Budva is one of the most popular resorts in Montenegro. From here you can go to almost any sightseeing trip. Prices in Budva are relatively high, but this is more than offset by a wide choice of various cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops. The island of St. Nicholas is clearly visible from anywhere in Budva. It is located just 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. Visit this fabulous place is at least for the sake of clean sea and cozy little coves.
Description
St. Nicholas Island is the largest island in the southern part of the Adriatic Sea. Its value reaches almost 2 km, and the area is 47 hectares. It should be noted that the island is communicated with Budva by the shallows of Tunya. The island of St. Nicholas is a fairly well-known tourist site 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, to which you can swim only by boat.
When viewed from a height, a strip of shallow water becomes noticeable between the island and the Slavic beach, the depth of which at low tide reaches no more than 0.5 meters. One belief is connected with this natural feature, telling how Saint Sava on the way from Budva to Athos could not get on the ship because of a raging storm, and then he threw several stones into the water, thereby forming a mound managed to get on board.
In the undeveloped territory of the island live deer. Locals called the island School. This word comes from Školjka (shell), and was assigned to an object because of its shape.
What does a tourist need to know?
The island from the mainland looks very unusual: when you enter Budva, it seems that there is a huge crocodile 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 crammed with tourists, you can find a peaceful place on the island of St. Nicholas.
Swim to 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.
- Sea walk. This is a short excursion trip carried out by boat or boat. Cost - 5 euros.
- Rent a boat. This service costs 20 euros for 1 hour rental vehicle. In this case, it will be possible to independently develop a route to the Bay of Budva.
A tourist who decides to visit this wonderful place should be aware that although the visit to the island does not formally need to be paid, you can only visit it by renting a boat. 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 have to spend money on a cafe. From all this it follows that All the advertised gratuitousness of the island of St. Nicholas is only a lure for tourists, and visiting it will still cost money, but this is not a reason to refuse to rest in this beautiful place.
The cost of sun beds and umbrellas ranges from 5 to 15 euros. Some tourists are not located on sunbeds, and on their improvised bedding.However, in this case, you should take care of the umbrella and sunscreen. It should also be noted that there are large pebbles on the beachestherefore, it would be very uncomfortable to be on the same towel, as it could be done on sandy beaches.
In the picturesque pine grove, Havai is a popular restaurant with tourists, where you can eat fresh fish and taste cool tart wine. Of course, the pleasure is not cheap. Typically, tourists plan to relax on the beach all day.
You can take a few pictures of beautiful views of the beach and monuments of architecture.
There are large, smooth and slightly slippery stones in the water, so keep in mind that entering the water will not be the most comfortable. In addition, there is incredibly clear water here, so many sea urchins swim here. They are especially dangerous in a storm when they merge with stones. From this it follows that the island of St. Nicholas - not the best place to stay with young children. No children's entertainment events are held here. But for a romantic or friendly trip the island fits perfectly.
Natural sights on the island of St. Nicholas are presented 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 XIX century for the entertainment of aristocrats. At the same time the castle was built in the Tuscan style, preserved to this day. Also on the island there is an old tower and a small lighthouse.
Interesting fact: the local pebble beach was awarded the "Blue Flag" for the high level of purity of the water and coastal line.
It is impossible not to note the gastronomic perspective of tourists who have decided to visit the island of St. Nicholas. The local restaurants serve incredibly tasty fish dishes. Fish is always fresh here - it is delivered daily by Budva fishermen. Also here you can taste 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.
A separate conversation - vegetables. Here they are put 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. Also on the island there are many bars and small shops selling ice cream.
It is worth noting again that prices on the island are significantly different from the mainland.
As is known, the island is uninhabited, but there are some artifacts of ancient culture, for example, the church of St. Nicholas, through which the island got its name. The first mention of it dates from the XVI century. On the territory near the church there are many old graves in which, as legend has it, the participants of the crusade were buried, slain by the plague, while their army was stationed in Budva.
Who should not go to the island?
There are categories of tourists who are absolutely not 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 that later we will not be disappointed. So, the following tourists are most likely not to be liked by the category of persons who are not satisfied with the rest on St. Nicholas Island.
- Lovers of active beach activities. Just because in this place they simply do not exist! No bananas, no cheesecakes, no catamarans, no inflatable slides, or any other familiar beach infrastructure.
- Small children. This has already been mentioned above - it will be uncomfortable for them to bathe here, since descent into the sea is uncomfortable and slippery.
- People with a very limited budget. If you want to spend on the beach all day, but you have to spend a lot of money on a cafe. And the prices here are far from standard.
- Lovers of intellectual rest. 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 vacation, then choose a different route for your trip, since Saint Nicholas Island will not impress you with an abundance of architectural monuments.
On holiday in Montenegro, see below.
