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Sveti Stefan is an unusual and unique place not only at Montenegro or Budva's Riviera but in the whole Mediterranean. It stands on the cliff of a rocky island with roofs red like rubies. A sand isthumus looking like a stem connects it with the land. It came into existence in a unique way.
According to the memory of people,this happened in XV century.
The big Turkish fleet sailed into the Adriatic sea to rob and plunder rich seaside towns, especially those one in Boka. One day, when the weather was bad, that fleet sailed into Jaz beach. Guards were left on the galleys, wich were anchored or grounded on sand, while the rest of Turkish soldiers set off for Kotor, across Grbaljsko field, to attack and devastate it from the land.
When Pastrovics heard about this, they quickly gathered their soldiers and went to Kotor by shortcut to attack Turks and help Kotorans in defense of their town.
After the victory, on their way back, they attacked Turkish galleys at the beach Jaz. Pastrovics have decided not only to divide the rich war trophies but to build a fortress on the rocky island near the coast as well as houses for each of Pastrovic's 12 tribes, and the church decided to St. Stefan the protector of Pastrovics. The fort was made to serve defense against Turks, pirates and other enemies as well as an asylum and shelter: asylum for women, children and old people during the time of enemy's attacts and shelter for food and groceries: corn, oil, vine, meat, honey and others. In ancient documents Sveti Stefan is mentioned by the name of “place of justice” - the pivotal place of Pastrovics township and tribe.
Fortress Sveti Stefan achieved a grand rise in the first half of XIX century when it counted 100 houses, three churches, and 400 inhabitants on its small space limited by the sea and the walls. There was no space for more.
At the beginning of XX century it suddenly lost its economic power and political importance.
The inhabitants left it.
A group of smart architects and artists began adaptation of abandoned houses in 1954 with help of the comunist power who removed the left 20 inhabitants to the land, and as early as 1957 they turned them into an unique town - hotel - the most attractive and the most luxurious hotel complex at the Adriatic and the Mediterranean, intended for tourism of the highest level. Adaptation was done expertly and heartedly so the buildings from outside look exactly as they were before, while the inside spaces were richly decorated and turned into luxurious apartments.
Today, Sveti Stefan is gorgeous. Apart from luxury, comfort and wonderful beaches, it offers some kind of special autonomy, self-confidence, inspiration and intimacy that most of well known extra hotels don't have.