Hey there, wanderlust enthusiasts! I just got back from an awesome trip to Montenegro, exploring the beautiful coastal towns of Budva and Kotor.
Summary
- Checked into the hostel.
- Spent half a day exploring Budva, including its Citadel, Old Town, and picturesque coastal areas.
- Took a bus from Budva to Kotor, enjoying scenic views along the way.
- Explored Kotor for half a day, discovering its charming bay and embarking on a boat tour despite the rainy weather.
It was a mix of rain-soaked walks, jaw-dropping views, and a whole lot of friendly encounters. Let me tell you all about it.
Dobro došli! (Welcome), Budva!
I rolled into Budva Bus Station right on time at 3:45 PM, despite the rainy weather. From there, I trekked over to Freedom Hostel, dodging puddles along the way. Hunger kicked in, so I popped into Capcap Bakery for a quick snack. Shout-out to Anna at the counter and the baker—they were super sweet and cheered up the soggy vibe.
Freedom Hostel was amazing (thanks to its stellar 9.5 rating on Hostelworld). After settling in, I decided to check out the Citadel, just a hop and a skip from the hostel. The rain cut my exploration short, but I managed to snap a photo and get my first glimpse of the Adriatic Sea. Dinner? I kept it low-key with a humble cup of noodles before crashing for the night.
Budva Half-Day Trip Vibes
I was up and ready to go by 5:30 AM—lots to see, lots to do! My itinerary was packed:
- Morning Stops:
- The Citadel and Old Town Budva were peaceful and perfect for taking photos.
- Avala Beach Bar view at 6:00 AM—totally empty and the best spot for scenic shots of the Citadel and Old Town.
- Walked the Budva Riviera, soaking up the coastal charm.
- Hiking to Sveti Stefan:
Let me tell you, this hike was a bit of a workout, but SO worth it. The beaches, views, and photo spots were unreal. Heads-up: After Kamenovo Parking, the road gets tricky with fast-moving cars, so it’s safer to grab a taxi. I lucked out with a friendly private driver who charged only €5 and even spoke some Filipino—how cool is that?
Kamenovo Beach and Sveti Stefan were absolute gems. Fun fact: the beach at Sveti Stefan is covered in red pebbles, which makes it super unique. I even met Selvin, a traveler from London, who gave me a ride back to Budva’s bus station after taking photos together.
Off to Kotor!
Catching a bus which I booked two weeks ago in getbybus from Budva to Kotor was a breeze—€5 and you’re good to go. I arrived around 1:45 PM and immediately started snapping pics of Kotor’s stunning bay.
I had booked a tour to Our Lady of the Rocks and Perast, but it got canceled due to weather. No problem though—I found a local operator willing to run the boat tour anyway. €37 later, I was cruising through the bay with Captain Sasha. Rainy, yes, but still epic.
After the tour, I made my way back to Budva by bus. Pro tip: Make sure you have cash for tickets at the station, or you can book online like I did through getbybus app.
Cool Spots to Add to Your List
In Budva:
- Mogren Beach—great for swimming and chilling.
- Slovenska Plaza—a lively resort area.
- Jaz Beach—a quieter escape.
In Kotor:
- San Giovanni Fortress—for breathtaking views of the bay.
- Kotor’s Old Town—wander the cute cobblestone streets.
- Lovćen National Park—if you’ve got time for a day trip.
Travel Hacks
- Always keep some Euros handy, especially for small fees or tips.
- Print your tickets; most stations want physical copies.
- You can book tours on the spot—prices are pretty similar to what’s online.
- Montenegrins are super friendly. Need help? Just ask!
Trip Costs
- Accommodation (2 nights): €40
- Food: €30
- Transportation: €15
- Souvenirs: €10
- Total: €95
Excludes my global eSIM (€20)—already purchased.
Montenegro has officially stolen my heart with its incredible views and warm people. If you haven’t been, what are you waiting for?
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