Every summer, the same names tend to dominate Europe’s “best beaches” lists: Greece, Spain, Italy, Portugal. So when a new ranking puts a new beach at number one, it naturally raises a few eyebrows. The winner is Mogren Beach, just outside Budva on the Adriatic coast.
The ranking mixes very practical things like prices, sea temperature, access from airports, and even traveller reviews. And when all of that is added up, the usual favourites don’t always come out on top. Instead, places that are a bit less crowded, a bit cheaper, and still visually solid start climbing the list.
The Kind Of Place That Keeps Things Simple (In A Good Way)
Mogren Beach isn’t trying to be a mega resort or a luxury hotspot. It’s more low-key than that. You reach it by walking from Budva through a rocky path, which already filters out the kind of heavy tourist flow you get at easier-access beaches. Once there, you find two small coves, with a mix of sand and pebbles, framed by cliffs and greenery.
The water is one of the main reasons people end up talking about it. It’s typically very clear, with that classic Adriatic blue-green look, and in summer it sits around a comfortable 25°C. Warm enough to stay in for a while, but not overheated.
Where Mogren really gains points in this ranking is cost. As reported by Time Out, compared to places like the Greek islands or the Spanish coast, Budva is still relatively affordable. Hotels are cheaper, eating out doesn’t feel inflated, and even small things like drinks don’t hit the same price level as in more “classic” hotspots. That matters more and more for travellers who want a solid beach holiday without spending a fortune.
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Beating The Big Names By Being More Balanced
The interesting part of this ranking is who Mogren is placed above. Beaches like Elafonissi in Crete, Nissi Beach in Cyprus, or Praia da Falésia in Portugal are still very popular and widely considered top-tier.
The reason is pretty simple: the ranking doesn’t only look at beauty. It also looks at how practical the destination is. So if a beach is amazing but expensive, overcrowded, or harder to reach, it can lose points. Meanwhile, a place like Mogren can climb the list just by being more balanced overall.
That’s where destinations like Montenegro start to shine. It’s not about replacing Greece or Spain. It’s more about offering an alternative that feels less packed and more manageable, especially in peak summer.
There’s also a clear shift in what travellers seem to care about. A few years ago, “iconic views” were enough. Now, people are comparing total trip cost, crowd levels, and how easy it is to actually enjoy the place once they arrive. Mogren fits neatly into that newer mindset.
Budva Adds The Extra Layer That Makes The Trip Work
Mogren Beach isn’t isolated, and that’s part of its appeal. It sits right next to Budva, one of Montenegro’s liveliest coastal towns. That mix of beach plus city makes the whole experience more flexible than a remote-only destination.
During the day, it’s all about the water, sun, and the cliffs around the beach. In the evening, the city takes over with restaurants, bars, and a compact old town that stays active through the summer.
On top of that, Montenegro is easier to reach than many people think, with flights connecting through several European hubs. It’s not hidden, but it’s still not as saturated as the big-name destinations.
What To Do At Mogren Beach In Budva
Mogren Beach is mainly about swimming in clear Adriatic water and relaxing between its two small coves. It sits in a natural setting framed by cliffs, which gives the place a simple and unspoiled feel. The sea is usually calm during the summer, making it easy to spend long stretches in the water without effort. Even when visitor numbers rise in peak season, the layout of the beach still allows for a fairly comfortable stay.
The walk from Budva is also part of the experience, with a short rocky path offering open coastal views along the way. It adds a sense of transition from the town to a more relaxed seaside atmosphere. Once the beach time is over, Budva’s old town is only a few minutes away, offering restaurants, narrow streets, and evening activity.
