The largest island on the Montenegrin coast — 1 km from Budva
Sveti Nikola Island lies less than one kilometre from the Budva coastline and is the only larger island on the Montenegrin part of the Adriatic. Covering 47 hectares and stretching approximately 1,750 metres in length, the island has three beaches with a combined length of 840 metres. It is uninhabited and car-free — there are no hotels or roads, only seasonal bars and natural trails through Mediterranean vegetation. In addition to the beaches, visitors are drawn to the Church of St. Nikola on the northern part of the island, after which the island was named, as well as herds of deer and mouflon that roam freely in the interior. Boats to the island run every 15 to 30 minutes from Budva marina and from Slovenska Plaža.
Location
1 km from Budva, Montenegro
Area
47 hectares
Highest point
121 m
Island length
approx. 1,750 m
Season
June — September
Total beaches
3 beaches / 840 m
Highlights
The island has three sandy beaches with a combined length of 840 metres. The main beach on the eastern side faces Budva and is the most accessible for families — the water is shallow and calm, and sun loungers and seasonal bars are available during summer. The beaches on the southern side of the island, beneath near-vertical cliffs, are accessible only by boat and attract those seeking complete silence and privacy. Between the beaches, rocky outcrops stretch out from which the bravest visitors leap into the sea.
On the northern part of the island stands the ancient Church of St. Nikola, after which the island received its official name. The church is estimated to be over a thousand years old and is one of the oldest structures on the Budva Riviera. It is modest in size, but its historical significance and location — surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation with views of the sea — make it a must-see stop on any tour of the island.
The interior of Sveti Nikola Island is covered with Mediterranean vegetation — sage, rosemary, juniper and myrtle — through which trails lead to the highest point at 121 metres above sea level. The island was once a hunting reserve and today deer, mouflon, rabbits and several species of birds still roam freely within it. From the summit, views extend across the Old Town of Budva, the Budva Riviera and the open Adriatic, and on clear days the mountain ranges of Montenegro's interior are also visible.
The sea around Sveti Nikola Island ranks among the clearest on the Montenegrin coast, with visibility that frequently exceeds 15 metres. The rocky shoreline, particularly on the western and southern sides, is home to diverse marine life — octopuses, colourful fish, starfish and sea urchins. The best snorkelling spots are found on the western side of the island, where the rocks plunge vertically into deep water and there is no boat traffic. It is recommended to bring your own equipment, as rental options on the island are limited.
What to do
Visibility frequently exceeds 15 m, and the western side of the island conceals octopuses, fish and starfish.
The island has rocky outcrops from which the bravest visitors leap into the sea at various heights.
It is possible to kayak from Budva to the island and explore hidden coves accessible only from the sea.
Trails through Mediterranean woodland lead to the highest point (121 m) with panoramic views over Budva.
The crystal-clear sea around the island with its rich seabed attracts divers from across the Budva Riviera.
Did You Know?
Sveti Nikola Island, nicknamed 'Hawaii' by locals, is home to free-roaming deer and mouflon — making it one of the few places in the Mediterranean where you can spot wildlife just metres from a sandy beach. free-roaming deer and mouflon
Plan Your Visit
Website
budva.travelBrodići saobraćaju od ~08:00 do ~19:00 (juni–septembar); van sezone samo privatnim čamcima
Ulaz na ostrvo je slobodan; povratna karta brodićem 5–7 EUR po osobi
Parking nije dostupan na ostrvu (bez automobila). Plaćeni parking u Budvi od ~1–2 EUR/h.
Ostrvo nije prilagođeno za invalidska kolica — šljunkovite plaže i neravni tereni bez rampi
FAQ
