Sveti Stefan (see on Montenegro map) is a tiny island connected to the shore by an artificial embankment, 9 km from Budva. The island got its name from St. Stephen, in whose honor a church was built on the island. According to legend, the inhabitants of the local village of Pashtrovichi, returning from Bay of Kotor, where they successfully repelled enemy raids, they noticed Ottoman ships in the Yaz area. Because they had not yet had time to dispel the fighting spirit from the victory in Kotor, they rushed into battle and destroyed the Turkish fleet. Inspired by numerous victories, they decided to erect a church and a fortress (from the attacks of the same Turks, and pirates) in honor of St. Stephen, the heavenly patron of the Pashtrovichi.
During the Venetian Republic, the island was an important trading center. There were about 100 houses, 3 churches and more than 400 inhabitants. However, due to economic decline, the island gradually began to fall into disrepair, and the population was reduced to 20 people. It was an ordinary fishing village.
In 1957, the revival of the island began: they decided to turn it into a unique resort complex, a city-hotel. Stars and important people from all countries began to come here. It was visited by the English Queen Elizabeth II, Bobby Fisher, Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, Claudia Schiffer, Kirk Douglas and Sylvester Stallone.
Unfortunately, the island is now closed to the public; you can only get there as a guest of this hotel.
The hotel also owns the right side of the beach, so don't even think about spreading your towel there! 🙂 However, you can get there if you pay 50 euros for two sunbeds and a table - this is a must.
If you don't want to pay so much, go to the left side of the beach; you can stay there for free (or pay for a sunbed from 10 to 30 euros). Read more about the beaches in our blog - Beaches in Montenegro: Budva Riviera, part 1 (Sveti Stefan, Milocer, Przno).
But the island has everything you need for a good rest: high quality apartments (from 700 euros), cafes, restaurants, shopping centers and even an art gallery.
Relatively recently, a village of the same name grew up in front of the island. In the village you can easily find an apartment to your liking and enjoy the view of the island and the sea.
From Sveti Stefan towards Budva there is a picturesque illuminated path to the royal beach and coniferous park Milocer. To the left of the island, at about the same distance as Budva, is the city of Petrovac, which can be reached by taxi or bus. In general, there is where to walk and what to see 😉
