Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
parisontothejaggedsaltinessoftheBayofKotorortheromantictidinessofDalmatia.This
region has recently become a mecca for super-wealthy Russians, staking their claim to this
patch of Adriatic seafront. But the area isn't without its charm. Aside from the pleasant Old
Town of the region's unofficial capital, Budva, you'll discover a near-mythical haunt of the
rich and famous: the highly exclusive resort peninsula of Sveti Stefan (not possible to visit,
but alluring from afar). For me, more time in Kotor or an earlier return to Dubrovnik would
be more satisfying than the trek to the Budva Riviera. But beach lovers who have plenty of
time and a spirit of adventure will find this area merits a look.
Getting to the Budva Riviera
Budva is about a 30-minute drive south of
Kotor.
The easiest approach is to continue past
Kotor along the fjord, left at the roundabout, then through the tunnel (following
Budva
signs; exiting the tunnel, notice the sign in Cyrillic letters for Russki Radio 107.3—catering
to the Russian jet-setters). For a more scenic route, take a right before the tunnel for
the upper road to Budva, which twists over the mountain (described earlier, under “The
Montenegrin Interior”). After winding up several switchbacks (with giddy views back over
the Bay of Kotor) and cresting the hill, go right (again following
Budva
signs). You'll coast
down into a valley, through the town of Lastva, then back over another mild hill that depos-
its you above the beaches of Budva.
First you'll reach the town of
Budva
(turn right at traffic light, following brown
Stari
Grad
signstotheOldTown;parkingiswell-markedinmoderncomplexnexttoOldTown).
Continuing around the bay, you'll pass the busy, modern resort cluster of Be
č
i
ć
i before
reaching
Sveti Stefan.
Between the strings of resort hotels are two towns that deserve a quick visit.
Budva
The Budva Riviera's best Old Town has charming Old World lanes crammed with souvenir
shops and holiday-making Serbs and Russians. While far less appealing than Kotor (and
DalmatiantownssuchasKor
č
ula,Hvar,andTrogir),Budvaatleastoffersatasteofromance
between the resort sprawl.
