Sveti Stefan, Fortified island resort in Budva, Montenegro
The small islet extends into the Adriatic Sea, connected to the mainland by a narrow path with pink pebble beaches on both sides.
The island settlement originated in the 15th century as a defensive fortress against Turkish invasions, later becoming a residence for 400 inhabitants.
The Praskvica Monastery church stands within the fortress walls, representing centuries of religious and architectural traditions of the Montenegrin coast.
Visitors can access three distinct beaches near the island: Sveti Stefan Beach, Queen's Beach, and King's Beach, each offering different swimming conditions.
The entire island functions as an exclusive resort with 51 rooms situated in converted fishermen houses dating from the 1400s.
Location: Budva Municipality
Elevation above the sea: 231 m
Website: https://aman.com/resorts/aman-sveti-stefan
GPS coordinates: 42.25611,18.89139
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:28
Europe's most secluded beaches offer access to natural coastal environments that remain undeveloped due to their distance from major tourist centers. These locations span from the volcanic black sands of Iceland's southern shores to the pink-tinted beaches of southwestern Crete, formed from crushed seashells. Many require hiking through nature reserves or boat transfers to reach. Protected coastlines feature distinct geological characteristics: limestone cliffs eroded into natural arches along Portugal's Algarve, basalt columns rising from Norwegian fjords, and serpentine rock formations containing high magnesium content in Cornwall. The beaches exist within varied ecosystems, from Mediterranean scrubland surrounding Sicilian coves to Arctic conditions where granite mountains shelter narrow sand stretches in the Lofoten archipelago. These sites attract visitors seeking alternatives to developed resort areas. Access methods range from tidal passages through stone arches in Galicia, where water levels determine entry times, to unpaved tracks crossing the Desert of Agriates in Corsica. Several beaches change appearance based on natural forces: the Croatian peninsula of Zlatni Rat shifts its contours according to wind and wave patterns, while shallow lagoons in Greece allow wading between mainland and offshore islands. The locations provide opportunities for activities including snorkeling among underwater rock formations, observing seabird colonies nesting in coastal cliffs, and exploring cave systems revealed during low tide periods.
Jaz Beach
7.8 km
Kraljičina
756 m
Praskvica Monastery
2.1 km
Podmaine Monastery
6 km
Stari Grad
5 km
Stanjevići Monastery
10.1 km
Plaža Ploče
9.1 km
Rustovo Monastery
2.1 km
Reževići Monastery
5.3 km
Kościół św. Jana Chrzciciela w Budvie
4.9 km
Gradište Monastery
8.5 km
Aqua Park Mediteran
3.8 km
Podlastva Monastery
8.9 km
Donji Brčeli Monastery
9.8 km
Church of St. Trinity
5 km
Mogren
5.4 km
Plaža Buljarica
9.5 km
Bečićka plaža
3.6 km
Lučice Beach
7.9 km
Ričardova glava
5.1 km
Dancing Girl Statue
5.2 km
Pržno
1.4 km
Slovenska Beach
4.9 km
Church of St. Ivan
5 km
Queen's beach
822 m
Budva - Citadel
5 km
Crvena glavica
636 m
City beach (Budva)
5.1 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes