Becici – the playground of the rich and famous
Becici turned, in record time, from a secluded village, into an attractive vacation spot with modern hotels and pristine beaches. Separating Bećići from Budva with a small tunnel is the Zavala peninsula. Walking from the direction of Budva, the path splits outside the tunnel. One way leads through the hotel complex, out on the Becici beach, and the other to the peninsula’s tip. Tourists walking from Budva to Becici can decide whether to cross the additional 1950 meters along the paved path to Rafailovići or set up camp at the beach. The beach is the crown jewel of Becici. Among many distinguishing features of the beach in Becici is the pebbles. Shaped throughout centuries in the sea and washed ashore. These pebbles are intriguing artifacts to children and grownups. Whether it is sunny or a cloudy sky, visitors wander the beach looking for the perfectly shaped pebble.
From hearts, long ovals, circles, or even egg-shaped and sized. However, the body and smoothness of the stones are not the only qualities attracting visitors. The pebbles come in endless colors, including white, grey, brown, green, and even brick red. The variety of stones and the Sveti Stefan island’s incredible view make it one of the most attractive beaches on the Montenegrin coast.
What is interesting about Becici?
The most exciting feature of Becici is the unique peninsula Sveti Stefan. This island is a playground for the rich and famous. During its time, Sveti Stefan has accommodated many celebrities and influential people. Queen Elisabeth, the Beckham family, and TV star Silvester Stalone are few famous guests who stayed at Sveti Stefan. The island is currently under the management of Aman Resorts – a luxurious getaway with a fantastic location and a breathtaking view.
History of Sveti Stefan
Its first mention is as the capital of the community Pastrovici. After their independent status since the 12th century, the Republic of Venice proclaimed the Pastrovici as their protectorate in 1423. The Pastrovici accepted the Venetian sovereignty because they feared an attack from the Ottoman Empire. In return for ceasing piracy against Venetian ships, the Venetian Republic liberated Paštrovići from any tribute to Venice and granted them considerable autonomy. According to a legend recounted by Stjepan Mitrov Ljubiša, after Pastrovici looted Turkish ships moored in front of Jaz during Barbarossa’s siege of Kotor in 1539, they constructed the town fortification.
In the 15th century, the village was built to defend against the Turks and became a haven for the Adriatic pirates. Initially, the island had 12 families. In the 1800s, a village was established on the island with about 400 people. Villa Milocer, built between 1934 and 1936, was the summer residence of Queen Marija Karadjordevic (1900–1961) of Serbia’s Karadjordevic family. It was refurbished as part of the Aman Sveti Stefan resorts that opened in 2008–2009.
