Sveti Stefan is Montenegro’s postcard shot, a small fortified island linked to mainland Budva by a narrow causeway and framed by some of the calmest, clearest water on the Adriatic. What used to be a fishing village is now one of the most exclusive resort enclaves in Europe, and the prices reflect it. The beaches are spotless, the service is polished, and the whole area carries a quiet, curated feel that sets it apart from the rest of the coast.

Days here move slowly. Most revolve around the sea, long upscale meals, and shaded paths through Miločer Park that lead to coves like Queen’s Beach. It’s a destination built for privacy and comfort rather than crowds, and while Budva is close enough for a dose of nightlife or cheaper dining, Sveti Stefan itself leans fully into the high-end experience. It’s small, refined, and easily the priciest corner of Montenegro, but the combination of scenery, calm water, and understated glamour gives it a pull that’s hard to shake.