Sveti Stefan Guide

June 23, 2024 City Guide 0 comment

Sveti Stefan is the jewel in the Budva Riviera’s crown. It’s got everything:

Illustrious history
Celeb sightings
Stunning beauty

It’s one of the must-see sights on the Riviera. But for most a quick snap of the island from the shore has to suffice.

The island belongs to Aman Resorts and is closed off to the public. This means it’s inaccessible to all but those who can afford the hefty price tag.

There is however a way you can get on to the island for a lot less than the €800 per night price in the resort. Keep reading and I’ll tell you how you can see the island for yourself.

History of Sveti Stefan in Montenegro

The little islet’s history dates back to the 15th Century when the Ottoman Turks were out to conquer the Adriatic Sea.

During one of their campaigns they anchored at Jaz Beach near Budva and were on their way to invade Kotor. When the locals heard about this they gathered up their weapons and took a shortcut to Kotor to help their neighbours. And they won!

After giving the Turks a good hiding, they not only chased them back to Jaz but attacked their ships and kept the spoils. With that gold they decided to build a fortress town on a little islet with one house for each of the 12 local tribes and a church naturally. The church was dedicated to St Stephan who became the town’s protector. Later the town became a centre for trade and administration.

By 1954 however, there were just 20 people still living on the island. So in the 50’s the islet was renovated and opened in 1960 as a hotel. It quickly became a favourite hangout of 60’s film stars and royalty like Sophia Loren, Doris Day and Princess Margaret. There was then another period of decline while Yugoslavia broke up until 2007 when it was leased to Aman Resorts.

Things to Do in Sveti Stefan in Montenegro

MILOCER PARK

Although you can’t really visit the island, I recommend having a walk through Milocer park. The whole area used be the summer residence of the Karadjordjevic family and it’s beautiful. The road winds through Milocer park which is filled with olive groves and exotic trees. It takes you past Villa Milocer and the beach, which are also part of Aman resort.

You’ll also pass Queen’s Beach, a beautiful cove which was only recently opened to the public. Follow the path until you come to the picturesque hamlet of Przno.

Start from the path in front of Olive restaurant and follow it through the park.

BEACH

The beach north of the island is also part of Aman Resort and costs €80 per person to hire a lounger.

The south beach is free for the public so if you’re staying elsewhere you can use this beach for free. You can hire loungers here starting from €15 for two loungers and an sun umbrella.