With all the corona restrictions during the winter period, the inhabitants of Podgorica and other cities in Montenegro have hardly had any possibilities to enjoy nature and fresh air.

People who love the mountains and the snow can easily escape from crowded places and go hiking or skiing, but the elderly and families with little children have less choice.

A walk along the seashore is good for your health and immunity system. Believe me, in these difficult times it is relaxing to listen to the sound of the waves and the screeching of seagulls, feeling the sea breeze on your face.

That’s why I would like to recommend you 7 easy walking tours covered by one blog post, although I have already described them more comprehensively last year.

1. From Mogren Beach to Rafailovići

Start the walk from Mogren Beach, following the pedestrian walking trail to the Old Town of Budva, which is around 350 m long. Against the backdrop of the Ričardova Glava beach and the Old Town, you will see a charming statue called “Ballerina” next to the trail. The steep cliffs above the path consist of limestone layers and look very picturesque. But take care; don’t use the trail with rough weather! It’s dangerous

Pass through (or around) the Old Town and follow the lively promenade along the harbour and Slovenska Beach until Dukley’s Garden, where you can pass through the pedestrian tunnel to Bečići Beach. Inside, you will see many local works of art and graffiti.

Leaving the tunnel, you should turn left (at the right side is a security gate for the resort hotel) and continue your walk along the 2 km long beach until the village of Rafailovići.

It is interesting to know that Bečići Beach was awarded in 1936 as the most beautiful natural beach in Europe. By the way, the distance from Mogren Beach to Rafailovići is around 4 km.

P.S. Two weeks ago, a heavy storm caused a lot of damage to the pedestrian trail between Budva and Mogren Beach. The sculpture “Ballerina”, symbol of Budva, disappeared into the depths of the sea. Fortunately, it was found by locals a few days later. I am sure that the damage will be restored and that the path will be open to visitors as soon as possible!

2. From Budva to Jaz Beach

If you want to explore Jaz Beach (located around 2.5 km northwest of Budva), you can reach it on foot, along the highway, but it is much easier to use your car or a cab. If you decide to walk, you should not miss a visit of the Mogren Fortress, which is situated around 1 km from the town, on the left side of the road. It offers splendid views of the Budva Riviera.

There is a footpath along the road and you can easily pass the road tunnel (there is a sidewalk) on the top of the hill. Don’t miss a visit of the El Rey Café-Restaurant along the road, as it offers a great view of the Jaz Bay.

Jaz Beach consists of two parts, one is 850 m long and the other 450 m. It has gained international prominence as host of numerous concerts and happenings in recent years (Madonna, The Rolling Stones).

3. From Sveti Stefan through the Miločer Park to Pržno

The picturesque island-village of Sveti Stefan was built and fortified in the 16^th century by the Paštrović tribe as a shelter in case of attacks by Ottomans and pirates. In the course of history, it lost its significance and many inhabitants left and emigrated. In the 1950s, the remaining fishermen were moved out and the island was converted into a luxurious hotel resort. After its dilapidation caused by the wars in the 1990s, Sveti Stefan was taken over by Aman Resorts, on the base of a 30-year lease contract.

Would you like to visit the island before beginning your walk? Book a “private guided tour” at a price of € 20.00 per person….  It’s up to you!

If you want to admire the exceptional beauty of the Miločer Park, you can walk through the park in the winter period. Begin the walk along the beach and continue uphill to the gate of Miločer Park. It is a nice experience to walk through the pine forest over the steep cliffs and the view of the Budva Riviera is magnificent.

You will soon pass Villa Miločer, the former summer residence of King Alexander Karadjordjević from Serbia, now a hotel owned by Aman Resorts. The beautiful beach in front of it is called the King’s Beach. Unfortunately, it is impossible to see or visit the nearby romantic Queen’s Beach, once used by Queen Marija Karadjordjević..

North of the Miločer Park, which is still surrounded by the original stone walls and gates, is the small fishing village of Pržno. Apart from the Maestral Hotel and many new houses and apartment buildings, you will find a picturesque islet and several old fishermen’s houses around the beach, which have been preserved and turned into fish restaurants and pubs.

4. From Petrovac to Perazića Do

From Petrovac, there is a picturesque path that leads through the forest above Kastel Lastva along the coast to the beach of Perazića Do and further upwards to the Reževići Monastery (3 km + 150 m climbing). Perazića Do is located around 2 km from the town (in one direction).

The trail begins behind the Monte Casa Hotel. There is a clear signpost and a path that will take you uphill through pine forests and Mediterranean vegetation. The path is paved and protected by sidewalls; coming from the forest, it continues directly along steep cliffs above the sea, from where you have a magnificent view of the rocky islands off the coast: Sveta Nedjelja (Holy Sunday) and Katič.

A traffic sign shows that you are approaching a 500 m long tunnel. Although there are warnings on the internet that the tunnel is not lighted and that you should carry a flashlight, the lighting inside is more than sufficient. Actually, the tunnel consists of three separate tunnels and it is quite easy to pass them.

Leaving the last tunnel, you will reach the beach of Perazića Do … and, of course, the huge unfinished hotel AS. The pebble beach of Perazića Do is only 40 m long and it is located just under the Reževići Monastery.

 

5. From Petrovac to Buljarica

The walking trail to the Buljarica Beach runs south, over the hill of Malo Brdo,.to Lučice beach (1 km). Lučice is well known for its crystal clear water and the surrounding pine trees, hanging over the cliffs. In the summer season, it is quite popular and there are several pubs and bars.

The trail from Lučice to Buljarica is around 1 km long (height difference 60 m). There is a wooden signpost at the end of Lučice Beach, next to the playground.

The path runs uphill through a pine forest over a concrete (lighted) path, over the hill, until Buljarica Beach, which is more than 3 km long. It is surrounded by wetlands and so far, there have not been any significant tourism developments. For a longer walk, you can continue to the end of the beach.

 

6. Through the pine forests of Ulcinj

The pine forests of Ulcinj stretch from Mala Plaža eastwards until Cape Djerane.

The effect of sulphur and other minerals in the sea and the surrounding air seems to be miraculous. Sulphur water beneficially affects muscles, bones and joints and it is also used for treatment of skin changes and allergies. And last but not least: the sulphur springs are believed to help in the treatment of infertile women, who use a special beach, the “Ladies’ Beach”.

A stroll through the pine forests is particularly beautiful during the winter months. After passing the “Albatros” Hotel, the road changes into a narrow forest path that winds its way further along the rough coast line.

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, the scent of the pine trees and the relaxing sound of the waves and you will see plenty of spots with a picturesque view of the cliffs and the blue coves.

However, it is clear that the forests are in bad shape. Many of these 100 years old pine trees were wind-thrown, due to storms and soil erosion. It seems that there is an immediate threat that these ‘Lungs of Ulcinj’ will be devastated. What a pity!

 

7. Along the beach of Ada Bojana

The triangular island of Ada Bojana (Ada is the Turkish word for ‘island’) is located south of Ulcinj, on the southernmost tip of Montenegro, with only the Bojana (or Buna) river separating it from Albanian territory.

In the seventies and eighties of the last century, Ada was a famous international nudist settlement. Opened in 1973, it attracted many tourists from Western Europe. But due to the Balkan Wars, it was abandoned and neglected. Several bungalows have already been destroyed by heavy storms last month, and many others are damaged.

However, it remains an adventure to make a long walk along the 3 km long sandy beach of Ada Bojana. In winter, the island is almost deserted and it is a perfect place to chill out.

And last but not least, a tip for those who are not afraid to make a long walk:

 

The Seven Bay Trail from Budva (Mogren Beach) to Sveti Stefan (7-8 km)

Budva has 25 km of jagged coast featuring 20 magnificent beaches. Off-season, when the beaches are empty, is a perfect opportunity for a long walk along the sea.

This walk starts at Mogren Beach, leads through the Old Town of Budva along the harbour to the promenade of Slovenska Plaža, which ends at the Dukley Gardens resort. Go through the tunnel under the complex, turn right and continue along Bečići Beach until Rafailovići.

As you head to the next bay, you’ll see a unique rock and thereafter you pass through a long dark tunnel to the next beach: Kamenovo. From the end of the beach you must hike the stairs to the highway. Follow the road until you see Pržno Bay. Then continue through the Miločer Park to Sveti Stefan

The walk will take you 3-5 hours, depending on the number of coffee breaks!

If you want more details about the individual walking tours, you can find them in my following blog posts:

Walk 1 and 2: 5 THINGS TO DO IN BUDVA OFF-SEASON

Walk 3: AN AUTUMN WALK FROM SVETI STEFAN TO THE MILOČER PARK

Walk 4 and 5: THE WALKING TRAILS OF PETROVAC

Walk 6: A STROLL THROUGH THE PINE FORESTS OF ULCINJ.

Walk 7: ADA BOJANA OFF-SEASON  and THE DECLINE OF ADA BOJANA

Tip: The Seven Bay Trail (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/521150988132552571/)

Enjoy your walk along the magnificent Montenegrin Coast!