Jaz is Budva’s biggest beach, a long arc of pebbles and sand in a wide bay a few kilometres west of the Old Town. It has the room that the small town beaches lack, so it is a good choice for families, groups and anyone who wants space to spread out. The water is shallow close to shore in places, and the mountains behind the bay give the beach an open, scenic feel. A nudist section sits at one end, and the beach is better known across the region as the setting for large open-air summer concerts, when international acts draw big crowds and the surrounding roads and hotels fill. Outside concert dates, Jaz is calm and relaxed, with sun beds, umbrellas, beach bars and a small campsite behind. Public buses and taxis link it to Budva, and some visitors drive, though parking is busy on peak days.
Getting there
A local bus runs along the coast road from central Budva, and taxis take around ten minutes. Many visitors walk part of the route along the coast, but the roads are busy, so use transport if you have children. On big event days, expect heavy traffic and plan extra time.
What to expect
The beach is mostly pebbles with coarse sand, so water shoes help. Hire sun beds if you want shade, since natural shade is limited. Beach bars serve drinks and grilled fish, and you can often rent paddleboards and kayaks. The sea is generally clear, and the bay sits somewhat exposed to wind, which on some afternoons makes it choppy.
Who it suits
Jaz is great for families who want lots of room and for groups who want a lively but not overcrowded beach. Couples who prefer quiet are better off in the early morning or in the shoulder seasons, when the beach is almost empty. If you plan a visit around a concert, check the dates and book accommodation early, because Budva fills up. In winter, Jaz is a windswept, empty bay with walkers and a few dogs.
Tips
Bring sun protection, since shade is limited. Check the local forecast if you plan to use a paddleboard, because wind can pick up. Combine a morning at Jaz with an afternoon in the Old Town, or finish with a sunset drink at one of the beach bars. If you are travelling with a stroller, stay on the main promenade, which is smoother than the pebbles.
Jaz suits slow days. Many visitors set up at a beach bar for the whole day, swimming between drinks and plates of grilled fish, and the atmosphere stays friendly rather than rowdy outside event days. If you prefer a wilder feel, walk to the quieter ends of the beach, where the crowd thins. Watersports operators offer paddleboards and kayaks, and a calm morning is best for trying them. Families should pack snacks, because prices on the beach are higher than in town.
In the evening, the bay catches the sunset behind the headland, which makes the last hour of light the best time for photographs. Check the weather in spring and autumn, when wind can make the pebbles cool and the sea rough. Jaz is a good rainy-day-proof choice too, since in cooler months the bay is a pleasant place for a long walk with a coffee.
What to expect
The experience
A long open beach with sun beds, beach bars and watersports.
Best time
Morning for calm water, evening for sunsets.
How long
A half day.
Tips
Check concert dates in summer, since traffic and crowds change completely.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Space and a wide, open bay.
- Families
- Room to run and shallow water close to shore in places.
- Couples
- Sunset drinks at a beach bar.
- Pair with
- The Old Town and Mogren beach.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
How far is Jaz from Budva?+
A few kilometres west of the Old Town, around ten minutes by taxi.
Is Jaz beach sandy?+
It is mostly pebbles with coarse sand, so water shoes are useful.
Are there concerts at Jaz?+
Large open-air concerts are held in summer. Check dates locally, since traffic and accommodation are affected.
Is Jaz good for families?+
Yes. It has more space than Budva’s town beaches and watersports for older children.
Is there shade at Jaz?+
Natural shade is limited, so rent an umbrella or bring one.
