Picturesque island with iconic ‘pink beach’ reopens to tourists after 5 years

The island closed in 2021 amid a decade-long legal battle over beach access for local residents (Picture: Getty Images)

With 117 beaches along 293 kilometres of coastline, Montenegro is a dream destination for anyone looking to escape everyday life.

Just three hours from London, this small Southeast European country has become increasingly popular with British tourists in recent years, with UK flights rising by 164% in 2024.

But up until recently, one mesmerising corner had been totally off-limits to visitors.

Sveti Stefan, a small island and luxury resort village, was closed to the public in 2021 amid a long-running legal and political dispute with the Government of Montenegro over beach access for locals.

After five years of uncertainty, a settlement has finally been reached. As a result, the hotel operator on the island, Aman, has announced it will reopen its doors to guests this summer.

A highly exclusive and remote spot, which Lonely Planet once called the most ‘extraordinary sight along the Adriatic shoreline’, Sveti Stefan may soon become your next dream destination.

The beaches have effectively been off-limits for five years (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Located just a 16 minute drive away from the town of Budva, Sveti Stefan is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand.

The land was turned into a hotel by the Yugoslav government in the 1950s, meaning the area became accessible only to paying guests.

Then, in 2009, when Aman refurbished the resort, it was decided that access to the three beaches opposite the hotel would also be restricted to guests only.

Under the new settlement, locals will now have free access to Sveti Stefan Beach and King’s Beach, while Queen’s Beach will remain private for guests staying at Aman.

All three beaches are beautiful in their own right. With crystal-clear blue waters and dramatic coastal scenery, each offers visitors a unique and relaxing experience.

While Sveti Stefan Beach is often regarded as the most photographed shore, due to its positioning behind the historic stone buildings rising from the islet, King’s Beach is far smaller and more secluded – surrounded by pine trees and hidden beneath the lush forest.

Queen’s Beach is equally impressive. Nestled into a cove, it’s the perfect spot for a serene and tranquil afternoon.

With a cocktail in hand, could you ask for more?

The island has been visited by some of history’s most beloved celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren.

But beyond its exclusivity, it has one especially captivating feature.

If you ever get the chance to walk along the beaches in Sveti Stefan, you’ll notice their distinctive pink hue.

The soft blush colour comes from a mixture of fine sand, crushed red shells and pebbles. Under the sparkling Adriatic sunlight, it makes for quite a sight.

How do you get to Sveti Stefan?

The easiest way to get to Sveti Stefan is to fly into Tivat Airport (TIV) or Podgorica (TGD) in Montenegro.

Travelling the first week of July, you can catch a direct flight from Luton to Tivat with EasyJet for £250.

Alternatively, you can fly with Wizz Air from Gatwick to Podgorica for just £152.

From there, you can get a taxi or shuttle straight to Sveti Stefan. From Tivat it should take approximately 40 minutes and from Podgorica, about an hour.

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