Petrovac Beach
The verdict
- Best for: Families and relaxed travellers who want calm clear water, warm rust coloured sand and a low key town that is gentler than Budva.
- Best spot: A morning swim out toward the Katic islets if you are strong in the water, and the Kastio fortress headland for the view back over the bay.
- Know this: Petrovac beach is small and fills in August, so the space is at the ends and the easiest move for more room is the short walk to Lucice bay.
Published 9 March 2026. Last reviewed 1 June 2026
Petrovac is the calm one. South of Budva and Sveti Stefan, it is a smaller, gentler resort town wrapped around a curve of warm reddish sand, the rust colour drawn from the local rock and unlike anything up the coast. A pine backed promenade runs the front, the old Venetian Kastio fortress sits on the headland, and two little islets, Katic and Sveta Nedjelja with its tiny chapel, float out in the bay like a postcard that happens to be true.
For an active swimmer the islets are the draw. On a calm morning the crossing to Katic is a real swim with a clear target, best done with a buddy, a tow float and a careful eye on the boat traffic that crosses the bay, and plenty of people take a short boat trip out instead. Kayak and pedalo hire line the sand, the headland walk up to the Kastio rewards you with the whole bay laid out below, and the water is clear enough for a mask along the rockier edges.
The honest part is the size. Petrovac beach is short, and in the first half of August it fills, with the concession loungers eating into the free sand. It never has the crush of Budva, but it is not a place to find solitude at peak. The fix is local knowledge, walk ten minutes south to the sheltered horseshoe of Lucice for a quieter swim, or carry on to the wild open sweep of Buljarica when you want real space and a breeze.
Clubs near this beach
Petrovac runs on relaxed town concessions rather than a big club scene, with the quiet Lucice bay bars a short walk south the natural companion.
Petrovac beach concessions
The town beach is laid out with paid sunbed and umbrella concessions along the promenade, easygoing rather than a party club, with bar and restaurant service at your back. Rates and any minimum spend are to be confirmed.
Lucice bay bars
A ten minute walk south, the sheltered horseshoe of Lucice runs a couple of seasonal beach bars on a calm, shallow bay, the quieter alternative when the town beach fills. Seasonal opening and rates are to be confirmed.
Petrovac sits south of Budva and Sveti Stefan, about half an hour by car or local bus along the coast road. Parking above the town fills in peak season, so arrive early, and the beach is a short walk down to the seafront from the centre. Conditions are typical and never guaranteed.
For the islet swim, pick a calm morning, go with a buddy and a tow float and watch for boats, or take a short boat trip out instead. When the town beach fills, the ten minute walk to Lucice bay or the drive on to Buljarica buys you real room.
Reserve a day at Petrovac Beach
Petrovac runs from public sand to easygoing concession loungers, so tell us your date and party and we will line up a lounger or a beach spot, from the town promenade to the quiet bay at Lucice. No charge to enquire.
Common questions
Is Petrovac beach sandy?
Yes, with a twist. Petrovac town beach is a distinctive reddish sand and fine gravel, a warm rust colour that comes from the local rock. It slopes gently into calm clear water, which is part of why it is such an easy family swim.
Can you swim to the islets off Petrovac?
Strong swimmers do. The two islets offshore, Katic and Sveta Nedjelja with its little chapel, are a real swim out rather than a paddle, and boats cross the bay, so go with a buddy, a tow float and care. Many people take a short boat trip instead. Conditions are typical and never guaranteed.
Is Petrovac beach free?
There is free public access along the town beach, with paid sunbed and umbrella concessions taking part of the sand in season. Those rates and any minimum spend vary by operator and are to be confirmed.
Is Petrovac quieter than Budva?
Yes. Petrovac is a smaller, calmer resort town than Budva, with a relaxed pine backed promenade and a gentler pace. The beach is small though, so it still fills in August. For more space, walk to Lucice bay or down to the wild sweep at Buljarica.
How do you get to Petrovac?
Petrovac sits south of Budva and Sveti Stefan, about half an hour by car or local bus along the coast road. There is parking above the town that fills in peak season, and the beach is a short walk down to the seafront from the centre.
