Itana by the sea

You know what struck me first about Itana by the Sea? It’s actually right on Trg Slobode – Freedom Square – which sounds way more impressive than it is, but honestly, that’s part of its charm. This isn’t some massive resort dominating the coastline; it’s more like finding that perfect spot your Montenegro-obsessed friend would gatekeep from other travelers.

The thing about Budva is that everyone talks about the Old Town (which yes, you should definitely see), but staying right here puts you in this sweet spot where you can actually hear the Adriatic lapping against the shore at night. I mean, when I say “by the sea,” I’m not exaggerating – you’re literally steps from the water. The staff seems genuinely proud of this place, and after a few days, you start to get why. It’s got that family-run feeling even though it’s more polished than your typical 3-star spot. The rooms are clean and comfortable – nothing fancy, but everything works, and the beds are surprisingly good. You’ll probably spend most of your time on the little balcony anyway, watching the fishing boats head out in the early morning.

What really won me over, though, was how it sits in the rhythm of actual Budva life. Sure, you’re close enough to the beach crowds and the nightlife scene (which can get pretty intense in July and August, fair warning), but you’re also near where locals grab their morning coffee and where the fishermen sell their catch. The neighborhood has this lived-in quality that a lot of the newer developments along the coast just don’t capture. Parking can be a bit of a puzzle – this is Montenegro, after all, where city planning seems more like a suggestion – but the hotel staff actually knows the area well enough to point you toward spots that won’t result in a ticket. Check-in was refreshingly straightforward, no weird upsell attempts or confusing key card systems. And honestly? For a 3-star place, the attention to detail surprised me. Clean towels that actually smelled fresh, decent water pressure, and they keep the common areas spotless without that over-sanitized hotel smell. The breakfast is simple but uses local ingredients, and you can eat it looking out at the water, which never gets old. If you’re looking for that Instagram-perfect infinity pool or a spa with seventeen different treatments, this isn’t your place. But if you want to wake up to the sound of seagulls and fall asleep to gentle waves, all while being able to walk to Budva’s best restaurants and still have money left for actually enjoying Montenegro – well, that’s exactly what Itana delivers.

Apartments in Budva provide travelers with authentic local experiences, allowing them to explore traditional Montenegrin markets and cook with fresh Mediterranean ingredients.