Above the busy coast, the hills behind Budva hold some of the area’s oldest and most peaceful places. This private tour visits hillside monasteries and viewpoints in the Budva area, led by a local guide who explains the history, the Orthodox traditions and the role these communities have played over the centuries. The setting is as good as the history: terraces of olive and pomegranate, stone walls, small courtyards and views down to the sea. It is a calm, unhurried outing that suits anyone who wants to balance beaches and nightlife with something quieter. Because the tour is private, you set the pace and can ask as many questions as you like, and the guide can adapt the route to your interests, whether that is architecture, religion, scenery or photography. Visitors should dress modestly and respect the quiet of working religious communities.
How it works
The guide collects you in a vehicle and drives up into the hills, stopping at the monasteries and viewpoints that suit the day. At each stop you walk through the grounds, see the church and any small museum or icon displays, and learn how the community lives. Exact stops can change, since monasteries have their own hours and services, so the guide plans around them.
What to expect
Stone churches with painted interiors and icons, peaceful gardens, bells and, sometimes, a chance to hear monks chant. Photography rules vary, so ask before taking pictures inside. Along the way you will see the coast from above, and the guide may add stories about local families, the Venetian period and the rebuilding after the earthquake.
Dress code
Shoulders and knees should be covered. Women may be asked to cover their heads in some churches, and a light scarf is useful. Keep voices low and follow the guide’s advice about donations and candles.
Who it suits
Culture-minded travellers, couples, older visitors and families with children who enjoy quiet places. It also works well on a hot day, since the hills are cooler than the beach. Combine it with a lunch of local dishes in a village, which many guides can arrange, or with a swim afterwards. If you want a longer, more rugged day in the same hills, consider the canyoning adventure, and for a food focus, the gastro experience.
Context for the visit
The monasteries of this coast survived Venetian, Ottoman, Austrian and Yugoslav eras, and each building holds stories of rebuilding and resilience. Ask your guide about the frescoes, the relics and the daily rhythm of monastic life, and about how local families have supported them. Bring a small amount of cash for candles and donations, and a scarf for covering your head if needed. If you have mobility limitations, mention them when booking, because some sites involve steps and uneven paths.
The best light for photographs outside is in the morning, and the hills are cool and quiet at that hour. Ask the guide to include a viewpoint at the end, where you can sit with a coffee and see the coast from above before returning to the bustle of the resort strip. Allow time to simply sit in a courtyard, listen to the bells and watch the light move across the terraces, because the quiet is the real reward of the visit.
What to expect
The experience
A private drive and walking visits to hillside monasteries with a local guide.
Best time
Morning, when it is cool and monasteries are quiet.
How long
Three to four hours.
Tips
Dress modestly and ask before taking photographs inside.
Quick picks
- Best for
- A quiet cultural counterpoint to the beaches.
- Families
- Short walks and varied stops for children who enjoy quiet places.
- Couples
- Hill views and calm gardens for two.
- Pair with
- A village lunch or a swim afterwards.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Do I need to dress modestly?+
Yes. Cover shoulders and knees, and bring a light scarf.
Is it a private tour?+
Yes, you travel with your own party and a guide.
Can I take photos?+
Rules vary by site, so ask before photographing inside.
Are monasteries open every day?+
Hours vary and they may close for services, so the guide plans around them.
Is it suitable for children?+
Yes for quiet, curious children, though it is not a beach-style outing.
