Sveti Stefan is a colorful landmark and the most expensive resort in Montenegro. Is it possible to get to Sveti Stefan for free? How to get to the miracle island from Budva and Tivat? We tell you about beaches and hotel prices.
History of the island of Sveti Stefan
The unique island-hotel Sveti Stefan is connected to the mainland by a small isthmus. The first inhabitants appeared here in the 15th century. They built the temple of St. Stephen and fortifications so that the coast could be protected from the attacks of the Turks. The island got its name in honor of the small church.
The Venetians turned Sveti Stefan into a real medieval city. At a later time, only a small fishing village was located on a small piece of land.
In the 1950s, the leadership of Yugoslavia decided to preserve the old look of houses and streets, but turn Sveti Stefan into a luxury resort. In the 1970s-1980s, royalty, the world political elite and show business stars loved to rest on the island.
The protracted war that accompanied the disintegration of Yugoslavia ravaged the island resort. There was no money to restore Sveti Stefan, so in 2007 Montenegro rented out the island for 30 years. Soon the Aman Sveti Stefan hotel complex opened here.
Today the island is still popular with wealthy clients. Guests are hosted in luxurious villas. They are equipped with all comforts; natural materials have been used in the decoration of the rooms and halls.
The island of Sveti Stefan is cozy and green. Tidy cottages are twined with ivy, and winding cobbled streets lead to picturesque courtyards. The island has all the necessary infrastructure - restaurants, cafes, pastry shops, hairdressers, a shopping center, a post office and a bank. Three old churches have survived - the Transfiguration of the Lord, St. Stephen and Alexander Nevsky.
Find out what to see in Budva.
Sveti Stefan Accommodation
OnlineTours - tours to Sveti Stefan.
On the island of St. Stephen - the best conditions, a secluded vacation with all the amenities on the seashore. There are 58 luxury apartments on the island. The single hotel complex Aman Sveti Stefan includes Villa Miloćer, which is located in a park in front of the island. In high season, a night for two costs from 890 euros.
Look for cheaper accommodation in the village of Sveti Stefan, on the coast. A double room in Vukšić 4 * apartment costs 63 euros per day, in Sana 4 * apartments - 83 euros, and in More 4 * apartments - 43 euros.
The beaches
To the right of the isthmus that leads to the island of Sveti Stefan is the hotel's private beach. It is covered with reddish sand. Renting a pair of sun loungers for outsiders costs 100 euros. On the left is a public beach of the same quality, which is accessible to everyone.
There are two excellent sandy beaches on the mainland. "Kralichina plazha" stretches for 120 m, and Milocer beach - for 300 m. It is surrounded by rare trees and shrubs of a wonderful botanical park. The vacation is truly royal - rent of two sun loungers costs 120 euros.
How to get to Sveti Stefan
The island of Sveti Stefan in Montenegro is a closed territory. Unauthorized entry is prohibited! If you set out to definitely see this attraction of the Budva Riviera, we will tell you how to get to the island.
First way - book your accommodation in Sveti Stefan. Get ready to shell out a tidy sum!
Second way - book a table at any of the restaurants on the island. This can be done by phone, on the website or at the registration desk, which is located near the isthmus. Prices in establishments are high: snacks - from 15 euros, main courses - 30-50 euros, and desserts - 15-30 euros.
The third option - come to the island with an excursion. Sightseeing tours are held every day. You will be guided through the streets of Sveti Stefan, told about its history and treated to a drink in one of the restaurants. Look for interesting author's excursions on Tripster.
Fourth option - Come to church services in Sveti Stefan free of charge. Solemn services in honor of the holidays are held several times a year: on the second day of Christmas, the second day of Easter, July 12, August 2, 9 and 28. On these days, residents of the surrounding villages and tourists are allowed to the island freely. You won't be able to walk, as there are guards everywhere, but you can see something on the way to the temples.
How to get to Sveti Stefan from Budva and Tivat
Travel from Budva to Sveti Stefan by city bus costs 1.5 euros, and by taxi - 10-15 euros.
From the airport in Tivat to the island of Sveti Stefan 33.5 km. For 4 euros you can take a regular bus. Please note that buses run from the Tivat bus station, which is 1 km from the airport. Flights are rare - once every few hours. It is more convenient to take a taxi for 37 euros or order an individual transfer.
Best views of the island
Excellent photos of Sveti Stefan are obtained from the embankment, which is located on the mainland. Sveti Stefan looks great from the observation decks behind the Milocer Park and near the Adrovic hotel.
Reviews about Sveti Stefan
The island of Sveti Stefan and the clean sandy beaches with pink sand are popular among tourists. Only exorbitantly high prices upset.
Tatiana: "I noted the beauty. I shot the video. There are many equally beautiful places in those parts. But someone is pleased that he can spend a lot of money."
Irina: "We rested with my son. Everything is just fine! Everywhere is clean, tidied up and washed. Cleaning even on weekends and holidays. Linen is clean and white. The terrace is cozy, there is a place to sit in the evening or relax in the heat. We really want to come back here."
