Petrovac

May, June and September are ideal — warm and swimmable but far less crowded than the July–August peak, when the beach and promenade are busiest. September is a local favourite, with the sea at its warmest (around 24–25°C) and thinner crowds. The swimming season runs from late May into early October.

Yes — it's one of the most family-friendly spots on the coast. The bay is sheltered with gentle, shallow water, the pedestrian promenade is safe and walkable, there's a playground in town, and the atmosphere is calm rather than party-focused. Self-catering apartments are widely available, which suits families well.

Petrovac is a great base. Sveti Stefan is about 15 minutes away and Budva around 25; the Bay of Kotor with Kotor and Perast is roughly an hour. Inland you can reach Lake Skadar via Virpazar (about 35 minutes), the cliff-side Ostrog Monastery, and Durmitor National Park with the Tara Canyon. Boat trips run to the offshore islets and hidden coves.

Petrovac sits in the mid-range for the Montenegrin coast — generally cheaper than Budva or Sveti Stefan but a little pricier than inland towns. Self-catering apartments keep costs down, while seafront restaurants and sunbed-and-umbrella sets (around €25–40 per day on the main beach) are where prices add up in peak season.