Petrovac

Petrovac is a scenic resort town situated along the Budva Riviera in Montenegro. Renowned for its relaxed atmosphere, it is particularly popular with families seeking a quieter alternative to the bustling nightlife of nearby Budva. The town is centered around a picturesque bay, though it features a relatively small city beach and a single playground, which can make it feel quite cozy.

Because of its family-friendly charm and beautiful coastal setting, Petrovac becomes extremely crowded during the peak summer months of July and August. Travelers looking for a more tranquil experience may want to visit during the shoulder seasons (such as May, June, or September) to enjoy the beaches and local scenery without the intense summer crowds.

By Plane

You can reach Petrovac by air, though the town does not have its own airport.

By Car / Road

Petrovac is accessible by road and lies along the main coastal highway. It is positioned on routes connecting Budva and Sveti Stefan to the west, and Bar to the south/east, with roads also leading inland towards Virpazar and Podgorica.

Petrovac is a compact town, making it highly walkable; you can easily get everywhere on foot. The town's main city beach is centrally located. Other nearby coastal spots are also within walking distance: the picturesque Lučica Beach is just a 5-minute walk from the town center, while the expansive Buljarica Beach can be reached via a 15-minute walk.

• Castello: Located at the western end of the main beach, this historic castle features beautiful architecture and offers excellent panoramic views of the beach, the town, and the surrounding cliffs. (updated Oct 2022)

• Lucica beach: A scenic beach situated just a 5-minute walk from the town center. (updated May 2026)

• Rezevici: A small village located about 10 minutes towards Budva, home to a small museum. (updated May 2026)

• Buljarica beach: A massive 2.5 km long beach located a 15-minute walk from Petrovac. It is surrounded by several campsites and generally offers a more spacious environment. (updated May 2026)

• Roman Mosaic Floor (Kasnoanticki Mozaik): A 4th-century Roman mosaic. Visitors may be able to view the ancient floor through the window of its protective viewing gallery. (updated May 2026)

• Coastal Walk to Perazića Do: An interesting 20-minute walk heading west from Petrovac to Perazića Do beach. The path goes through several coastal tunnels, eventually emerging at the beach, which is dominated by a large, unfinished hotel complex. From the beach, you can hike up the hill to the village of Reževići to visit its small monastery, and continue further along the coast toward Sveti Stefan. (updated Oct 2022)

• Skočidjevojka Bay: A quiet, secluded beach reached by descending a steep staircase of 444 steps down the cliffside. It is an excellent spot for observing small crabs along the shore and sea urchins in the clear waters. (updated May 2026)

• Local Football: Watch a soccer match featuring OFK Petrovac, who play in the Montenegrin First League (the top tier of domestic football). Their home ground, Stadion Mitar Mićo Goliš, has a capacity of 1,600 and is located on the southern edge of town.

Dining out in Petrovac is considerably pricier compared to the non-coastal regions of Montenegro. For more budget-friendly meals, consider walking 15 minutes to nearby Buljarica Beach, which features restaurants that are generally cheaper than those in the center of Petrovac.

Petrovac features abundant bars along the waterfront and throughout the town where visitors can enjoy a drink.

Accommodation in Petrovac ranges from coastal hotels to luxury spa resorts.

• Budget:

• Mid-range:

  • Hotel Rivijera, Obala BB. ☏ +382 33 422 100. This hotel is nestled into the hillside and features an inviting swimming pool. $68. (updated May 2015)

• Upscale / heritage:

  • Villa Oliva, Ulica 8/11. ☏ +382 33 461 194. A well-equipped property offering an indoor and outdoor pool, a hot tub, a steam room, spa and massage services, beach access, and views of the Mediterranean.
  • Hotel Monte casa, Ulica X br. 3. ☏ +382 67 604 226. A luxury-class resort featuring extensive spa facilities, pools, a wellness center, and an on-site restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean. From €80. (updated May 2026)

• Voli: A local supermarket chain with two branches in town, convenient for purchasing groceries, drinks, and daily essentials. (updated May 2026)

• Sveti Stefan: A famous and picturesque fortified island resort, located just a short drive west along the coast.
• Budva: The lively center of the Budva Riviera, offering historic old town sights and vibrant nightlife.
• Bar: A major coastal town to the south, known for its historic old town (Stari Bar) and port.
• Virpazar: A small town on the shores of Lake Skadar, serving as the main gateway for national park boat tours.
• Podgorica: The capital of Montenegro, located inland and accessible via the road through Virpazar.