St. Thomas Church
Crkva Svetog Tome
A medieval stone church on a hill by the sea.
St. Thomas Church stands among pines above Bečići Beach. This small Romanesque-style building retains an air of seclusion and offers peaceful views of the coast. It is one of the quietest and most authentic spots near the busy beaches.
How to Get There
On foot from Becici center ~6-9 min.
From Rafailovici by taxi ~4 min.
From Budva by taxi ~7 min.
From TIV airport (Tivat) by taxi/transfer ~27 min.
From TGD airport (Podgorica) by taxi/transfer ~48 min.
Description
What this place is
St. Thomas Church in Bečići stands on a small rise right above Bečići Beach, shaded by pines and cypresses. The first church here dates to the 14th century and was dedicated to the Apostle Thomas; in 1910 a new church was built on the site and dedicated to St. Stefan Štiljanović, a local-born noble and saint.
Key features
- Small coastal church with direct access from the beach – ideal for a brief stop.
- Historical rededication: from St. Thomas (14th c.) to St. Stefan Štiljanović (1910).
- Evocative setting of pines and cypresses with views over the Bečići shoreline.
What to see
- A modest early-20th-century stone church on a seaside knoll
- Icons and a reliquary with a relic of St. Stefan Štiljanović
- The footpath from the beach and a shaded forecourt with sea views
History
From the 14th century, a church of St. Thomas stood here but fell into disrepair by the early 1900s. Local tradition ties the site to the Paštrovići lineage.
In 1910, a new church was erected and dedicated to St. Stefan Štiljanović – the last Paštrovići knez, Serbian despot and saint, born nearby. In 2007, a portion of his relics was brought here from Belgrade. Today, the church remains a focus for feasts on 17 and 19 October and attracts visitors thanks to its easy beach access.
Practical information
Location: at the northern end of Bečići Beach, on a low pine-covered hill.
How to get there: on foot along the Bečići seafront or via the Budva–Bečići tunnel; by car via the Adriatic Highway to Bečići, then a short uphill walk.
Access: generally free; services may limit access.
Visiting hours: daytime; main feast days 17 and 19 October.
Visit duration: 10–20 minutes.
Best time: morning or evening for shade and softer light.
Special conditions: observe silence and modest dress; steps from the beach can be slippery after rain.
