Kotor, Budva, and Sveti Stefan appear in every guidebook and on almost every group boat tour. By midday, they're crowded with excursion boats, busy swimming stops, and lines of people waiting for photos.
But the coastline of Montenegro changes completely once you move away from the main routes. A little farther along the shore, there are still bays where the only sounds are water, wind, and the occasional anchor chain dropping into the sea.
Over the years, we've collected a few favorite anchorages that most tourist boats never visit. Not because they're secret — simply because they don't work for large groups or quick sightseeing tours. There are no beach clubs, loud music, or "must-see" photo stops here. Just quiet water, hidden beaches, and the feeling that the coastline belongs only to you for a few hours.
"The best anchorages are usually the ones nobody talks about. Places where nothing happens — one yacht at anchor, clear water, silence. Most tourist boats avoid them because there's nothing loud enough to sell." — Captain Alexey
1. Plavi Horizont
On the southern side of the Luštica Peninsula, west of the Blue Cave, lies a wide open bay facing the Adriatic Sea.
The water becomes deep almost immediately, which suits anchoring, swimming, and diving straight from the yacht into crystal-clear sea. The pale sandy bottom gives the water an intense turquoise color on sunny days.
There are almost no buildings onshore — no restaurants, no beach clubs, no jet skis. Even in August, the bay often feels surprisingly empty apart from a few sailing yachts anchored nearby.
We usually stop here on the way back from the Blue Cave. It makes a calm second half of the day.
2. Žanjice
A quiet bay near the Blue Cave that most tourist boats simply pass by.
Excursion boats usually stop at the cave for twenty minutes and continue on. Žanjice remains just beyond the crowds — a small bay with rocky beaches, transparent water, and cliffs rising around it.
There's no busy promenade or beach scene here. Just a tiny café by the water, sometimes closed outside the peak season.
It's one of the best places for a peaceful swim after visiting the cave.
By September, there may be only two or three yachts in the bay. In October, almost complete silence.
3. The Hidden Beach Beyond Sveti Stefan
A small pebble beach south of Sveti Stefan, tucked behind a rocky cape.
From land, the only access is a narrow path through the rocks, which means most people never even notice it exists. From the water, all you see is a small staircase disappearing upward toward a private villa.
We anchor a short distance offshore, launch the sea scooter or SUP boards, and reach the beach by water.
From a drone, the place looks fairly modest. But that's not the point. What makes it special is the rare feeling of privacy — even in the middle of summer.
4. Bigova
A small fishing village on the Luštica Peninsula with a tiny marina and one of the most authentic seafood restaurants on the coast.
Everything here is simple: a few tables by the water, the catch of the day, and absolutely no attempt to turn the place into a polished luxury destination.
We anchor in the bay and head ashore by tender. After that, lunch depends entirely on what the fishermen brought in that morning: sea bream, octopus, squid, or local fish you rarely see in restaurants around Kotor.
Bigova is not a quick stop. It's the kind of place where lunch slowly turns into two quiet hours by the sea.
5. The Unnamed Anchorage Overlooking Luštica Bay
This bay doesn't even have an official name. It sits on the western side of Luštica, along the route back toward Tivat.
What it has is the contrast. Your yacht is anchored in a quiet natural bay, while directly across the water lies Luštica Bay — a polished modern marina filled with white yachts, waterfront apartments, and luxury hotels.
The water here is deep and calm. Children usually float beside the yacht while adults swim directly from the stern.
It's one of our favorite final stops before returning to the marina.
A Few Things Worth Knowing
Beyond these five places, we sometimes add a few quieter stops depending on weather, season, and the mood of the day.
That might mean:
sunset dinner anchorages near Duraševići
quiet swimming stops around Rose
or an almost empty Perast early in the morning during spring or autumn
Outside peak season, the entire coastline feels completely different.
What Most People Don't Mention
Not every anchorage works in every weather condition.
For example, Plavi Horizont becomes uncomfortable during strong western winds because the bay is too exposed. On those days, we simply adjust the route.
And even the quietest places become a little busier in July and August. If you want a truly peaceful yacht day, June and September are usually perfect.
One more thing: Bigova is still a real fishing village, not a curated tourist destination. During peak season, tables can fill up quickly, so we usually call ahead from the yacht to reserve one.
How to Include These Stops in Your Route
Most of these anchorages are part of our 8-hour "Hidden Coast" route. Usually, two or three stops in one day feels ideal — enough time for swimming, lunch, and a relaxed pace without rushing.
Some locations can also be added to shorter routes if you prefer quiet bays over beach clubs and crowded stops.
