St. Sava Church
Crkva Svetog Save
A small church on elevated ground above the settlement. The platform offers a frontal panorama of the islet and the park.
St Sava Church stands on the ridge above Sveti Stefan and is known as the area’s canonical viewpoint. The platform reveals the full coastal composition with the islet and causeway, the twin beach arcs, Villa and Park Miločer and the shoreline toward Bečići and Budva.
How to Get There
On foot from Sveti Stefan center ~9-14 min.
From TIV airport (Tivat) by taxi/transfer ~33 min.
From TGD airport (Podgorica) by taxi/transfer ~46 min.
Description
What this place is
The Church of St Sava is a small Orthodox church on Savino Brdo above Sveti Stefan (village of Đenaši), part of the Paštrovići parish of the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral. It’s one of the finest viewpoints over the Budva Riviera, the Sveti Stefan islet-hotel and Miločer Park.
Key features
- Elevated setting delivers sweeping views of Sveti Stefan, Miločer and Budva – prime spot for sunset photos.
- Historic “alarm” role – the bell was rung to warn locals of approaching hostile ships.
- Two approaches: on foot via the old school path from Praskvica Monastery (~45–60 min) or by car via Blizikuće – Vrba – Tudorovići.
- Small single-nave stone chapel in local vernacular style – modest interior, pine & maquis around.
- Popular outdoor wedding and photo venue – the terrace by the church works as a public viewpoint.
What to see
- The viewpoint terrace by the church with the classic angle over the Sveti Stefan tombolo.
- The footpath from Praskvica Monastery across pine slopes and old agricultural terraces.
- Nearby Paštrovići villages (Blizikuće, Đenaši) against the Adriatic backdrop.
History
Local tradition places the church’s origins in the medieval period; its watch-hill position above the coast reflects the Paštrovići’s defensive needs.
During the Venetian–Ottoman era the church bell served as a coastal alarm: from this height monks first spotted ships near the shore. Parish life continues today; in 2020 special services and prayers were held here as part of the Paštrovići parish.
Practical information
Location: Savino Brdo hill, village of Đenaši, above Sveti Stefan, Budva Riviera.
How to get there: on foot from Praskvica Monastery (about 1 h one way); by car turn for Blizikuće from the Adriatic Highway, continue via Vrba and Tudorovići, then a short uphill.
Access: grounds open; interior typically during services or by arrangement with the Paštrovići parish.
Visiting hours: viewpoint accessible at all times.
Visit duration: 30–60 min (photo stop) or ~2–3 h including the hike.
Best time: early morning and sunset for softer light; bring water in summer heat.
Special conditions: trail waymarking is patchy – use an offline map; wear grippy shoes; respect the sanctity and silence around the church.
