Herceg Novi — Complete City & Travel Guide

Herceg Novi — Where the Mountains Meet the Sea

Herceg Novi sits at the very entrance of the Bay of Kotor, where the dramatic Orjen mountain massif plunges directly into the Adriatic. This is one of Montenegro's most distinctive and underrated destinations — a town of medieval fortresses, subtropical gardens, Orthodox monasteries, and some of the clearest seawater in the entire Adriatic. Unlike the more crowded resorts of Budva and Kotor, Herceg Novi retains a relaxed, local atmosphere even in the height of summer.

The town is also the gateway to the outer bay — from here you can reach Mamula island, the beaches of Žanjice and Mirište, and it is only a short drive to the Croatian border and Dubrovnik. Coupled with the famous Igalo spa town that merges seamlessly into the western edge of Herceg Novi, this area offers something for every type of traveller.

The Old Town — Stari Grad

Kanli Kula Fortress

The most iconic landmark of Herceg Novi is Kanli Kula — literally "Bloody Tower" — a massive Ottoman fortress sitting above the old town. Built in the 16th century during Ottoman rule, it served as a prison for centuries. Today it has been transformed into an open-air theatre and cultural venue, hosting summer concerts and film festivals. The views from the fortress walls over the bay and out towards the open sea are outstanding.

Admission is typically 2–3 EUR, and the fortress is open daily from spring through autumn. Evening events are listed at the local tourism office on the Šetalište promenade.

Forte Mare — Sea Fortress

At the water's edge stands Forte Mare, a Venetian-era sea fortress that once guarded the entrance to the bay. The thick stone walls, ruined towers, and sea-spray atmosphere make it one of the most atmospheric spots in the entire Bay of Kotor. It connects directly to the old town walls and can be explored on foot as part of a wider old town walk.

Clock Tower and the Squares

The Clock Tower (Sahat Kula) is another Ottoman legacy — a slender square tower that dominates the central square, Trg Herceg Stjepana. This pedestrianised square, lined with cafés and restaurants set beneath palm trees and oleander, is the social heart of the town. The nearby Belavista Square (Trg Nikole Đurkovića) offers one of the best terrace views in the entire bay.

Savina Monastery

History and Architecture

Savina Monastery is one of the most important Serbian Orthodox monasteries in Montenegro, located just 2 km east of the old town along the bay shore. The monastery complex includes two churches: the larger Church of the Dormition (18th century), and the smaller, older Little Church (14th century). The treasury contains a remarkable collection of religious artifacts, manuscripts, and icons accumulated over centuries.

The monastery is surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation — cypress trees, palms, and bougainvillea — and the contrast between the white stone buildings and deep blue bay water creates one of the most beautiful settings in Montenegro. Modest dress is required (shoulders and knees covered).

Getting to Savina

Savina Monastery is an easy walk or drive from Herceg Novi along the coastal road. There is a small car park near the entrance. The monastery is open to visitors daily; there is no admission charge but donations are welcome.

Beaches Around Herceg Novi

Žanjice Beach

Žanjice is widely considered the most beautiful beach in the Herceg Novi area and one of the finest in Montenegro. It is a sheltered pebble cove with water so clear you can see the seabed at 5–6 metres depth. The beach can be reached by boat from the Herceg Novi waterfront (regular taxi boats in summer), or by a 4 km drive plus a 20-minute walk down a pine-forested path.

There are sunbed rentals, a beach restaurant, and fresh fish is served on the terrace. From Žanjice, boats also depart to Mamula island.

Mirište Beach

Mirište is a quieter, less visited cove adjacent to Žanjice. The walk between the two takes about 15 minutes along a coastal path through pine trees. Mirište is almost entirely natural, with no beach bars — perfect for those seeking peace and solitude.

Igalo Beach and Spa Town

The suburb of Igalo (part of the wider Herceg Novi municipality) is famous throughout the former Yugoslavia as a health spa destination. The Institut "Dr Simo Milošević" uses natural peloid (therapeutic mud) and mineral spring water for treating rheumatic and neurological conditions. The beach at Igalo is wide, sandy in places, and very shallow — ideal for families and those seeking gentle swimming.

Mamula Island

The Fortress-Island

Mamula (also known as Lastavica island) is a circular island just outside the bay entrance, dominated by an imposing Austro-Hungarian fortress built in 1853. The island has a dark history — it was used as a concentration camp during World War II — and is now partially developed as a luxury hotel (the Mamula Island Resort). Visitors can tour the island and its beaches on day trips.

Getting There by Car

Distances from Major Cities

Parking in Herceg Novi

Parking in Herceg Novi is challenging in the summer months, particularly in the old town and on the Šetalište promenade. The main public car parks are located near the bus station, behind the old town walls, and off the main coastal road above the town centre. Expect to pay 1–2 EUR per hour in peak season. The upper town (above the fortress) has more parking options and a 10–15 minute walk downhill to the old town.

Restaurants and Food

What to Eat

The culinary scene in Herceg Novi is strong, with fresh Adriatic seafood the undisputed star. Look for grilled fish (brancin/sea bass, orada/sea bream), black risotto (crni rižoto), škampi na buzaru (Adriatic prawns in tomato-wine sauce), and grilled octopus. The waterfront restaurants on the Šetalište promenade and in the old town squares offer excellent settings for a long, leisurely lunch or dinner.

For a more local experience, head to the market behind the bus station for fresh produce, local cheese, and honey from the Orjen mountain area. The nearby Kamenari–Lepetane ferry crossing also has a small café popular with locals.

Day Trips from Herceg Novi

Kotor and the Bay

Kotor is just 30 km away and makes an excellent half-day trip. The drive along the Bay of Kotor, past Risan and Perast with its famous islands, is one of the most scenic roads in the entire Balkans. Allow at least 3 hours in Kotor itself to walk the old town walls.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is only 50 km and less than an hour's drive — making it an easy day trip. Cross at the Debeli Brijeg / Karasovići border crossing. Expect queues at the border in peak summer (July–August). Start early to beat the crowds at Dubrovnik Old Town.