BUDVA
Budva is a smaller scale version of Dubrovnik. Unlike Old Town Dubrovnik's wide central boulevard and grid structure, Budva's Old Town is a series of seemingly unconnected narrow alleyways that lead to small squares and churches. The larger squares feature cafes and bars and make for an excellent resting stop, although there's little fatigue associated with walking through the Old Town. Fewer visitors, fewer (or at least better integrated) commercialism creates a laid back vibe and it's impossible to resist grabbing a seat under an umbrella and ordering a Niksicko, considered the best beer among the former Yugoslavia states.
Budva is a smaller scale version of Dubrovnik. Unlike Old Town Dubrovnik's wide central boulevard and grid structure, Budva's Old Town is a series of seemingly unconnected narrow alleyways that lead to small squares and churches. The larger squares feature cafes and bars and make for an excellent resting stop, although there's little fatigue associated with walking through the Old Town. Fewer visitors, fewer (or at least better integrated) commercialism creates a laid back vibe and it's impossible to resist grabbing a seat under an umbrella and ordering a Niksicko, considered the best beer among the former Yugoslavia states.
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Across the bay from the Old Town is BLANK beach although continuing north along the coast is BLANK beach.
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Kotor has a medium size old town between the smaller Budva and larger Dubrovnik. The layout of narrow alleys leading to squares is similar to Budva. The squares previously served as market areas for traders traveling between Italy and the Middle East - there was a salt square, a flour square, a meat square, etc. Today the squares are cafes, restaurants, bars, and ATM machines. It's just as enjoyable an experience looking up at the Catholic and Orthodox churches while eating a salad and drinking a beer.
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On the backside of the Old Town is a stairwell leading to a ridge top fortress. Halfway up the stairs (which cost €3 EUR to access) provides a panoramic view of the town below.
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I preferred Budva over Kotor. The Old Town was smaller but had less foot traffic as tourists seemed to be taking advantage of the beach and other amenities. There also seemed to be more of a modern town separate from the Old Town.
I visited Kotor via a day trip from Dubrovnik using Adriatic Express Tours. We spent two hours in Kotor which included a thirty minute guided tour. This was enough time to see the sites and have a lunch.
I visited Kotor via a day trip from Dubrovnik using Adriatic Express Tours. We spent two hours in Kotor which included a thirty minute guided tour. This was enough time to see the sites and have a lunch.
For additional photos see FLICKR ALBUM.