Petrovac Holidays

Petrovac, a former fishing village that has developed into an appealing seaside resort, has a gorgeous setting on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. There are several beaches, and the town is backed by hills where you can take refreshing walks through the forests of pine and cypress. You can enjoy lots of water sports on the beach, or simply laze on the sand. There are plenty of options for tucking in to the local cuisine, and you can make enjoyable day trips to the lovely town of Budva, one of the oldest in Montenegro, or to the little islet of Sveti Stefan, where the local jet set have their yachts and holiday homes.

There are lots of atmospheric places to eat and drink in Petrovac, so you’ll find something to suit all tastes and budgets. You’ll find everything from pizza to sushi, but you won’t want to miss out on the delicious local cuisine. You could tuck into some fabulous seafood: popular Montenegrin dishes along the coast include buzara, a delicious shellfish stew made with a wine and herb sauce, and black risotto, which is cooked in cuttlefish ink. Or you could go for ispod saca, a tasty mountain dish prepared with roast lamb or veal, carrots, tomatoes and onions. And if you’re looking for a tasty snack, head to the bakeries for some burek – filo pastry pies with fillings such as spinach, meat or cheese.

Charming Petrovac has long been a popular choice with families thanks to its trio of pretty beaches, gorgeous setting and relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. You can take your pick among the beaches, which include the well-equipped main beach, smaller but still central Lucice, and quieter Buljarica. All of them are good for families with young children, thanks to the calm, shallow waters. Kids will enjoy swimming and snorkelling, or perhaps renting out a paddle board or kayak to explore the coast. The cafés and restaurants are all child-friendly, and kids can run around and kick a ball on the seafront promenade.

There are plenty of water sports available in Petrovac, and you can explore the wonderful coastline with a paddle board, a snorkel or a sea kayak (which are available for rent at the beach). You could explore the coastline and perhaps make a loop of the little islets that sit in the middle of the bay. This is also a great diving destination, and there is a diving centre in the town that offers courses and runs excursions to some of the best local diving sites. You’ll also find some gorgeous hikes in the area, from the easy but enjoyable coastal walking path to more demanding hikes through the rugged mountains just inland.

The main beach in Petrovac is a pretty curve of reddish sand, lapped by the intense blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. It’s got lots of facilities, including plenty of sunloungers and parasols for rent, plus a host of cafés and restaurants that are lined up along the seafront promenade. It can get very busy, but, if you’re looking for a little more peace and tranquillity, you can take the coastal path and visit the little cove of Lucice Beach. This also has sun loungers and a couple of cafés, but gets a bit less crowded in the height of summer. If you really want to leave the crowds behind, follow the path north of town to Buljarica Beach: it’s a lovely 30-minute stroll, and the beach is wonderfully empty and picturesque.

Petrovac appeals particularly to families and couples, and doesn’t have much in the way of wild nightlife. That said, it’s got plenty of vibrant restaurants, bars and cafés, including some with delightful waterfront settings, where you can enjoy a few drinks in the evening. You’ll find more charming bars and cafés in the narrow streets around the Venetian fortress, which has an enviable setting jutting out into the water. You’ll find a wider variety of nightlife in Budva, a beautiful historic town that boasts a great choice of bars and clubs and is especially buzzy on summer weekends. It also hosts a fantastic summer arts festival, featuring music, theatre and dance performances by international artists.

If you’re looking for a relaxed and romantic holiday by the sea, you’ll love Petrovac. This pretty little fishing village has grown into a very appealing resort, which offers plenty of peace and tranquillity but also provides enough shops, cafés, restaurants and services to make your holiday effortlessly enjoyable. You can relax by the beach, or pack a picnic and take the gorgeous coastal path to find a tiny secluded cove of your own. The narrow streets around the Venetian fortress are a delight to explore, and are dotted with inviting little cafés and bars. Picturesque Budva is only 20 minutes' drive, and has plenty of nightlife if you want to dance the night away.

Petrovac has a long history and boasts a clutch of interesting cultural sights. These include the small Venetian fortress, which sits on a quay jutting out into the water, and enjoys fabulous views. There are a couple of fine churches in the town, and you could also visit the beautiful Reževići Monastery which is located in the neighbouring village of Katun Reževići. Quiet and peaceful, it contains some magnificent medieval frescoes. Budva, now a lively resort, preserves an atmospheric historic quarter, still ringed by medieval walls. It has a clutch of museums, including an archaeological museum which displays treasures dating back to Roman times.