The City of 100,001 Stories at the Gateway to Boka
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.
Location
Boka Kotorska, Montenegro
History
Six centuries
Sunny days
250+ per year
Language
Montenegrin
Key attraction
Kanli Kula
Recommended duration
2–4 days
Highlights
Kanli kula is a monumental fortress located in the Old Town of Herceg Novi, built in 1539 by the Ottomans at the northernmost point of the old city core. The name translates as 'Bloody Tower', bearing witness to the turbulent history of this area. From its walls, there is an extraordinary panoramic view of the entrance to Boka Kotorska and the surrounding mountains. The fortress is today 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 cultural events held under the open sky.
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 just 40 steps from the sea. The museum commands its position and holds a rich collection of artefacts that bear witness to the history and culture of Herceg Novi and Boka Kotorska. A visit to the museum provides a unique insight into the centuries-old heritage of this coastal city, from ancient finds to more recent periods. It is ideal for visitors who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the identity and soul of Herceg Novi.
Orjen Nature Park stretches above Herceg Novi and represents one of the greenest and most preserved natural areas in this part of the Adriatic. Mount Orjen is known for its lush vegetation, freshwater springs, and diverse hiking trails that offer spectacular views of Boka Kotorska and the Adriatic coast. The park is ideal for hikers, nature lovers, and all those seeking a break from the coastal bustle. Spring is particularly beautiful — the park awakens in new colours, and the fresh mountain air makes every walk unforgettable.
The Old Town of Herceg Novi is the historical heart of the destination, interwoven with cobblestone streets, churches, squares, and monumental buildings that bear witness to six centuries of rich history. Trg od knjige 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 Comics Festival, which are traditionally held under the open sky. 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 particularly magical.
The Radman rural homestead is located in the village of Ratiševina, just two kilometres from the sea, approximately a twenty-minute walk away. The homestead traditionally engages in livestock farming, olive growing, fruit growing, and beekeeping, offering visitors an authentic experience of rural life on Boka. Here you can taste homemade honey, olive oil, and seasonal produce directly from the producer. A visit is especially recommended for families with children and all those who wish to discover the traditions and way of life of the coastal hinterland of Montenegro.
What to do
Explore the trails of Orjen Nature Park above the city with views of Boka Kotorska.
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Enjoy the beaches of Herceg Novi and Igalo during the long summer season.
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Sail around Boka Kotorska and visit coastal towns directly from the city waterfront.
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Train at the modern Terzo Gym & Fitness centre suited to all levels.
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Visit Vrbanj Adventure Park for adrenaline activities in nature.
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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.
tap to closeSun & sea
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.
A beach in Igalo near Herceg Novi, known for its therapeutic mud and beautiful views of the entrance to the Bay of Kotor.
Zelenika is a quiet coastal settlement in the Bay of Kotor with a variety of beaches and a gradual sea entry, suitable for families.
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.
Kumbor is a peaceful coastal settlement on the shore of the Bay of Kotor, located approximately 5 km east of Herceg Novi.
An isolated beach at the tip of the Luštica peninsula, accessible only by boat — no crowds, with crystal-clear water and a restaurant.
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.
A natural white pebble beach on the Luštica Peninsula, surrounded by ancient olive groves and crystal-clear sea.
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.
An isolated pebble beach on the Luštica Peninsula, most easily reached by boat, nestled alongside the historic Arza Fortress.
A peaceful coastal settlement with dozens of pebble beaches on the southeastern shore of the Bay of Kotor, known for the Mimosa Festival.
Bijela is a coastal settlement in the municipality of Herceg Novi, situated along the Verige Strait, known for its pebble beaches and historic shipyard.
An isolated rocky cove at Cape Veslo, Luštica Peninsula — accessible by a rural track or by sea, ideal for diving and tranquillity.
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.
What's on
Ten July days of international classical music across Herceg Novi's halls and churches.
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European majorettes and folk-dance ensembles parade Herceg Novi's waterfront — free, across two July runs.
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International reggae nights at Kanli Kula fortress above Herceg Novi.
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Full opera productions inside Herceg Novi's sea fortresses each summer.
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A week of open-air book nights, author meetings and concerts on Herceg Novi's main square.
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The 20th jubilee brings world-class guitar concerts and masterclasses to Herceg Novi from June to September.
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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
Herceg Novi is located on the main road connecting Montenegro with Croatia. From Podgorica, the drive takes about 1.5 hours, and from Dubrovnik about 45 minutes. Parking is available in the city centre and at peripheral car parks.
Regular bus lines connect Herceg Novi with Podgorica, Budva, Kotor, and Dubrovnik. The bus station is located in the city centre, and departures are frequent throughout the year, especially during the summer season.
The nearest airport is Tivat (TIV), approximately 35 km away, with direct flights from most European cities. Podgorica Airport (TGD) is approximately 90 km away. Transfer to Herceg Novi can be arranged by taxi, rental car, or shuttle transfer.
Herceg Novi is accessible by boat from Kotor and other locations along Boka Kotorska. There is also a ferry connection Kamenari–Lepetane, which shortens the journey through Boka for passengers arriving by car.
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