Herceg Novi Montenegro: A Hidden Gem on the Adriatic

Located at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, Herceg Novi is a charming coastal town in Montenegro, known for its stunning waterfront, medieval fortresses, and Mediterranean climate. With its lush greenery, historic old town, and beautiful beaches, Herceg Novi is a perfect getaway for travelers seeking relaxation, history, and adventure.

Whether you’re wandering through its cobbled streets, exploring ancient forts, or soaking up the Adriatic sun, Herceg Novi offers a unique mix of Montenegrin, Venetian, and Ottoman influences.

Top Things to Do in Herceg Novi

1. Explore the Old Town (Stari Grad) – A Walk Through History 🏘️🏰

• A charming old town with stone-paved streets, historic buildings, and lively squares.
• Must-see spots:
  • Clock Tower (Sahat Kula) – A 17th-century Ottoman tower, one of Herceg Novi’s most famous landmarks.
  • Kanli Kula Fortress – Offers stunning views of the Bay of Kotor and hosts open-air concerts.
  • Belavista Square – The heart of the old town, home to the Orthodox Church of St. Michael.

2. Kanli Kula Fortress – A Hilltop Fortress with Epic Views 🏰🌅

• A massive stone fortress built by the Ottomans in the 16th century.
• Best experiences:
  • Walk along the ancient walls for panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea.
  • Attend a summer concert or film screening in the open-air theater.

3. Forte Mare (Sea Fortress) – A Venetian Masterpiece 🏰🌊

• A 15th-century fortress built by the Venetians, right on the seafront.
• Perfect for:
  • Watching a spectacular sunset over the Adriatic.
  • Learning about Herceg Novi’s naval history.

4. Walk the Herceg Novi Promenade (Pet Danica) – A Scenic Coastal Walk 🚶‍♂️🌴

• A 7-km-long seaside promenade, lined with cafés, beaches, and stunning views.
• Best things to do along the promenade:
  • Enjoy a coffee or cocktail at a waterfront café.
  • Stop at hidden beaches and swimming spots.
  • Visit the charming fishing village of Igalo.

5. Savina Monastery – A Spiritual Escape ⛪🌿

• A serene Orthodox monastery surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.
• Why visit?
  • See beautiful frescoes and religious icons.
  • Enjoy the peaceful garden with breathtaking sea views.

6. Relax at Herceg Novi’s Best Beaches 🏖️🌊

• Top beaches to visit:
  • Žanjic Beach – A crystal-clear bay perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
  • Dobrec Beach – A hidden gem only accessible by boat.
  • Igalo Beach – Famous for its healing mineral mud and shallow waters.

7. Blue Cave (Plava Špilja) – A Natural Wonder 🛶🔵

• A magical sea cave with glowing blue water, accessible by boat.
• What to do?
  • Swim inside the cave and experience its surreal blue glow.
  • Take a kayak or speedboat tour from Herceg Novi.

8. Day Trip to Mamula Island – A Historic Island Fortress 🏝️🏰

• A small island with a circular fortress, once used as a prison.
• Why visit?
  • Explore the abandoned fortress and learn its dark history.
  • Enjoy crystal-clear waters and snorkeling around the island.

9. Visit Lustica Peninsula – A Hidden Paradise 🌿🏝️

• A rural peninsula with olive groves, seafood restaurants, and quiet beaches.
• Top places to visit:
  • Almara Beach Club – A luxury beach club with great food and cocktails.
  • Rose Village – A small fishing village with beautiful stone houses.

10. Take a Boat Trip Around the Bay of Kotor ⛴️🏞️

• Best boat tours from Herceg Novi:
  • Boka Bay Tour – Visit Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks, and Kotor.
  • Submarine Cave & Blue Cave Tour – Explore hidden caves and WWII submarine tunnels.

Day Trips from Herceg Novi 🚗🌿

1. Kotor (45 Minutes Away) – A UNESCO-Listed Walled City 🏰⛵

• Walk through Kotor’s medieval old town.
• Hike up to the San Giovanni Fortress for stunning bay views.

2. Perast & Our Lady of the Rocks (40 Minutes Away) – A Historic Seaside Village 🏝️⛪

• Visit the charming town of Perast with its baroque palaces and waterfront cafés.
• Take a boat to Our Lady of the Rocks, a beautiful island church with stunning frescoes.

3. Porto Montenegro (30 Minutes Away) – Luxury by the Sea 🛥️🍸

• Explore Tivat’s luxury marina, high-end shops, and fine dining restaurants.

4. Dubrovnik, Croatia (1.5 Hours Away) – The Pearl of the Adriatic 🇭🇷🏰

• Walk the famous city walls of Dubrovnik.
• Visit Game of Thrones filming locations.

Where to Stay in Herceg Novi 🏨

Luxury Hotels ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Lazure Hotel & Marina – A luxurious seafront hotel with a spa and marina.
• Boutique Hotel Casa del Mare – Blanche – A stunning boutique hotel with private beach access.

Mid-Range Hotels ⭐⭐⭐

• Palmon Bay Hotel & Spa – A modern beachfront hotel with a wellness center.
• Hotel Perla – A charming hotel along the promenade.

Budget-Friendly & Guesthouses 💰🏡

• Guesthouse Aria – A family-run guesthouse with great hospitality.
• Apartments Bovan – Affordable apartments with sea views.

Where to Eat in Herceg Novi 🍽️🍷

1. Must-Try Local Dishes

• Buzara – Fresh seafood in a garlic, white wine, and tomato sauce.
• Ćevapi – Grilled Balkan sausages with flatbread and onions.
• Pasticada – Dalmatian-style beef stew served with gnocchi.

2. Best Restaurants 🍽️

• Konoba Feral – A cozy seafood restaurant in the old town.
• Tri Lipe – Famous for grilled meats and local Montenegrin dishes.
• Rose Restaurant – A waterfront eatery on Lustica Peninsula.

3. Best Beach Bars & Cafés 🍹☕

• Almara Beach Club – A stylish beach bar with cocktails and music.
• Tutti Frutti Beach Bar – A relaxed bar right on the water.

Best Time to Visit Herceg Novi ☀️🌊🍂

• Spring (April–June): Mild weather and fewer crowds.
• Summer (July–August): Perfect for beach lovers and nightlife.
• Fall (September–October): Great for hiking and wine festivals.
• Winter (November–March): Quiet and relaxing, great for wellness retreats.

🇲🇪🌊🏰 Plan your Herceg Novi adventure today and experience Montenegro’s most beautiful coastal town