Montenegro's iconic Sveti Stefan island resort is set to reopen to tourists this summer after a five-year closure due to a legal dispute over beach access. The tiny island, connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand, had been off-limits to the public since 2021 amid a row between the hotel operator Aman and the Montenegrin government over local access to its beaches.
Under a new settlement, locals will now have free access to Sveti Stefan Beach and King's Beach, while Queen's Beach will remain private for hotel guests. The three beaches are known for their distinctive pink hue, caused by a mixture of fine sand, crushed red shells and pebbles.
Sveti Stefan, described by Lonely Planet as the 'most extraordinary sight along the Adriatic shoreline', has hosted celebrities including Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren. The resort features 33 hand-restored stone cottages and suites, with the premium Sveti Stefan Suite offering a private pool and steam room.
The hotel is scheduled to reopen on July 1, 2026. Visitors can fly into Tivat or Podgorica airports, with direct flights from London Luton to Tivat starting at £250. From the airports, taxis or shuttles take around 40 minutes from Tivat or an hour from Podgorica.
