim with kids

The warm Adriatic, quiet lagoons, and gentle entries make Montenegro convenient for vacations with children. If you're traveling with little ones, focus first on the water entry and the absence of strong currents.

Bečići near Budva fits the bill on all counts: a sand-and-pebble beach, entertainment infrastructure, and affordable accommodation prices. The island of Sveti Stefan promises two excellent shores, but staying overnight will cost you.

In the Bay of Kotor, choose Morinj and Dobrota: calm water without currents and sand-and-pebble beaches will please both parents and children. Tivat, with the Island of Flowers and Seljanovo Cape, adds convenient logistics from the airport.

Resorts on the map

All ten resorts with sandy beaches are marked on our map. Open it to sketch out a route along the coast: from Herceg Novi in the north to Ulcinj on the border with Albania.

Montenegro resorts with sandy beaches

Places on the map

1Herceg Novi Sand in Njivice, Baošići and Meljine, a sheltered bay
2Kotor Sand in the nearby villages of Morinj and Dobrota
3Tivat A string of sandy beaches, close to the airport
4Budva Slovenska Beach, Ričardova Glava, Bečići nearby
5Bar Topolica, Sutomore and Crvena Plaža along the riviera
6Čanj Beach A pearl-shaped beach in a bay among pine forests
7Rafailovići Beach About 2 km, turquoise water, cream-coloured sand
8Dobra Voda Veliki Pijesak beach, a steep entry into the water
9Ulcinj Velika Plaža, almost 13 km, basalt sand
10Radovići Plavi Horizonti and Alamar Beach on the Luštica peninsula

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Where are the longest sandy beaches in Montenegro?

The country's longest sandy beach, Velika Plaza, stretches for almost 13 km from Ulcinj to the Bojana River (according to the Ulcinj Tourist Board). The second longest stretch of sand lies on the Budva Riviera, in Becici and Rafailovici. If you specifically want deep sand, start your search with Ulcinj and Radovici.

Where to swim with kids on a sandy entry?

Choose Becici: it has a gentle slope into the water, sandy areas, and a calm sea without strong currents. Avoid beaches with a steep drop-off, such as Veliki Pijesak in Dobra Voda.

When is the best time to go to sandy beaches?

The best time is the second half of June, as well as September and early October, with water temperatures of 23-25 °C.

Do you need a car in Montenegro?

For a dozen or so resorts, a car is convenient: sandy beaches are often in the suburbs rather than in the center. Without a car, it's realistic to stay in Budva, Tivat, and Bar, where the beach is close to the hotel. For Radovici and the bays of the Bay of Kotor, renting a car will save you time.

Is there an entrance fee for beaches?

Entry to Montenegro's beaches is free; you only pay for a sunbed and umbrella (according to the National Tourism Organization of Montenegro). On city beaches, part of the strip is free, while on paid sections the price depends on the resort. In Radovici, service is more expensive; in Bar and Canj, it's cheaper.

In short: what to book

Before your trip, decide on the type of vacation, and choosing a resort will become obvious.

If you're a family with kids: book a hotel in Becici or in the bays of the Bay of Kotor.
If you want city life and nightlife: look for accommodation in Budva near Slovenska Beach.
If you want the longest sand: check out Ulcinj and Radovici.
If you value peace and quiet: Canj, Dobra Voda, and Morinj are good options.

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