The Sea Isn’t Just for Summer: Discovering Budva as a Year-Round Destination
A storm can destroy, yet also clear the way for new beginnings—just like our recent experience. After years of westward FAM Trips, our first post-pandemic journey led us south, to Montenegro and its coastal gem, Budva.
We brought together representatives of Serbian travel agencies eager to offer their clients Budva as a premier destination for all seasons.
A Swift and Successful Organization
I honestly didn't believe it was possible to organize a comprehensive study trip in just seven days. However, the tourism representatives at the Embassy of Montenegro in Belgrade, who initiated this journey, convinced me otherwise. Throughout our stay, the entire team from the Tourism Organization of Budva (TO Budva), led by Director Maja Liješević, was exceptional and always at our service, for which I am immensely grateful.
We were accommodated at Hotel Aleksandar, part of the HG Budvanska rivijera. The renovated rooms were comfortable, the food was excellent, and the hotel’s location right on Slovenska plaža is unbeatable. Our itinerary was packed, starting with a visit to the nearby Hotel Slovenska plaža, which belongs to the same hotel group.
History, Hospitality, and B2B Networking
To prove that Budva is much more than just hotels, our hosts organized a tour of the Old Town and the Museum of the City of Budva. A fantastic guide gave us an engaging history lesson—spanning from the ancient Illyrians, Greeks, and Romans, through Slavic tribes, to more recent history when Budva was a hub for wealthy merchants, artisans, and sailors. Right across from the Old Town, we visited the luxurious Hotel Avala.
Since we couldn't visit every tourism stakeholder during our five-day stay, a dedicated B2B workshop was organized. We held constructive meetings with representatives of Budva’s travel agencies, the Association of Small Hotels, the Private Accommodation Association, and the Montenegrin Association.
Lunch that day was hosted at Restaurant Vista Vidikovac, offering a panoramic view of the Old Town. The food, much like the view, comes highly recommended. Since we visited in mid-May and the weather was perfectly on our side, we even had the chance to take a quick dip in the sea.
Exploring the Riviera's Premium Hotels
The following morning, we visited the beautiful Hotel Budva, located right by the sea in the city center and open year-round. Our journey then took us to Bečići to see Iberostar Bellevue—a perfect holiday oasis packed with amenities for every taste.
We continued to one of the pearls of the Budva Riviera: Hotel Maestral in Pržno, a beachfront property that radiates luxury and elegance. In the same elegant spirit, we visited Miločer Park. Surrounding Hotel Miločer, built 80 years ago as a summer residence for the Karađorđević dynasty, is a decades-old botanical garden filled with exotic trees and flowers: Lebanese cedar, eucalyptus, tropical mimosa, Japanese loquat, agave, and more. Blended with local Mediterranean flora, it is a natural treasure every tourist must see.
Returning to Bečići, we toured Hotel Splendid, enjoying its pristine beach and spa center, as well as the nearby Hotel Montenegro (both part of the Montenegro Stars hotel group). While in Bečići, we also visited Hotel Falkensteiner, known for its spacious rooms and perfect sea views. We wrapped up the day watching the sunset by the rooftop pool of the newly opened Hotel Slavija in Budva, another excellent year-round property.
The Charm of Petrovac and Reževići
Just a 20-minute drive away lies Petrovac (formerly Kaštel Lastva), a quieter coastal town with a beautifully landscaped promenade and a long sandy beach. Here, we visited Hotel Ami and Hotel Palas, and successfully held our second B2B workshop.
Our route then led to Reževići to discover one of the Riviera’s newest gems: Hotel Vivid Blue. With excellent rooms, a million-dollar view, and a chef who prepared a flawless combination of seafood and meat dishes, it left a lasting impression. For those seeking ultimate privacy, Reževići also offers the breathtaking Ananti Resort, featuring luxury apartments and private pool villas.
A Destination for All Seasons
I would like to extend my gratitude to the travel agencies that joined us: Kon Tiki Travel, Odeon World Travel, Barcino Tours, Pierre Travel, Ponte Travel, Olympic Travel, Aero Turs, and Travel Partner. Thank you for your professionalism and for creating a fantastic atmosphere throughout the trip.
Our final destination was the Rađenović household in Skočiđevojka. Surrounded by good company, homemade food, and local wine, we watched the sunset from a penthouse terrace boasting a 360-degree view.
The ultimate conclusion of this trip is that Budva truly has something for everyone. The hotels and private accommodations are ready, the food is phenomenal, the value for money is excellent, and the people are incredibly warm and welcoming. And yes—the sea isn't just for summer. You can visit Budva all year round; it’s up to you to choose the season. Personally, I choose spring and autumn.
