A member of Camper & Nicholsons‘ 1782 Club, Dukley Marina is a five-star superyacht marina, positioned in Budva, a breath-taking Montenegro yacht charter destination, nestled in the Eastern Mediterranean. Dukley Marina offers berthing for 300 yachts, measuring up to 70 metres in length.
It’s not every day that you can moor right beside the stone fortifications of a 3,500 year-old town. But in Budva, you can. From here, the dramatic charms of Montenegro are yours for the taking.
Part of the prestigious Dukley complex, with its super luxurious residences, and beach lounge, itself a study in beach-side sophistication, Dukley Marina is the ideal place to start your foray in to Montenegro.
Budva is bustling in summer, with visitors flocking to the many music and theatre festivals, gourmet fairs, and regattas hosted along the Budva riviera’s scenic 11km shoreline.
Sample some of that dramatic coastline for yourself with an array of stunning beaches right on your doorstep – such as Kraljicina plaza, Milocer or Jaz, all just a short drive out of town. Even closer to base, visit Bečići beach, or take a local water taxi across the bay to St Nicholas’ island, known by the locals as ‘Hawaii’. This verdant, uninhabited island is popular with locals and visitors looking to escape the midday heat.
Back in Budva, lose yourself in the quiet neighbourhoods of the old town, with its cobblestone squares, medieval cathedrals and Venetian heritage at every turn. Or wander the selection of boutiques, wine bars and cafés. When you get peckish, stop off at Demizana, just on the edge of the historical centre of Budva. Here you can savour superb seafood in the cooling shade of palm trees.
At night the town comes to life, buzzing with activity. Sip cocktails in one of the many charming bars and then, if you’re in the mood for dancing, ascend to the thronging Top Hill club, overlooking Budva below. With a capacity of 5,000 and a number of visiting DJs, it’s the best place to dance the night away.
Venture further afield
There’s no shortage of rugged beauty or things to see and do in this country. If you have time, venturing beyond Budva is an unforgettable experience. Here is a small selection of things to do.
Southern delights
South of Budva on Montenegro’s Adriatic coastline is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered: the Aman Sveti Stefan 5-star resort. The entire island of this once fortified 15th century village is now a playground of uber-luxury. It has 50 cottages, an elegant 8-suite villa, and grounds spanning 3 beaches, 3 pools, a spa and myriad restaurants.
Nearby there’s also the newly opened and highly acclaimed Italian Casa Mira restaurant. Run by an Italian couple who are deeply passionate about their food, you can enjoy sumptuous dishes made with super-fresh ingredients, a well-stocked wine cellar and outstanding views over the Adriatic.
Northern lights
In the opposite direction, heading north from Budva, is the magnificent Njegoš Mausoleum monument. Sitting on Lovćen National Park’s second-highest peak, it’s home to the tomb of Montenegro’s greatest hero. Even though you can drive to the top, you’ll still need to climb the final 461 steps yourself. But when you reach the top, you’ll be duly rewarded with dramatic views stretching almost the entire country.
If you have time, further northeast is the must-see Đurđevića Tara Bridge. Built over the deepest canyon in Europe, it’s an extraordinary 365 meters long and 172 meters above the water. If looking at its impressive design isn’t enough, you can organise an adrenaline-charged bungee jump off it or a flight along Europe’s longest zip wire.
Other Montenegrin musts include:
- Durmitor – Go kayaking in Europe’s grandest canyon
- Bay of Kotor – Explore this stunning fjord-like coast with its gargantuan cliffs and the beautiful historic town of Kotor
- Stari Bar – Get transported back in time among these centuries-old ruins set amid tranquil countryside
- Cetinje – Once the royal capital of Montenegro, today Cetinje is a delightfully sleepy town