A Traveller’s Guide to Petrovac: Montenegro’s Most Underrated Beach Town
A complete guide to visiting Petrovac, from what to do and where to eat to accommodation options and practical tips like parking and public transport.
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If there’s one place in Montenegro that positively surprised us, it’s Petrovac. With a palm-lined promenade, red-roofed buildings, and a sheltered bay backed by rugged green hills, Petrovac is Montenegro’s most underrated coastal town. It’s smaller than Budva, has more charm than Sveti Stefan, and embodies the character of Perast, but none of the cruise ship crowds that descend on the Bay of Kotor in summer. It’s also got a beautiful position on the Adriatic coastline, yet still the comfort and activities of a medium-sized resort town.
We visited Petrovac on a whim during our Montenegro road trip and thought it was a refreshing change from the crowds around Kotor. It’s not a hidden gem by any means, particularly in summer, but it has a more relaxed, local feel than some of the country’s other better-known beach towns. Discover the best things to do in Petrovac, including the nicest beaches, where to stay and eat, how to get here, when to visit, and our practical tips for exploring this part of Montenegro’s coast in this first-hand travel guide.
Petrovac at a glance
More from Montenegro
About Petrovac
Petrovac (Petrovac na Moru) is a small seaside town on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, known for its curved beach, waterfront promenade, and more relaxed pace than much of the rest of the coast. It’s a popular spot for a beach holiday, especially with locals, so it’s perfect if you’d rather spend your days swimming, walking along the coast, and eating by the sea than staying somewhere with a busy nightlife scene.
Although Petrovac feels like a modern holiday resort today, the area has a much longer history. There is evidence of Roman settlement in the town dating back to late antiquity. The settlement was historically known as Lastva, before becoming Kaštel Lastva after the Venetians built a defensive fortress overlooking the bay in the 16th century. The fortress still stands beside the harbour and is one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks.
Petrovac took its present name in the early 20th century, in honour of King Peter I Karađorđević. For much of its history, it was a small coastal settlement, but tourism gradually transformed it into the resort town you can see today. It has grown considerably over the years, with hotels, apartments, restaurants, and beach facilities popping up and lining the waterfront, although it remains smaller and generally quieter than other Montenegrin coastal towns.
Petrovac is small enough to explore on foot, with a sandy promenade lined with cafĂ©s and restaurants, sparkling turquoise water, and coastal paths leading to quieter beaches and viewpoints. It’s the perfect day-trip town – which is how we visited from Lake Skadar and it’s also super accessible along the Adriatic Highway from other coastal towns, too – but it’s also a great alternative base for exploring the coast, with some lovely accommodation options, too.
Where is Petrovac?
Petrovac sits on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, between Budva and Bar, around 11 miles (18 km) south of Budva by road. It sits within the Budva Riviera, a stretch of coastline known for its beaches, small seaside towns, and steep green hills running down towards the sea.
The town is compact, with most of the main accommodation, restaurants, shops, and cafĂ©s clustered around the waterfront and the streets immediately behind it. This makes it easy to explore without transport if you’re staying centrally, although accommodation further up the hillside may involve a steep walk back from the beach.
Petrovac Map
Sveti Stefan is perfectly positioned to explore on a day trip or to use as a base for a vacation.
Why visit Petrovac?
Petrovac is worth visiting if you want a seaside base that feels a little less hectic than Budva, but still has that beach resort feel. Its main appeal is the combination of a walkable waterfront, easy access to the beach, and a relaxed atmosphere without being completely cut off from restaurants, shops, or places to visit nearby.
The beach is the obvious draw – you can spend a few hours swimming and sunbathing, then wander straight onto the promenade for lunch, an ice cream, or a drink overlooking the bay. The coastline also has smaller coves and longer, less built-up stretches of beach within reach, so you aren’t limited to spending every day in the same spot as hundreds of other tourists.
Our favourite part was simply wandering around the town and its hilltop walkways, sipping drinks in local bars, eating out, and admiring the views. It felt like a really lovely relaxing pace change to the hiking in Montenegro’s national parks we’d spent the previous few weeks doing.
The best things to do in Petrovac
There’s not an endless list of things to do in Petrovac, but that’s kind of the point. It makes for a great fly-and-flop destination, if you’re looking for somewhere smaller but equally as beautiful as Budva.
You can spend most of your time on the beach, but there are also a few historic sights, coastal walks, and boat trips to break things up. Here are the best things to do in Petrovac if you fancy exploring beyond your sun lounger.
1. Relax on beautiful beaches
Petrovac has several stunning stretches of shoreline within easy reach of the town, from the busy central beach to smaller coves surrounded by pine trees. They’re mostly pebbly or coarse sand rather than the fine sand you might expect from European beaches, but the water is clear, warm in summer, and there are quieter spots if you don’t want to spend every day among the sun loungers and beach umbrellas.
2. Climb Kastio Fortress
Kastio Fortress, also described as a castle thanks to its name Kastel Lastva, sits on the rocky headland at the northern end of Petrovac’s main beach. The Venetian-era fortification dates back to the 16th century, when the town was known as Lastva, and the headland was also used for quarantine buildings during periods of disease.
It’s a small site rather than a grand castle, but it’s worth the very short climb up a small flight of stairs from the marina for the views over Petrovac Beach, the harbour, and the two islands just offshore.
3. Take a boat to the islands
The two small islands just offshore are among Petrovac’s most recognisable landmarks. KatiÄŤ and Sveta Nedjelja sit close together in the Adriatic Sea, and the tiny Church of Sveta Nedjelja (Crkva Sveta Nedjelja) stands somewhat precariously on the rocky summit of one of them.
You can see the islands from the beach, but a boat trip gives you a closer look at the church and the coastline. Local sightseeing boats operate along this stretch of coast, and some trips include swimming stops or visits to other nearby bays. You can arrange them directly with local captains and tour operators from the Petrovac waterfront or marina area.
4. Hike around the peninsulas
Petrovac has some lovely coastal walks, although we’d describe them as walks rather than hikes when comparing them with hikes in Montenegro, like in national parks like Durmitor and Prokletije, or even the Ladder of Kotor.
5. See the tiny churches
Petrovac and the surrounding Paštrovići area have a long Orthodox Christian history, and you’ll find small churches dotted around the hills and villages. Many are modest stone buildings rather than elaborate religious complexes, but they’re worth seeking out if you’re interested in local history and architecture.
6. Find the Roman ruins
Petrovac’s history goes back further than its Venetian fortress and modern beach resorts. The town is thought to have developed around a stop on the Roman coastal road, and the remains of a Roman villa have been discovered a short walk inland from the sea.
It’s a little hard to find – from the pavement over the road from the Church of Saint Thomas, you need to follow the dirt road into the grassy car park, where you can follow the trail for 2 minutes to the site. Don’t go up Miriste Street, as you can’t get to it that way, despite how it looks on Google Maps.
You’ll see the ruins of the villa in the grass. It was built around the end of the 1st or beginning of the 2nd century AD and was expanded over time. Archaeological work has identified several phases of construction, suggesting it changed from a residential property into a more agricultural estate, including facilities associated with olive-oil production.
Sadly, the remains aren’t extensively presented as a visitor attraction and are pretty overgrown, but it’s an interesting stop if you want to see another side of Petrovac beyond the beach.
7. See the Roman mosaic
Right next to the villa, there’s a building that houses a Roman mosaic (Rimski Mozaici). Inside, you can see the remains of the villa’s decorative floor mosaic, including geometric patterns and fragments with marine motifs.
The official opening hours are Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM, but the mosaic room was locked, and no staff were around when we visited during these hours – looking at Google reviews, it seems to be quite commonly unattended. You can have a little peek through the window, though it’s a shame not to go inside.
8. Learn more in museums
Petrovac has a couple of small museums and memorial spaces that offer a glimpse into the area’s political and cultural history beyond the Roman ruins.
9. Visit a monastery
If you want to see more of Montenegro’s religious heritage, there are two monasteries within easy reach of Petrovac. They aren’t as dramatic as Ostrog Monastery, which is built into a sheer cliff face, but both are worth a visit if you’re interested in historic churches, frescoes, and quieter places away from the coast.
10. Kayak or SUP rental
Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are available around Petrovac in the summer, which is a fun way to spend a few hours if you love the water.
Personally, on the day we visited, we felt it was too choppy to head out towards the islands and open ocean unless you’re an experienced sea kayaker, but if it’s a calm day or you stay in the bay, it’s a fun activity in Petrovac.
We spotted a Kayak & SUP rental at the eastern end of the main Petrovac Beach.
11. SCUBA diving
Petrovac isn’t as well known for diving as some of Europe’s other coastal towns, but there are dive operators around the Budva Riviera, including one in Petrovac. If you love being underwater or are interested in a Discover SCUBA experience, it’s worth reaching out to arrange a tour.
You’ll explore underwater caves, rocky reefs, and possibly see marine life like we did while SCUBA diving in Budva. Check what’s available during your visit, as dive sites, conditions, and trips depend on the season and weather.
12. Get a bird’s-eye view
If you’d rather see the coastline from a totally unique perspective, there are a couple of options around the Budva Riviera near Petrovac:
Day trips from Petrovac
Petrovac is also well placed for exploring the surrounding coast. Sveti Stefan is a short drive north, while there are lots of fun things to do in Budva nearby, too – most notably, the large Old Town, more beaches, and livelier nightlife.
Head south and you’ll find quieter beaches and the coastal town of Bar towards the Albanian border. You can also visit Stari Bar, the atmospheric ruins of the old town set inland from the modern port.
Further inland, you’ll find the mountainous wine region and Lake Skadar region. You can take a boat trip on Lake Skadar, go birdwatching, or visit the historic settlement of Rijeka Crnojevića.
Lovćen National Park and the Njegoš Mausoleum is another good option if you want to swap the coast for mountain scenery. The mausoleum sits high on Mount Lovćen and involves climbing lots of steps from the parking area, but the views across the Montenegrin countryside are amazing. You could also combine it with a visit to Cetinje, Montenegro’s former royal capital, although you’ll want to allow most of the day if you plan to see both.
Where to stay in Petrovac?
Petrovac is small enough that you don’t need to spend ages deciding where to stay, but your location can make a difference to how easy it is to get to the beach and restaurants. Most accommodation is either around the waterfront, in the residential streets behind it, or further up the hills overlooking the bay.
Around the seafront and promenade is the most convenient choice if you want to walk everywhere. You’ll be close to the main beach, restaurants, cafĂ©s, and shops, and you won’t need to rely on taxis to go out for dinner. The trade-off is that this is the busiest part of town in summer, and rooms with sea views or properties right on the waterfront can cost more.
The streets behind the centre are worth considering if you’d prefer a quieter base or want to keep accommodation costs down. On the hillsides above town is a better fit if you value views, balconies, and a little more space. Apartments and smaller hotels here can have lovely outlooks over the bay, but the walk back from the waterfront may be steep, particularly in the summer heat.
Further along the coast gives you more choice if you’re happy to stay outside Petrovac itself. Nearby areas have larger beaches and quieter surroundings, with apartments, guesthouses, and beach-oriented accommodation.
If you’re visiting Petrovac as a day trip, it’s easy to reach while staying in Budva, Bar, and Virpazar, the gateway town to Lake Skadar. Staying around Lake Skadar is also beautiful, and there are also some lovely local vineyards that offer accommodation in the wine region just inland from the beach town, which is where we chose to stay.
Top Petrovac Hotels & Apartments
Where to eat in Petrovac?
Petrovac has plenty of places to eat for a town of its reasonably small size, with most of the choice concentrated along the seafront promenade. Seafood and Mediterranean dishes are common, alongside grilled meat, pizza, pasta, and familiar holiday food.
It’s easy to find somewhere for breakfast, lunch, or dinner without travelling far, and many restaurants have outdoor tables overlooking the bay. Even as non-meat eaters, we were happy to find vegetarian-friendly options, as well as alternative milks in cafĂ©s.
During the summer, the busiest places can fill up around dinner time, so it’s worth arriving a little earlier if you want a particular table. We enjoyed a few different spots and have listed our top picks below.
Petrovac Restaurants
Sadly, we couldn’t eat at all the places we had our eye on in Petrovac (otherwise we’d have been broke), but here are a few of our top picks.
How to get to Petrovac
You don’t necessarily need a rental car if you’re staying in Petrovac, but having one makes it easier to get here in the first place and to explore the surrounding beaches and inland sights.
By plane
The closest airport is Tivat Airport (TIV), around 25 miles (40 km) from Petrovac by road. The drive usually takes around 45 minutes, although summer traffic can add time. It’s easy to simply follow the E80/E65 Adriatic Highway along the coast.
Podgorica Airport (TGD) is another option, roughly 30 miles (48 km) away by road, depending on the route. You’ll pass Virpazar and Lake Skadar, and then have the option of taking the Sozina Tunnel to the coast road (€2.50 per car) or taking the more scenic and winding mountain roads. We drove both ways, and the best option depends on how confident you are driving in Montenegro – the mountains are very pretty and free, but the main road is easier to drive.
Some people – including my family when we met them after our road trip – fly into Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), which works well if you’re staying in the north or road-tripping along the coast.
By car
Renting a car in Montenegro is a good option if you’re planning to explore more of the country beyond Petrovac. The town sits just off the main coastal road, which connects it with Budva to the north and Bar further south. It’s a straightforward route, but traffic can build up considerably in July and August, especially around the busier coastal towns.
Parking in Petrovac was easier to navigate and much more affordable than other towns we visited on the coast. We used the car park opposite Voli, which was a reasonable €5 for 5 hours. Arrive early to get a spot, as it fills quickly, especially in July and August, but we were fine at 10:00 AM in June.
If you’re staying in town, check whether your accommodation offers free parking.
By taxi
A taxi is a convenient way to reach Petrovac from Tivat or Podgorica Airport, or from nearby towns like Budva and Bar. If you’re taking a taxi from a rank, confirm the fare before setting off so there are no surprises at the end of the journey.
By bus
Buses connect Petrovac with other towns along Montenegro’s coast, including Budva and Bar, with further services to destinations including Podgorica and Kotor. This is a useful option if you’re travelling without a car, and the bus station is close enough to the town centre to reach the waterfront on foot.
You’ll be dropped off at the Petrovac Bus Station, which is also where you can pick up connections to the rest of the country. You can check routes and book tickets through BusTicket4.me and Bookaway.
You can get the Mediterranean Express bus from Budva to Petrovac from this bus stop near the marina, while the bus back to Budva leaves from this bus stop in Petrovac. If you’re coming from further afield, you can go:
If you’re coming from Croatia, there are buses from Dubrovnik to Petrovac, which take around 3.5 hours and cost around €30.
If you’re coming from Albania, you can get buses from Tirana to Petrovac, which take around 3.5-4 hours and cost around €30.
How to get around Petrovac
Petrovac is compact enough to explore on foot, and if you’re staying near the centre, you won’t need a car for the beach, restaurants, or most everyday essentials. The promenade runs along the main beach, with shops and cafĂ©s close by, while LuÄŤice Beach is also within walking distance.
Just be aware that some accommodation sits on the hillsides above town, so getting back from the waterfront can involve a steep uphill walk.
If you’re planning to visit other coastal towns, buses connect Petrovac with places including Budva and Bar, leaving from the Mediterranean Express Bus Stop and Petrovac Bus Station. They’re a useful, budget-friendly way to explore without driving, although services and frequencies vary by season. Check the timetable before heading out, particularly if you’re planning to return in the evening.
For reaching the islands and hidden coves along the coastline, you can arrange a boat trip with local captains and operators in the marina, or rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard.
When to visit Petrovac
The best time to visit Petrovac is May, June, or September, when the weather is generally warm enough for the beach without the crowds and prices of peak summer.
July and August are the most popular months, with hot, sunny weather and warm sea temperatures, but the town gets much busier, especially around the main beach and promenade.
We visited in June, and it was perfect – sunny with beautiful sea views, but not too hot or crowded (although the main beach was busy).
May and October can also be nice for walking and sightseeing, although the sea may be cooler, and some seasonal businesses may have limited opening hours.
If you’d like to experience a local celebration, Night of Petrovac (PetrovaÄŤka Noć) usually takes place in August, with live music, traditional food, local wine, and festivities along the seafront, although the date and programme vary each year.
Petrovac Weather
Petrovac has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters.
How long to stay in Petrovac?
We’d recommend 1-3 nights in Petrovac if you want time to enjoy the beach, explore the town, and visit a couple of places along the coast. You can see the main sights in a few hours, but staying overnight gives you time to enjoy the waterfront in the evening and spend a proper day by the sea.
If you’re planning a beach holiday rather than a quick stop on a Montenegro road trip, 4-5 nights or longer could work well. Petrovac is a convenient base and good alternative to the Bay of Kotor for visiting nearby coastal towns and beaches, and you can spend your days swimming, taking boat trips, or exploring further inland without having to change accommodation.
On the other hand, if you’re short on time and mainly want to see the town, have lunch by the sea, and take a walk along the promenade, half a day is enough to get a real feel for the town.
Is Petrovac worth visiting?
We really do think Petrovac is worth visiting, especially if you’re looking for a relaxed seaside town where you can spend time at the beach and walk straight from the waterfront to restaurants and cafĂ©s. It’s smaller and generally quieter than Budva, hasn’t been ruined by mass tourism, and has a more relaxed, local, and authentic atmosphere.
But there are a few drawbacks to bear in mind. Petrovac gets hot and busy in July and August, when the main beach and promenade can feel crowded, and accommodation prices rise with demand. The beach is a mix of sand and fine shingle rather than soft sand throughout, and the town is fairly quiet in the evenings compared with Budva’s famous nightlife.
It’s also worth thinking about location – its proximity to Lake Skadar and Budva is handy, as you can stay on the sea but still have access to the mountains, wine region, and largest lake in the Balkans. But it’s further from the Bay of Kotor than Budva, which might not suit first-time visitors to Montenegro who haven’t experienced the bay’s charming towns and epic mountain views.
Ultimately, we think if you’re in the area, Petrovac is worth at least a day trip. Staying a few days can work really well, especially if you use it as a base to explore southern Montenegro, combined with a few days in the Bay of Kotor, while it’s also a good option if you’re seeking a calm beach resort holiday and have already experienced the more famous parts of the coast.
What to pack to visit Petrovac?
It’s best to be prepared when you visit Petrovac. Don’t forget to pack your:
Petrovac FAQs
To help you plan your trip to Petrovac, we’ve answered these frequently asked questions.
Is Petrovac expensive?
Petrovac is generally more affordable than Montenegro’s high-end resort towns like Sveti Stefan, although beachfront restaurants and accommodation in July and August can be pricey. It’s smaller than Budva, which means options are more limited and therefore slightly pricier, too. Eating a few streets back from the promenade and booking accommodation early can help keep costs down.
Is Petrovac suitable for families?
Yes, Petrovac is a popular choice for families thanks to its compact centre, seaside restaurants, and easy access to the beach. However, the main beach gets crowded in peak summer, and some accommodation is on steep hillsides, so check the location if you’re travelling with young children.
Can you swim in Petrovac?
Yes, swimming is one of the main reasons to visit, with the sea generally warmest from July to September. The main beach can get busy, so it’s worth exploring nearby coves if you’d prefer a change of scenery.
Is Petrovac good for couples?
Petrovac suits couples who want a relaxed coastal break, with seaside dinners, boat trips, and walks along the waterfront rather than a big nightlife scene. It’s quieter than Budva, particularly in the evenings. As a couple, we loved it, preferring it to Budva.
Does Petrovac have nightlife?
Petrovac has bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a drink in the evening, but nightlife is fairly low-key, especially compared with Budva and Kotor. If you’re looking for clubs and late-night parties, you’d be better off staying in Budva and visiting Petrovac during the day.
Is Petrovac open all year round?
Petrovac is inhabited throughout the year, but it becomes much quieter outside the main tourist season, when some hotels, restaurants, and seasonal businesses close or reduce their opening hours. For the widest choice of places to stay and eat, visit between late spring and early autumn.
Read next:
A Day Trip Guide to Sveti Stefan: Montenegro’s Iconic Island
A Traveller’s Guide to Budva: Beautiful Bay or Busy Beach Resort Town?
28 Best Things to Do in Budva Beyond the Beach + Top Day Trips & Tours
A Complete Guide to SCUBA Diving in Budva: Montenegro’s Riviera
A Traveller’s Guide to the Bay of Kotor: Europe’s Southernmost Fjord
How to Spend One Day in Kotor & Our Free DIY Old Town Walking Tour Route + Map
A Traveller’s Guide to Lake Skadar National Park: Valleys, Viewpoints & Vineyards
A Complete Guide to Montenegro’s Wine Region: Tastings, Tours & Traditional Vineyards
