Jaz Beach, Montenegro is one of the longest and most relaxed stretches of coast on the Budva Riviera. Sitting about 2.5km west of Budva as the crow flies, it is made up of two pebble beaches, about 800m and 400m long, with a sandy seabed and clear, deep-blue Adriatic water. After the tight, busy town beaches of Budva, the sheer space here comes as a relief: there is room to spread out, swim without bumping into anyone, and watch the green hills tumble down to the shoreline behind you.
The beach has two distinct personalities. The long main beach, on the western side, is organised, with sunbeds, beach bars, showers and water-sports operators, and the campsite and car parks behind it, making it ideal if you want services close at hand. The smaller eastern cove, towards Budva, is quieter and has traditionally been a naturist beach. This mix of managed and untamed is a big part of why Jaz Beach appeals to such a wide range of visitors.
Jaz is also famous well beyond its sand. The flat field behind the beach has hosted some of the biggest names in music history, though there is no permanent concert venue. The Rolling Stones (2007) and Madonna (2008) both played one-off concerts at Jaz Beach, drawing crowds of tens of thousands and putting this corner of Montenegro firmly on the international map; the Sea Dance festival was also held here from 2014 to 2017. For most of the year, though, it stays calm, spacious and noticeably less crowded than the beaches in Budva town itself.
How to get to Jaz Beach
Jaz Beach is very easy to reach from Budva, which is the nearest town and the main accommodation hub. By car it is about 6km, a 10-15 minute drive, west along the Jadranski Put (Adriatic Highway), with the turn-off down to the beach clearly signposted. A taxi from central Budva is inexpensive and quick. The local bus line Budva–Jaz–Trsteno–Ploče also stops here, with 14 departures a day listed by Budva Tourism.
If you are feeling active, you can walk from Budva in about 50 minutes to the main beach (about 30 minutes to the eastern cove) or cycle in about 25 minutes, though the route follows the main road for part of the way, so most visitors prefer to drive or take a taxi. There is a large car park behind the beach; it fills up in July and August but is generally easy to find outside those months.
From the airports, Tivat Airport (TIV) is the closest at about 18km (around 25 minutes by car or taxi). Podgorica Airport (TGD) is around 70km away, about 1.5 hours by road. Renting a car or pre-booking a transfer is the simplest option, as it gives you the freedom to explore the wider Riviera.
Entry to the beach is free - you only pay if you rent a sunbed and umbrella set (prices vary by operator and season) or use the water-sports facilities. The best time of year is late May to early October, with July and August warmest but busiest. For swimming with fewer people, aim for early morning or the shoulder months of June and September.
What to expect and things to do
The water at Jaz is famously clean and clear, with a sandy seabed beyond the pebble shore, so it is great for proper swimming. Because the shore is pebble rather than sand, water shoes are a smart idea to protect your feet.
- Swimming and sunbathing: Calm, transparent water and plenty of space to claim a spot, whether on a rented lounger or your own towel.
- Water sports: The organised main beach has water-sports rentals in peak season.
- Food and drink: Several beach bars and seasonal restaurants serve grilled fish, local Montenegrin dishes, fresh salads, cocktails and coffee right by the shore.
- The eastern cove: Head east, towards Budva, for the smaller and quieter cove, traditionally a naturist beach.
- Nearby exploring: Budva's medieval Old Town, the iconic island of Sveti Stefan, and scenic coastal viewpoints are all a short drive away.
Where to stay near Jaz Beach
Jaz Beach has no resort town of its own, so the obvious base is nearby Budva, about 2.5km east as the crow flies. Staying in Budva gives you easy access to Jaz plus the town's Old Town, restaurants, nightlife and other beaches, with quick onward connections along the whole Riviera. Montenegro.com lists 62 places to stay in Budva, from beachfront apartments to full-service hotels.
Here are some real Budva properties that make a great base for a Jaz Beach trip (see each listing for current rates):
- Vila Grand Palazzo - elegant hotel option.
- Hotel MENA - comfortable hotel.
- Studios Bono - handy studio near Babin Do.
- Apartmani Azzuro - self-catering apartment on Mainski Put.
- Villa-Mare u Budvi - quiet one-bedroom apartment for two.
- Hotel Admiral - 3 star hotel - seafront hotel near Slovenska Plaža.
For help choosing the right neighbourhood and area, read our guide to where to stay in Budva, or browse all Budva accommodation (62 properties) to compare prices and locations.
Tips
- Bring water shoes: The pebble and gravel shore is easier on your feet with proper footwear.
- Go early in peak season: Arrive before mid-morning in July and August to grab parking and the best loungers.
- Pack shade and water: Natural shade is limited, so a hat, sunscreen and drinking water are essential.
- Carry some cash: Beach bars and sunbed rentals may prefer euros in cash.
Frequently asked questions
Is Jaz Beach worth visiting?
Yes. Jaz Beach is one of the most spacious and relaxed beaches near Budva, with clean water, water sports and both organised and free sections. It is less crowded than Budva's town beaches and only a short drive away.
Is Jaz Beach sandy or pebbly?
Jaz Beach is pebbly on the shore, with a sandy seabed in the water, and is made up of two sections about 800m and 400m long. The water is clear and good for swimming, but water shoes are recommended for comfort on the stones.
Is Jaz Beach free?
Yes, entry to Jaz Beach is free. You only pay if you rent sunbeds and umbrellas or use water-sports services. There is parking behind the beach, which fills up in July and August.
How do you get to Jaz Beach?
Jaz Beach is about 2.5km west of Budva as the crow flies, or about 6km (a 10-15 minute drive or taxi ride) along the coastal road. You can also reach it by the local Budva–Jaz bus, or on foot in about 50 minutes. Tivat Airport is about 25 minutes away.
