Sveti Stefan reopens after years closed, with record prices and local anger

After a five-year hiatus, Montenegro's famed Sveti Stefan resort is preparing to reopen its doors on July 1, boasting record-breaking prices that have already drawn criticism from locals. The luxury hotel complex, a symbol of Montenegrin tourism, will welcome guests again, but at a steep cost.

Daily rentals for a sunbed and umbrella on the hotel's beach will cost up to 240 euros. For those seeking an overnight stay, prices begin at a staggering 2,000 euros. These rates position Sveti Stefan among the most expensive tourist destinations in the Mediterranean.

The reopening comes after a protracted dispute between the local community and the resort's operator, Adriatic Properties, over public access to the beaches. This conflict was a primary reason for the hotel's closure between 2021 and 2026. Despite a recent settlement between the Montenegrin government and the lessee, which paved the way for the reopening, access rights remain a contentious issue.

Locals argue that passages and walking paths, which court rulings had declared public, are once again being fenced off during daytime hours. While the agreement stipulates that Queen's Beach remains reserved for resort guests during the day, other coastal areas are supposed to be accessible to the local population. However, the enforcement and practical implementation of these access rights continue to fuel local discontent.