Budva

Budva is reached by road along the Adriatic highway; intercity and local buses connect it with Podgorica, Kotor, Bar and the coastal airports at Tivat and Podgorica, but summer road traffic on the single coastal road is heavy and slow, especially in July and August — allow far more time than the distance suggests. Taxis operate but do not have guaranteed schedules or fixed fares; agree the fare before setting out. There is no rail link.

The old town is pedestrianised and compact — no vehicles are permitted inside the walls, and everything within the town is on foot. Use the designated car parks near the waterfront and the gates rather than attempting the lanes; roadside parking in high summer is scarce and often restricted. Local buses and taxis serve the surrounding coast, including Sveti Stefan and the beaches south, but services are seasonal and do not assume fixed schedules.

June and September give warm sea and far fewer crowds than high summer; July and August bring the full resort life, heavy traffic and the busiest old town. Check sunrise and sunset times for the day you visit, as daylight varies through the season, and expect seasonal closures of beach facilities, boat services and the citadel outside the warmer months.

Shoes with grip above all — the old town’s limestone lanes, the citadel steps and the Mogren cliff path are worn smooth and become very slippery when wet. Carry water and sun protection for the heat and exposure of the coast, swim shoes for the pebble beaches, modest clothing for church and monastery interiors, and some cash (EUR) for small cafés, beach bars and boat operators.

The waterfront promenade and parts of the lower town are the easiest areas to move through, but Budva is not fully step-free. The old town’s stone surfaces, steps and polished paving, the citadel ramparts and the Mogren cliff path create significant barriers for wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility; step-free access is limited and should not be assumed at any historic site, the monastery or the island. Check current access arrangements with individual sites before visiting.