Sveti Stefan Beaches

Overview

Sveti Stefan is one of Montenegro's most iconic coastal sights, famed for its stunning islet connected by a narrow causeway. It's a fantastic destination for a beach holiday if you appreciate dramatic scenery, clear Adriatic waters, and a more upscale, relaxed atmosphere. The coastline here features picturesque pebble beaches, offering a different experience from sandy shores.

While the beaches attached to the famous islet are generally exclusive to resort guests or require high fees, the adjacent public Sveti Stefan beach provides those postcard views and is free to access, though sunbeds come at a premium. Nearby, you'll find diverse options highlighted in our editor's picks: the family-friendly stretch of Becici, the lively atmosphere at Kamenovo, and the expansive Jaz beach near Budva, perfect for a day trip. Just next door, the beautiful but typically restricted Queen's Beach (Kraljičina plaža) in Miločer park adds to the area's allure.

The general vibe around Sveti Stefan's beaches is sophisticated and calmer than bustling Budva, attracting couples and those seeking tranquility. However, be aware that parking near the main beach area can be difficult and costly, especially in peak season. For a complete guide to all the coastal gems in the area, explore our full list of beaches.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Sveti Stefan a good place for a beach holiday?

Yes, Sveti Stefan is renowned for its beautiful coastline and iconic island backdrop, making it a popular choice for a beach holiday. It offers picturesque pebble beaches, clear Adriatic waters, and a more upscale, relaxed atmosphere compared to nearby Budva. While access to the island beach itself is restricted, the adjacent public beaches are stunning.

Sveti Stefan

Is Sveti Stefan better for families or couples?

Sveti Stefan generally attracts more couples and those seeking a quieter, more luxurious getaway due to its romantic setting and upscale hotels like the Aman resort. While families do visit, the pebble beaches, sometimes steep access, and calmer nightlife make it less geared towards families with young children compared to resorts with more sandy beaches and dedicated family amenities. However, the public beaches are suitable for older children.

Sveti Stefan

Can you actually go onto the beach connected to Sveti Stefan island?

Access to the beaches directly connected to the Sveti Stefan islet (left and right of the causeway) is typically restricted to guests of the Aman Sveti Stefan resort or requires paying a very high fee for sunbed rental, often exceeding €100-€200 per set. It is not a freely accessible public beach.

Sveti Stefan

Are the public beaches in Sveti Stefan free?

Yes, access to the main public beach area (located to the north/left of the causeway when facing the island) is free. However, renting sunbeds and umbrellas incurs a daily charge, which can be relatively expensive compared to other Montenegrin beaches, typically ranging from €20 to €50+ for a set, depending on the row and season.

Sveti Stefan

Are there hotels with direct beach access or views in Sveti Stefan?

The Aman Sveti Stefan resort offers exclusive access to the island and associated beaches. Several other hotels and apartments in the village above the coast offer stunning sea views, often including the island. Direct access from accommodation often involves walking down paths or stairs to the public beach area.

Sveti Stefan

How much does it cost to rent sunbeds on Sveti Stefan beach?

On the public beach near the island, expect to pay anywhere from €20 to €50+ for a set of two sunbeds and an umbrella for the day. Prices can vary depending on the season and how close you are to the water. The beaches directly attached to the Aman resort causeway cost significantly more, often over €100-€200, if access is granted to non-guests at all.

Sveti Stefan

Are the beaches in Sveti Stefan sandy or pebbly?

The beaches in and immediately around Sveti Stefan are primarily composed of small, smooth pebbles and coarse sand, often with a distinctive pinkish hue. They are not fine sandy beaches. Water shoes can be comfortable for some visitors.

Sveti Stefan

What's the swimming like in Sveti Stefan? Is the water clear?

The water in Sveti Stefan is generally very clear and clean, typical of the Adriatic Sea in this area, making it excellent for swimming and snorkeling. Water temperatures are comfortable for swimming from late May/June through September, peaking in July and August.

Sveti Stefan

Which is better for beaches, Sveti Stefan or Budva?

It depends on your preference. Sveti Stefan offers a more exclusive, scenic, and tranquil beach experience with pebble beaches and stunning views, but with higher costs for amenities and limited public access near the island. Budva has more extensive, sandier beaches (like Mogren) and livelier public beaches (like Slovenska Plaža) with more amenities and nightlife, but it's generally busier and less upscale.

Sveti Stefan

Mogren

Slovenska Plaza

Can you visit Queen's Beach (Kraljičina plaža) near Sveti Stefan?

Queen's Beach (Kraljičina plaža), located in the Miločer park area next to Sveti Stefan, is generally reserved for guests of the Aman resort or requires a very high entrance/rental fee, similar to the island beaches. It's famed for its beauty but is not typically accessible to the general public without significant cost.

Queen's Beach

Kraljichina Beach

What's the best way to get to the beaches if I'm not staying right there?

If staying elsewhere (like Budva), you can take a local bus (Mediteran Express), a taxi, or drive. Driving can be challenging due to limited and often expensive parking near the beaches, especially in peak season. Walking down from the main road involves stairs.

What's the vibe like on Sveti Stefan beaches? Is it very crowded?

The vibe is generally sophisticated and relaxed, more so than in bustling Budva. While the main public beach can get busy during July and August, it typically feels less crowded than Budva's main beaches due to the higher cost of amenities and the more limited beach space. The exclusive nature of the nearby resort beaches contributes to a quieter overall atmosphere.

Sveti Stefan

Are there any quieter or hidden beaches near Sveti Stefan?

Yes, beaches like Drobni Pijesak (south of Sveti Stefan) offer a beautiful setting and can be slightly less crowded, accessible by car or boat. Kamenovo beach (north towards Budva) is larger and popular but can offer quieter spots. Exploring coves accessible by boat tour can also reveal more secluded spots.

Drobni Pijesak Beach

Kamenovo

Is parking difficult near Sveti Stefan beach?

Yes, finding parking close to the Sveti Stefan beaches can be very difficult and expensive, especially during the peak summer months (July and August). There are limited parking lots and street parking spaces, which fill up quickly and often charge high hourly or daily rates.

Sveti Stefan