Travel to Montenegro
Morinj Beach
Boka Kotorska, Montenegro

Morinj Beach

A pebble beach in the heart of Boka Kotorska, between Kotor and Herceg Novi

Season
June – September
Distance from Kotor
24 km
Sea Temperature
Cooler than average
Overview

Morinj is a small coastal village located exactly halfway between Kotor (24 km) and Herceg Novi (25 km), in the central part of Boka Kotorska.

The beach is pebbly and relatively less visited compared to other beaches in the bay, making it ideal for a quieter swim. The water here is colder than elsewhere in Boka due to underwater freshwater springs flowing down from the surrounding mountains. In the immediate vicinity of the beach there are several restaurants, a café, and kamp Naluka, while the renowned konoba Ćatovića Mlini is just a few minutes' walk away.

  • Beach
  • Pebble Beach
  • Boka Kotorska
  • Kotor
  • Swimming
  • Family
  • Nature
  • Gastronomy
  • Montenegro

Did You Know?

The sea at Morinj Beach is noticeably colder than elsewhere in Boka Kotorska because of a network of underwater freshwater springs flowing down from Mount Orjen – the same springs that make the water exceptionally clear and feed the Mala Venecija stream system behind the beach.

Highlights

Discover Morinj Beach

Morinj Beach – the pebble shore of Boka

Morinj Beach – the pebble shore of Boka

A natural pebble beach in the heart of Boka Kotorska, characterised by exceptionally clear and cold water thanks to underwater freshwater springs flowing down from the slopes of the surrounding mountains. The beach is far less visited than the popular beaches of the Budva Riviera, even during July and August, making it one of the most peaceful alternatives on the Montenegrin coast. Sun loungers are available for hire, and the trees along the shore provide natural shade. The view from the beach takes in Mount Orjen and the historic sites of Perast and Risan on the other side of the bay.

  • Konoba Ćatovića Mlini

    Nestled alongside a stream in the village of Morinj, konoba Ćatovića Mlini is one of the most celebrated dining addresses in Boka Kotorska. The restaurant is set in restored stone mills that have been in the Ćatović family for over 200 years – owner Lazar Ćatović transformed them into a superb konoba with great care and deep respect for local tradition. It specialises in fresh seafood, saffron and prawn risotto, grilled fish, and homemade pršut. Geese and peacocks roam freely around the grounds, and the sound of the stream flowing through the restaurant creates a truly special atmosphere. Advance reservations are essential during the summer season.

  • Mala Venecija – the spring network

    In the immediate hinterland of Morinj Beach lies a network of interconnected springs and streams known as Mala Venecija (Little Venice). These crystal-clear freshwater flows cascade down the mountain slopes and give Morinj one of the greenest and ecologically most diverse landscapes in this part of the Dinaric Alps. A walk through this micro-ecosystem takes around 20–30 minutes and leads to konoba Ćatovića Mlini. These very springs are responsible for the coolness and clarity of the seawater at the nearby beach. Along the streams, lush Mediterranean vegetation provides natural shade and a wonderfully atmospheric setting.

  • Gornji Morinj – the old stone village

    Above the shoreline, a steep cobbled path leads up to Gornji Morinj – the old part of the village that preserves the architectural heritage of the Venetian and Austro-Hungarian periods. Here you can see original stone houses with walls a metre thick, threshing floors (guvno), a small church, and the remains of a defensive wall. Following the defeat of the Ottomans, Morinj grew to become the second-largest settlement in the region, after Kotor. The parish school in Morinj, founded in 1804, was the first primary school in the region to teach in the Serbian language. The ascent takes around 30–45 minutes and rewards you with a panoramic view across the entire bay.

What to do

Things to do at the beach

  • On the water

    Swimming

    A refreshing dip in cold, clear water enriched by underwater springs.

  • Food & wine

    Diving and Snorkelling

    Clear water with excellent visibility makes snorkelling along the pebble shore a real pleasure.

  • On the water

    Kayaking and Boating

    Hire a kayak or boat and explore the calm bay towards Perast and Risan.

  • Mountains

    Hiking in the Hinterland

    Trails from Gornji Morinj lead up the slopes of Orjen with sweeping views across the entire bay.

  • Food & wine

    Seafood Tasting

    Lunch at konoba Ćatovića Mlini – one of the finest gastronomic experiences in Boka Kotorska.

Around here

The beach and its surroundings on the map

Directions to the beach
  1. Our Lady of the Rocks

    Point of Interest · 3.1 km

    A man-made island off Perast with a Baroque church from 1630, a museum of votive gifts and 68 paintings by Tripo Kokolja.

  2. Bijela

    Village · 3.7 km

    Bijela is a coastal settlement in the municipality of Herceg Novi, situated along the Verige Strait, known for its pebble beaches and historic shipyard.

  3. Perast

    Old Town · 3.9 km

    A picturesque coastal settlement in the Bay of Kotor, known for its Baroque architecture and two island-churches.

  4. Bijela Beach

    Beach · 3.9 km

    Bijela Beach is the main shingle beach of the settlement, about 200 m long, with a gentle and shallow entry into the sea, ideal for families with children.

  5. Baošići Beach

    Beach · 4.3 km

    A public pebble beach with calm, shallow sea in Baošići, ideal for families.

  6. Đenovići Beach

    Beach · 6.6 km

    Đenovići is a tourist destination on the Herceg Novi Riviera, 8 km from Herceg Novi, with sandy and concrete beaches in the Tivat Bay of Boka Kotorska.

  7. Bajova Kula

    Beach · 6.9 km

    A small pebble beach in the Dražin Vrt cove, named after the tower of Montenegrin hero Bajo Pivljanin from the 17th century.

  8. Markov rt Beach

    Beach · 7.2 km

    A pebble beach on the cape between Prčanj and Donji Stoliv, with views of Kotor and the mountains.

  9. Tivat

    City · 7.6 km

    A coastal town in Boka Kotorska, known for the superyacht marina Porto Montenegro and its Mediterranean climate.

  10. Kumbor Beach

    Beach · 7.7 km

    A public pebble beach in the Kumbor Strait, with calm and clear sea, about 6 km east of Herceg Novi.

  11. Zelenika Beach

    Beach · 7.8 km

    Zelenika is a quiet coastal settlement in the Bay of Kotor with a variety of beaches and a gradual sea entry, suitable for families.

  12. Belane Beach

    Beach · 8.1 km

    A pebble beach approximately 200 m long in the centre of Tivat, at the start of the Pine promenade next to Kalimanj harbour.

  13. Prčanj

    Village · 10.0 km

    Prčanj is a quiet coastal settlement along the Bay of Kotor, with a sandy-pebbly beach and rich historical architecture.

  14. Herceg Novi

    City · 10 km

    A coastal city with six centuries of history, monumental fortresses, and more than 250 sunny days a year.

  15. Dobrota

    Village · 10 km

    Dobrota is a coastal settlement north of Kotor, known for its tranquil shoreline, historic churches, and views over the Bay of Kotor.

  16. Kotor

    City · 12 km

    A medieval town under UNESCO protection, nestled between steep mountains and the calm waters of the Bay of Kotor.

Tours & trips

Tours that stop here

Tours by local hosts with a stop right here – departure, duration and price at a glance, booked directly with the host.

Plan Your Visit

Weather & Useful Info

When to come

Monthly averages – Perast.

  • Jan: Air (max) 11 °C, Sea 14 °C
  • Feb: Air (max) 13 °C, Sea 13 °C
  • Mar: Air (max) 14 °C, Sea 14 °C
  • Apr: Air (max) 17 °C, Sea 16 °C
  • May: Air (max) 23 °C, Sea 19 °C
  • Jun: Air (max) 28 °C, Sea 23 °C
  • Jul: Air (max) 31 °C, Sea 25 °C
  • Aug: Air (max) 31 °C, Sea 26 °C
  • Sep: Air (max) 25 °C, Sea 24 °C
  • Oct: Air (max) 22 °C, Sea 21 °C
  • Nov: Air (max) 17 °C, Sea 18 °C
  • Dec: Air (max) 13 °C, Sea 15 °C
Air (max)SeaSwimming season
Climate and weather – Perast
June, July, and August for swimming and warm days. May and September are ideal for avoiding crowds – the sea is still warm enough, and the beach is peaceful. Avoid weekends in July and August if you are looking for tranquillity.

Visitor tip

Arrive in the morning before 9 am to claim a shaded spot under the trees – the beach offers natural shade. Wear water shoes as the shore is pebbly and rocky. Book a table at konoba Ćatovića Mlini in advance, especially at weekends. Parking next to the beach is paid (around €4), but free spaces can be found along the road 200–500 m away.

Good to know

Opening hours
Beach available 24/7 (open beach). Beach bars operate seasonally, June–September, usually 08:00–23:00.
Admission
Beach entrance is free. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for rent (check the price on site).
Parking
Paid parking next to the beach, around 4 € per day. Free spots along the E65 highway 200–500 m from the beach.
Accessibility
Rocky and pebbly shore – sea entry is not fully adapted for persons with disabilities. The E65 highway runs directly alongside the beach.

Getting Here

By Plane

The nearest airport is Tivat (TIV), approximately 11 km away (15–20 minutes by car). Podgorica Airport (TGD) is around 80 km away (approximately 1 hour). Taxi transfers and car hire services are available from both airports.

By Car

From Kotor, take the E65 main road towards Herceg Novi, approximately 24 km (30 minutes). From Herceg Novi it is 25 km in the opposite direction. Morinj sits directly on the coast alongside the main road. Paid parking is available next to the beach (around €4), with free spaces along the road 200–500 m away.

By Bus

Regular bus services from Kotor towards Herceg Novi pass through Morinj. A ticket costs around €2. Buses depart several times a day from Kotor bus station.

By Boat

Morinj is also accessible by boat – guests from anchorages or Porto Montenegro marina (around 10 km) can moor a dinghy directly at the shore. By water, Perast is one nautical mile away.

Directions to the beach
Day plan

Suggested Itineraries

A Perfect Day in Morinj

  1. Day 1 · Morinj, Boka Kotorska

    Beach, Springs, and Konoba

    Set off in the morning, ideally around 9 am, to claim a spot under the trees on Morinj Beach and beat the midday heat. The beach is pebbly and the sea is colder than elsewhere in Boka thanks to underwater freshwater springs – perfect for an invigorating morning swim. Wear water shoes for the rocky entry into the sea. After your swim, take a stroll to the network of springs and streams known as Mala Venecija – small waterways flowing through lush Mediterranean vegetation, creating a unique microclimate. The walk takes around 20–30 minutes and leads you to konoba Ćatovića Mlini. For lunch, be sure to book a table at konoba Ćatovića Mlini – a restaurant set in restored stone mills over 200 years old, right alongside a stream. Order the saffron and prawn risotto or freshly caught grilled fish, with homemade pršut and cheese to start. Insider tip: order a homemade fig rakija as an aperitif – it's a local ritual. In the afternoon, head back to the beach or enjoy a coffee on the terrace of beach bar Tramontana with views across the bay towards Orjen.
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Morinj Beach is pebbly and rocky. The shore consists of grey pebbles and smaller stones, so wearing water shoes is recommended for a more comfortable entry into the sea.

The water at Morinj is cooled by a network of underwater freshwater springs that flow down from the surrounding mountains directly into the bay. This makes the water exceptionally pure and clear, but also noticeably colder than at most other swimming spots in Boka Kotorska.

The beach is located directly alongside the E65 main road, 24 km from Kotor and 25 km from Herceg Novi. You can get there by car (parking next to the beach around €4), by bus from Kotor (around €2), or by boat from Perast and Porto Montenegro.

Yes, Morinj is a great family destination thanks to the calm bay waters, minimal wave action, and a less crowded beach. Kamp Naluka with its facilities and the proximity of restaurants make it a practical choice for a family holiday.

Ćatovića Mlini is a well-known konoba set in restored stone mills over 200 years old, alongside a stream in Morinj. It specialises in fresh seafood and local Mediterranean dishes. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially at weekends during the summer season.