Kotor or Budva, Montenegro: Which is Better?

If you’re looking for a beautiful, historic place to travel in Europe that’s still relatively unknown and off the beaten path, then you might want to consider Montenegro.

This charming country is situated on the Adriatic Sea and is full of lovely architecture, thriving nightlife, friendly locals, and fascinating history.

While most people think of Kotor when they think of Montenegro, travellers may want to cast their eyes further East – only 30 minutes’ drive East, to be exact, to Budva.

Both Budva and Kotor offer something special and unique, so it can be hard deciding which place to add to your travel plans.

In this guide, we’ll be comparing Kotor vs Budva, so you can make the decision about which town to visit. So, which will it be? Kotor or Budva? Let’s help you decide…

Which is better for attractions?

When it comes to attractions, both destinations have their merits. Budva is a great destination for travelers looking to experience a bit of everything, while Kotor has more history to explore. To decide which is better for attractions, let’s take a look at them both.

Budva’s Attractions

From stunning beaches to historical sites, this quaint coastal town has a lot going for it. This is why when choosing a base in Montenegro to discover the country’s top attractions, Budva gets my vote.

The main attraction in Budva is Slovenska Beach, which is clean and well-maintained. The coastal landscape around the Old Town is also really beautiful, and it has the most unique cliff face I’ve ever seen, with sheer rocks looking as though they have been stacked on top of each other.

Along the coastal path, you’ll reach the statue of the Budva Dancing Girl, a bronze ballerina which represents an old myth in Montenegro about a sailor and a ballerina who fell in love, and every day she would wait by the shores for her long-lost love.

Aside from the beaches, Budva also has a walled Old Town. This is where you’ll find quaint cafes, boutique shops, and some top-class restaurants. The Old Town is where the majority of the attractions are, such as the Museum of the City of Budva and The Church of Sveti Ivan.

Budva is also a great base for taking day trips, since there is a bus network that takes you from the town centre to Bar or other towns on the coast. 

A day trip you must take in Budva is to Ceninje, a beautiful historic town that was the former capital of Montenegro. Here you will…