You might have seen the postcard-perfect image of a tiny terracotta-roofed island connected to the mainland by a thin strip of pink sand – it’s called Sveti Stefan.
For decades, it was known as a glamorous hideaway for celebrities and royalty. But today, things look a little different.
You can’t freely explore the island itself anymore, and the once ultra-exclusive atmosphere feels far more relaxed. So is Sveti Stefan still the Adriatic’s most exclusive spot… or is it simply one of Montenegro’s most beautiful beach towns?
In this guide, I’ll share what it’s really like to visit today, from the best viewpoints and beaches to a few important things you should know before you go.
Article overview
Sveti Stefan
Located along the beautiful Budva Riviera, Sveti Stefan is one of the most iconic views on the Montenegrin coast. The tiny fortified island sits just offshore, connected to the mainland by a narrow pink-sand causeway and surrounded by turquoise Adriatic water.
But Sveti Stefan isn’t just the island you see in photos. It’s also a small hillside village overlooking the sea, with apartments, cafés, and quiet beaches. For me, it’s actually my second favorite place in Montenegro after Herceg Novi.
The island itself dates back to the 15th century, when it was built as a fortified fishing village. In the 1950s, it was transformed into a luxury resort that quickly became one of the most exclusive destinations in Europe, attracting celebrities like Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, and Richard Burton.
A lot is closed
One things I didn’t realize before arriving was that the island itself is currently closed to the public. The luxury resort is operated by Aman Resorts, and access has traditionally been limited to hotel guests or those with restaurant reservations.
However, since the pandemic, the island — along with nearby Villa Miločer — has largely remained closed due to an ongoing dispute between the resort operator and the Montenegrin government.
Even the retail and restaurant complex near the main beach — which previously included a Nobu restaurant — has been closed.
It’s honestly a bit sad to see such an iconic and historic place sitting empty with no way to visit. But there are also positives, like the beaches are fully accessible to the public. As it should be.
So is to still the poshest destination on the Adriatic? No, not at the moment. It feels relaxed and welcoming.
How to get to Sveti Stefan
Sveti Stefan is located on the Montenegrin coast along the Budva Riviera and is very easy to reach, whether you’re traveling by car, bus, or taxi.
From Budva >> The easiest way to visit is from Budva, which is only about 10 km away. By car or taxi, the journey takes around 15–20 minutes.
If you’re traveling on a budget, regular local buses run between Budva and Sveti Stefan and take roughly the same amount of time. They don’t always depart on time, but it only costs €2.5, so it’s worth a little wait. I used Google Maps to find the right bus stop.
From Kotor & Tivat >> If you’re staying in Kotor or flying into Tivat Airport, the drive takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic. The route follows the beautiful Bay of Kotor before joining the coastal highway toward Budva and continuing south. You can take a bus to Budva bus station and then change to the local bus. Or do as we did, negotiate with a taxi driver to take you. We paid €55.
From Podgorica >> Montenegro’s capital is about 60 km away, and the drive usually takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Renting a car is the easiest option if you’re coming from inland Montenegro. Just keep in mind that parking is limited in Sveti Stefan.
From other countries >> We used Daytrip to travel from Sveti Stefan to Shkodër, Albania. So you could easily do it the other way around as well. I’m very happy with their service, as we could add stops along the way. You can also take the bus to Budva from both Shkodër and Tirana, which have more international flight options than Podgorica.
You can also take the bus from both Croatia and Albania. I took the bus from Dubrovnik to Kotor, but I could have continued to Budva and then taken the local bus from there.
By tour >> If you’re short on time, many ´tours from Kotor or even Albania include a stop in Sveti Stefan.
How to get around
Another thing to keep in mind is that Sveti Stefan is built on a hill. The village rises steeply above the coastline, which means incredible views almost everywhere — but also quite a bit of walking.
Long staircases lead straight down to the beach, and if you’re staying higher up, you’ll either be climbing steps or following the winding road that snakes its way down toward the water.
It’s absolutely manageable, but something to be aware of if you’re traveling with heavy luggage or limited mobility. Some accommodations offer complimentary beach drop-off and pick-up services, which can be a real bonus after a long, hot day in the sun.
If you arrive by car, there’s a paid parking lot right behind the main beach. Expect to pay roughly €4 per hour, depending on the season. Just keep in mind that getting out again in the middle of the day can take a while. There’s a continuous queue during the day and the road is narrow.
Top things to do
Sveti Stefan is a very small village, but there are some fun things to see and do.
1. Admire the views
And the best part is the views. You don’t really need to go to specific viewpoints, because all along the road that runs through town. But here are a few options:
Sveti Stefan View Point >> High up in the hills above the main road. It is amazing at sunset. You can drive up or hike if it’s not too hot. On your way up, you’ll see a monastery with a cemetery, a small waterfall and a WW2 memorial of fallen fighters.
Vidikovac Sveti Stefan >> Another one of the best viewpoints of Sveti Stefan is the small roadside pull-off along the main coastal road. There’s only space for a handful of cars and usually a 10 minute time limit, but the view is absolutely worth it. It’s one of the most photographed scenes in Montenegro and looks especially magical at sunrise or sunset.
I shot the photo below from this spot when we were walking back to our accommodation after coming back with the bus from Budva.
2. Relax on the iconic Sveti Stefan Beach
The narrow strip of land connecting the island to the mainland forms two beautiful pebble beaches, both with incredible views of the island.
The left beach is public with some sunbeds for rent in front of the beach clubs, while the other has historically been reserved for guests of the former resort. But since the hotel is closed, the whole right side (Sveti Stefan Plaža 2) is now also public.
I personally preferred the right side because it felt much calmer and more relaxed, with no loud music from the beach clubs. The sea was mostly calm during our stay, with waves only picking up slightly on one day.
It also gets deep quite quickly, which means you don’t have to walk far over the larger pebbles to start swimming. The beach itself is made up of small reddish-brown pebbles.
It does get extremely hot here in summer, so we bought a parasol from a street vendor. Well worth the €15.
3. Walk to Miločer & Queen’s Beach
Just a short walk from Sveti Stefan, you’ll find Miločer Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Montenegro. The water here is the clearest I’ve ever seen. Not green, not blue, just clear. It was like looking through glass.
There’s also a small tunnel through the stone on the north end that lead to another tiny beach. Fun for the kids.
The beach sits inside a former royal estate called Miločer park. A peaceful walking path connects the beach with Sveti Stefan, making it a lovely place for a morning stroll or sunset walk.
It is also worth exploring park area, with shaded paths, olive trees, and fantastic coastal views. And if you continue along the path though the park you’ll reach Queen’s Beach, which is even more picturesque.
Both these beaches feel more secluded than the main public beach, with soft pinkish pebbles, crystal-clear water, and lush pine trees creating a beautiful natural backdrop.
4. Take the coastal walk toward Pržno
If you enjoy walking, follow the coastal path from Sveti Stefan toward the small fishing village of Pržno. It took me around 45 minutes in the fall heat.
This is a beautiful and easy walk that passes through forested parkland and quiet beaches before arriving in the charming seaside village filled with small restaurants and cafés. It’s a great place to stop for seafood lunch or a relaxed coffee by the water.
As of fall 2025, the path is open to the public. However, I heard someone talking about closing parts of the path off to the public and make it accessible to resort guests only. Just like some of the beaches in the past.
You can even walk all the way to Budva, a route of around 9 kilometer that takes a little over two hours. The walk is mostly on paved paths, with only a very short stretch along the main road, and it’s an easy but incredibly beautiful way to experience this part of the Montenegrin coastline.
5. Stay for sunset
If possible, plan your visit so you’re still here at sunset. Or come for dinner and drinks.
As the sun dips into the Adriatic, the terracotta rooftops of the island glow warm orange and the water turns deep blue and gold.
It’s one of the most magical sunset spots in Montenegro, and a perfect way to end a day exploring the Budva Riviera.
We got lucky with our apartment and had the perfect sunset view. It was this beautiful every night!
6. Day trip to Budva
If you’re staying near Sveti Stefan, a quick trip to Budva is well worth adding to your itinerary. Located just about 10 minutes away, Budva is one of the liveliest towns on the Montenegrin coast and offers a completely different atmosphere.
We took the bus that stops right up the street from Vertmont Villa in one day. It was affordable at €2.5, but very crowded.
The highlight is the historic Old Town, a small walled peninsula filled with narrow stone streets, charming squares, and centuries-old churches. It’s a great place to wander without a plan, browse small boutiques, or stop for a coffee at one of the many cafés tucked between the stone buildings.
Budva also has several popular beaches, including Mogren Beach, which sits in a beautiful cove just a short walk from the Old Town walls. And if you’re visiting in the evening, the town has a lively restaurant and nightlife scene, with plenty of waterfront bars and terraces overlooking the Adriatic.
7. Photography walk
Whether you’re traveling solo or are the designated photographer of the family, this photo walk with a professional photographer is a must. Sveti Stefan is such a gorgeous backdrop, so it’s the perfect place to invest in a photoshoot.
Where to stay in Sveti Stefan
Is it worth staying in Sveti Stefan? Yes, if you’re looking for some peace and quiet in a gorgeous location, I’d say stay a few nights. I see a lot of people wondering whether to stay in Budva or Sveti Stefan, so I wrote a complete guide.
👉 Budva, Sveti Stefan or Petrovac? The best area to stay
We stayed at Vertmont Villa, which is located high up in the village above Sveti Stefan. The apartments are newly built, modern, and equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay, from a full kitchen to spacious balconies with beautiful views.
Because the property sits higher up the hill, the service really stood out — they offer complimentary rides down to the beach and pick-ups when you’re ready to come back.
On our first day, the guy at the reception desk even drove us around the area to show us where the best restaurants were and where the staircases leading down to the beach start, which was incredibly helpful and a really nice personal touch.
If you want to stay somewhere on the beach, there’s nowhere better than Hotel California by Aycon. This small five-star beachfront hotel sits right across from the famous Sveti Stefan peninsula, with beautiful views of the Adriatic and the surrounding mountains.
From what I saw, it’s one of the best places to stay in town if you’re looking for a more upscale experience without the massive resort feel. The hotel offers stylish rooms and apartments, many with sea views, and it even has its own private beach area just steps away.
Guests get complimentary access to sunbeds, umbrellas, and towels, which is a huge perk considering how expensive beach setups can be here.
Where to eat
My favorite dining experience in Sveti Stefan was at Olive Restaurant. We had a long, relaxed lunch on a terrace surrounded by lush greenery, with beautiful views overlooking the iconic island.
Prices here are definitely above average for Montenegro, but the setting and the quality of the food made it feel worth it. The seafood was especially memorable — I rarely enjoy fish as much as I did here.
We had a delicious pizza at Sunset Bech Bar and service was good. It looked newly updated and kind of reminded me of the cute cafes in Bali. However, the music was so loud that it made it hard to fully enjoy.
If you’re after a more traditional meal, you can’t go wrong with either Caffe Caffe or Pampur Bar.
Things to know before visiting Sveti Stefan
Before you visit Sveti Stefan, there are a few helpful things to know that can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
There are only pebble beaches. The beaches around Sveti Stefan are made up of small pinkish pebbles. The water is incredibly clear, but bringing water shoes can make getting in and out of the sea more comfortable. I was fine without, but my Mom was happy she brought hers.
Limited shopping and dining. There are about six restaurants, a few bars and three small food shops. But other than that, there are none of the typical, slightly tacky tourist shops selling bracelets and plastic slippers at the moment. Only a stall by the beach in high season. If you need more than the essentials, you have to head into Budva.
There’s a trash problem. One thing I did notice — and it’s something I’ve seen in other parts of the Balkans as well — is the litter problem. At first glance, Sveti Stefan looks clean and beautifully maintained, especially around the beaches and main viewpoints.
But if you glance into roadside ditches or along less-traveled paths, you’ll often spot piles of plastic bottles and scattered trash. Just like in Albania, I did see a few people throw garbage on the ground, which baffles me in any case, but especially when there are bins available.
The natural beauty of this coastline is incredible, and it deserves better care from both locals and visitors alike.
It’s steep. Yes, I know I mentioned this already, but I want to make it clear for anyone with mobility issues. The village rises steeply from the water, which means incredible views almost everywhere — but also quite a bit of uphill walking.
Long staircases lead straight down to the beach, so if you’re staying higher up, you’ll either be climbing steps or following the winding road that snakes its way down toward the water. Unless your accommodation offers drop off and pick up. It’s absolutely manageable, but something to be aware of.
Is Sveti Stefan worth visiting?
Yes — definitely.
Even though the island itself is currently closed, Sveti Stefan is still one of the most beautiful spots in Montenegro. The views alone make it worth the stop, and the beaches and coastal walks are just as stunning in real life as they are in photos.
You don’t necessarily need to stay overnight to experience it — you can enjoy the view, walk along the beach, and explore the surrounding area in just a few hours.
That said, I’m really glad we chose to stay here. Once the day visitors leave, the area feels incredibly peaceful, and watching the sunset over the island without the crowds is something special.
READY TO BOOK YOUR MONTENEGRO TRIP?
🚍 Bus tickets: BusTicket4.me
🚘 Rent a car: I use Discover Cars
🚖 Airport transfers: I always use Welcome Pickups
🚙 Intercity transfers: I love Daytrip (you can add stops)
🎫 Best guided tours: All coastal highlights in a day
📲Don’t forget an eSIM: I use Airalo (code NEWTOAIRALO15)
🏨 Accommodation: Booking.com (sign up for the loyalty program)
💍 My favorite beach jewelry: I wear Atolea (15% off use: SUNSHINE15)
🌟 Read next >> Herceg Novi: A full guide to my favorite Montenegrin town
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