Beaches · Kotor · Montenegro
The best beaches in and near Kotor
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Marcin Konsek, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Dobrota swimming platforms (1–3 km from the old town). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in June–October.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 4
- Swimming season
- June–October
- Warmest sea
- 26°C (79°F)
The beaches
1–3 km from the old town · A quick swim with a view
1.Dobrota swimming platforms
Concrete and pebble bathing areas with ladders into the clear, sheltered water of the bay, steps from the waterfront path.
About 20 km, 30 minutes by car · Families with small children
2.Plavi Horizonti
A sandy cove fringed with pines on the Luštica side of Tivat Bay, shallow and good for children.
About 20 km, 25 minutes by car · Long beach days
3.Jaz Beach
A long pebble-and-sand beach west of Budva, with beach bars and space even in summer.
About 25 km, 35–40 minutes by bus · Combining a swim with Budva old town
4.Mogren Beach, Budva
Two small sandy coves below the cliffs, reached by a path from Budva's old town.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 14°C (57°F) | 12°C (54°F) |
| February | 13°C (55°F) | 13°C (55°F) |
| March | 14°C (57°F) | 15°C (59°F) |
| April | 16°C (61°F) | 19°C (66°F) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 23°C (73°F) |
| June | 23°C (73°F) | 27°C (81°F) |
| July | 25°C (77°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| August | 26°C (79°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| September | 24°C (75°F) | 26°C (79°F) |
| October | 21°C (70°F) | 21°C (70°F) |
| November | 18°C (64°F) | 16°C (61°F) |
| December | 15°C (59°F) | 13°C (55°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$$ · Best for luxury, families and beach
Tivat
Tivat, about 10 km from Kotor through the Vrmac tunnel, is home to the Porto Montenegro superyacht marina, a palm-lined promenade, shopping and a choice of large hotels. It is the most convenient base for the airport and for the beaches of the Luštica peninsula, but lacks Kotor's historic character.
- Good
- Next to the airport; Promenade and marina restaurants; Easy beach access
- Watch out
- Less historic atmosphere; A taxi or bus ride to Kotor
- Nearby
- Porto Montenegro, Tivat Airport, Plavi Horizonti beach
Getting to the beaches
- Bus — Intercity buses from Kotor's bus station, about 1 km south of the old town, connect with Tivat, Budva, Herceg Novi, Podgorica and Dubrovnik; local buses run along the bay to Perast.
- Boat — Boat taxis and tour boats from Kotor's harbour and Perast's quay run to Our Lady of the Rocks, the Blue Cave and around the bay.
- Car — A car is the easiest way to drive the serpentine road to Lovćen and Njeguši, visit Cetinje and explore the coast; the bay road is narrow and slow in summer.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in June–September. The busiest of those is July, so book early.
Beach safety
Kotor is generally relaxed for visitors. The main risks are heat and dehydration on the wall climb, slippery marble lanes after rain, and pickpockets in cruise-day crowds. Drive carefully on the narrow bay road and the serpentine to Lovćen. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Kotor have beaches?
Yes: Dobrota swimming platforms, Plavi Horizonti, Jaz Beach and Mogren Beach, Budva.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Kotor?
Usually June–October, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Kotor?
Dobrota swimming platforms: Concrete and pebble bathing areas with ladders into the clear, sheltered water of the bay, steps from the waterfront path.