taytrum travels

If you’re wondering whether you should visit Budva or Kotor, this guide will help you choose the right Montenegro coastal city for you and your travels.

The Budva vs Kotor debate is a tough call, but this guide will help you decide depending on what you’re looking for in your Balkan holiday.

Is Budva worth visiting?

Budva, nestled along Montenegro’s sunny Adriatic coast, is an attractive destination known for its historic charm, beautiful beaches, and vibrant atmosphere. The town dates back centuries, which is evident in its well-preserved Old Town. The Old Town is enclosed by ancient walls and filled with narrow cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and centuries-old churches.

The Old Town serves as the cultural heart of Budva, where visitors can find landmarks like the Citadel, a Venetian fortress offering panoramic views. Here you can find quiet squares (especially in the early morning), charming cafes, and local crafts and souvenirs.

Budva’s coastline is a magnet for beach lovers, offering a variety of sandy and rocky stretches and pristine waters. Mogren Beach stands out for its picturesque setting between towering, layered cliffs and crystal-clear waters, while Becici Beach stretches along the coast with its softer sand and family-friendly ambiance. Sunset strolls along the promenade or dining at seaside restaurants are common activities. Sveti Stefan, a charming islet-turned-luxury resort is also nearby.

In the evening, Budva’s nightlife is vibrant, especially during the summer months. Budva is home to many bars and clubs.

Is Kotor worth visiting?

Kotor, situated along the spectacular Bay of Kotor, is a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its geological beauty and history. Engulfed by imposing limestone cliffs, this medieval town has a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural attraction.

The Old Town of Kotor, surrounded by ancient defensive walls, is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets. Here you can find gems like the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, a Romanesque building showcasing Kotor’s religious heritage.

The fortified walls, stretching up the mountainside, lead to the fortress of San Giovanni. If you visit Kotor, you should definitely make the climb up for the amazing views of the Bay of Kotor.

The Bay of Kotor, often described as Europe’s southernmost fjord, is surrounded by towering peaks and picturesque villages. Bay of Kotor holidays are quite popular. The calm water is perfect for leisurely boating or swimming. Many who head out by boat enjoy views of little towns like Perast, home to the islets of Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George.

Visitors seeking adventure can explore hiking trails in the nearby mountains or opt for activities like kayaking or sailing in the bay, immersing themselves in the natural landscape that surrounds Kotor.

How far is Budva from Kotor?

Budva and Kotor are 14 miles (23 km) apart. The distance between Budva and Kotor can be traveled by car or bus in 30 minutes.

The Budva-Kotor bus runs every thirty minutes to an hour and is affordable. Travel by bus in Montenegro is one of the most affordable ways to get around, with most routes costing less than $10. In my experience, the buses are clean and mostly punctual. The short route buses (like those between Kotor and Budva) don’t use AC and keep the windows down instead. A lot of roads along the coast in Montenegro are only 2 lanes, so sometimes traffic can get backed up.

If you’d rather taxi from Budva to Kotor, or vice versa, you’ll find many drivers willing to do so. The Budva to Kotor taxi route is another fair option, as the distance is not too far. Ride sharing apps are not used in Budva. Neither Uber nor Bolt (popular in Croatia) operate there.

Budva or Kotor: Which is better?

The decision between Budva and Kotor often depends on individual preferences. Budva appeals more to those seeking a lively atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, and a range of beach-oriented activities. On the other hand, Kotor is ideal for travelers interested in history and stunning natural landscapes.

This is not to say that Budva is not also beautiful, nor that Kotor lacks a nightlife scene. There is definitely similarity between the two towns, yet they do each have an emphasis on one or the other.

Both destinations are within close proximity, so if you have the time, you could visit both easily. Whether you’re drawn to Budva’s energetic vibe or Kotor’s historical charm and memorable landscape, you will likely be very happy with your vacation.

If you are weighing Budva or Kotor for a beach holiday in particular, I recommend Budva because there are more beaches nearby. The beaches in Kotor are fair, but a bit rocky.

Where to Stay on a Budget in Budva

Freedom Hostel in Budva is your best budget friendly option in town. This is where I stayed and I can attest that it is perfectly located in the Old Town.

Where to Stay on a Budget in Kotor

Kotor has many budget-friendly hostels to choose from. In 2019, I stayed at Hostel4U for a week and had an amazing experience. Hostel4U is a top rated hostel on Hostelworld. It is beach front on Kotor Beach, a short walk to Old Town, and hosts nightly parties, BBQs, and bar crawls. It is a very social hostel.

Another popular recommendation for affordable stays in Kotor is Old Town Hostel. This hostel is also top rated on Hostelworld.

Related: How to Pick a Great Hostel

Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Budva

The first budget friendly thing to do in Budva is to explore Budva Old Town. Wander through the historic Budva Old Town, surrounded by ancient walls dating back to the 15th century. Entry to the Old Town is free, and exploring its alleys, admiring the architecture, and discovering hidden corners is a fun way to spend time without spending money.

Next, if you’re traveling Montenegro on a budget, relax at the beaches. Budva boasts several stunning beaches, and enjoying a day by the sea is a budget-friendly option. Mogren Beach, located near the Old Town, and Becici Beach, a bit further away but still easily accessible, offer beautiful stretches of sand and azure waters. Visitors can bask in the sun, swim in the Adriatic Sea, or take a leisurely stroll along the coastline without spending a dime.

Finally, my personal favorite, is hiking the Budva Riviera. For nature enthusiasts and adventurers, hiking along the Budva Riviera presents a fantastic opportunity to explore the scenic landscapes and enjoy panoramic views of the coast. There are various hiking trails, such as the Path of Health or the Budva-Becici-Petrovac trail, offering lovely vistas of the coastline. Hiking these trails is a cost-effective way to experience Budva.

Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Kotor

When it comes to budget friendly activities in Kotor, they largely follow the same vein. First, explore Kotor’s Old Town. Wander through the UNESCO-listed Kotor Old Town, enclosed by ancient walls and filled with narrow streets, squares, and historical buildings. Visiting landmarks like the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon and discovering hidden corners within the town’s walls are free.

Like Budva, hiking is another great free activity in Kotor. Here you can find mountain trails or the more urban hike up the city walls to the San Giovanni Fortress for breathtaking panoramic views of the town and the stunning Bay of Kotor. The hike offers stunning vistas and a glimpse into Kotor’s impressive defensive structure. While there might be a small fee to access the fortress, the hike up the walls and the viewpoints along the way are free to explore. However, there is also a back trail you can take to get over the city walls for free.

Finally, relax on or at the Bay of Kotor. Take advantage of the stunning bay through budget-friendly activities like a long walk along the waterfront promenade or relaxing at one of the small beaches nearby. Visitors can take in the picturesque scenery, watch boats sail by, or simply enjoy the calming ambiance of the bay without spending money.

One excursion you be interested in for a small fee (roughly $50 depending on the season) is a boat trip to the Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks Island.

My Personal Verdict: Budva vs Kotor

After a week in each city, I personally liked Kotor more as a budget backpacker. I was traveling solo, so I was less interested in the nightlife scene, although I stayed in hostels so it was plenty easy to meet people and head out for the bars and clubs. At the time of visiting in summer 2019, Kotor was much quieter and relaxing. Budva was great too, but I just loved the hiking and views of Bay of Kotor a bit more.

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