Over time, with no need for homes to be protected and people to live in confinement, the islet became the appeal of the rich and famous and recently has undergone a restoration and is now a very exclusive hotel resort where guests stay in private room, suites, or cottages and can wander in complete security and privacy through its lanes and olive gardens. No one is allowed to tour the islet unless they are a registered guest.
A few previous notable guests: Marilyn Monroe, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, and Orson Welles. Why not book your next stay with rates a measly 810 to 3456 Euro ($1250 to $5300 CAD) a night!
Island glamour
We only anchored there for a few hours until the winds picked up, then we moved over to anchor in a more protected bay in front of the very touristy Budva town (N42°16.915' E018°50.715').
The weather was calmer but not the activities. It was the playground of seadoos, jet boats, paragliders being pulled by noisy boats, water skiers that zoomed about; and when they died off in the evening, it was replaced by thumping bar music that drifted across the water until the early hours of the morning.
From Sea Turtle, we could see the fortified Old Town built prominently on the point where it could protect the bay.
Medieval walled city
We dinghied past the pebbled beach domineered by sun worshippers...
...to the yacht harbour where behind the Med-moored mega yachts, we found a gate to Old Town.
Typical lane in Old Town
It was a surprising treat to wander through the narrow cobblestoned lanes exploring shops and eateries in nicely restored and preserved buildings within the confines of the old fort walls. Yes, we have seen a lot of Old Towns as this is the Med with fascinating histories.
Top castle wall and walkway
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