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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Best for swimming & sun
Sveti Nikola Island
Best Time
Best for swimming & sun

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Montenegro's 'Hawaii,' Sveti Nikola Island offers stunning clear waters, wild beaches, and cliff jumping adventures.
"The water is extremely clear and I would go again. Definitely a good experience."
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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Cliff Jumping
Near wild beaches
For adrenaline seekers, the island offers natural rock formations for thrilling cliff jumps into the Adriatic Sea.

Wild Beaches & Nature
Rocky, wild side
Explore the island's rugged, natural beauty with secluded rocky coves and lush greenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Island Access & Timing
Island Experience & Costs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
Island Views
Some find the island more beautiful viewed from Budva's coast.
Adventure Awaits
Don't miss the chance for cliff jumping if you're an adrenaline junkie!
Tips
from all over the internet
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.
Island Views
Some find the island more beautiful viewed from Budva's coast.
Adventure Awaits
Don't miss the chance for cliff jumping if you're an adrenaline junkie!
Pack Accordingly
Bring essentials as amenities might be limited or costly.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Expect to pay around 5 euros for a round-trip ticket on the taxi boats. Prices are generally consistent across different boat operators.
Yes, some adventurous travelers have reached Sveti Nikola Island by kayak, offering a unique and scenic approach.
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.
The primary public transport to the island are the shared taxi boats operating from Budva's waterfront. There are no regular ferry services.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
Boat tickets are usually purchased directly at the taxi boat stands on Budva beach. Advance booking is generally not necessary, as boats run frequently.
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.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include swimming in the clear waters, sunbathing on the beaches, exploring the natural landscape, and for the adventurous, cliff jumping.
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.
'Hawaii Beach' is a nickname for a popular beach on the island known for its stunningly clear, turquoise waters, resembling tropical paradises.
The island is known to be inhabited by wild deer, adding to its natural charm.
It's recommended to bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and perhaps snacks and water, as amenities might be limited or expensive.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are bars and dining options available on the island. Reviews suggest that prices in the bars are quite normal.
Typically, island bars and restaurants offer standard beach fare, including drinks, snacks, and light meals.
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.
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.
While not designated picnic areas, you can find spots along the beaches to enjoy your own food. Remember to clean up after yourself.
📸 📸 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.
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.
Morning light often provides beautiful, soft illumination for beach and landscape photography. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also offer dramatic lighting.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations regarding drone usage in protected areas before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views. A waterproof camera or phone case is useful for water activities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
💰 Budget Travelers
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.
❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to Sveti Nikola Island
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.
Island Experience: Beaches, Activities & Costs
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. 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.
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. 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.
Photography Opportunities
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. 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.
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.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit