Sveti Stefan
Montenegro’s sublime Adriatic coastline is strung together by a necklace of shielded coves with pebbly beaches. Sveti Stefan, a small but refined resort town south of Budva, finds itself, geographically speaking, right in the middle of the 293-kilometer-long coastal stretch. Its perfect match of sunny climate and pristine nature is ideal for long days spent luxuriating on those red pebbles Sveti Stefan is known for.
Sveti Stefan Beach is the place to go for a refreshing early-morning dip, leisurely walk, or savory plate of Black Risotto at ‘Amadeus’, a small, family-run beachfront restaurant, overlooking the resort island. Linked to the mainland through a picturesque causeway, Sveti Stefan Island has been Montenegro’s first celebrity vacation spot, where supermodel Claudia Schiffer already rubbed shoulders with Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone among others.
Budva
A polarizing seaside community with a pretty seaside walkway and an old town, Budva offers the quintessential Adriatic resort experience for the whole family.
Sveti Stefan Beach
Split in two by a picturesque embankment, Sveti Stefan Beach sits in a tranquil bay with crystal-clear waters overlooking the resort island.
The gated luxury resort island, together with the 80-hectare coastal estate surrounding it and its three hotel beaches: the northern part of Sveti Stefan Beach, Milocer Beach, and Queen’s Beach, have been managed by the AMAN Sveti Stefan hospitality group since 2007. Since then, access for non-guests to the island has been restricted while renting a set of sun loungers came at a hefty price tag.
Starting with the holiday season 2023, Sveti Stefan Island is again open to the public. There are six tours organized daily and the entrance fee is 25€ per adult person. Info for the 2024 season: Due to an ongoing court battle with the Montenegrin government, beaches are currently free-for-all with no facilities/amenities offered – wild beaches, so to speak.
Queen’s Beach
Overlooking Sveti Nikola Island, Queen’s Beach is within footwalk distance of Sveti Stefan, offering clean and lucid waters, and beautiful surroundings.
History and Culture
During the rule of the Venetian Republic over the entire region (1420 – 1797), Sveti Stefan could massively benefit from its strategic location as a (minor) trading hub on the ancient Adriatic sea route. Established by the local Pastrovici tribes in 1442 on a small island where the 12th-century Church of St. Stephen once stood, the fortified medieval old town offers sweeping views in all directions.
Since the 20th century, Sveti Stefan has been known as a popular summer purlieu for Yugoslavia’s aristocracy, as evidenced by the beautiful Villa Milocer, which is still standing right on Milocer Beach, a summer residence built from stone by the Royal Family in the 1930s. In the years following the Second World War, the now almost deserted Sveti Stefan was turned into an ultra-luxury island resort.
Milocer Beach
This pretty bay looks plucked straight out of a magazine. Milocer Beach is home to soft pebbles, limpid waters, and the former king’s summer residence.
It became an instant success with the international jet set of that time; Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Sophia Loren all visited to enjoy the glimmering blue sea, the warm, radiant sunlight, and the sophisticated ambiance found only around here. And absolutely, the area makes a great base to unwind, indulge in the flavors of Adriatic cuisine, write, or simply get lost in the moment.
In recent years, Sveti Stefan has made increasing concessions to Montenegro’s growing tourism industry, but undeterred by these developments, it has managed to retain its old royal charm. While it is within a 15-minute driving distance of larger coastal towns such as Budva and Petrovac, its seclusion has sheltered it from over-development and the worst of mass tourism.
Sveti Stefan feels world’s apart from the vibrancy and bustle of Budva, and the weather is especially mild from May through October during the swimming season when a selected few visit for their annual summer break. When it comes to the local cuisine, we recommend visiting a traditional ‘konoba’ (tavern) for a feast of mussels and some shared platters of mixed seafood or meats
Petrovac na Moru
Besides Sveti Stefan, another stronghold of the Pastrovici, Petrovac is a charming and family-friendly resort town known for its picturesque fishing harbor and promenade.
Things to do in Sveti Stefan
There is plenty to see and do in the immediate area around Sveti Stefan. Its proximity to the Lovcen Mountain Range and the wine-growing region of Crmnica make it a popular choice with hikers, bikers, and cyclists, especially in the off-season. If the weather is hot, the warm, crystalline, and fish-filled waters provide the perfect conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
Sveti Stefan’s three pictorial bays, which are connected via probably Montenegro’s most scenic forested coastal pathway, feel enclosed by the lush Milocer Park and the imposing backdrop of the Dinaric Alps. A variety of watersports equipment, including kayaks, pedal boats, and stand-up paddleboards are available for rent from the beach bar located below Hotel California. You can also book a boat trip from the pier in front of the resort island.
Lovcen National Park
Known for its rugged landscape, craggy peaks, and verdant meadows, the Lovcen National Park is also home to the Njegos Mausoleum and an adventure park.
Watersports in Montenegro
Kitesurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, parasailing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding are some of the most popular watersports in Montenegro.
Another fun and exhilarating activity in Sveti Stefan you shouldn’t miss is tandem paragliding, offering panoramic views not only of the resort island but the entire Budva Riviera. For young kids, there is a decent-sized children’s playground right behind Sveti Stefan Beach, adjacent to Restaurant Olive.
If you are looking for a more diverse shopping experience, then a trip to neighboring Budva or Porto Montenegro in Tivat will tick all your boxes. Birdwatchers will find plenty of species on the shores of Lake Skadar, including the Dalmatian Pelican, the Pygmy Cormorant, and the Squacco Heron.
The Budva Riviera
Discover the Budva Riviera, a small but pristine stretch of Adriatic coastline, marked by beautiful pebble beaches and centuries-old coastal towns.
Restaurants in Sveti Stefan
Exploring the streets surrounding the small bays of Sveti Stefan reveals a wealth of culinary options, with the Adriatic always as the focal point. Amadeus is perfectly situated on the Sveti Stefan beachfront, offering a wide assortment of savory meats and ocean-fresh seafood dishes.
Enjoy striking views of the resort island to accompany your gourmet meal at Muse, Villa Geba’s on-site eatery. This fine-dining venue is open to both guests of this classy boutique hotel as well as those wishing to make the most of this picture-perfect environment and willing to stick to their infamously strict dress code – long pants and no open shoes after 17:00 (5 pm)!
Artfully arranged plates of popular cuisine with a Mediterranean twist (Tuna Steak, Beet Wellington, Lamb Navarin, etc) can be found on their a la carte menu. There’s also a good selection of local and versatile international wines for the perfect pairing. Great spot for a sunset dinner, so be sure to book in advance!
At first glance, the unpretentious Pampur Bar might not look like much. It’s a small roadside bistro with a simple, homely decor. But as soon as you take a seat, you will see why we suggest booking two days in a row, as you’ll want to try their entire menu. Plates fly out of the cuisine in the arms of the virtuous family staff, who’ll be excited to talk to you. A diverse and healthy breakfast offer, too!
If you’re seeking flavors from beyond the Adriatic, you’ll find more choices in and on the way to Budva, including Sushi, Turkish, and Italian. Jade, the Maestral’s hotel restaurant in nearby Przno serves probably the most sophisticated Chinese cuisine in the region. Try arriving before sunset for breathtaking views from their al-fresco terrace.
Budva’s Top Restaurants
We’ve eaten our way across the local gastro scene to bring you a list of the best restaurants in Budva, from local Adriatic cuisine to Uzbek and Italian.
Hotels in Sveti Stefan
There is a broad range of holiday houses and apartments available in quaint Sveti Stefan and surroundings. If you prefer the convenience of a hotel at affordable rates, then the 3-star Villa Edelweiss might be worthy of your consideration. This relatively simple yet beautiful accommodation sits in the upper part of the resort, within a 10-minute walking distance of the sea, offering picture-perfect views thanks to its elevated position.
Further down the streets of Sveti Stefan towards the beach, you’ll find the guileful 7-room Villa Geba. A classy five-star boutique stay in every possible way, it is decorated with exclusive artwork and comes with a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, fashionable interior decor, and has also the ritzy Muse Restaurant on-site.
Hotel California is another 5-star hotel gem located right on the beachfront, boasting private beach access and a sophisticated restaurant serving local and international cuisine while offering stupendous views of Sveti Stefan from its sweeping outdoor terrace. Some rooms are on the smaller side, so be sure to inquire before booking.
For a truly luxurious experience, visit the AMAN Sveti Stefan, set up on the resort island, and Milocer Beach, overlooking the sea. It buys patrons access to three of Montenegro’s most paradisical beaches. This is a place where you will meet the occasional Hollywood star or professional athlete at the breakfast buffet table.
Events in Sveti Stefan
Sveti Stefan itself is tranquil and laid-back, with few events disturbing its serenity. One domestic, humanitarian event is the Rustula Festival (in Montenegro: ‘Festa od Rustula‘) which takes place annually without a fixed date. Expect some immersive live music, guests dressed in colorful traditional attire, and plenty of thin and crispy ‘rustule’, a traditional sweet popular all along the Adriatic coast.
For those wanting to experience more vibrant Mediterranean vibes, a visit to neighboring Budva for its year-round offer of festivals and open-air events is highly recommended. Their Venice-style carnival celebrations, which are organized over an extended Labor Day (May 1st) weekend, are extraordinarily popular, and there is also a children’s parade.
Living in Sveti Stefan
Even though Sveti Stefan is primarily known as a holiday resort, there is still a small community of locals and international residents living here year-round. Some shops and restaurants stay open perpetually, and you can always drive to neighboring Budva – 15 minutes by car – which is a much larger coastal town with more facilities and a larger community living there throughout the year.
For non-locals of all ages, Sveti Stefan is becoming an increasingly popular second home and vacation rental location. This tiny town of just 400 inhabitants would be an excellent choice for everyone wanting to immerse themselves in the local Montenegrin culture while still having plenty of international residents nearby.
Despite its small size, a sensible choice of condominiums and residential homes is usually available at fairly reasonable prices. Studio apartments can be snatched up for as little as 100,000 Euros while most bigger apartments have asking prices between 250,000 – 400,000 Euros. A sophisticated estate or comfortable villa may cost up to 5 million Euros.
Surrounding Areas
Rezevici is a charming, traditional stone village in a beautiful rural setting, known for its monastery that sells homemade olive oil, wine, and honey, and finds itself just five minutes away by car. Petrovac is only a bit further afield, making for a fun, family-friendly day trip. Przno is a picturesque fishing village with a lovely, smaller beach backed by a row of waterfront taverns, serving delicious Adriatic fare and home to the Maestral Resort & Casino.
Consider visiting the olive oil-producing villages very close by, including Tudorovici, Kuljace, and Ivanovici, where a 2000-year-old olive tree is located that still produces roughly 40 liters of extra virgin oil per year. The Orthodox monasteries of Rustovo and Duljevo are also within easy driving distance, offering a haven of peace and striking sea views.
Przno
A lovely hamlet by the sea boasting dramatic coastal landscapes that have inspired many artists, Przno is the perfect spot for a romantic seafood lunch or dinner.
The Maestral Hotel
A luxurious five-star stay perfectly situated at Przno’s beachfront, the Maestral Resort & Casino draws a crowd of sun enthusiasts and dopamine-hungry hedonists.
Sveti Nikola is only two kilometers long, but still Montenegro’s largest island. It lies off the shores of Sveti Stefan and Budva and can be reached by water taxi from Slovenska Beach. On the island, you’ll find a handful of beaches, restaurants, and beach bars. Halfmoon Beach and Laguna Beach, for which a pre-arranged private boat transfer is required, are the most scenic.
The nearest major coastal resort is Budva, which is Montenegro’s most-visited seaside town, just 10 kilometers south of Sveti Stefan and a regional hub for entertainment and nightlife, with dozens of restaurants, bars, and boutiques dotted around the old town, which dates back 2,500 years, and the bustling seaside promenade.
Sveti Nikola Island
A picturesque island with charming beaches surrounded by dramatic coastal cliffs, Sveti Nikola Island offers panoramic views of the Budva Riviera.