Tourists who come to Budva on their vacation rarely miss Mogren Beach – one of Montenegro’s most unique holiday spots. Whether it’s the setting, the clear sea, or the good vibe, this beach is truly a one-of-a-kind gem of the Adriatic.
Apart from being the most famous beach on the Budva Riviera, it is also associated with several legends and folk tales which only add more charm to an already beautiful beach, making it a no-miss for any vacationer.
Getting to Mogren Beach
You won’t have a hard time getting to Mogren beach because it’s situated rather close to the Old Town of Budva. As a matter of fact, only 150 meters separate the beach from the Old Town. There is a narrow path leading past the Avala Hotel and onto a concrete walkway, pinned along the steep cliffs. The stroll is only a prelude for what awaits once you get to the beach. You will have a chance to soak in the stunning view of St. Nicholas Island and the Old Town, accompanied by a backdrop of picturesque cliffs.
At the beach entrance, you will be welcomed by a famous statue of a dancing girl, usually referred to as the ballerina by the locals. Gradimir Aleksic, a famous sculptor from Belgrade, made the statue decades ago and it has been standing there as the most remarkable symbol of Budva and even entire Montenegro ever since. Many visitors can’t resist taking a photo with the sculpture so you should make the effort and do the same.
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What to Expect on Mogren
Mogren is a natural beach, tucked away in a cove surrounded by majestic cliffs sheltering it from the northern winds. The entire beach stretches for 350 meters and it’s divided into two sections, connected through a narrow passageway under a rock. The beach is a combination of sand and gravel slowly descending into the perfectly clear sea.
The beauty and the cleanliness of the beach are the reasons why Mogren was given the prestigious Blue Flag award several years ago. It is also why many people consider it one of the most stunning beaches in Montenegro.
As mentioned before, the beach is divided into two parts – Mogren I and Mogren II. Both are equally captivating and bear little difference to one another. Perhaps the biggest dissimilarity lies in the fact that Mogren I is more urban and has quite a few amenities to enhance your stay. There are several beach bars, parasols and sunbeds, as well as catamarans, water scooters, and sailboats available for rent. Visitors can rent sun umbrellas and loungers for anywhere between 10 to 20 euros depending on the row. Of course, you can always bring your own equipment and lay towels wherever you find it suitable.
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Apart from being a bit on the pricey side, you can also expect Mogren to get a little crowded, especially in the peak season between July and August. If your visit coincides with these months, it’s best to arrive at the beach in the morning and pick the best spot of your choice.
Those restless visitors who feel like exploring the surrounding area can use this opportunity to go cliff jumping and rock climbing. In case you also feel up for a bit of hiking, don’t miss the chance to visit the Mogren Fortress, situated right above the beach atop of the cliff. The fortress was built in 1860 during Austro-Hungarian rule and it served as a watchtower over the western border of Budva. Although once a mighty defense fort, it has sustained significant damage from earthquakes and neglect so that today there are only vestiges of its former glory. Still, if you make it to the top, the view will not disappoint.
Though Mogren beach is one of the best representatives of Budva Riviera, it goes without saying that you should check out some other beaches in close vicinity. On top of that, you shouldn’t miss a trip to St. Nicholas Island. Boats depart regularly from a few places in Budva but most frequently from Slovenska beach and the 15-minute trip costs between 3 – 4 euros. The island is fairly small but offers a spectacular view of the Montenegrin coast. There are several crevices and stony beaches you can explore but make sure to wear appropriate footwear because it might get rather slippery. Other than that, there are a few bars and a restaurant for you to grab a refreshment before heading back to the mainland.
Legends about Mogren beach
Mogren got its name after a Spanish sailor Mogrini (Mohrin), the only one who survived a shipwreck and found salvation on the shore of the beach. As a token of appreciation and gratitude, he erected a church of St. Anthony the remnants of which are still visible on Mogren II.
Even the ballerina statue is wrapped by a veil of mystery. There are several stories behind it but the most moving one revolves around a girl engaged to a sailor who embarked on a seafaring journey to provide for their future matrimony. He never came back from the presumably tragic odyssey while the girl kept waiting for his return for many futile years. It was on the rock where the statue is found today that she spent months and years waiting for him, watching over the horizon, up until the day when she died on the same exact spot.
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On the other hand, a folk tale tells a completely different story of a dragon who fell in love with a girl from a nearby village, taking her to be his wife after a festivity that was taking place near the beach. Begging the dragon to let her see her worried mother, the girl went never to return again. The heartbroken dragon died of sorrow on the rock where the statue stands, signifying another love lament.
If in doubt whether to visit Mogren beach, there are obviously a handful of reasons to add this beach to your itinerary. The natural beauty of the beach and the surrounding attractions are definitely its greatest trump card, making it stand head above the rest on the coast of Montenegro.
