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Have you heard of Budva, but aren’t quite sure where it’s located? If the beautiful coastal town of Budva has piqued your interest, then you’ve come to the right place.
We will explain where is Budva, why is a good holiday destination, and what things you can do in Budva.
So let’s get started with the basic question – where is Budva?
Where is Budva Located?
Budva is a coastal city located on the Adriatic Sea in Montenegro.
To give you a sense of location, Montenegro is situated in Southeastern Europe, bordering Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and Albania.
Montenegro has just over 650,000 inhabitants and Budva is one of its most famous and popular destinations thanks to its gorgeous beaches, old town charm, and Mediterranean climate.
Specifically, Budva is situated along Montenegro’s narrow coastal strip, approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Montenegro’s capital Podgorica.
It has a population of around 24,000 residents and remains one of the country’s most visited cities each year.
So in summary – Budva can be found nestled along Montenegro’s Adriatic coastline in Southeastern Europe, providing visitors with all the pleasures of a true Mediterranean escape.
What Makes Budva Such an Attractive Destination?
Several factors have contributed to Budva’s popularity as a top tourist attraction in Montenegro and the broader Balkan region.
Firstly, its idyllic location on the Adriatic Sea affords Budva near-perfect beaches and a mild climate year-round. Average daily highs in the summer range from 26-30°C/78-86°F while winters are quite mild with temperatures hovering around 12°C/54°F.
Secondly, the stunning Old Town area surrounded by walls is worth exploring. With its maze of narrow streets, town squares, restaurants, and boutiques, the Old Town feels instantly transportive. Over 2,000 years of history is evident everywhere you turn. Budva is considered one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic coast, dating back to at least the 5th century BC.
Lastly, Budva offers an enticing mix of relaxation and activities to do for all types of travelers. Whether you want to lay on the beach, tour nearby islands, explore mountain trails, visit historic sites, partake in watersports, or enjoy the vibrant nightlife – Budva delivers impressive variety.
It’s easy to see why Budva in Montenegro has become such a beloved year-round destination along the Adriatic.
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Top Activities In Budva
Now that we’ve covered where Budva is located and what draws visitors there, let’s dive into some of the top activities you can enjoy in this coastal town. From beaches to culture, you’ll never run out of options for filling your days.
No visit to Budva is complete without spending time on its beaches. The two most popular options are Mogren Beach, Pizana, and Slovenska Beach. Stretching for kilometers along the turquoise waters, both offer sunbathing spots, swimming areas, beach bars, and restaurants – perfect for relaxing in the sun or enjoying water activities.
When you need a break from the beach, wander through the maze-like streets of Budva’s walled Old Town. Lose yourself among the squares, alleyways, shops, and cafes whilst taking in the historical ambiance all around you.
Don’t miss the famous Citadel at the very top, offering panoramic coastal views.
For an excursion out of the city, take a boat trip to nearby islands like Sveti Nikola to appreciate the natural beauty of the sea.
After dark, drop by some of Budva’s happening bars and clubs for live music, DJs, dancing, and mingling with fellow travelers well into the night. You’ll find everything from chill beachside cocktail spots to lively dance clubs pumping music late.
Is Budva a Popular Tourist Destination?
With stunning natural attractions, a well-preserved historic center, and excellent beach infrastructure, it’s clear why Budva has become one of the most visited places in Montenegro.
Let’s take a closer look at some statistics to better understand its popularity:
- Budva welcomed over 750,000 overnight visitors in 2019, a strong 11% increase from the previous year. International travelers comprised around 80% of all guests.
- Top source markets for Budva include Serbia, Russia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Poland, and Germany. The summer season from June to September accounts for approximately 65% of annual visitors.
- According to government data, tourism directly contributes over 25% to Montenegro’s entire GDP. Budva specifically generates approximately 30% of the total tourism revenue for the country annually.
- Average hotel occupancy in Budva during the peak summer months is around 85-90%, underlining the demand. The city boasts over 16,000 registered bed capacity across varied accommodation types.
- Travel publications routinely rank Budva high on lists like “Europe’s Best Beaches” and “Underrated Mediterranean Destinations.” This positive coverage has no doubt bolstered Budva’s profile amongst global beach vacation seekers.
As these statistics indicate, Budva has firmly cemented itself as Montenegro’s most important coastal destination from an economic standpoint. With such tremendous natural and cultural assets, it seems Budva’s popularity as a top European beach escape will only continue rising in the coming years. So, Budva is a good holiday destination and it is worth visiting definitely.
Why Budva Should Be On Your Bucket List
We’ve explored where is Budva located along Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, what draws millions of visitors annually, and some popular activities to enjoy there like beach time, Old Town exploration, and island trips.
We’ve also analyzed Budva’s relevance as Montenegro’s premier tourist hotspot through visitor statistics.
The key reasons Budva should be high on your European bucket list include its well-balanced mix of historical ambiance, natural beauty, leisure activities, and nightlife entertainment.
Nowhere else on the continent will you find such Old World charm paired with expansive sandy beaches and a relaxed Mediterranean style of living.
Whether you come for a summer beach vacation, city break or simply to check another charming Adriatic destination off your list – you’re sure to fall in love with atmospheric Budva in Montenegro.
