A picturesque island in Montenegro is set to reopen to tourists this summer following a five-year closure stemming from a dispute over beach access. Sveti Stefan, situated on the Budva Riviera, will welcome guests starting from July 1, after the Montenegrin government and the island's leaseholders reached a settlement.
Background of the Closure
The popular destination was forced to close in 2021 amid a decade-long legal battle concerning beach access for local residents. The island, which features a fortified 15th-century village, is connected to the mainland by a narrow tombolo of sand along Montenegro's Adriatic coast.
Terms of the Settlement
According to Aman, the luxury hotel operator on the island, Sveti Stefan will open for the summer season from July 1. Under the agreement, locals will have free access to two of the three beaches near the resort: Sveti Stefan Beach and King's Beach. Queen's Beach will be reserved exclusively for guests staying at the Aman hotel. Previously, all surrounding beaches, including King's and Queen's, were accessible only to Aman guests.
From May 22, guests will also be able to stay at the hotel's Villa Miločer residence on the mainland year-round. This former summer villa of Queen Marija Karađorđević offers rooms starting from £1,323 per night in May.
Government Response
Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spacjić announced on X: “The city-hotel Sveti Stefan is reopening its doors this summer! We have preserved the state's interest and made an important step forward for Montenegrin tourism.” He added that the state will receive a 10 percent share of profits, with no additional construction work permitted in Miločer Park opposite Sveti Stefan.
The reopening is expected to provide a significant boost to Montenegro's tourism sector, which has been recovering from the impacts of the pandemic and previous disputes.
