St. George Island

St. George Island floats just offshore from Perast, a small natural isle cloaked in cypress trees and mystery.

I n the glassy waters opposite Perast, St. George Island sits like a green jewel – a natural island shaded by cypress trees and crowned by a 12th‑century Benedictine monastery. Unlike its neighbour Our Lady of the Rocks, this island isn’t man‑made and remains closed to the general public, which only adds to its mystique. Boat tours glide past so you can take in the view: stone walls, a small church spire peeking through the treetops, and gravestones belonging to Perast’s noble families who were laid to rest here.

The monastery itself has weathered centuries of storm and sea spray, its monks tending vineyards and gardens on the tiny plot of land. Legends swirl around St. George: some say that the island appeared after a sailor stole an icon from the monastery and his ship crashed upon the rocks. Whether the stories are true or not, there’s no denying the island’s atmosphere – it feels like a place suspended in time. The sound of waves lapping against the stones and the distant bells of Perast’s churches create a rhythm that encourages reflection.

Because you can’t set foot on St. George, the best way to experience it is from the water. Local boatmen offer tours that circle both islands, often stopping so you can photograph the scene with the mountains rising behind. Early morning and late afternoon light catch the cypress needles and monastery walls in warm tones, while misty days give the island a moody, almost ethereal quality. Paired with a visit to Our Lady of the Rocks, this small island completes the story of Perast’s maritime faith and resilience.

St. George Island is the Bay of Kotor’s quiet guardian – a monastery, a graveyard, and a mystery wrapped in cypress trees.