Richard's Head Beach | Budva

Information

Landmark: Richard's Head Beach
City: Budva
Country: Montenegro
Continent: Europe

Richard's Head Beach, Budva, Montenegro, Europe

Ricardova Glava (Richard's Head) is a popular pebble and sand beach located directly beneath the western walls of Budva-old-town_budva" class="underline">Budva Old Town. It is one of the most photographed coastal sites in Montenegro due to its immediate proximity to the medieval fortifications.

Visual Characteristics

The beach is approximately 100 meters long, characterized by a mix of fine gravel and sand. It is flanked on the east by the high limestone walls of the Old Town and the Citadela, and on the west by a rocky path leading toward Mogren Beach. The water is clear with a relatively steep drop-off.

Location & Access Logistics

The beach is situated between the Old Town and the Avala Hotel.

Access: Entry is through a small gate in the Old Town walls or via the pedestrian path from the Budva Marina.

Parking: The nearest parking is the central municipal lot outside the Old Town gates (approx. 200m away).

Pedestrian Flow: It serves as a transit point for visitors walking from the town center to Mogren Beach.

Historical & Naming Origin

The beach is named after the American actor Richard Widmark, who filmed the movie The Long Ships (1964) at this location. Before the 1960s, it was simply known as the "Old Town Beach." Geologically, the beach is a narrow coastal strip formed by the erosion of the limestone cliffs and the Budva peninsula.

Key Highlights & Activities

Fortress Views: Provides a unique perspective of the Citadela and the southern bastions from sea level.

Swimming and Dining: The beach is highly developed with sunbeds and several waterfront bars and restaurants.

The "Ballerina" Statue: Located 150 meters west on the path leading from this beach, it is the town's primary landmark.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The beach is a "managed" zone. During the summer season (June–September), most of the area is occupied by sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. 4G and 5G cellular coverage is optimal. Showers, changing rooms, and restrooms are provided by the local beach clubs.

Best Time to Visit

The beach receives direct sunlight from late morning until late afternoon. To secure a front-row position near the water, arrival before 10:00 is necessary during July and August. In the evening, the waterfront bars are popular for sunset viewing.

Facts & Legends

While the beach is named after a Hollywood actor, local history focuses on the "Porta di Ferro" (Iron Gate) in the walls above the beach, which was historically used to bring supplies into the city during naval blockades. The beach was significantly narrowed following the 1979 earthquake, which caused part of the coastline to subside.