An island with three beaches, about 1 km from Budva's Old Town
Sveti Nikola Island lies about a kilometre from Budva's Old Town.
Covering about 36 hectares and about 2 km long, 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. Boats to the island run every 15 to 30 minutes from Budva marina and from Slovenska Plaža.
Did You Know?
The island once had a restaurant called Hawaii, which gave it the nickname still used by people in Budva. Its official name comes from the small old church of St Nicholas on its northern side.
The island has three larger 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. 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.
Three beaches, Mediterranean vegetation and cliffs 121 metres above the Adriatic
Crystal-clear Adriatic waters, three beaches and Mediterranean woodland – all just a short boat ride from the heart of Budva.
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.
By Car
Budva is reached via the motorway from Podgorica (approximately 65 km, 45–55 minutes' drive) or from Tivat (30 km, 30 minutes). Parking in Budva is available at paid car parks in the centre or at Slovenska Plaža.
By Bus
Budva is well connected by bus services from Podgorica, Bar and Tivat. The bus station in Budva (Trg Sunca) is the starting point. The boat landing for the island is approximately a 10-minute walk away.
By Boat
Boats run every 15 to 30 minutes during the summer season (June–September) from Budva marina and from Slovenska Plaža. A return ticket costs 5–7 EUR, paid in cash at the landing. The crossing takes approximately 10 minutes.
By Plane
The nearest airport is Tivat (TIV), approximately 25 km from Budva (30 minutes' drive). Podgorica Airport (TGD) is approximately 65 km away. Both airports are served by taxi and car rental services.
Monthly averages – Bečići.
Day 1
Sveti Nikola Island, Budva
In the morning, head to Budva marina or Slovenska Plaža and board a boat that sails towards the island every 15 to 30 minutes – the crossing takes around 10 minutes. Set off as early as possible, ideally around 09:00, to secure sun loungers on the main beach on the eastern side, where the water is shallow and calm and the view looks directly onto Budva's Old Town. Spend the morning swimming and snorkelling – visibility reaches up to 15 metres, and along the rocks on the western side you will encounter octopuses and colourful fish. If you are feeling adventurous, make your way to the cliff jumping spot. For lunch, visit the restaurant or beach bar Hawaii on the northern side of the island – you will find Mediterranean dishes, grilled food and cold drinks, though prices are somewhat higher than in Budva, so it is wise to bring some food of your own. In the afternoon, walk the trails through the Mediterranean woodland – sage, rosemary and myrtle – and look out for herds of deer and mouflon that roam freely in the interior. In the early evening, an hour before the last boat (around 19:00), sit on a rock by the sea and watch the sunset over the Adriatic – it is the quietest moment of the day on the island.
Plan your stay
Live offers from local hosts on our booking platform. Nothing is charged online – you pay the host on site.
A few offers
Booking requests are confirmed by the host; payment on site. Offers come from the Travel to Montenegro booking platform.
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Hiking, walking and cycling routes that start here or pass nearby, with maps and GPX downloads.
An easy hiking trail, 1.0 km long, connects Budva's Old Town with Mogren Beach. In about 20 minutes of walking, it passes viewpoints, an early Christian basilica, and other historical sites.
1.0 km17 m15–25 min
View trail
A short and easy 1.4 km walking trail leads through the nature of Sveti Nikola Island. It is suitable almost year-round and excellent for a break from Budva's city bustle.
1.4 km44 m50–70 min
View trail
An easy one-way walking trail from Budva to Sveti Stefan, 8,8 km long. It passes by Slovenska Beach, Bečići, Rafailovići, Kamenovo and viewpoints, with 130 m of ascent and descent.
8.8 km130 m2–3 h
View trail
The 3.1 km trail follows the coastal ridge from Mogren beach to Jaz beach. It is easy, runs mostly along a woodland path, and offers several viewpoints over the sea. Estimated at around 1 h 15 min of walking without stops.
3.1 km169 m65–90 min
View trail
An easy one-way walking trail from Jaz Beach via Prijevor to Seoce: 3.6 km, 246 m of ascent and 79 m of descent. Suitable for a relaxed outing, with a viewpoint at 71 m above sea level and close to Budva and the beaches.
3.6 km246 m1–1½ h
View trail
A one-way trail 6.6 km long from Kamenovo to the highest point at 796 m a.s.l. It climbs 764 m of ascent, partly on asphalt, partly on a forest trail, with viewpoints at 151 m and 453 m a.s.l.
6.6 km764 m3–4 h
View trail
A 1.6 km trail leads from Praskvica Monastery to the Church of Saint Sava. It has 204 m of ascent, rocky terrain and a viewpoint at 264 m a.s.l.; it passes by Sveti Stefan and the beaches.
1.6 km204 m45–65 min
View trail
The hiking trail Monastery Praskvica – Čelobrdo – Ograđenica is 4.2 km long, with a total ascent of 572 m and a duration of approximately 2 h 25 min of walking without breaks. It is one-way, of moderate difficulty, and marked with red-and-white trail markers.
4.2 km572 m2–3 h
View trailThe island is reached exclusively by boat from Budva. Boats run every 15 to 30 minutes during the summer season (June–September) from Budva marina and from Slovenska Plaža. The crossing takes approximately 10 minutes and a return ticket costs 5–7 EUR, paid in cash at the landing.
Entry to the island itself is free of charge. You only pay for the boat ticket (5–7 EUR return). Sunbeds and umbrellas can be rented, and the price depends on the beach (check the price on the spot).
A full day (6–8 hours) is recommended. Boats run from early morning until around 19:00, which is enough time for swimming, snorkelling, a walk through the interior and a meal on the island.
Yes, the main beach on the eastern side of the island is shallow and calm, making it ideal for children. There are rocks and sea urchins along the shore, so water shoes are advisable. There are no cars or traffic on the island.
No – the island is uninhabited and has no hotels or accommodation of any kind. Only day trips are permitted, and the last boats back to Budva depart around 19:00.
The largest crowds are during July and August, particularly between 11:00 and 16:00. Arriving on the first morning boat at around 09:00, or late in the afternoon, is recommended for a more peaceful visit.
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