Sveti Nikola island beaches (Školj)

Sand · 840 m · Budva

Length: 840 m
Type: Sand
Water: Clear
Crowds: Moderate

Sveti Nikola is the island less than 1 km off Budva that locals call Školj, and the largest island in the southern Adriatic. Its three beaches total about 840 m and are reached only by boat: small boats run from Budva harbour and from the nearby beaches to the landing on the Budva side, and the smaller coves on the south side, under the cliffs, are boat-only in the strict sense. The beaches are sandy, with pebbly and rocky stretches. The island is a hunting reserve with deer, mouflon and hares, named after its small church of St Nicholas.

A steep green island with pale cliffs rising from the sea under mountains — Sveti Nikola (Školj) from the Budva shorePhoto: Bratislav Tabaš, CC BY-SA 3.0

Getting there

By boat only; there is no bridge and no car access. Small boats leave from Budva harbour next to the old town and from the nearby beaches, and most boat trips from Budva call at the island. A seasonal pier on the island has an 80 m berthing quay, and large vessels anchor south of the island. Fares and timetables are set by the boat operators; the last boat back is the only way off, so agree the return time when you buy the ticket.

A tiny white beach at the foot of a sheer white cliff above turquoise water — One of the small beaches under the cliffs, reachable only by boatPhoto: DinoMNE, CC BY-SA 3.0

The beaches

Three beaches with a total length of about 840 m. The main beach is at the landing on the side facing Budva; the smaller coves lie under the cliffs on the south side and are reached only from the water. Expect a mix of sand, pebble and rock. There are no roads behind the beaches, so bring water and shade.

Two small pebble coves between white limestone cliffs and clear blue water — Two coves on the cliff side of the islandPhoto: DinoMNE, CC BY-SA 3.0

Rules and season

Every public bathing area on the coast must keep half of its length free of loungers and umbrellas, with a free strip along the water, and post lifeguards through the season, May to October, when the bathing water is also tested. No bathing area on the island has held the Blue Flag.

The island

Sveti Nikola takes its name from a small church of St Nicholas. It is a hunting reserve, home to deer, mouflon and hares, and the largest island in the southern Adriatic. From the sea the Budva citadel and old town walls are the landmark across the strait.

Nearby

Slovenska plaža and Mogren face the island from the mainland, with Ričardova glava under the old town walls between them.
The Budva citadel and old town at the harbour where the boats leave.