⛱️ Where to go to the sea in Montenegro: 20 sandy beaches with easy entry

There are fewer sandy beaches in Montenegro than pebble ones. So choosing a vacation spot with kids here comes down to the sand itself. Its color and texture change from bay to bay: gray volcanic sand near Ulcinj, pink near Sveti Stefan, red along the Bar Riviera. We put together 20 beaches from the Ulcinj coast to Igalo. For each one, we noted the surface, water entry, and what sets it apart from the others on the list.

If you're after sand rather than pebbles, the first five spots cover the main options. After that come the beaches of the Bar and Budva Riviera, Luštica, and Igalo. We checked water entry and surface details against official sources, and you'll find the links in the text.

Sandy beaches in Montenegro: the essentials

💡 In short:

The country has few sandy beaches, and almost all of them lie on the southern and central coast.
Water entry is gradual almost everywhere.
Beach access and infrastructure: 09/2026, according to the official Montenegro tourism portal.

1. Velika plaža, Ulcinj

Bather at the wide sandy Velika Beach with mountains

Velika plaža stretches south of Ulcinj and is considered the longest sandy beach on the Adriatic, about 13 km (as of 09/2026, traveltomontenegro). The shore is covered with fine gray sand of volcanic origin. Water entry is gradual, and the depth increases slowly, so it's safe here with kids. Locals attribute healing properties to the volcanic sand for rheumatism and muscle pain.

The infrastructure is dense: loungers, umbrellas, changing rooms, showers, cafes, and water attractions, and if you don't want to pay for a spot, head farther south to the empty stretches and set up on your own blanket. Surface and water entry verified on 13.09.2026 on the official tourism portal.

2. Mala plaža, Ulcinj

People on the beach with colorful umbrellas

Mala plaža hides by the walls of Ulcinj's Old Town, among rocks and tiled roofs. In the past, pirates used this harbor, and the rocky cliffs still shelter the bay from waves today, so the fine sand runs in a narrow strip along the shore. The water here is shallow and there is almost no swell. For those who can't swim, it's one of the best spots in southern Montenegro.

Cafes, bars, and fast-food stands line the shore. In high summer the strip fills up tightly, so it's better to come by morning for a lounger. There are deck chairs, shade canopies, changing rooms, and showers. At the pier you'll be offered a boat or yacht trip, and for the active there are jet skis and catamarans.

3. Ada Bojana, Ulcinj

Aerial view of Ada Bojana Island at the Bojana River mouth

Ada Bojana is a small island at the mouth of the Bojana River, south of Ulcinj. Two of its sides are washed by the river, and the third opens onto a sea bay. Most visitors choose the sea side, where dense Mediterranean vegetation creates its own microclimate, and rare relict trees give the island a distinct character. There are no steep drop-offs at the water, so both adults and kids can swim here without worry.

The sand on Ada Bojana is fine shell sand with a coral mix, and it's said to benefit the musculoskeletal system. There are children's and sports areas, loungers with umbrellas, restrooms, and changing rooms. On the island you can go surfing, sailing, water skiing, and jet skiing. Hotels of various categories are also here, so you can stay right by the water.

4. Sutomore town beach

Sutomore town beach lies along a turquoise bay squeezed between cliffs and pine groves. The surface is mixed: pebbles with sand, so entry is more comfortable than on purely rocky shores. Water entry is gradual, and calm lagoons alternate with scenic rocks. The shore is equipped with loungers and umbrellas, changing rooms, and sports areas, and there are water attractions. A lifeguard service watches over the water.

Shops, restaurants, and cafes stand right along the shore, and if you need a town beach without a car, this is a convenient option: all the infrastructure is nearby and there's somewhere to go out in the evening.

5. Kraljičina plaža, Čanj

Beach with umbrellas in a wooded cove near Čanj

Kraljičina plaža hides surrounded by dense forest and steep cliffs near the town of Čanj. The perfectly round bay with clear water was a favorite retreat of Montenegrin Queen Milena, hence the name. Cypresses and olive trees line the shore, and the surrounding rocks create a secluded, intimate atmosphere.

The infrastructure is modest: loungers, changing rooms, shower cabins, and a toilet. For those who love the underwater world, diving is available here. If you're looking for quiet and are willing to take a boat to get there, keep this spot in mind.

The catch: you can only get there by water.

6. Biserna plaža, Čanj

Panorama of a coastal village with mountains and beach

Biserna plaža is part of the Bar Riviera near the village of Čanj. Fine pebbles are mixed with sand here, so the surface looks like beads. The bay is framed by rocks and dense Mediterranean vegetation. The sea breeze blends with the scent of cypresses, eucalyptus, and pines, and the air is rich with essential oils.

The shore is long, with well-developed infrastructure: you can rent a deck chair and umbrella, and changing rooms, showers, and toilets are available on the beach. The gentle entry into the sea, roped-off shallow areas, and playgrounds are convenient for families with kids. Hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues line the resort area.

7. Hotel "Zlatna Obala" beach, Sutomore

Loungers and a thatched umbrella on the sand by the hotel

The beach of the Hotel "Zlatna Obala" is located near Sutomore. On one side it's bounded by the hotel wall, on the other by cliffs with evergreen trees. The shore is short and sandy, hidden from prying eyes. The area is equipped with deck chairs, shade canopies, showers, and changing cabins. A lifeguard service is responsible for swimming safety.

The spot suits a quiet vacation: you sunbathe, swim in emerald coves, and barely get distracted by noise. If you want slides, music, and crowds, pick a different beach.

The catch: there are no water activities, and the underwater world for snorkeling and diving is modest.

8. Beaches at Cape Ratac

Pebbly beach at Cape Ratac with pine trees

Cape Ratac lies between Bar and Sutomore. The local shores are washed by clear blue water, and the sand-and-pebble stretches hide among coniferous forest and rocky massifs. Mountains and olive groves alternate with citrus trees. You can combine a beach holiday with a visit to the ruins of an old monastery.

There is no resort infrastructure here: these are wild spots for those who love seclusion. You will not find comfortable loungers or cafes, and you will have to judge the water entry yourself.

The catch: no infrastructure and no prepared water entries.

9. Crvena plaža, Bar

Crvena plaža, or Red Beach, lies in a small bay on the Bar riviera. The shore is short and covered with coral sand of a bright red shade. The surrounding rocks are covered with dense pine forest, which keeps shade and coolness in the heat. Large boulders stick out of the water, and the entry is gentle and safe.

Despite its seclusion, the area is well equipped. You can rent a lounger with an umbrella, and there is a shower, a lifeguard station, a changing room, and several cafes. In summer people come here for the color of the sand and the calm water.

10. Veliki pijesak, Dobra Voda

Veliki Pijesak Beach with loungers and clear water

Veliki Pijesak lies near the village of Dobra Voda, between Bar and Ulcinj. The shore is covered with soft sand mixed with fine pebbles and washed by turquoise water. Ancient oaks and olive trees grow around, so the air is saturated with the aroma of essential oils. The coastal mountains with dense greenery create a mild climate, which is associated with benefits for the respiratory system.

The beach is equipped with loungers and umbrellas, changing cabins, and sports and play areas. A promenade runs parallel to the shore with stalls, shops, restaurants, and cafeterias. If you want sand and a quiet village without a noisy waterfront, Dobra Voda fits the bill.

11. Miločer beaches, Budva

Miločer Beach with umbrellas and loungers by the sea

Miločer is a quiet part of the Budva riviera with a botanical garden and well-kept beaches. At the beginning of the last century, the summer residence of the Karađorđević royal dynasty was built here. The coastline is surrounded by olive trees, cypress groves, and rocky hills. The water here is turquoise, and the shore is sandy and well maintained.

The beach is equipped with loungers, umbrellas, changing rooms, and showers. If you want a peaceful holiday near Budva and park greenery, Miločer is convenient. Fans of loud parties choose other beaches in the town.

12. Trsteno beach, Budva

Trsteno Beach with clear water and mountains

Trsteno beach cuts into the mountain ranges on the Lustica peninsula, near the village of Radovici. The cozy bay is enclosed by rocks, so there are almost no strong currents or high waves here. The shore is covered with soft white sand, and the entry into the water is gentle. The shallow area warms up quickly, which matters for families with children.

The sea inlet is clear, so snorkeling here is fun, and the swimming area is marked off with buoys to keep boats and yachts out. You have access to loungers, umbrellas, a volleyball court, and bars with cold drinks, and you can set up on your own blanket for free. For entertainment, there are catamarans, boats, and jet skis. The beach is small in area, but lounger rentals and the free zone sit side by side without crowding. If quiet time by the water matters to you, come before noon.

13. Mogren beach, Budva

View from Mogren Beach toward the Old Town

Mogren beach lies right at the walls of Budva Old Town, behind a sand-and-pebble shore in a picturesque bay. A winding paved path along the rock walls leads to the beach, and that is part of the experience. Along the way you will see a bronze sculpture of a ballerina on a stone boulder. The rocks above the shore lie in layers and are partly covered in greenery.

The water in the bay is emerald and clear, and most of the area is taken up by rows of loungers with umbrellas, changing rooms, toilets, and cafeterias. If you want water activities, go for jet skis, catamarans, snorkeling, diving, or parasailing.

The path to the water goes through the rocks, so allow time for the descent and the climb back. But the view of the bay from above is worth those steps. The shore itself is well kept and clean, and the rocks partially shelter the beach from the wind. The bottom near the shore is pebbly, so water shoes will not hurt.

14. Richardova glava, Budva

Beach with umbrellas by the walls of Old Budva

Richardova glava lies at the foot of the fortress walls of Budva Old Town. The place got its name in honor of Hollywood actor Richard Widmark: a scene from the film "The Long Ships" was shot here. The shore is short, covered with coarse sand and fine pebbles, and it is a quiet spot for those who do not like crowds.

The right edge of the beach runs up against high rocks. You have access to loungers, umbrellas, shower cabins, and toilets, and there is a playground for children. Cafes where you can grab a bite after swimming are nearby.

The catch: the entry into the sea is awkward, with large boulders piling up on the bottom.

15. Guvance beach, Budva

Guvance beach is on the eastern edge of Budva. It is a small, well-equipped stretch of shore with sand and fine pebbles, and the entry is gentle and safe, which is convenient for families with children. It gets more hours of sun than the neighboring beaches, so people come here for an even tan.

The beach is surrounded by dense greenery: olive trees, cypresses, cedars, and shrubs. Loungers, changing rooms, toilets, and showers are provided. Sightseeing boats, small boats, and jet skis depart from the pier, and a restaurant with a bar operates right by the sea. In the evening, the spot offers a view of the sunset.

16. Rafailovici beach, Budva

Layered rocks and umbrellas at Rafailovići Beach

Rafailovici grew from a fishing village into a resort with a golden sandy shore. Back in the last century, this stretch was called one of the best beaches on the Budva Riviera, and it still holds that status. The surface is mixed, sand with pebbles, and the entry into the clear bay is easy and gentle.

The shore is not wide, and rocky hills rise along it. The area is equipped with changing rooms, showers, loungers, umbrellas, and restrooms. There is a free zone where you can set up with your own towel. A promenade with restaurants, pizzerias, and bars for different budgets runs along the shore.

17. Jaz beach, Budva

Jaz beach is a wide sand-and-pebble shore west of Budva, with a gentle entry and safe swimming for children. Azure and greenish-blue water washes the shore, the mountain landscape around creates the backdrop, and world stars have performed on this stage at music festivals in the past.

The infrastructure is well developed: loungers, umbrellas, changing rooms, sports courts, showers, and toilets. In high season, bars, restaurants, and kiosks are open. You can rent a jet ski, catamaran, or kayak, take a ride on a speedboat, or snorkel by the rocks. If you need a large beach near Budva, Jaz is convenient.

18. Plavi Horizonti, Radovici

Plavi Horizonti Beach with a hotel on the slope

Plavi Horizonti lies on the Lustica peninsula near the village of Radovici. The place is recognized as environmentally clean and safe for swimming, confirmed by the Blue Flag award (as of 09/2026, traveltomontenegro). The shore is covered with soft sand, tucked inside a bay of Traste Bay, and the wide strip is framed by rocks, olive groves, and coniferous forests.

Pine crowns provide natural shade in the heat, and the air smells of pine needles and the sea. The entry into the clear water is gentle, the depth increases gradually, so children are at ease here. You can set up on your own mat or rent a lounger with an umbrella. The shore has changing rooms, showers, and restrooms, and sports courts and water activities are available. A forest promenade with concrete paths runs along the resort strip, so a walk in the shade takes up no less time than swimming.

19. Igalo resort beach

The Igalo resort beach stretches along the town, which is known for its mild subtropical climate and therapeutic facilities. The air here is filled with the scent of coniferous forests, the mountain slopes are covered in greenery, and the sand-and-pebble strip lies near the mouth of the Sutorina River, whose current brings therapeutic mud down from the mountains.

The water near the shore is shallow, so swimming with children is convenient. The shore is equipped with loungers and umbrellas, and there are changing rooms, toilets, and showers. In some areas, mud mixtures are visible on the bottom. Cafes and volleyball courts are nearby. If a calm entry into the water and healing air matter to you, Igalo is worth considering. It is the longest beach strip in town, so there is room even at the height of the season.

20. Sveti Stefan resort beach

Sveti Stefan is a settlement made up of a mainland part and an island part, connected by a narrow isthmus. The medieval island with its dense buildings is visible from any point on the shore. The sandy coast with pebbly sections stretches in a long strip, and the pink sand transitions into fine red pebbles. The bay here has clear azure water.

The coast is equipped with the standard set: changing cabins, lounger rentals, toilets, showers, playgrounds, and sports courts. You have access to jet skis, parasailing, diving, and yacht rental. Cafes and restaurants are nearby. If you want to combine the beach with a walk through a historic site, this is a good option. The island itself is occupied by a private resort, so you will swim and walk on the mainland part and near the isthmus.

Best time to visit

The swimming season in Montenegro opens in the second half of May and lasts through September, sometimes reaching into early October. The water warms up to its maximum by the end of summer, and in September it stays around 23-24 °C (as of 09/2026, Adriatic beach guide). For you, that means the velvet season is warmer than June.

The peak falls in July and August, when beaches are packed and accommodation prices are higher. If you want free loungers and a choice of hotels, plan your trip for June or the first half of September. In early October, the water is cool only in the mornings, while daytime swimming is comfortable.

For families, a separate reference point: reliably warm water and free loungers coincide in the second half of June and the first ten days of September. July and August give maximum warmth, but that is exactly when prices and crowds peak.

Sandy beaches of Montenegro on the map

Below is a map with all 20 beaches from the list. The distances between them are small, so on one trip you can cover the south and center of the coast and build a route that suits you.

Sandy beaches of Montenegro

Places on the map

1Velika Plaža The longest sandy beach on the Adriatic, about 13 km of fine grey volcanic sand
2Mala Plaža A narrow strip of sand by the walls of Ulcinj's Old Town, shallow and almost waveless
3Ada Bojana An island at the mouth of the Bojana River, fine shell sand, surfing and water skiing
4Sutomore town beach Pebbles and sand in a turquoise bay between cliffs and pine groves
5Kraljičina plaža A round bay in the forest near Čanj, once a retreat of Queen Milena, reachable only by water
6Biserna plaža Fine pebbles and sand on the Bar Riviera, a fenced-off shallow area for children
7Beach of the Zlatna Obala hotel A short strip of sand near Sutomore, squeezed between a hotel wall and cliffs
8Beaches at Cape Ratac Wild sand-and-pebble stretches between Bar and Sutomore, next to monastery ruins
9Crvena plaža Bright red coral sand in a bay of the Bar Riviera, a gentle entry
10Veliki Pijesak Soft sand with fine pebbles near Dobra Voda, a promenade with stalls and restaurants
11Beaches of Miločer A well-kept sandy shore by the botanical garden and a former royal residence
12Trsteno A bay enclosed by cliffs with soft white sand, the shallows warm up quickly
13Mogren A sand-and-pebble bay by the walls of Budva's Old Town, a path along the cliffs leads to the water
14Richard's Head A short shore by Budva's fortress walls, named after actor Richard Widmark
15Guvance A small landscaped shore on Budva's eastern edge, more hours of sunshine
16Rafailovići beach Golden sand with pebbles in a former fishing village, a promenade with restaurants
17Jaz A wide sand-and-pebble shore west of Budva, a venue for music festivals
18Plavi Horizonti Soft sand in a bay of Trašte Bay on Luštica, a Blue Flag award and shade from pines
19Igalo resort beach The town's longest stretch, shallow water and therapeutic mud from the Sutorina River
20Sveti Stefan beach Pink sand with red pebbles opposite the island resort on the isthmus

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Where to swim with kids in Montenegro?

Velika plaža near Ulcinj, Rafailovići, and Plavi Horizonti are better suited for children. They have a gentle entry and shallow water near the shore, and the depth increases gradually. The catch: in July and August these beaches get crowded, so it is better to arrive by morning to get a sunbed. All three have sunbed rentals and cafes nearby.

Are there sandy beaches in Montenegro besides Ulcinj?

Yes. There is sand on the Bar riviera (Crvena plaža, Veliki Pijesak), on the Budva riviera (Mogren, Jaz, Guvance), on Luštica (Trsteno), and at Sveti Stefan. Some shorelines are mixed: sand with pebbles. Pure sand is more common in the south, and there is less of it toward the center of the country. Choose a spot based on your type of vacation, not just by the resort name.

Is beach access paid?

Beach access is free. You only pay for a sunbed and umbrella, and the price varies from beach to beach and by season. Many areas have free zones where you can set up on your own towel. Check the water entry on site: after a storm the bottom changes.

When is the best time to visit the sandy beaches of Montenegro?

The best time is June and the first half of September. In September the water stays around 23-24 °C (as of 09/2026, beach guide), and the beaches are less crowded than in July and August. In May the sea is cooler, and swimming is not comfortable for everyone. In October the season winds down, although warm days do happen.

Can you reach the beaches without a car?

Some beaches are accessible on foot from resort centers: Mogren, Richardova glava, Guvance, and Jaz near Budva, the city beach of Sutomore. Water transport runs to Kraljičina plaža and the bays of the Bar riviera. Ratac and Dobra Voda are easier to reach by bus or car. Check the schedule on site, as there are more trips in summer.

In short: what is worth booking

For seclusion, Kraljičina plaža, Cape Ratac, and Richardova glava are good options. For pink sand and history, head to Sveti Stefan; for red sand, to Crvena plaža.

If you want a large beach near the city, choose Jaz or Mogren. If you need soft sand and shade from pine trees, plan for Plavi Horizonti. If you enjoy surfing and water skiing, look at Ada Bojana and Veliki Pijesak.

Before your trip, check access and infrastructure on the official Montenegro tourism portal: in summer some beaches change their range of services.

20 Sandy beaches of Montenegro: where to find sand, gentle entry and fewer people