Are there free public beaches in Montenegro where I don't need to rent a sunbed?

Yes, Montenegro has many public beaches where you can lay out a towel for free without renting any equipment. Sections of beaches like Jaz, Becici, and the long stretch of Velika Plaza in Ulcinj all have open public areas alongside the paid sunbed zones. The free sections are often at the edges of organized beach areas or slightly further from beach bar facilities. Arriving early in peak season (July–August) is the best way to secure a good free spot, as they fill up quickly. June and September offer much more space and a relaxed atmosphere without the crowds.

What is the difference between a baldahin and a regular sunbed, and is the extra cost worth it?

A baldahin (sometimes called a cabana) is a private shaded shelter — typically a four-posted canopy with a day-bed or set of loungers underneath — offering far more privacy and shade than a standard sunbed and umbrella combination. Standard two-lounger-plus-umbrella sets generally run around EUR 15–30 per day, while a baldahin can cost EUR 40–100 depending on the beach and location. The upgrade is worth considering for families with young children, anyone sensitive to direct sun, or groups wanting a dedicated base for a full day. At busier beach bars during July and August, baldahins are often bookable in advance by phone or WhatsApp, so reserving ahead is recommended.

How much should I budget for food and drinks at a Montenegro beach bar for the day?

A typical beach bar day of eating and drinking — a couple of coffees or soft drinks in the morning, a grilled fish or seafood plate at lunch, and a few beers or cocktails in the afternoon — will generally add EUR 20–50 per person on top of any sunbed rental. Cocktails and fresh seafood at more upscale beach bars push the total higher. Bringing your own snacks and water from a supermarket is perfectly acceptable on public beach sections and can keep costs low. Beach bars along the Budva Riviera and Boka Bay tend to be pricier than those further south around Ulcinj, where the overall cost of tourism is noticeably lower.

Is it significantly cheaper to visit Montenegro beaches in June or September instead of July and August?

Yes, visiting in June or September can meaningfully reduce your beach day costs. Sunbed and baldahin prices at many beach bars drop outside the peak July–August window, and some operators offer early or late-season deals. The sea temperature is still very comfortable — typically around 22–24°C in June and remaining warm well into September. Beyond sunbed pricing, accommodation and restaurants also tend to be less expensive and less crowded in the shoulder months. The swimming season effectively runs from mid-June to late September, so both months offer genuine beach conditions without the peak-season premium or the intense crowds that characterise the Budva Riviera in high summer.

How much does a beach day in Montenegro cost? (sunbeds, baldahins, food)

By beachbar.me Editorial · Updated 2026-06-07

The spectrum

Montenegro has both organised (paid) and free beach areas, often side by side. The organised sections are run by beach bars that rent sunbeds (€3–8 each), umbrellas (€3–5), and baldahins (€25–70 for the structure). The free sections are adjacent stretches of the same beach where you bring your own towel and shade. Choosing between them is not just about money: the organised sections usually also mean easy access to food, drinks, and shade — all of which matter on a hot August day.

Sunbed and umbrella prices

A standard sunbed-plus-umbrella set costs €6–16 per person depending on location and season. On Budva's Slovenska Plaža, expect to pay €8–12 per piece in high season; on Velika Plaža in Ulcinj, more like €5–8. At Porto Montenegro, €15–25 is common. Many operators sell the pair as a bundle. Some bars (particularly on Jaz) use a minimum spend system: you pay nothing upfront but must spend a certain amount on food and drink during the day (typically €10–15 per person) — often the fairer deal if you're planning to eat and drink anyway.

Food and drink

A domestic beer at a beach bar runs €2.50–4 in Ulcinj, €3–5 in Budva, €4–6 at Porto Montenegro. A fresh-squeezed juice is €3–5. A grilled fish plate (sea bass, dorada) is typically €12–22 depending on weight and venue; a mixed grilled meat plate is €10–16. Cocktails run €7–12. Pizza or pasta from beach bar kitchens: €8–14. The formula for a full lunch with drinks at a mid-tier beach bar comes out around €20–35 per person.

The alternative: buy provisions from a local market or supermarket. Montenegro has a strong tradition of coastal picnicking — bread, local cheese, cherry tomatoes, cured meat, a bottle of cold white wine — and the supermarkets near every beach area are excellent for this. Voli, Idea, and Mercator are the main chains. Budget €8–12 per person for a self-catered beach lunch that beats most of what the bars serve.

Beach parking

Parking at beach areas in peak season costs €1–2/hour at organised lots. Budget €8–15 for a full day's parking if you're driving. Some beaches (sections of Velika Plaža, parts of the northern coast) still have free roadside parking in less-organised zones, but this is shrinking as the coast develops.

Total budget scenarios

Budget day: free beach section, self-catered food, no sunbed hire. Cost per person: €10–15 (food and drink only).

Mid-range day: sunbed-and-umbrella set, lunch at beach bar, two or three drinks. Cost per person: €35–55.

Premium day: baldahin hire, table service, cocktails, full lunch and sunset drinks. Cost per person: €80–150 at a Budva or Tivat club.

When to go to save money

Prices in June and September are roughly 20–30% lower than July–August for sunbed hire; drink and food prices shift less dramatically. The saving on accommodation in those months is even larger — and the beach is better too: quieter, still warm, the sea temperature barely different from peak summer.