A coastal settlement in Boka Kotorska with a shipbuilding tradition and clean beaches
Bijela lies approximately 13 kilometres from Herceg Novi, along the Verige Strait in the Bay of Kotor. Once a fishing and wine-growing community, this place has been shaped for centuries by a shipbuilding tradition dating back to the time of King Tvrtko I Kotromanić. Today, visitors find here a peaceful alternative to overcrowded coastal destinations — clean pebble-and-sand beaches, the clear waters of the bay, and the relaxed atmosphere of a small town. Its proximity to Herceg Novi, Perast, and the sights of Kotor makes Bijela a practical base for exploring the entire Boka.
Location
Boka Kotorska, Herceg Novi Municipality
Population
3,460
Distance from Herceg Novi
13 km
First mentioned
14th century
Shipyard
Since 1927
Swimming season
June — September
Highlights
The town beach combines pebble and fine sand and is considered one of the cleanest on the Montenegrin coast. The beach is surrounded by a pine forest that provides natural shade, and cafés with views over the Bay of Kotor line the shore. The calm bay waters make it particularly suitable for children and older visitors. From the beach you can walk to the nearby coves towards Đenovići and Baošići, which are often almost deserted even at the height of the season.
The Adriatic Shipyard in Bijela was once the largest shipbuilding and service dock in Montenegro, and its history reaches back to a shipbuilding tradition that has existed in this area since the time of King Tvrtko I Kotromanić, the founder of Herceg Novi. The modern shipyard was built in 1927 on Cape Pijavica, funded by contributions from wealthy local residents and King Aleksandar Karađorđević, after whom one of the main streets along the waterfront is named. The industrial architecture of the shipyard and the vessel structures visible from the shore bear witness to a maritime identity that sets Bijela apart from all other settlements in the Bay of Kotor.
The flat coastal path from Bijela towards Đenovići runs along the sea, passing small coves, wooden boat jetties, and secluded bathing spots that remain largely peaceful even during the summer months. The walk takes around 25 minutes and offers continuous views of the Verige Strait — the narrowest part of the Bay of Kotor, just 300 metres wide — with mountains rising on both sides. Along the way there are several konoba restaurants with waterside terraces where you can sample fresh fish and black risotto in traditional Bay of Kotor style.
The first oyster farms in the Bay of Kotor begin in the area of northern Bijela, as the marine conditions of the bay are considered ideal for their cultivation. Visitors can taste oysters directly on the shore, in simple settings with wooden tables and parasols, in an atmosphere that stands in complete contrast to the tourist offerings of larger coastal towns. This is one of the authentic culinary experiences that Bijela has to offer — one that is hard to find in Herceg Novi or Kotor.
What to do
Enjoy the clean pebble-and-sand beach surrounded by pine trees, with calm and clear bay waters ideal for families.
A 25-minute flat walk along the shore passing secluded coves and wooden jetties, with views of the Verige Strait.
Sample freshly harvested oysters at the farms in northern Bijela, right by the sea in an authentic, unhurried setting.
Embark on a boat excursion from the Bijela jetty, sailing through the Bay of Kotor to Perast and the island of Gospa od Škrpjela.
Explore the industrial heritage of Bijela by walking along the waterfront and viewing the historic Adriatic Shipyard built in 1927.
Visit the Old Town, Forte Mare fortress, and the 6-kilometre Šetalište 5 Danica promenade just 15 minutes away by car or bus.
Did You Know?
The Adriatic Shipyard in Bijela, built in 1927 on Cape Pijavica, was once the largest shipbuilding and service dock in Montenegro — funded in part by local residents and King Aleksandar Karađorđević himself. Largest shipbuilding dock in Montenegro
Plan Your Visit
Admission
Besplatan ulaz na plaže.
Plaže dostupne tokom cijelog dana. Turistička sezona: jun–septembar.
Parkiranje uz obalu dostupno bez naknade u većem dijelu mjesta. Uz neke hotele naplaćuje se parking.
Obalna šetnica je ravna i pristupačna za kolica. Šljunkovite plaže mogu biti manje pristupačne za invalidska kolica.
FAQ
