The iconic islet
About 5 km south of Bečići, Sveti Stefan is the image that sells Montenegro — a fortified islet of terracotta-roofed stone houses joined to the mainland by a narrow isthmus, and the most photographed sight on the Budva Riviera. Founded in the 15th century as a fortified fishing settlement, it was turned into a luxury island resort in the 1950s (the state resettled the last villagers on the mainland) and in its heyday drew stars like Sophia Loren and Elizabeth Taylor, all while keeping its historic stone-village form. Run today by Aman, the resort closed in 2021 over a dispute about public beach access and reopened for the 2026 summer season, with the island itself welcoming guests again from 1 July 2026. Its mainland wing, Villa Miločer, runs year-round and reopened earlier, on 22 May 2026.
What to see — and what's private
The honest part: the islet is a private resort, so you cannot wander across the causeway. But the best of Sveti Stefan is open to everyone — the iconic profile from the mainland viewpoints along the coast road, and the pink-sand Sveti Stefan Beach on the village side for a swim with the islet framed across the water. Under the 2026 deal, the Queen's Beach cove on the Miločer side is reserved for Aman guests, while Sveti Stefan Beach and King's Beach stay public.
Getting there
An easy half-day: drive, taxi or take a bus along the coast road the ~5 km south, and park or get off near the viewpoints above the isthmus. Come at golden hour, when the stone and roofs glow, and pair it with Budva to the north for a full day of Riviera sights.