The Ultimate guide to Petrovac (2024)

Welcome to our Ultimate guide to Petrovac.

There are few things that are more relaxing than laying on a vibrant beach, looking out at crystal blue water and basking in the warm sunshine. Petrovac, a small and tranquil town in Montenegro offers stunning beaches and so much more that makes it a perfect destination for your next travel itinerary. 

The town gained some fanfare when its namesake was featured in James Bond’s Casino Royale movie, but it was an alluring vacation spot long before then. 

Petrovac gets its name from a Serbian phrase that means “Peter’s mountain”. This is because there was once a church dedicated to Saint Peter that sat atop a nearby hill. The name of the church gradually extended to the surrounding village, which is now known as Petrovac. Today, Petrovac is a beloved destination for travelers visiting Montenegro, thanks to its breathtaking beaches, historic sites, and overall chill Mediterranean vibe.

Where is Petrovac?

Petrovac is a small coastal town in Montenegro located on the Adriatic Sea. It is situated about 10 km south of Budva and about 30 km south of the country’s capital, Podgorica.

Petrovac: Know before you go

✈️ Airport: Petrovac can be serviced by Tivat Airport (TIV) or Podgorica Airport (TGD) which are both approximately 30km away

⏰ Time Zone: Central European Standard Time (GMT+1)

 Currency: Euro

 Language: The official language of Montenegro is Montenegrin. Other languages commonly spoken in Podgorica include Serbian, Bosnian, Albanian and Croatian.

 Visa: Those with passports from Australia, Canada, the EU, UK and US can travel to Montenegro without a visa and remain there for up to 90 days. Please click here for more details about your own country

 Electricity Socket: The most common type of electricity socket used in Montenegro is the standard two-pin European socket, which uses 220-240 volts at a 50Hz frequency.

 SIM Card: Wondering, Do I need a SIM card for Montenegro? The answer is yes, and read our blog post on what the best way is for tourists.

About the City of Petrovac 

Petrovac is a small and charming coastal resort town surrounded by stunning turquoise and blue waters from the Adriatic Sea. The beaches are sprinkled with soft red sand that sees flocks of people all year long. It’s the perfect place to plan a getaway with its abundance of fresh seafood and lively atmosphere. 

Before becoming the underground tourist destination it is, it was still considered an oasis for the rich and elite between world wars. The city has been able to maintain its reputation for being the place to refresh and relax during the day and enjoying some cocktails and dancing at night. 

Read Also: Should I visit Petrovac or Bar?

What is the best time to visit Petrovac?

The ideal period to take a trip to Petrovac is between May and September, with the highest demand occurring during the European school holiday season of July and August. For those not restricted by school holidays, June and September provide excellent travel conditions.

Attractions in Petrovac

If you’re planning on visiting Petrovac, there are a few things you absolutely have to do to make the most of your stay. Here are my top seven recommendations:

Explore Petrovac’s Beaches

The beaches in Petrovac are truly extraordinary and rival some of the famous beaches in some of the most well-known European getaways. The Petrovac Na Moru Beach and boulevard is the perfect place to spend a sunny day away from the noise of big cities. Boats are also parked by the pier if you want to take a jaunt to some more nearby beaches. 

My personal favorite is the town beach, which is situated in the heart of Petrovac and is easily accessible. If you’re feeling adventurous, head to Luchica Beach, which is only a short walk away from the town center.

Take a Boat Trip to the Island of Katic

The Island of Katic is located just off the coast of Petrovac and is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the area. You can take a boat trip to the island and spend the day exploring its hidden coves and beaches. Don’t forget to bring your snorkeling gear – the crystal-clear waters around the island are perfect for spotting marine life.

Visit the Petrovac Fortress

The Petrovac Fortress is an ancient fortress that dates back to the 16th century. It’s situated on top of a hill overlooking Petrovac, and the views from the top are breathtaking. The fortress is open to visitors, and admission is free.

Take a Hike to Skocidjevojka

Skocidjevojka is a natural phenomenon located just outside Petrovac. It’s a freshwater spring that flows out of the mountainside and cascades down into a series of pools. The hike to Skocidjevojka is relatively easy and takes about an hour. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.

Visit the Monastery of Rezevici

The Monastery of Rezevici is a stunning medieval monastery located just a short drive from Petrovac. It’s situated on a cliff overlooking the sea, and the views are simply breathtaking. The monastery is open to visitors, and admission is free.

Enjoy Petrovac’s Nightlife

Petrovac is a lively town with a vibrant nightlife scene. Head to Hemingway Bar for some of the best cocktails in town, or dance the night away at Disco Maximus. Whatever your preference, Petrovac has something to offer.

You can walk along the water or take a dip, enjoy a fresh and flavorful lunch, and even take a stroll to the Perazica Do beach nearby. There are cafes and restaurants sprinkled around Petrovac that are perfect for either a delicious cup of coffee or a decadent dinner outside in the fresh air. 

If you are here for a longer time, feel free to read our Ultimate 7 day Itinerary for Montenegro and experience the best that Montenegro has to offer.

Places To Stay Petrovac

If you want to enjoy the summer like the Romans used to, there are a lot of wonderful places to stay in and around Petrovac that really make the most of this beautiful bay. The many new developments that have sprung up in recent years mean that you are spoiled for choice when it comes to hotels, villas, and BnBs.

Compared to many of the popular destinations in Montenegro, prices for accommodation are actually very reasonable in this area, so you’re likely to find a great deal if you book enough in advance.

In this article, we’re going to go over some of the best options to suit your needs, so that you can start dreaming of waking up to the shining sun and crystal-blue waters of the Adriatic.

1) Best for Families:

Guest House Maslina

Address: Ulica XII, br. 10, 85300 Petrovac na Moru, Montenegro

If you want to accommodate the whole family in luxury and comfort without breaking the bank, Guest House Malina has the ideal two-bedroom suite for you. Rather than fighting with the crowds at a hotel, you will have all the space that you need in a quiet and peaceful, but very well-appointed, apartment.

It’s a couple of hundred yards from the nearest beach and incredibly close to places to eat and drink around town, and they are perfectly set up for a family of five.

2) Best for Couples: Luxury Apartments Queen

Address: Buljarica bb, 85352 Petrovac na Moru, Montenegro

If you’re looking for a place for you and your partner to really call your own for the entirety of your stay, these studios are fantastic. Each one comes with its own balcony and private kitchen to give you total freedom in how you want to organize your time, and you can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool when you don’t feel like heading down to the beach.

It’s located just a short trip east of the main town, closer to the massive Buljarica Beach, which is a lot quieter and more spacious than the waterfront beside the main town. When you do want to visit Petrovac to see the sights and maybe pop into a restaurant, you can take a beautifully scenic 30-minute walk along the coastline to get there.

3) Off The Beaten Track: Rooms Garden

Address: Miriste Street 12/6, 85300 Petrovac na Moru, Montenegro

See availability on: Booking.com

Many of the apartments and villas around Petrovac are part of large, modern developments that can feel a little bit intimidating. If you’re after somewhere more homely and quaint, then the apartments at Rooms Garden are perfect.

It’s situated perfectly in the middle of Petrovac center for easy access to all the local amenities, and you can walk just 250 yards to the sandy Gradska beach to soak up the sunny hours of the day.

Perhaps the most charming aspect of this particular stay, however, is its beautiful garden. It is a paradise in the heart of town, ideal for relaxing in the afternoon and enjoying a glass of wine in the evening.

Why Choose Petrovac?

Petrovac is the perfect escape when you want warm temperatures and a quiet atmosphere to spend your vacation outside in the sun. It’s a very walkable city, as even walking through residential streets and peering at the bright white homes is a great way to spend part of your day. Many of the residential spots started out as summer villas for Romans to escape to. 

The town is also rich with plush green trees and fragrant plants sprinkled alongside paths, forests, and buildings alike. One spot that you have to visit when in the town is the Venetian Fortress which has been standing for centuries. The Roman Mosaics are another landmark that is vastly underrated, even though it has a lot of historical significance. 

Final Thoughts 

Petrovac is the place to go when visiting Montenegro if you’ve been looking for a beach vacation without going to the same beaches that tourists flock to every summer. While you’re going to meet a lot of people in the small town, people are friendly and respectful. 

Vacations are meant to be replenishing, and there’s no better way to replenish than jumping into some pristine Petrovac waters.