A shimmering melange of classic red-tiled villas, rugged Montenegrin cliffs, scintillating Adriatic waters, bustling town squares of cocktail bars and European cafés, looming jet setter condominiums, tight-knit Venetian lanes and crumbling medieval fortifications; this is Budva. This kingpin of the country’s burgeoning Budvanska Rivijera is a bubbling mix of coastal partying, high-life hedonism and classic seaside touring, largely driven by booming crowds of Russian and Balkan nouveau riche.
Be sure to start your visit between the exquisite churches and narrow alleyways of the Stari Grad, getting your Budva tour guide to point out all the most authentic Italian bistros, and the iconic dancing girl statue on the edge of the sea. Later on, retire to the al fresco terraces of Budva’s bustling centre, where Slavic beers rub shoulders with Mediterranean mezze to boot.
Of course, the beaches are also to die for (if a little small and pebbly) with a lot of scope for boat trips and yacht charters to enjoy the Mediterranean sun, while the more intrepid types can look forward to a day of zip lining across the Tara Canyon or rafting down the Tara River.