sights uncovered
Travel with Tessa

Sveti Stefan

Sveti Stefan – once a fortified village- became one of the most exclusive resorts in the Adriatic. Its recorded history begins in the 15th century, when the tiny, circular island was home to the Paštrovići tribe. They fortified the settlement to defend themselves against Ottoman and Venetian attacks. For centuries, fishermen and farmers lived within its stone walls, where they found shelter and protection from their enemies.

Fast forward to the 1950’s when the Yugoslav government transformed the entire island into a unique resort, turning the medieval village into a hotel. This self-contained, self-sufficient resort became particularly popular in the 1960’s and 1970’s with the rich and famous, attracting everyone from movie stars to royalty. Guests could wander freely along the cobbled lanes of the transformed village in a hotel like no other.We stayed in an apartment-hotel in Stevi Stefan, the picturesque, mainland village overlooking the Adriatic, just a few minutes’ drive from the famous stone island that bears the same name.From our balcony, we had exquisite views of Pržno Beach, a small cove, and the hotel’s seaside restaurant and lively beach bar, all set against a backdrop of floating puffy white clouds, rugged cliffs carpeted in greenery, and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

A remarkable choice of restaurants line the cove. As the day wanes, the views of the sea and coastline from Restaurant Blanche, perched on the rocks, are like an ever-changing painting. The food and service are as excellent as the setting.

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The Kamenovo Beach Restaurant and bar serve consistently good food.

Konoba More Restaurant serves excellent seafood platters.

On the opposite side of the cove is the Maestral Resort and Casino—a modern hotel with a swimming pool and a beach that caters to a large number of visitors.

Above Pržno Beach, we found a path that wound through an inviting green forest, leading us to two stunning coves: Queen Beach and King Beach. From these two secluded beaches, we caught glimpses of the Sveti Stefan Resort across the water.
On July 1st -2026, after being closed for approximately five years, the Aman Sveti Stefan resort reopened its fortified island hotel to guests. It also secured Queen’s Beach exclusively for its guests.Fortunately, King’s Beach is still open to all.

Queen’s Beach
King’s beach with a partial view of the island resort