Petrovac sits on the southwest side of Montenegro on what’s known as the Budva Riviera. Backed by pine trees and cypresses, this former fishing village is now an easy-going seaside town watched over by a Venetian fortress.

We like Petrovac. It’s not as refined as Sveti Stefan. Petrovac is only 30 minutes south of Sveti Stefan and is one of the most frequented beaches in Montenegro. Petrovac’s promenade is pretty, lined with flowers and rosemary-scented cottage gardens. The walled harbour is guarded by a 16th-century Venetian fortress. The Romans liked it, and there are Roman villa ruins around the town.

Petrovac’s town beach comes with red sands folded into a horseshoe-shaped bay. There are plenty of sunbeds and parasols, while the crystal-clear water is perfect for snorkellers as well as swimmers and water skiers. Next door you’ve got the smaller and pebblier Lucice Beach, which has beach bars and a café. And if you’re out and about, Becici Beach, with its pristine sands and ice-cream parlours, is just 15-minute drive north

It’s a good day trip if you have kids, with a long part sandy beach, playgrounds, restaurants, cafes and bars.

If you travel a few miles further south, you’ll find the sandy beach of Sutomore.