Budva packs a lot into a small stretch of coast. The walled old town — a miniature of Kotor's, jutting into the sea — is best at dusk, when the day crowds thin and the stone glows. Climb the citadel for the view, then lose an hour in the lanes.
The beaches fan out on either side. Mogren, tucked below the old town, is the prettiest; head south toward Sveti Stefan — that postcard islet of terracotta roofs — for calmer swimming and long coastal walks. Rent a sun-lounger, or find a quieter cove by scooter.
After dark, Budva earns its reputation. The old-town bars fill first, then the beach clubs along the Slovenska Plaža strip run late. Prefer something slower? Perast and Kotor are a short drive north for a quiet seafood dinner instead.