Budva is one of the most popular resorts in Montenegro. From here you can go for almost any sightseeing walk. Prices in Budva are relatively high, but this is more than offset by a wide selection of various cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops. The island of St. Nicholas is clearly visible from anywhere in Budva. It is located only 1 km from the Slavic beach. This island is also called Hawaii Montenegro, as there is a restaurant with the same name on the beach. To visit this fabulous place is worth at least for the sake of the clean sea and cozy little bays.
Description
The island of St. Nicholas is the largest island in the southern part of the Adriatic Sea. Its size reaches almost 2 km, and the area is 47 hectares. It should be noted that the island of Budva is connected with the Tuna Tunnel. The island of St. Nicholas is a rather famous tourist attraction in the vicinity of Budva. There are three large sandy beaches, the total length of which is 840 m, as well as many small beaches around the island, which can only be reached by boat.
If you look from a height, then between the island and the Slavic beach a strip of shallow water becomes noticeable, the depth of which at low tide reaches no more than 0.5 meters. There is one belief related to this natural feature, telling about how Saint Sava, on the way from Budva to Athos, could not climb onto the ship due to a storm, and then he threw several stones into the water, thereby forming a mound, with the help of which managed to get on board.
Deer live in the undeveloped territory of the island. Locals nicknamed the island School. This word comes from Školjka (shell), and was assigned to the object because of its shape.
What do tourists need to know?
The island from the mainland looks very unusual: when you enter Budva, it seems that a huge crocodile lies on the water. Naturally, it is best to visit it at the peak of the tourist season. At a time when all the beaches of Budva are packed with tourists, you can find a quiet place on the island of St. Nicholas.
To reach the island of St. Nicholas is possible exclusively on the Adriatic Sea.
Consider how to get to the island.
- On the boat. The price of such a walk is 3 euros. Boats and boats depart for the island every 15 minutes.
- Boat trip. This is a short sightseeing trip by boat or boat. Cost - 5 euros.
- Charter a boat. A similar service costs 20 euros per 1 hour of renting a vehicle. In this case, it will be possible to independently develop a route to the Gulf of Budva.
A tourist who decides to visit this wonderful place should keep in mind that although a visit to the island does not formally need payment, you can only visit it by renting a watercraft. The price for this service will not be less than 3 euros.
Besides, it is forbidden to bring food or drinks to the island, therefore, once there, you will have to spend more on the cafe. From all this it follows that all the advertised free island of St. Nicholas is just a bait for tourists, and visiting it will still cost money, but this is not at all a reason to refuse to relax in this beautiful place.
The cost of sunbeds and umbrellas is from 5 to 15 euros. Some tourists are not located on sunbeds, but on their makeshift bedding. However, in this case, you should take care of the umbrella and sunscreen. It should also be noted that pebbles are everywhere on the beaches, therefore, to be on the same towel, as could be done on sandy beaches, will be very uncomfortable.
In a picturesque pine grove is the Havai restaurant popular with tourists, where you can eat fresh fish and taste cool tart wine. Of course, pleasure is not cheap. Usually tourists plan to relax on the beach all day.
You can take some pictures of beautiful views of the beach and architectural monuments.
Large, smooth and slightly slippery stones are located in the water, so keep in mind that entering the water will not be the most comfortable. In addition, there is incredibly clear water, so many sea urchins come here. They are especially dangerous in a storm when they merge with stones. It follows that the island of St. Nicholas is far from the best place to stay with young children. No children's recreational activities are held here. But the island is suitable for a romantic or friendly trip.
Natural attractions on the island of St. Nicholas are represented in wide abundance. Here you can walk through the hilly forest, enjoy the picturesque view of the coastal cliffs, and also meet wild animals and birds: squirrels, hares, and even peacocks. Exotic animals were brought here in the 19th century for the entertainment of aristocrats. Then a Tuscan-style castle was built, which has survived to this day. Also on the island there is an old tower and a small lighthouse.
An interesting fact: the local pebble beach was awarded the Blue Flag for its high level of purity of water and the coastal line.
It should be noted the gastronomic prospects of tourists who decided to visit the island of St. Nicholas. The local restaurants serve incredibly delicious fish dishes. The fish here is always fresh - it is delivered daily by Budva fishermen. Here you can also try simple and tasty dishes, traditional for Montenegrin cuisine. These are high-calorie meat dishes that are unlikely to suit those who are especially reverent about their figure.
Another feature of Montenegrin cuisine is the widespread use of cheese.All types of Montenegrin cheeses, as well as local cheese are present on all tables.
Separate conversation - vegetables. They are put here on the table at any time of the day - both as independent dishes, and as a snack. However, in most cases, even vegetable dishes include meat, so vegetarians will have nowhere to roam. There are also many bars and small shops selling ice cream on the island.
It is worth noting once again that prices on the island are significantly different from mainland.
As you know, the island is uninhabited, however, there are some artifacts of ancient culture, for example, the church of St. Nicholas, thanks to which the island got its name. The first mention of it dates back to the 16th century. On the territory near the church there are many old graves, in which, according to legend, the participants of the crusade were buried, defeated by the plague, while their army stood in Budva.
Who should not go to the island?
There are categories of tourists who absolutely will not be pleased with the time spent on the island of St. Nicholas. Of course, all people are different, and perhaps, despite the warnings, you still decide to visit this wonderful place. But having at our disposal a limited supply of funds and free time, each of us should plan our vacation much more carefully, relying on our own preferences, so as not to be disappointed later. So, the following tourists are included in the category of people who, on the island of St. Nicholas, most likely do not like,
- Lovers of active beach activities. Just because in this place they simply are not! No bananas, no cheesecakes, no catamarans, no inflatable slides, or any other familiar beach infrastructure.
- Small children. This has already been mentioned above - they will not feel comfortable swimming here, since the descent into the sea is uncomfortable and slippery.
- People on a tight budget. If you want to spend the whole day on the beach, but you have to spend pretty much on the cafe. And the prices here are far from standard.
- Fans of intellectual relaxation. The main attractions of the island are the sea, sun and water. If you want to visit as many museums and other cultural places as possible during your holidays, then choose another route for travel, since the island of St. Nicholas will not amaze you with an abundance of architectural monuments.
On rest in Montenegro, see below.
