Montenegro. Sveti Stefan

  After leaving Budva, we arrived in Sveti Stefan, where we stayed for four days and three nights. While the islet itself is famous as a luxury resort, the surrounding area offers a much more accessible and authentic experience. We stayed on the hill in a cozy apartment with a stunning view of the Adriatic and the mountains...

 Sveti Stefan is one of Montenegro’s most iconic destinations. The small islet, connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, is home to centuries-old stone buildings with red-tiled roofs, narrow cobbled streets, and the charm of a medieval village perched above the turquoise sea. Originally a fortified village dating back to the 15th century, it now coexists with the modern resort, but the historic atmosphere is still unmistakable. Our first meeting with the area began with a refreshing swim in the sea....

   Around Sveti Stefan, we discovered many beautiful beaches, each with crystal-clear waters and stunning views of the surrounding mountains...

  On the second day, after an invigorating morning run and a hearty breakfast, we set out to explore the spiritual landmarks near our apartment in Sveti Stefan. Our journey began with a short walk to a viewpoint along the magistral road. From here, we were treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and the iconic island of Sveti Stefan. The clear skies and gentle breeze made it the perfect spot to pause and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding us...

  Continuing our exploration, we arrived at the Praskvica Monastery, nestled in the hills above Milocer. Founded in 1413 by the Serbian nobleman Balša III, this serene complex is dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of the Paštrovići clan. The monastery's name, "Praskvica," is derived from a nearby spring whose waters are said to have a peach-like scent. The main church, built in the Raška architectural style, stands as a testament to the region's rich religious heritage...

  As we wandered through the monastery grounds, we also visited the adjacent cemetery, where ornate tombstones tell stories of past generations. One notable feature is the "Jegor's Road," a 3-kilometer stone path constructed by a one-armed Russian officer-turned-monk in the early 19th century. This path leads from Sveti Stefan to the monastery, showcasing both dedication and resilience...

  Our ascent continued towards the St. Sava Church, perched 250 meters above Sveti Stefan. The hike, though steep, was rewarding. The church, dating back to the 15th century, is dedicated to Saint Sava, the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Its location offers unparalleled views of the surrounding coastline and the island below...

  Reaching St. Sava, we took a quiet moment to light candles for our closest loved ones whom we have lost. The gentle flicker of the flames, combined with the breathtaking views, created a deeply moving and peaceful experience...

 The serene atmosphere, panoramic vistas, and our quiet remembrance left a lasting impression. It was a day well-spent, immersing ourselves in the spiritual and natural beauty of Montenegro.

  One of the evenings gifted us one of the most beautiful sunsets we’ve ever witnessed...

   The sky transformed into a breathtaking palette of oranges, pinks, and purples, reflecting perfectly over the Adriatic Sea. A small boat gently drifted across the calm waters, adding a serene, almost cinematic touch to the scene.

  In the distance, the iconic Sveti Stefan island stood proudly, its silhouette glowing warmly in the fading light. The combination of the vibrant sky, tranquil sea, and this unique view created a truly unforgettable moment - like nature itself had composed a symphony...

  Each morning before breakfast, I ventured out for trail runs on the nearby mountain trails, embracing the serenity of the early hours. Afterward, we often headed to the beach, where we relaxed and also I swam up to 2 kilometers with a buoy - as a part of my training regimen for the upcoming Ironman triathlon in just two weeks.

  On one particular morning, my trail run led me to a remote church dedicated to Saint Spiridon. This visit held special significance, as my second name is derived from Spiridon, making the experience deeply personal... From the Greek "Spyridon," meaning "spirit" or "breath," symbolizes the Holy Spirit, reflecting deep spiritual connection.

  

  Saint Spiridon, also known as Spyridon of Tremithus, was a 4th-century bishop from Cyprus. Born in Assia, he worked as a shepherd before becoming a bishop. He was renowned for his simplicity, deep faith, and numerous miracles, including healing the sick and casting out demons. One of his most famous acts occurred during the First Ecumenical Council in 325 AD, where he used a simple yet profound illustration to defend the doctrine of the Trinity, converting a philosopher from Arianism to Orthodoxy.

    All my runs concluded on Sveti Stefan Island, where the views opened up to the surrounding mountains and the houses on the hill where we stayed...

   Our days often included moments of pure relaxation on Sveti Stefan’s beach. The crystal-clear blue water was irresistible, perfect for swimming and simply floating under the sun. From the shore, we enjoyed stunning views of the historic castle and the surrounding coastline, making each moment feel like a scene from a postcard. The combination of serene waters, warm sun, and breathtaking scenery made our beach time unforgettable.

  On one of our days, we ventured to Roho Beach, a more secluded spot compared to Sveti Stefan...

   The views were absolutely stunning - rugged cliffs framed the turquoise waters, and the shoreline stretched quietly, inviting to go down...

   From the drone, we could take in Roho Beach in all its beauty. The surrounding hills were dotted with charming houses and lush greenery, creating a striking contrast with the vivid blue of the sea. The serenity of Roho Beach made it a perfect escape, offering a calm and private retreat away from the busier coastal spots...

  Our apartment was perched on a beautiful hill, offering a peaceful and scenic retreat...

From the terrace, we could enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains meeting the sea...

  In the evenings, the soft glow of the sunset lights created a magical and cozy atmosphere. It was the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploration.

  The main highlight was the stunning combination of clear blue waters and majestic mountains. The vivid turquoise of the Adriatic Sea contrasted beautifully with the rugged, green hills, creating a breathtaking panorama... 

   Lush vegetation dotted the slopes, while the sunlight danced on the water’s surface, adding a sparkling shimmer. This harmonious blend of sea, mountains, and greenery made the landscape around Sveti Stefan truly unforgettable, a perfect showcase of Montenegro’s natural beauty...

   On the morning of our fourth day, we enjoyed a relaxing swim in the clear blue waters of Sveti Stefan and soaked up the sun on the beach...

  In the afternoon, we took a bus to Budva, where we explored the town, spent the rest of the day wandering its charming streets, and stayed overnight. The following morning, we continued our journey to Kotor, ready to discover another beautiful part of Montenegro.