When planning my Montenegro itinerary, I saw a lot of people ask: Should I stay in Sveti Stefan or Budva? And while I was there, I also discovered Petrovac, a beautiful little seaside town.
Each has its own charm. Budva buzzes with nightlife, a lively Old Town, and endless dining and shopping options. Sveti Stefan feels a bit more upscale, with stunning beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.
And then there’s Petrovac, a gem that many international travelers overlook, offering beautiful scenery and great restaurants.
I chose to stay in Sveti Stefan for its beach appeal, but all three towns have something unique to offer—here’s how they compare. Budva, Sveti Stefan or Petrovac?
SHORT ON TIME?
This full-day tour from Kotor covers the most beautiful highlights along Montenegro’s coast.
- Budva Old Town
- Sveti Stefan beaches
- Fortress of Stari Bar
- Petrovac promenade
Article overview
Budva
Budva is the main beach town in Montenegro. When I first arrived in Budva, I thought it reminded me of Magaluf in Mallorca, just not as crazy. In contrast, the Old Town is a maze of stone streets, lively squares, and seaside cafés that feel straight out of a postcard.
Just outside the walls, you’ll find beach bars, modern restaurants, and plenty of shopping—Budva definitely has more going on than the smaller towns nearby.
It can be busy and even feel a bit tacky, but if you like a mix of history, nightlife, and easy beach access, Budva delivers.
✅ Pros:
- Beautiful Old Town with historic charm
- Wide choice of restaurants, cafés, and nightlife
- Plenty of beaches in walking distance
- Great base for day trips along the coast
- Bus station with local and international connections
❌ Cons:
- Feels a little tacky outside the old town
- Less than appealing high-rises along the beach
- Noisy and crowded in peak season
- Feels touristy
- Often standstill traffic
Sveti Stefan
Sveti Stefan has a completely different vibe from Budva—it feels quieter, more upscale, and perfect for relaxing by the sea. The public beaches here were my favorite, and while the town itself is small, there are a few good restaurants and beach bars to choose from.
What’s a little frustrating is that the iconic Aman hotel on the island has been closed since protests in 2021, so you can’t actually visit the famous islet. There’s also an abandoned NOBU restaurant right by the beaches. Basically, all the main buildings by the beaches are abandoned, which is a huge waste.
Still, if you want a peaceful base with a touch of luxury, Sveti Stefan is a beautiful choice. You can easily jump on the bus for a day trip to Budva.
I’m very happy I chose to stay here, as I was not looking to party. Our accommodation, Vertmont Villa, is new with great staff and the most stunning views. They also offered drop-off and pick-up from the beach since the town is very steep.
✅ Pros:
- More relaxed and upscale atmosphere
- Great beaches (my personal favorite in the area)
- The most stunning views
- Great for unwinding and swimming
❌ Cons:
- Very limited nightlife or activities
- Only a few dining options compared to Budva
- Steep town with lots of steps
- The Aman hotel/island is closed to visitors
- Not ideal if you want a lively base with lots to do
Petrovac
Petrovac felt like a very different kind of stop compared to Budva and Sveti Stefan. It’s small enough that you can see the whole town in just a few hours, yet it was busy when I visited—mostly with Montenegrin families on holiday.
I loved the charm of the town itself, with its small castle/fortress, seaside promenade and plenty of restaurants, but the beach wasn’t my favorite. The public section was very crowded, even in September, which took away some of the appeal.
Still, it has a laid-back, local atmosphere that’s refreshing if you want something less polished than Sveti Stefan and less touristy than Budva.
✅ Pros:
- Charming, walkable town with a relaxed vibe
- Popular with locals, giving it a more authentic feel
- Plenty of restaurants and cafés to choose from
- Easy to explore in a short time
- Several boat trip options
❌ Cons:
- Small—everything can be seen quickly
- Beach gets very crowded, especially the public area
- Fewer choices of beaches
- Some high-rises along the beach
How to get around
Getting around the Montenegrin coast is fairly straightforward. Budva and Sveti Stefan are well connected by local buses that run frequently throughout the day, making it easy and affordable to hop between the two.
I paid €2.5 for a one-way ticket and the bus stop was right down the street from our apartment. Though the bus didn’t always arrive at the right times. But that’s very common in the Balkans. When I took the bus from Budva to Tirana, it was hours delayed.
Petrovac is a bit further down the coast, but it’s still accessible by bus from Budva, with several departures daily, or by taxi if you prefer more flexibility. Taxis are quite affordable, just remember to ask for a price or to use the meter before you get in.
Renting a car is another good option if you want the freedom to explore smaller beaches and viewpoints along the way. However, parking in Sveti Stefan and Petrovac is no joke. You can’t be a nervous driver like me.
The drivers here don’t always follow the rules. People park in the middle of the street, just pop on their blinkers and head into the store. Haha, I was amazed many times. There’s also a lot of honking going on when things don’t move quickly enough.
So, what’s the verdict?
🏆 Best beaches: Sveti Stefan
🏆 Best shopping: Budva
🏆 Best historic sites: Budva
🏆 Best for relaxing: Sveti Stefan
🏆 Small-town feel: Petrovac
🏆 Best connected: Budva
Choose Budva if you want a lively base with plenty of nightlife, shopping, and a historic Old Town to explore.
Choose Sveti Stefan if you prefer a quieter, more upscale stay with beautiful beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.
Choose Petrovac if you’re drawn to a smaller, more local-feeling town with charm and good restaurants, even if the beach gets crowded.
READY TO BOOK YOUR MONTENEGRO TRIP?
🚍 Bus tickets: BusTicket4.me
🚘 Rent a car: I use Discover Cars
🚖 Airport transfers: I always use Welcome Pickups
🚙 Intercity transfers: I love Daytrip (you can add stops)
🎫 Best guided tours: All coastal highlights in a day
📲 Don’t forget an eSIM: I use Airalo (code NEWTOAIRALO15)
🏨 Accommodation: Booking.com (sign up for the loyalty program)
💍 My favorite jewelry for travel: I wear Atolea (15% off use: SUNSHINE15)
🌟 Read next >> Tivat Montenegro: Yachts, luxury & not much else?
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