Breath-taking Becici & Budva – Spritzy Snapshot

The Vibe: 

Montengro what a surprise this country turned out to be.  The backdrop of the majestic mountains against the clear turquoise sea is jaw droppingly stunning.  Packed full of local culture and plenty of restaurants and bars serving up fresh seafood and local delicacies, the beach resorts offer a refreshing change from other over-packed tourist destinations. 

Just like in Italy the beaches are lined with beach clubs but offering you the same set-up sun-loungers & umbrellas for a fifth of the price with a beautiful sea and scenery surrounding you.  We paid as low as 5 Euro’s in the off season. 

The old town in Budva is very small, but full of character with cobbled old streets and narrow laneways, opening out onto the harbour full of super yachts, fishing boats and tourist boats ready to take you out to the inviting crystal blue waters.

For those looking for something more active there are water sports available and the skies are filled with people para-sailing down from the mountains.  It is easy to venture inland to the equally beautiful national parks where you can go kayaking on lakes, white-water rafting down rivers and hiking up the very steep mountains.   

Pros – The scenery and turquoise waters.  What a view, one you could never get tired of admiring. 

Cons – the climb up to enjoy the view – a great workout for the glutes though. Secondly for me the number of stray cats around, this country loves cats so if you are a fan you can also checkout the museum in nearby Kotor.

SPRITZY SNAPSHOT:

• Best Spritz – Coco & Riva (Budva)
• Best Restaurant – Tri Ribara (Becici)
• Best Bar – Casper (Budva)
• Best Bakery – Soul Food (Budva)
• Must do – Take a boat trip out to Sveti Stefan and around the blue caves
• Must Try – Piva – apple strudel style pastry & fresh seafood

TOP RESTAURANTS

1. Tri Ribara – Amazing restaurant serving local food, specializing in fresh seafood (The owner is a fisherman).  You can actually see the fresh catches of the day hanging up and laid out at the front of the restaurant, including the biggest tuna.  It’s in a beautiful location, practically on the beach with lovely staff and big portions.  We went here twice we loved it so much.  Highly recommend the seafood risotto and any of the catches of the day.  All served with bread and Dalmatian stew – the local speciality side dish of potatoes and spinach. 

• Restaurant Porat – Upmarket restaurant at the far end of Becici.  Small seating area overlooking the water and lovely nautical dining area inside with another garden out the back.  More expensive than other restaurants but it is worth it for the high quality of the food and overall restaurant.  Expect great service, decent portions and one of the best wine selections in the area.  Recommend the Carpaccio, baked seafood risotto and veal in cream. 

• Apetit – Lovely romantic restaurant with a perfect backdrop of the sea to accompany some delicious food.  It has a good menu selection, with a Mediterranean focus and great service.  Very relaxing spot to sit back and enjoy your meal with a nice bottle of wine or cocktail.

• Restaurant Porto (Budva) – Very bustling, popular restaurant on the Budva main promenade.  Nautical themed restaurant with lots of detailed décor.  It has an upmarket feel with waiters in ties and white table cloths in the restaurant.  Whilst the back section has a more relaxed atmosphere with sports screens on and live music playing.  The highlight is the delicious food, accompanied with a great wine list.  There are nice touches including complimentary bread and fish pate.  We really enjoyed our Fish soup, Seafood skewers and tuna steak.  All topped off with excellent service.

• Aleksandar – Slightly upmarket hotel restaurant with very good service and food.  The highlight was the home-made Foccacia bread and fish pate.  Can also recommend the grilled squid.  Our side order of fries did come out with the starters though.  Great if you have children as there is a large childrens play area inside.  It can lack a bit of atmosphere once it emptied out.  Seems to be busier earlier on in the evening compared to other places. 

TOP BARS

1. Casper Bar – Cute wine bar in a little garden.  Great atmosphere and popular.  A bit more expensive than others. 
2. Riva – Trendy bar and restaurant with great rooftop.  Amazing views and strong cocktails served up with friendly . 
3. Papililon – Busy local bar with live local music.  Good beers and cheap cocktails.  Perfect for afternoon drinks and evening.  Closes at 1am.  Cheap food but didn’t eat here.
4. Coco – Best spritz bar right on the beach.  Have sports screens up.  Trendy vibe, large place with sunbeds, nice restaurant but watching the sunset here with spritzers on the beach was my favourite spot to be. 
5. El Gusto International Beer Garden – Large outside seating bar near the water.  Great beer selection at reasonable prices and the gelato looked delicious.  Very good value food menu but we had drinks only. 
6. Tulip – Nice bar for aperitivo near water.  Small with fairy lights.  Good cocktails and staff.  Got a double campari when ordered a campari and soda.  Food also available.

TOP Café’s / Patisserie’s

Soul Food – Great little bakery in Budva, set back from the beach.  Good pastry treats at a good price including Piva & boreks, croissants, sandwiches & baguettes.