Sveti Stefan: How to Visit the Island & Best Beaches Nearby

Sveti Stefan is Montenegro's most photographed landmark: a tiny 15th-century fortified island connected to the mainland by a narrow stone causeway. Sveti Stefan Islet is currently completely closed to visitors – the Aman resort is not operating, no tours are offered, and entry is not possible. But the trip is still worth it: you can walk up to the gates along the causeway, swim in turquoise water on either side of it, and explore one of the best coastal trails on the Adriatic. Here's a practical plan: how to get there, what it costs, where the best swimming spots are, and which beaches within a 15-minute walk deserve your time.

Key facts:

• The island is completely closed – the Aman resort is not operating, no tours are offered, you can only walk to the gates on the causeway
• Sveti Stefan Beach – free entry to the south side; loungers from €30–60 per set
• North side of the beach – private Aman zone, currently closed along with the resort
• Parking is expensive: €4/hour at the beach, €2/hour at Miločer Park; a bus from Budva costs ~€1.50
• Three beaches within walking distance: Miločer Beach (10 min), Queen's Beach (15 min), Crvena Stijena / Red Rock (20 min)
• Best time to visit – early morning (before 10:00) or September–October, when the water is still warm but crowds have thinned
• Water shoes are essential – the beach is pebbly with large stones near the waterline

The short answer is no. Sveti Stefan Islet belongs to the Aman Sveti Stefan resort, which is currently closed. The gates at the entrance are locked, no tours are running, and there is no way to book a room or buy an entry ticket. Aman periodically hints at reopening, but no concrete dates have been announced.

What you can do: walk freely along the stone causeway right up to the gates. From there you get a close-up view of the terracotta rooftops, the mountains, and the coastline – more than enough for photography. The island looks atmospheric even through the iron gates: medieval walls, overgrown alleyways, and church bell towers.

The island's status may change – check Aman's official website for updates before your trip. But even without access to the island itself, Sveti Stefan is well worth the visit for the beaches and walks alone.

To cover the key coastal highlights in a single day, consider the Great Montenegro Tour – Lovćen NP, Mausoleum, River of Crnojević, Sveti Stefan from €79 per person, which includes a stop at the island viewpoint along with several other major sights.

The causeway divides the shoreline into two symmetrical bays with pinkish pebbles.

Tip: before 10:00, the south side is nearly empty – the staff collecting lounger fees arrives later. If you bring your own towel and umbrella, you can settle in at the edges for free.

(Updated: March 2026)

A 10-minute walk north from Sveti Stefan Beach along a shaded trail through Miločer Park. The path runs under Lebanese cedars and cypresses – one of the most scenic short walks on the coast.

The beach is about 200 metres long with fine pink pebbles. Waves are rare – the bay is sheltered, and the water is slightly warmer than the open sea. The loungers here previously belonged to Aman and cost up to €200, but with the resort currently closed, the beach is freely accessible – bring your own towel. There are shaded spots under the cedars near Villa Miločer where you can escape the sun.

Another 5 minutes on foot from Miločer along the coastal path. A small cove with zero infrastructure – no bars, no loungers, no music. Named after Queen Maria Karađorđević, who spent her summers here. Pebbly beach, gradual entry into the water.

This is the best option for those who came for silence and clean water rather than service. Bring everything yourself – water, snacks, towel.

A small wild beach framed by red cliffs – some of the clearest water on the entire Riviera. Reachable by car (parking available) or by kayak/SUP from Sveti Stefan Beach. Kayak rental runs about €15–20 per hour. A popular water-based excursion is the Budva Bay: Kayak & SUP Tour to Coastal Caves from €45 per person, passing by coastal caves and hidden grottoes.

Bus – the cheapest option. The Mediteran Express shuttle runs every 10–20 minutes from the main street (not from the bus station!). Ticket: ~€1.50, travel time: 20–25 minutes. The stop is right across from the descent to the island.

Taxi – €15–20 one way, 10–12 minutes. Agree on the fare beforehand or use local taxi apps. More details in Taxis in Montenegro: How to Avoid Overpaying and What You Need to Know.

By car – 6 km from central Budva. The main downside is parking: €4/hour at the beach. Miločer Park parking is cheaper: €2/hour or €8 for the full day. Budget tip: park further away and walk. Car rental is available through Localrent.

Seven Bay Trail – a 9 km walking or cycling route from Budva Old Town along the coast. It passes through graffiti-lined tunnels, the beaches of Bečići and Rafailovići, and Miločer Park. An excellent way to combine exercise with sightseeing.

The nearest airport is Tivat (25 km, ~30 min by car). From Podgorica – about 70 km (~1.5 hours). For transfer details, see How to Get from Tivat or Podgorica Airport to Your Resort.

Check visa requirements for your nationality before travelling to Montenegro.

Praskvica Monastery – a functioning Orthodox monastery dating to the 13th century, 15 minutes on foot from the beach. Free entry. The austere setting contrasts sharply with the resort glitz of the coast.

St. Sava Church – a small stone chapel in Đenaši village, on the hill above Sveti Stefan. The main reason to climb up here is the bird's-eye panorama of the island. Best at sunset. Reachable by car in 10 minutes or on foot in about an hour.

Walk to Pržno – from Sveti Stefan Beach through Miločer Park to the fishing village of Pržno takes 30 minutes on foot. Along the way you pass all three beaches and a pine forest. From Pržno, you can catch a bus back to Budva.

For a broader adventure, the Bečići Standard Paragliding Montenegro from €96 per person offers an aerial perspective over Sveti Stefan and the entire Budva Riviera.

Water shoes – essential. The pebbles are large, especially at the waterline. Entering the water without footwear ranges from uncomfortable to painful.

Sunscreen – the Adriatic sun is deceptive; sunburn is possible even on cloudy days.

Food & water – the public side of the beach has one bar with above-average prices. Bring your own water and snacks if you'd rather not spend €15 on a salad.

When to go: July–August means maximum crowds and prices. September–October offers 22–24 °C water, far fewer people, and lower accommodation rates. March–April is beautiful for walks and photos but too cold for swimming.

Accommodation: hotels near Sveti Stefan can be booked via Booking.com or other international platforms.

1. Can I visit Sveti Stefan island? No. The island belongs to the Aman resort, which is currently closed. The gates are locked and no tours are being offered. You can walk along the causeway to the gates and photograph the island from outside – that's free. Monitor Aman's official website for potential reopening updates.

2. How much does the beach near the island cost? Entry to the south (public) side of Sveti Stefan Beach is free. Lounger + umbrella: €30–60. You can lay your own towel at the beach edges at no cost. The north side is currently closed along with the Aman resort.

3. How do I get from Budva without a car? A shuttle bus from Budva's main street (not the bus station) runs every 10–20 minutes, costs ~€1.50, and takes 20–25 minutes. A taxi costs €15–20.

4. Is it worth visiting just for photos? Yes. The view of the island from the causeway and the lookout above the road is one of Montenegro's most iconic. Best at sunset. For the ultimate angle, drive or hike up to St. Sava Church in Đenaši village.

5. Which nearby beach is best for swimming with children? Miločer Beach – a sheltered bay with no waves, fine pebbles, and a gradual entry into the water. Less crowded than the main beach.

Sveti Stefan is more than a photo op with an island backdrop. Within walking distance you'll find three distinct beaches, a stroll through a royal park, and one of the best coastal trails on the Adriatic. You don't need €800 for a night on the island – €25 for the heritage tour and free entry to the south beach will do. Arrive in the morning before the crowds, and plan for half a day: swimming first, then the walk to Pržno via Miločer Beach and Queen's Beach.

Read also:

• Popular Itineraries in Montenegro: What to See in 1 to 7 Days
• Kotor vs Budva: Detailed Comparison – Where Should You Stay in Montenegro?
• Best Hotels in Montenegro for a Peaceful Escape

Sources:

• Aman Resorts – official resort website
• Ministry of Tourism of Montenegro – beach information
• Mediteran Express – bus schedules
• Budva Municipality – parking and infrastructure