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“follow a similar formula on all holidays” |
The last stop on our honeymoon was Budva, Montenegro and it was the perfect way to end a holiday. Neither Patrick, nor I enjoy beach holidays - we can't sit still, so we were a bit apprehensive about Budva. We didn't know a whole lot about it except that it is said to have the best beaches along the Adriatic. We choose Budva as our final stop because my cousin and his new wife live there and we wanted to visit.
The visit was way better than we ever expected and going forward we are going to try and follow a similar formula on all holidays. Start with full on tourism and end at a beach. It was amazing to just sit back and relax and being to feel rested. Not that we did a ton of resting while there.
When we first arrived we checked into our hotel, Hotel Avila, and went straight for the beach. The hotel itself isn't great but the hotels exclusive beach was spectacular. At first we couldn't find it; giving you some idea of its exclusivity. But once we managed to find it, we had to follow a path around a cliff, go through a cavernous tunnel and on the other side there was a really nice beach, equipped with its own bar and chiase lounges - perfect. From the beach we could also see one of the best diving rocks I've ever seen - we didn't participate, but these kids were taking running starts before jumping off a cliff that is far higher than I could possible feel comfortable considering.
My cousin, Michael, and his friend Mark then joined us on the beach, before heading off to Mike's place for dinner. His wife, Jelena, is the sweetest lady and as per Montenegran hospitality, she cooked us a really nice meal and was just general a spectacular hostess the entire three days we were there.
That evening we went for a few beverages - the night scene in Budva leaves a lot to be desired. Although the night life in Budva is poor, the day time activities are well worth the quiet evenings.
The following day we woke up early and went into Old Town (about 200 steps from our hotel room). The Old Town was significantly smaller than Dubrovnik and a much quicker visit, but unlike Dubrovnik, the little cobble stone streets were more maze-like, and it is much less touristy. After our time in Old Town, Mike and Jelena picked us up and we went in search of the local beaches. Although we liked our hotel beach, we were convinced that Jelena, a native of the area, would know better places...she didn't disappoint. Unfortunately, the coolest beach she tried to take us to was closed - we were there one week before tourist season was set to begin. But we did finally get to a lovely and remote beach with the nicest water I have ever swam in - crystal clear and brilliant blue - loved swimming in it. Even Patrick who doesn't swim very often had a great time just floating in the Adriatic - what bouancy!
After a very late lunch Jelena took Patrick and I to Sveti Stefan. I had been asking questions about it and she wanted to show us the beauty of it. While we were driving I mentioned that I read somewhere that Budva and Sveti Stefan were Jon Bon Jovi's favorite holiday destination, and after the tour from Jelena, JBJ and I have something in common. I love Sveti Stefan and am really disappointed that we didn't get a whole lot of time to explore it. The beaches are extremely remote - it was reminicent of the Blue Lagoon. Sveti Stefan is in itself an island. It is a tiny little town on a peninsula surrounded by the best beaches I have ever seen in my life; truly amazing.
That evening we went for one of the worst meals either of us have ever had. If you travel to Budva stay away from Chinese food. And then headed to the Irish Pub (they're everywhere!) and had a really nice evening.
The people of Montenegro were incredibly warm to tourists, however their customer service skills are severly lacking. We discovered that in that part of the world there is a Croatia time (slow), a Bosnian time (slower) and a Montenegran time (almost stopped!), so don't expect anything to get done quickly or properly the first time - just adapt their laid back attitude and you will have a wonderful visit.
Budva has now become my favorite holiday location. The scenery is spectacular, the prices are cheap and the country was wonderful. I believe in my heart of hearts that Budva will soon become the new Dubrovnik in terms of tourism. Dubrovnik is getting quite expensive and I believe that Budva is well worth visit before the reams of British and Irish tourists discover it.
previous travel blog entry
Tin Lizzy says:
Where would you recommend to eat in Budva or Sveti Stefan.? we are going there in June for my partner's 40th, its a surprise trip and I would love it to be perfect, also i plan to propose to him on his birthday, so definitely want somewher special!