St. Marko Island Stradioti
An overgrown, officially closed island with remnants of a former resort and military barracks, steeped in legend.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
St. Marko Island Stradioti
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An overgrown, officially closed island with remnants of a former resort and military barracks, steeped in legend.
"Nothing to see, and very not safety surrounding."
Boat Access Essential
You absolutely need a boat to reach St. Marko Island. Without one, visiting is impossible and potentially dangerous. :boat:
Safety First!
The island is overgrown and can be unsafe. Be very careful when exploring to avoid injuries. :warning:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Club Med Ruins
Various locations on the island
Explore the eerie remnants of the former Club Med resort, including scattered straw huts, a haunting reminder of its past.
Island Legends
The entire island
Immerse yourself in the mystique of St. Marko Island, once known as the Island of the Holy Archangel Gabriel, steeped in Greek legends.
Filming Location
Various scenic spots
Discover the picturesque backdrops used for filming TV series like 'Ellie Dee's Yacht' and 'Veran's Ghost'.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access & Safety
What to Expect
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
What to do in Tivat?
Boat Access Essential
You absolutely need a boat to reach St. Marko Island. Without one, visiting is impossible and potentially dangerous. :boat:
Safety First!
The island is overgrown and can be unsafe. Be very careful when exploring to avoid injuries. :warning:
Stay in Tivat + Explore Other Areas
Travelling for 15 days in Montenegro. Tips on where to stay?
Manage Expectations
There's not much to see beyond ruins. It's more for history buffs and those seeking solitude. :thinking_face:
Pack Accordingly
Wear sturdy shoes and long clothing due to the rough terrain and vegetation. :athletic_shoe:
Need help with trip planning
Tips
from all over the internet
Boat Access Essential
You absolutely need a boat to reach St. Marko Island. Without one, visiting is impossible and potentially dangerous. :boat:
Safety First!
The island is overgrown and can be unsafe. Be very careful when exploring to avoid injuries. :warning:
Manage Expectations
There's not much to see beyond ruins. It's more for history buffs and those seeking solitude. :thinking_face:
Pack Accordingly
Wear sturdy shoes and long clothing due to the rough terrain and vegetation. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
St. Marko Island is an officially closed, remote destination accessible only by boat. Visitors report overgrown terrain and safety concerns, with little to see beyond the ruins of a former Club Med resort and military barracks. It's a place for the adventurous who understand the risks involved.
"This place is (officially) closed to the public. There used to be a Club Med here before the Yugoslavia war and you can still see some of the remains (straw huts) on the island."
Fred Van Veldhoven
"If you do not have boat do not go on this island. Nothing to see, and very not safety surounding."
Vukasin Erbez
"The island called Stradioti or the tourist-marketing St. Mark, or more precisely, the island of the Holy Archangel Gabriel, a name that is rarely used today for unknown reasons!"
Nikola Ivosevic
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to St. Marko Island is exclusively by boat. There are no public ferries or regular transport services. You'll need to arrange a private boat charter or join a tour that specifically includes this island.
While the island is surrounded by water, swimming directly from its shores might be challenging due to the terrain and potential safety concerns. It's best to check with your boat captain for safe swimming spots nearby.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Officially, St. Marko Island is closed to the public. Access is often unofficial and at your own risk.
As the island is officially closed, there are no ticket sales. Any visit would be unofficial, and you would not be purchasing entry.
Since the island is closed to the public, there are no official opening hours. Access is dependent on boat availability and your own discretion.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors can see the overgrown ruins of a former Club Med resort, including straw huts, and explore the island's natural, albeit wild, landscape. It's also known for its historical legends and as a filming location.
The island is described as 'very not safety' with overgrown terrain. Visitors should be extremely cautious and aware of potential hazards.
It's difficult and potentially dangerous to go around on foot due to the terrain. It's advised to be very careful if attempting to explore.
The island was once a resort (Club Med) and military barracks. It's also known by its historical name, the Island of the Holy Archangel Gabriel, and is steeped in Greek legends.
📸 📸 Photography
The ruins of the Club Med resort offer a unique, somewhat eerie photographic subject. The island's wild, overgrown nature and coastal views can also be picturesque, especially for those interested in abandoned places or natural landscapes.
The remnants of the straw huts and any visible structures from the former resort are prime spots. The coastline also offers dramatic views, though access might be tricky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Adventurous Explorers
Ensure you have reliable boat access and sturdy footwear. This is not a casual stroll; it's an exploration of a wild, overgrown island with a complex past. The historical significance and the eerie beauty of the ruins are the main draws for this audience.
History Buffs & Urban Explorers
The island's transformation from a leisure destination to a forgotten outpost is a compelling narrative. While access is unofficial and safety is a concern, the historical layers make it an intriguing, albeit challenging, visit for dedicated explorers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating St. Marko Island: Access and Safety
The island's condition means that casual exploration can quickly become hazardous. It's crucial to manage expectations; this is not a manicured tourist spot but a wild, largely abandoned location. The remnants of its past, including a former Club Med resort and military barracks, add a layer of historical intrigue, but they also contribute to the uneven and potentially unsafe environment.
Given the safety concerns and unofficial access, it's advisable to go with someone experienced or to thoroughly research any tour operators who might offer passage. Always prioritize safety over exploration, and be prepared for a rugged experience.
The Layers of History: From Resort to Ruins
The juxtaposition of its past as a vibrant resort and its current abandoned state makes it a compelling, albeit somber, destination for those interested in abandoned places or historical exploration. The island has also served as a backdrop for cinematic productions, adding another layer to its narrative.
Understanding this history helps contextualize the overgrown ruins and the sense of mystery that surrounds the island. It's a place where nature is reclaiming man-made structures, creating a unique atmosphere for those who manage to visit.
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