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.
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.
On the water
Enjoy the clean pebble-and-sand beach surrounded by pine trees, with calm and clear bay waters ideal for families.
Mountains
A 25-minute flat walk along the shore passing secluded coves and wooden jetties, with views of the Verige Strait.
Food & wine
Sample freshly harvested oysters at the farms in northern Bijela, right by the sea in an authentic, unhurried setting.
On the water
Embark on a boat excursion from the Bijela jetty, sailing through the Bay of Kotor to Perast and the island of Gospa od Škrpjela.
Mountains
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.
Beach · 0.6 km
Bijela Beach is the main shingle beach of the settlement, about 200 m long, with a gentle and shallow entry into the sea, ideal for families with children.
Beach · 1.6 km
A public pebble beach with calm, shallow sea in Baošići, ideal for families.
Village · 1.6 km
A peaceful coastal settlement with dozens of pebble beaches on the southeastern shore of the Bay of Kotor, known for the Mimosa Festival.
Point of Interest · 3.8 km
A man-made island off Perast with a Baroque church from 1630, a museum of votive gifts and 68 paintings by Tripo Kokolja.
City · 4.0 km
A coastal town in Boka Kotorska, known for the superyacht marina Porto Montenegro and its Mediterranean climate.
Old Town · 4.3 km
A picturesque coastal settlement in the Bay of Kotor, known for its Baroque architecture and two island-churches.
Village · 7.0 km
Kumbor is a peaceful coastal settlement on the shore of the Bay of Kotor, located approximately 5 km east of Herceg Novi.
Religious Site · 9.1 km
Manastir Savina in Herceg Novi preserves three churches, a rich treasury, and the miraculous icon of the Virgin of Savina.
Village · 9.3 km
Rose is a small coastal fishing village at the tip of the Luštica Peninsula, known for its stone houses, crystal-clear sea, and tranquility far from tourist crowds.
City · 11 km
A coastal city with six centuries of history, monumental fortresses, and more than 250 sunny days a year.
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Visitor tip
The nearest airport is Tivat (TIV), approximately 35 km away, with a transfer by car of around 40 minutes. Podgorica Airport (TGD) is approximately 85 km away, with a transfer of around 1 hour 20 minutes. Taxi or car hire is available from both airports.
From Herceg Novi to Bijela is about a 15–20 minute drive along the Adriatic Highway towards Kamenari – Bijela is approximately 13 km from the Herceg Novi town centre. From Podgorica the journey by car takes around 1 hour 30 minutes. Parking is available along the waterfront and near accommodation facilities.
Local bus lines from Herceg Novi run towards Kamenari and pass through Bijela. The bus station in Herceg Novi is well connected to Podgorica, Budva, and Kotor. The bus journey from Herceg Novi to Bijela takes just 15–20 minutes.
Boat tours from Herceg Novi and surrounding areas include a landing point in Bijela near restaurant Bura, from which excursions depart towards Perast and Kotor. The Kamenari–Lepetane ferry line (just 4 km from Bijela) provides a quick shortcut across the bay towards Tivat.
Hiking, walking and cycling routes that start here or pass nearby, with maps and GPX downloads.
Hiking · Markov rt Beach
Hiking · Tivat
Walking · Tivat
Cycling · Rose, Luštica · Lovćen National Park
Walking · Kumbor Beach
Hiking · Dobrota Beach
Cycling · Španjola Fortress · Durmitor National Park
Hiking · Forte Mare Fortress · Lovćen National Park
Day 1 · Bijela, Đenovići, Baošići
The best time to visit is in June or September, when temperatures are pleasant, the sea is warm, and the crowds are considerably smaller. The official season runs from mid-June to mid-September, with the highest visitor numbers in July and August.
The beaches are predominantly pebble-and-sand and are considered among the cleanest on the Montenegrin coast. The town beach combines pebble and sand, with cafés in the shade of pine trees along the shore. The nearby beaches in Đenovići and Baošići are accessible on foot.
Bijela is approximately 13 km from Herceg Novi. You can get there by car in 15–20 minutes along the Adriatic Highway, by local bus running towards Kamenari, or by boat during the summer season.
Bijela offers peace and an authentic atmosphere of a coastal village without mass tourism. It is known for its shipbuilding tradition, clean bay beaches, and oyster farms, while its proximity to Herceg Novi, Perast, and Kotor makes it an excellent base for exploring the Boka.
The Kamenari–Lepetane ferry line, just 4 km from Bijela, provides a quick connection to Tivat and southern Montenegro. Ferries operate throughout the year and the crossing takes only a few minutes.
