Visit Sv. Stefan

Hotel complex Sveti Stefan, perched on the so-called island, represents the unique symbol of the Montenegrin coast. A fisher village was built in the 15th century thanks to the members of the Paštrovići tribe. They used the treasure captured from the Turkish ships to build their homes on the island. This fortified village was called after the church of Sveti Stefan. Thanks to its geographical position Sveti Stefan was a commercial and transportation center of Paštrovići.

At the end of the 19th century the village was slowly losing its importance, the inhabitants left the island. In the middle of the 20th century it was decided to save the buildings, if not the town, by converting each of them into self-contained tourist suites. That’s how the luxury town-hotel was established. Facade of houses, walls, roofs, streets have retained the original shape, but the interior has received luxury comfort.

The island is joined to the mainland by a narrow isthmus which arcs out into two perfectly formed sandy beaches. In 1990s Sveti Stefan played host to the numerous celebrities, such as Sophia Loren, Kirk Douglas, Claudia Schiffer, Sylvester Stallone, the members of the English Royal family and many other.

Where to stay in Sveti Stefan?

Nowadays Sveti Stefan is a part of the luxury hotel chain Aman Resorts. If you wish to spend peaceful holidays on the unique island, you should set aside a considerable amount of money. However, there is a variety of private accommodation on the mainland in front of the island, from which you can enjoy a spectacular view to Sveti Stefan.

What to do in Sveti Stefan?

If you are accommodated on the mainland, you can use the beach to the left of the causeway, the one to the right is for the use of hotel guests only. You can also take a walk on the coastal path to the King’s beach and admire the Villa Milocer, former summer residence of the Serbian dynasty Karadjordjevic, and than continue throught the pine woods to the Przno beach.

For those who are keen on hiking, the mountains above Sveti Stefan are ideal area. It guarantees beautiful views to the sea, beaches and little settlements along the Riviera of Budva. You can always make a break in several medieval monasteries of Pastrovici, hidden in the woods, and take a rest of your body and soul.

Globtour Montenegro recommends you to visit the following monasteries:

* Praskvica Monastery, built in the 11th century, named by the local word “praskvica” that means peach, because the water of the spring nearby smells like peach
* Duljevo Monastery, nunnery built in the Middle Ages. Here you can find different home made products such as tea, goats milk soap, face creams with lavender, marigold…
* Reževići Monastery, which survived turbulent history. The monks here cultivate their own oil, wine and honey, which you can buy from the little souvenir shop by the entrance.

Public transport is well organized, so you can easily reach and visit Budva or Petrovac.

24.10.2013, Published by Globtour Montenegro