Budva is undoubtedly Montenegro's most famous tourist destination—lively, loud, and full of amenities. But a growing number of tourists are consciously skipping Budva and choosing Petrovac, Montenegro as their vacation base, a quiet seaside town just 17 kilometers to the south. The reasons are easy to see.
Uncrowded beaches — even in July and August
Petrovac Beach is one of the most beautiful on the Montenegrin coast—a protected cove with fine gravel, crystal-clear water, and a gentle entrance that is ideal for families with children. Unlike the central beaches of Budva, which during the summer season are often overcrowded with sunbeds and people, Petrovac retains its Mediterranean tranquility even during the hottest weeks.
Also in the immediate vicinity are the beaches of Lučice and Buljarica—one smaller and more intimate, the other one of the longest natural beaches in Montenegro, with just a few facilities and almost untouched nature.
Authentic Montenegrin atmosphere
Petrovac has not lost its soul to mass tourism. The seaside promenade, the fishing port, the old Kastio fortress on a cliff—all this creates the atmosphere of a Mediterranean town that Budva long ago ceased to be.
Restaurants in Petrovac are mostly family-run, serving fresh fish and local dishes at prices that are significantly more reasonable than in Budva or Kotor. A morning coffee by the sea, free from noise and crowds — that’s what keeps tourists coming back.
Ideal location for excursions throughout Montenegro
What makes Petrovac particularly attractive as a base is its geographical position. It is located almost in the middle of the Montenegrin coast, which means most key destinations are within a similar driving distance.
Budva is a 20-minute drive away, Kotor is an hour away, Bar is 30 minutes away, and Tivat airport is about an hour away. If you're planning multiple day trips—Lake Skadar, Ostrog, Cetinje, Durmitor—Petrovac is a logistically perfect base.
That's precisely why many guests who rent a car in Petrovac decide to spend the rest of their stay here, instead of struggling with Budva's traffic and parking every day.
Petrovac vs Budva — which to choose?
There is no single answer because it all depends on what you're looking for in a vacation.
Budva is the right choice if you love nightlife, diverse cuisine, shopping, and constant action. Petrovac is the right choice if you're looking for peace, a clean sea, an authentic atmosphere, and a good starting point for exploring.
The good news is that these two places are just a 20-minute drive apart—with a rental car, you can have both. Petrovac for sleeping and relaxing, and Budva for an evening out whenever you like.
How to get to Petrovac
Petrovac has neither a train station nor direct international flights. The nearest airport is Tivat, about an hour's drive away, and Podgorica Airport is at a similar distance in the other direction.
The most comfortable and flexible way to get here is by rental car. Adria Drive delivers the vehicle directly to Tivat Airport or Podgorica Airport, so that from the moment you land, you arrive in Petrovac without waiting and without a taxi.
