Travel to Montenegro
Herceg Novi
Boka Kotorska, Montenegro

Herceg Novi

The City of 100,001 Stories at the Gateway to Boka

Overview

Herceg Novi is a city situated at the entrance to Boka Kotorska, where the sea meets the green slopes of Mount Orjen.

The city offers an exceptional blend of historical heritage, Mediterranean nature, and vibrant cultural life. Monumental fortresses, the old town, a rich gastronomic offer, and diverse festivals make it a destination that attracts visitors throughout the entire year. With more than 250 sunny days, Herceg Novi is much more than a summer destination.

  • Historic
  • History
  • Culture
  • Beaches
  • Festivals
  • Nature
  • Mediterranean
  • Hiking
  • Gastronomy

Highlights

Discover Herceg Novi

Kanli Kula Fortress
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Kanli Kula Fortress

Kanli Kula is a monumental fortress located in the Old Town of Herceg Novi, built in 1539 by the Turks at the northernmost point of the old town core. The name translates as 'bloody tower', which bears witness to the turbulent history of this area. From its ramparts there is an exceptional panoramic view of the entrance to the Bay of Kotor and the surrounding mountains. Today the fortress is a cultural and historical monument and one of the most visited attractions in the city, and during the summer months it serves as a stage for festivals and open-air cultural events.

Mirko Komnenović City Museum
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Mirko Komnenović City Museum

The Regional Museum in Herceg Novi, an endowment of Mirko and Olga Komnenović, is located in the warm part of the city, in the immediate vicinity of the home of Nobel laureate Ivo Andrić and only 40 steps from the sea. The museum dominates with its position and preserves a rich collection of objects that bear witness to the history and culture of Herceg Novi and the Bay of Kotor. A visit to the museum provides a unique insight into the centuries-old heritage of this coastal town, from ancient finds to the more recent period. It is ideal for visitors who want to gain a deeper understanding of the identity and soul of Herceg Novi.

Orjen Nature Park
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Orjen Nature Park

Orjen Nature Park stretches above Herceg Novi and represents one of the greenest and best-preserved natural areas in this part of the Adriatic. Mount Orjen is known for its lush vegetation, drinking water springs and diverse hiking trails that offer spectacular views of the Bay of Kotor and the Adriatic coast. The park is ideal for hikers, nature lovers and all those seeking a break from the coastal bustle. Spring is especially beautiful – the park awakens in new colours, and the fresh mountain air makes a walk unforgettable.

Old Town of Herceg Novi
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Old Town of Herceg Novi

The Old Town of Herceg Novi is the historical heart of the destination, interwoven with cobbled streets, churches, squares and monumental buildings that bear witness to six centuries of rich history. The Book Square and the surrounding streets come alive throughout the year with cultural events – from the Guitar Art Summer Festival and Jazz Festival to the Mimosa Festival and the Comics Festival, which are traditionally held in the open air. Hospitable hosts and local restaurateurs offer an authentic experience of Mediterranean living. The Old Town is ideal for morning walks when the streets are quiet and the atmosphere is especially magical.

What to do

Activities in Herceg Novi

Hiking

Mountains

Hiking

Explore the trails of Orjen Nature Park above the city with views of Boka Kotorska.

Swimming and Sunbathing

On the water

Swimming and Sunbathing

Enjoy the beaches of Herceg Novi and Igalo during the long summer season.

Boat Trips

On the water

Boat Trips

Sail around Boka Kotorska and visit coastal towns directly from the city waterfront.

Fitness and Wellness

Nature

Fitness and Wellness

Train at the modern Terzo Gym & Fitness centre suited to all levels.

Adventure Park

Adventure

Adventure Park

Visit Vrbanj Adventure Park for adrenaline activities in nature.

Seafood and Wine Tasting

Food & wine

Seafood and Wine Tasting

Herceg Novi is known as the gastronomic capital of Boka Kotorska. Try fresh shellfish from the farms in Maljski zaliv, grilled octopus and traditional salted cod. Local wines from surrounding vineyards and citrus brandy complement the rich culinary offer. Don't miss the Mimosa Days and gastro fairs held throughout the year.

Sun & sea

Beaches nearby

Meljine Beach
2.2 km

Meljine Beach

Meljine is a peaceful coastal settlement 3 km east of Herceg Novi, with a pebble beach approximately 200 m long and direct access to the Pet Danica promenade.

Igalo Beach
2.6 km

Igalo Beach

A beach in Igalo near Herceg Novi, known for its therapeutic mud and beautiful views of the entrance to the Bay of Kotor.

Zelenika Beach
3.1 km

Zelenika Beach

Zelenika is a quiet coastal settlement in the Bay of Kotor with a variety of beaches and a gradual sea entry, suitable for families.

Kumbor Beach
4.0 km

Kumbor Beach

A public pebble beach in the Kumbor Strait, with calm and clear sea, about 6 km east of Herceg Novi.

Dobreč Beach
4.8 km

Dobreč Beach

An isolated beach at the tip of the Luštica peninsula, accessible only by boat – no crowds, with crystal-clear water and a restaurant.

Đenovići Beach
6.1 km

Đenovići Beach

Đenovići is a tourist destination on the Herceg Novi Riviera, 8 km from Herceg Novi, with sandy and concrete beaches in the Tivat Bay of Boka Kotorska.

Žanjice Beach
7.0 km

Žanjice Beach

A natural white pebble beach on the Luštica Peninsula, surrounded by ancient olive groves and crystal-clear sea.

Mirište Beach
7.3 km

Mirište Beach

Mirište is a pebble beach surrounded by forest on the Luštica Peninsula, a popular departure point for excursions to the Blue Cave and the Mamula fortress.

Arza Beach
7.4 km

Arza Beach

An isolated pebble beach on the Luštica Peninsula, most easily reached by boat, nestled alongside the historic Arza Fortress.

Baošići Beach
9.1 km

Baošići Beach

A public pebble beach with calm, shallow sea in Baošići, ideal for families.

Bijela Beach
10 km

Bijela Beach

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.

Veslo Beach
11 km

Veslo Beach

An isolated rocky cove at Cape Veslo, Luštica Peninsula – accessible by a rural track or by sea, ideal for diving and tranquillity.

Pecka Beach
13 km

Pecka Beach

Pecka Beach (Velja Spila), approximately 100 m long, is located on the Tivat side of the Luštica Peninsula, featuring a vertical stone backdrop and crystal-clear water.

Food & Drink

Where to Eat in Herceg Novi

  • Winery

    Castel Savina Winery

    Herceg Novi

    The Obradović family's winery on the Savina hillside in Meljine, 70–120 m above the sea and about 500 m from the shore. The vineyard appears in the Venetian land register of 1753; replanting began in 2009 and the first wines were released in 2014. Two hectares give merlot, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and a grenache rosé, aged in French oak. Tastings include a vineyard walk, a cellar visit and local food; book ahead, and note that the access road is very steep.

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Plan your stay

Herceg Novi – where to stay and how to get around

Live offers from local hosts on our booking platform. Nothing is charged online – you pay the host on site.

Booking requests are confirmed by the host; payment on site. Offers come from the Travel to Montenegro booking platform.

Trails

Trails around Herceg Novi

Hiking, walking and cycling routes that start here or pass nearby, with maps and GPX downloads.

All trails
EuroVelo 8 – Mediterranean Route – Montenegro Section
ExpertCycling
Cycling · Rose, Luštica · Lake Skadar

EuroVelo 8 – Mediterranean Route – Montenegro Section

EuroVelo 8 – Mediterranean Route – Montenegro Section is a cycling route 195.0 km long from Njivice to Sukobin. It runs on asphalt, has 3,259 m of ascent and passes through the coastal area, Lovćen National Park and Lake Skadar.

195 km3,259 m2–3 days

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Coastal Hiking Transversal
ExpertHiking
Hiking · Forte Mare Fortress · Lovćen National Park

Coastal Hiking Transversal

The Coastal Hiking Transversal connects Herceg Novi and Bar over a distance of 88.4 km, with a total ascent of 4606 m. It is marked and intended for experienced hikers; the estimated walking time without breaks is 33 h 50 min.

88.4 km4,606 m4–6 days

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Starčevića Serpentines
EasyHiking
Hiking · Španjola Fortress

Starčevića Serpentines

Starčevića Serpentines is an easy one-way hiking trail, only 0.5 km long. In about 30 minutes of walking, you gain 135 m of elevation on a gravel road to the viewpoint and the Malo Vratlo pass.

0.5 km135 m25–35 min

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Za Vratlom – Siljevik
EasyHiking
Hiking · Meljine Beach

Za Vratlom – Siljevik

Easy hiking tour from Za Vratlom to Siljevik: 1.1 km, 45 minutes without breaks, along an earth/forest trail. The trail is marked and located near Herceg Novi.

1.1 km40–55 min

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Motel Borići – Orjen Saddle
DifficultHiking
Hiking · Španjola Fortress

Motel Borići – Orjen Saddle

The trail of 14.8 km leads from Motel Borići to Orjen Saddle, overcoming 1,468 m of ascent. The marked trail requires good fitness and mountain experience, and passes by caves, viewpoints, and a mountain hut.

14.8 km1,468 m7–10 h

View trail
ModerateHiking
Hiking

Kruševice – Vrbanj

The Kruševice – Vrbanj hiking trail is 5.9 km long, with a total ascent of 367 m and an estimated duration of about 2 h 5 min. The trail is mostly paved, one-way, with a viewpoint at 867 m a.s.l.

5.9 km367 m2–2½ h

View trail
ModerateHiking
Hiking

Kruševice: Health Trail (circular)

A moderate circular trail 8.7 km long leads from 1013 m to 1160 m above sea level. The ascent is 236 m, the descent 233 m, and walking without breaks takes about 2 h 50 min.

8.7 km236 m2½–3½ hLoop

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Health Trail above Herceg Novi (Lukovik – Mijalj brdo)
EasyWalking
Walking · Španjola Fortress

Health Trail above Herceg Novi (Lukovik – Mijalj brdo)

The Health Trail above Herceg Novi runs from Lukovik to Mijalj brdo over a distance of 2.5 km. It is easy, with 145 m of ascent and 70 m of descent, and the estimated walking time without breaks is 55 minutes.

2.5 km145 m45–65 min

View trail

Did You Know?

Herceg Novi enjoys more than 250 sunny days per year, making it one of the sunniest destinations on the entire Adriatic coast. 250 sunny days per year

Plan Your Visit

Weather & Useful Info

Opening hours

Tourist information offices: Mon–Sat 08:00–21:00. Main office of the Tourism Organisation: Mon–Fri 07:00–15:00.

Admission

Entry to the city and a walk through the old town are free. Entry to individual attractions (Kanli Kula and similar) may be charged – checking on site is recommended.

Parking

Paid parking is available in the city centre. Free parking spaces are located on the outskirts, with a walk to the old town.

Accessibility

The Old Town has cobbled streets and stairs, which can be difficult for wheelchair users. The seaside promenade is mostly flat and accessible.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) are ideal – temperatures are pleasant, the sea is warm, and crowds are smaller. Summer is the most popular due to festivals and beaches, but also the busiest. The city has more than 250 sunny days a year, making it worth visiting outside of season too.
The nearest airport is Tivat (TIV), about 35 km away, and Podgorica (TGD) is about 90 km away. By car from Dubrovnik it takes about 45 minutes, and from Podgorica about 1.5 hours. There are also regular bus lines from Kotor, Budva and Dubrovnik.
Be sure to visit the Kanli Kula fortress from 1539, the Mirko Komnenović City Museum and the old town. Boat trips along Boka Kotorska and hiking in Orjen Nature Park are also very popular. The city is also known for its many festivals held in the open air.
Tourist information offices are open Monday to Saturday, from 08:00 to 21:00. The main office of the Tourist Organisation is open on working days from 07:00 to 15:00. You can contact them at +382 31 350 820 or by email at [email protected].
Yes, Herceg Novi offers activities for all ages – from beaches and the Vrbanj Adventure Park to boat trips and cultural attractions. Rural homesteads such as Radman are a great option for children who want to experience rural life and domestic animals.

Zora

Your Montenegro travel guide

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