Sveti Nikola Island - Image 1
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Sveti Nikola Island

4.6
·342 reviews·, Montenegro

Montenegro's 'Hawaii,' Sveti Nikola Island offers stunning clear waters, wild beaches, and cliff jumping adventures.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best for swimming & sun

CrowdMedium
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Sveti Nikola Island - Image 1

Sveti Nikola Island

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best for swimming & sun

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Montenegro's 'Hawaii,' Sveti Nikola Island offers stunning clear waters, wild beaches, and cliff jumping adventures.

4.6
(342 reviews)

"The water is extremely clear and I would go again. Definitely a good experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

Taxi Boat Convenience

Taxi boats from Budva are frequent and affordable (around 5€ round trip).

Beach Chair Costs

Umbrella and two chairs can be pricey (20€). Consider public beach areas.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hawaii Beach

Hawaii Beach

South side of the island

Often called 'Hawaii Beach,' this spot boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming and relaxation.

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Cliff Jumping

Cliff Jumping

Near wild beaches

For adrenaline seekers, the island offers natural rock formations for thrilling cliff jumps into the Adriatic Sea.

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Wild Beaches & Nature

Wild Beaches & Nature

Rocky, wild side

Explore the island's rugged, natural beauty with secluded rocky coves and lush greenery.

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Planning Your Visit

Island Access & Timing

Sveti Nikola Island is accessible via taxi boats from Budva's main beach. While beautiful year-round, consider visiting during warmer months for swimming and water activities. Be aware that some reviews suggest the island's appeal diminishes if you're not planning to swim, and it might be better appreciated from the Budva coast during cooler seasons. Reddit

Island Experience & Costs

Expect to pay around 5 euros for a round-trip taxi boat. On the island, beach chair and umbrella rentals can be around 20 euros, though public beach areas are available. Some visitors note unfinished structures detract from the scenery, while others praise the clear waters and natural beauty. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Best for swimming & sun
Crowd
Medium
When
Late Spring/Early Fall
Why
Pleasant for photos
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Vjeridba u Crnoj Gori part 1 #vjeridba #crnagora #montenegro #budva #svetistefan #panorama #Love #marryme
@ms.event.decor
69.7K likes • 783.2K views

Taxi Boat Convenience

Taxi boats from Budva are frequent and affordable (around 5€ round trip). InstagramReddit

Beach Chair Costs

Umbrella and two chairs can be pricey (20€). Consider public beach areas. Reddit

#montenegro #svetistefan #чорногорія #budva #vacation
@tania_d29
25.9K likes • 291.3K views
Montenegro’s best kept secret - Sveti Nikola Island aka “Hawaii” #montenegro #czarnogóra #svetinikola #svetinikolaisland #adriatic
alive_n_travelin
0 likes • 1.8K views

Island Views

Some find the island more beautiful viewed from Budva's coast. Reddit

Adventure Awaits

Don't miss the chance for cliff jumping if you're an adrenaline junkie! Instagram

📍Sveti Nikola Island, Budva Tag someone you’d want to visit here with!👇🏼 . . . . . . . . #europe #europesummer #europetravel #travel #traveldiaries #traveldiary #travels #travelling #traveladdict #travellife #travelpics #travelphotos #montenegro #budva
ameliastraveldiaries
6.8K likes • 85.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Taxi Boat Convenience

Taxi boats from Budva are frequent and affordable (around 5€ round trip). InstagramReddit

Beach Chair Costs

Umbrella and two chairs can be pricey (20€). Consider public beach areas. Reddit

Island Views

Some find the island more beautiful viewed from Budva's coast. Reddit

Adventure Awaits

Don't miss the chance for cliff jumping if you're an adrenaline junkie! Instagram

Pack Accordingly

Bring essentials as amenities might be limited or costly. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(342 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Sveti Nikola Island is praised for its stunningly clear, turquoise waters and natural beauty, often dubbed 'Hawaii Beach.' Visitors enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and adventurous cliff jumping. However, some find the island's appeal diminishes if not swimming, and note unfinished structures detract from the scenery. Beach chair rentals can be expensive, but public areas are available.

"The island looks amazing. There're boat tours to there. After reading reviews we decided not to go as at doesn't worth to go in spring if you won't swim. We have made a lot of photos of the island from different spots it really looks great. Montenegro 🇲🇪 is amazing country, we have visited many cities here and Budva is the best. Come here and see the island even if you won't go there just make some photos from the beach :)"

Elif B

"You can go there with the boat and it can charge 5 euro to send and get back from there with times they have.

Umbrella with two chairs is 20€, and if have Wind, umbrella can fly away, so their umbrellas suck. But you can chose and public beach.

Water is extremely clear and i would go again. Prices in the Bar there are very normal.

I would go again. Definitely a good experience."

Klaus Prospect

"Definitely the best day in Budva 🥰 Although the north part of the island is green and lush, there is also the skeleton of some unfinished building scaring the visitors away. We stayed at the other side, which was rocky, wild and absolutely breathtaking 🤎"

Elżbieta Zygmuntowska

What People Like

Crystal clear turquoise waters
Beautiful natural scenery
Cliff jumping opportunities

What People Dislike

Unfinished structures
Expensive sunbeds
Better views from coast

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way to reach Sveti Nikola Island is by taking a taxi boat from the main beach in Budva. These boats run frequently, especially during the tourist season. The journey is short and offers nice views of the coastline. InstagramReddit

Expect to pay around 5 euros for a round-trip ticket on the taxi boats. Prices are generally consistent across different boat operators. Reddit

Yes, some adventurous travelers have reached Sveti Nikola Island by kayak, offering a unique and scenic approach. Reddit

While the island is accessible, the best experience for swimming and water activities is during the warmer months. In spring, it might be more enjoyable to view from the coast if you're not planning to swim. Reddit

The primary public transport to the island are the shared taxi boats operating from Budva's waterfront. There are no regular ferry services. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no specific entrance ticket required to set foot on Sveti Nikola Island itself. Your primary cost will be the boat transportation and any services you use on the island. Reddit

The island doesn't have official opening hours in the traditional sense, as it's a natural area. However, taxi boat services operate during daylight hours, typically from morning until early evening. Instagram

While there are public beach areas, renting an umbrella with two chairs can cost around 20 euros. It's advisable to check current prices upon arrival. Reddit

Boat tickets are usually purchased directly at the taxi boat stands on Budva beach. Advance booking is generally not necessary, as boats run frequently. Instagram

You can opt to use the public beach areas which are free of charge. Bringing your own towel or blanket is a good alternative to renting chairs. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Activities include swimming in the clear waters, sunbathing on the beaches, exploring the natural landscape, and for the adventurous, cliff jumping. InstagramReddit

The island offers beautiful beaches for swimming, but some areas are rocky and may not be ideal for very young children. The clear waters are a plus for families who enjoy swimming. Reddit

'Hawaii Beach' is a nickname for a popular beach on the island known for its stunningly clear, turquoise waters, resembling tropical paradises. Instagram+1

The island is known to be inhabited by wild deer, adding to its natural charm. TikTok

It's recommended to bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and perhaps snacks and water, as amenities might be limited or expensive. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are bars and dining options available on the island. Reviews suggest that prices in the bars are quite normal. Reddit

Typically, island bars and restaurants offer standard beach fare, including drinks, snacks, and light meals. Reddit

While there are dining options on the island with reasonable prices, you might find a wider variety of choices and potentially better value in Budva. Reddit

Bringing your own food and drinks is generally allowed and can be a cost-effective option, especially if you plan to spend the whole day. Reddit

While not designated picnic areas, you can find spots along the beaches to enjoy your own food. Remember to clean up after yourself. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The island offers stunning views of the Bay of Kotor and the Budva coastline. The clear waters, rocky shores, and lush greenery provide excellent photographic opportunities. InstagramReddit

Some visitors suggest that the island's beauty is best appreciated from the coast of Budva, implying that while photogenic, the on-island experience might not always match expectations. Reddit

Morning light often provides beautiful, soft illumination for beach and landscape photography. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also offer dramatic lighting. Instagram

Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations regarding drone usage in protected areas before flying. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views. A waterproof camera or phone case is useful for water activities. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Sveti Nikola Island can be a fun outing for families, especially during the summer months when the clear waters are perfect for swimming. The taxi boat ride itself can be an exciting part of the adventure for children. InstagramReddit

While the island offers beautiful beaches, it's important to be aware that some areas are rocky and might require extra supervision for very young children. Opting for areas with easier access to the water and bringing along beach toys can enhance the experience. Consider packing plenty of snacks and drinks, as on-island options might be limited or pricier. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Sveti Nikola Island offers a budget-friendly escape if you plan strategically. The taxi boat fare of around 5 euros for a round trip is quite reasonable. Reddit To save money on the island, skip the paid sunbed rentals (around 20 euros) and utilize the free public beach areas. Reddit

Bringing your own food and drinks is highly recommended to avoid higher on-island prices. While there are bars with normal prices, packing a picnic can significantly cut down costs. Enjoying the natural beauty and swimming in the clear waters are free activities that make the trip worthwhile. Reddit

❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways

For a romantic escape, Sveti Nikola Island offers a beautiful natural setting with stunning views and crystal-clear waters. Arriving by kayak can add an element of adventure and intimacy to your visit. Reddit

Find a secluded spot on the rocky, wild side of the island to enjoy a peaceful afternoon together. The clear waters are perfect for a shared swim, and the island's natural beauty provides a serene backdrop for relaxation. While some areas might have unfinished structures, the overall ambiance can still be quite charming for a day trip. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating to Sveti Nikola Island

Reaching Sveti Nikola Island is a straightforward process, primarily involving taxi boats departing from the main beach in Budva. These boats are a popular and convenient way to access the island, especially during the peak tourist season. The journey is brief, offering scenic views of the Budva Riviera as you approach the island. While there isn't a strict schedule, boats typically run frequently throughout the day, from morning until early evening. The cost for a round trip is generally around 5 euros per person, making it an affordable excursion. InstagramReddit

For those seeking a more active approach, some visitors have successfully reached the island by kayak. This offers a unique perspective and a sense of adventure, allowing for a more personal exploration of the coastline. However, this option requires good physical condition and awareness of sea conditions. Regardless of your chosen method, the short trip makes Sveti Nikola Island an easily accessible escape from the mainland.

It's worth noting that while the island is accessible year-round, the experience can vary significantly with the seasons. The warmer months are ideal for enjoying the beaches and water activities, whereas spring might be better suited for appreciating the island's natural beauty from a distance if swimming isn't a priority. Reddit

Island Experience: Beaches, Activities & Costs

Sveti Nikola Island is renowned for its beautiful, clear waters and offers a range of experiences for visitors. The island is often nicknamed 'Hawaii Beach' due to its stunning turquoise sea, making it a prime spot for swimming and sunbathing. For the more daring, the island's natural rock formations provide excellent opportunities for cliff jumping into the Adriatic. Instagram+2

Beyond the water activities, the island boasts a wild, natural landscape with rocky shores and lush greenery, offering a peaceful escape. However, some visitors have noted the presence of unfinished structures that can detract from the otherwise picturesque scenery. Reddit When it comes to amenities, renting an umbrella with two chairs can cost around 20 euros, which some find to be on the higher side. Fortunately, there are also public beach areas available, allowing visitors to enjoy the island's beauty without incurring extra rental costs. Reddit

Dining options are available on the island, with bars and eateries offering refreshments and light meals. Reviews suggest that the prices at these establishments are quite reasonable. Reddit Despite the potential for some minor drawbacks, many visitors find the island's natural beauty and clear waters to be a worthwhile experience, with some even stating they would return. Reddit

Photography Opportunities

Sveti Nikola Island presents a picturesque setting for photography, with its dramatic coastline and crystal-clear waters. The panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor and the Budva coastline are particularly striking, offering ample opportunities for landscape shots. The island's wild, rocky beaches and the vibrant turquoise sea create a visually appealing contrast, perfect for capturing the essence of the Adriatic. InstagramReddit

Many visitors find that the island's beauty is best captured from afar, suggesting that the views from the Budva coast might be more impressive than the on-island experience itself. Reddit This perspective highlights the island's aesthetic appeal as a subject in wider coastal scenes. For those who do visit, the clear waters and natural formations offer unique angles for close-up shots, especially if you're interested in capturing water activities like swimming or cliff jumping. Instagram

To make the most of your photography, consider visiting during the morning light for soft, natural illumination, or the golden hour in the late afternoon for dramatic, warm tones. While drone photography can offer breathtaking aerial perspectives, it's crucial to research and adhere to any local regulations regarding drone usage in protected natural areas. TikTok

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