Sveti Stefan, Montenegro: Iconic Island Views and Coastal Beauty
Sveti Stefan, Montenegro
Sveti Stefan is a small islet connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, located on Montenegro’s central coast about 10 kilometers south of Budva. With its ancient stone houses, terracotta rooftops, and dramatic setting, it’s one of the most iconic images of the country. But here’s something many visitors don’t know — you can’t actually enter the island.
Table of Contents
- Beaches & Sunbathing
- Scenic Views & Nature Walks
- Historical Tours
Is Sveti Stefan Open to Visitors?
No. In recent years, Sveti Stefan has been closed to the public. The entire island was leased to the luxury Aman resort, but the property has remained closed for several seasons due to unresolved legal and political issues. While the island itself is off-limits and guarded, the surrounding area is open to everyone — and it’s still very much worth a visit.
Why Visit Sveti Stefan if You Can’t Enter?
Even if you can’t set foot on the island, the views from the mainland are nothing short of breathtaking. Standing on the shore and gazing out at Sveti Stefan is one of the most unforgettable moments you can have in Montenegro.
Here’s why it’s still worth the trip:
- The beaches flanking the isthmus are public and stunning
- There are panoramic viewpoints perfect for photography
- The surrounding area (Miločer, Queen’s Beach, cliff paths) is peaceful, scenic, and full of Mediterranean charm
Best Viewpoints of Sveti Stefan
- From the cliffs above King’s Beach (Kraljeva plaža)
- The scenic trail through Miločer Park
- The Church of Saint Sava on the hill above the village
Beaches Around Sveti Stefan
🏖 Sveti Stefan Beach
The southern beach, right next to the isthmus, is public and free. With smooth pink pebbles and crystal-clear waters, it’s ideal for swimming or a lazy afternoon in the sun.
👑 Queen’s Beach (Kraljičina plaža)
Tucked away in a cove surrounded by pine trees and cliffs, this beach is more secluded and occasionally restricted due to the resort. Even if you can’t access it, the views are spectacular.
Practical Travel Tips for Sveti Stefan
- Getting there: Sveti Stefan is 10 km from Budva and around 35 km from Tivat Airport
- By bus or car: Regular buses run from Budva, or you can drive and park near the main viewpoint (paid parking)
- What to bring: Water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes for walking
Did You Know? Sveti Stefan’s Golden Era of Luxury
Sveti Stefan isn’t just visually iconic — it was once the heart of European elite tourism. In the 1960s and 70s, the island was an exclusive retreat for Hollywood stars, world leaders, and royalty.
One of the island’s most legendary suites, Villa 118, welcomed glamorous guests such as Sophia Loren and Carlo Ponti, Kirk Douglas, and Claudia Cardinale. According to local stories, Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau once spent several private hours here, while shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis anchored his yacht behind the island during summer visits.
In 1972, Sveti Stefan was awarded the prestigious Golden Apple Award by the International Federation of Travel Journalists (FIJET) for its architectural harmony and world-class hospitality.
That same year, the King of Saudi Arabia rented the entire island for 15 days, reportedly for an astronomical sum. For two weeks, Sveti Stefan became a royal enclave — its stone villas playing host to diplomacy, discretion, and unmatched luxury.
Even today, although closed to the public, Sveti Stefan remains a powerful symbol of exclusivity. In recent years, with special permission, tennis legend Novak Djokovic was granted access to visit the island’s small church — the same place where he and his wife Jelena were married — proving that this extraordinary place still holds deep personal and symbolic value.
Nearby Attractions Worth Visiting
- Old Town Budva – Just 15 minutes away; a blend of history, charm, and nightlife
- Petrovac – A quieter coastal town with scenic trails and Roman mosaics
- Bečići Beach – One of Montenegro’s best sandy beaches
Sveti Stefan, Montenegro: Still Magical — Even From Afar
Even if you can’t walk its cobbled streets or dine beneath its stone arches, Sveti Stefan remains one of the most breathtaking places in the Adriatic. Sometimes, beauty doesn’t need to be touched to be felt — and standing on the shore, watching the island bathed in golden light, you’ll understand why it continues to capture imaginations from around the world.
Ready to explore Sveti Stefan?
Book your stay in Sveti Stefan
ACCOMMODATION
Sveti Stefan, Montenegro
FLIGHTS
Click the banner to find and book flights to Montenegro ⬇️
RENT A CAR
Click here to browse rental cars available in Montenegro ⬇️
Where is Sveti Stefan on the map?
Sveti Stefan Video Tour
Video courtesy of Polychronis Drone — original video available on their YouTube channel. Video embedded with permission.
Ostrog Monastery: A Journey to Montenegro’s Sacred Heart Ostrog Monastery I spent a long time thinking about how to begin a text about Ostrog Monastery
Why You Shouldn’t Miss Lovćen National Park – Montenegro’s Most Powerful Landmark Lovćen National Park Perched high in the rocky Dinaric Alps, just above the
Into the Wild: Discovering Piva Lake in Northern Montenegro Original photo by Balkscape.com, all rights reserved. Into the Wild: Discovering Piva Lake in Northern Montenegro
Where to Store Luggage in Podgorica: Travel Light, Wherever You’re Headed Where to Store Luggage in Podgorica? Traveling through Montenegro usually means exploring very different
Golubac Fortress: 9 Towers, 1 Fortress, Over 6 Centuries of History A Legendary Golubac Fortress at the Gates of the Iron Gorge Perched on towering
Saint George Island Montenegro – The Island of Dead Captains and an Ancient Curse title Table of Contents Saint George Island Montenegro: Legends, Lost Souls,
Tršić – A Candidate for the World’s Most Beautiful Village 2025 Original photo by Balkscape.com, all rights reserved. Visit Tršić – Serbia’s 2025 Candidate for
Zasavica Nature Reserve: Where Time Slows Down in Serbia’s Wild Heart “РП18 Zasavica” by Bancika is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 . Zasavica – Serbia’s
Plavi Horizonti: A Beach You Must Visit—No Matter Where You Vacation in Montenegro Table of Contents Plavi Horizonti Beach, Montenegro Montenegro’s coastline offers something for
Jaz Beach, Montenegro – Complete Travel Guide & What to Expect Table of Contents Explore Jaz Beach, Montenegro: What to Know Before You Go Just