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Herceg Novi
Stepped old town, fortresses and a long seaside promenade at the mouth of the Bay of Kotor
Stepped old town, fortresses and a long seaside promenade at the mouth of the Bay of Kotor
The walled old town centres on a square below the clock tower, with cafés, churches and narrow stepped lanes. Forte Mare, by the sea, dates back to Tvrtko’s fortifications.
Wear comfortable shoes; the town is full of steps.
Photo: Alexkom000, CC BY 4.0
The Ottoman-era fortress above the old town, once used as a prison, now hosts summer concerts and film screenings in its open-air amphitheatre. Its walls offer views over the town and bay.
Visit at sunset for the best views.
Photo: Marcin Konsek, CC BY-SA 4.0
The seafront promenade, built on a former railway line, runs for several kilometres along the coast, past beaches, cafés and swimming platforms, towards Igalo and Meljine.
Walk it early in the morning or in the evening.
Photo: Natalia Semenova, CC BY 3.0
East of the centre, this Serbian Orthodox monastery complex sits among cypress and pine woods, with churches containing icons and frescoes.
Dress modestly; it is an active monastery.
Photo: Misa.stefanovic.07, CC BY-SA 4.0
At the mouth of the bay, this 19th-century Austro-Hungarian fort was used as a prison camp during the Second World War and has since been converted into a hotel. Boat trips from Herceg Novi pass it on the way to the Blue Cave and the Luštica peninsula.
Boat trips also stop at swimming spots along the peninsula.
Photo: Marcin Konsek, CC BY-SA 4.0
Seafood dominates: grilled fish, mussels, octopus salad and black risotto, with local Vranac and Krstač wines. Mountain dishes such as Njeguški pršut (smoked ham) and cheese also appear on menus.
The promenade and old town have many restaurants; prices are lower than in Kotor and Budva.
Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia is about 30km away, across the border; Tivat Airport is about 23km away by road. Herceg Novi has a main bus station with links along the coast and to Dubrovnik.
The Kamenari–Lepetane ferry across the narrow Verige strait is a shortcut towards Tivat and Budva. In town, walking and local buses are the norm; parking is limited in summer.
Montenegro uses the euro.
Private rooms are good value outside July and August.
Boat trips to the Blue Cave are popular.
Book summer stays early.
Two days mixes the town and the bay.
Explore the old town, Forte Mare and Kanli Kula, then walk the Pet Danica promenade and swim from a platform.
Bring water; the steps are tiring in summer.
Take a boat past Mamula to the Blue Cave and Luštica beaches, then visit Savina Monastery in the late afternoon.
Book boat trips at the harbour the day before.
The town is built on steep slopes linked by steps.
February and March bring the Mimosa Festival.
The Kamenari–Lepetane ferry saves driving around the bay.
Dubrovnik is close; allow time for the border at peak season.
Quick answers for planning time in Herceg Novi.
Dubrovnik Airport is about 30km away, with a border crossing in between.
Explore the old town and fortresses, walk the promenade, visit Savina Monastery and take a boat trip around the bay.
In February and March, when the mimosa blooms.
Yes, it generally has fewer cruise-ship crowds.
May, June and September for warm weather and fewer crowds.
Planning a wider trip? Our Montenegro travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.