Travel to Montenegro
Mamula Fortress
Bay of Kotor

Mamula Fortress

An Austro-Hungarian fortress from 1853 on the rocky island of Lastavica

Overview

Mamula Fortress stands on the small rocky island of Lastavica, right at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, between the Prevlaka and Luštica peninsulas.

It was built by Austro-Hungarian General Lazar Mamula in 1853 as part of a defensive system guarding the bay's entrance, together with the fortresses of Arza and Prevlaka. The fortress occupies nearly 90% of the island's surface, which has a diameter of 200 metres, and is considered a masterpiece of military construction. During World War II, the fortress was converted into a concentration camp where more than 2,000 people were imprisoned. Since 2023, the building has operated as the luxury boutique hotel Mamula Island by Banyan Tree, alongside a memorial gallery that preserves the history of the site.

  • Fortress
  • History
  • Island
  • Luxury Hotel
  • Boat Tour
  • Adriatic
  • World War II
  • Austro-Hungarian
  • Bay of Kotor
Highlights

Discover Mamula Fortress

Circular Austro-Hungarian Fortification

Circular Austro-Hungarian Fortification

Mamula Fortress was built between 1850 and 1854 and is considered one of the finest examples of Austro-Hungarian military architecture on the Adriatic. The circular form of the fortress perfectly follows the outline of the island, which has a diameter of 200 metres, while its walls of large, precisely hewn stone blocks give it a monumental appearance rising directly from the sea. It was part of a three-fortification system – together with Arza and Prevlaka – that protected the entrance to the Bay of Kotor. According to many experts, the fortress remains a masterpiece of military construction to this day.

Memorial Gallery and Camp History

Memorial Gallery and Camp History

From 30 May 1942, Italian fascist forces converted the fortress into a concentration camp where more than 2,000 people were imprisoned, mainly women, children, and men from the Bay of Kotor region. Many of them did not survive their imprisonment. A commemorative plaque at the fortress entrance pays tribute to the victims, and within the hotel a memorial gallery marks the 170-year history of the fortification. The Yugoslav film 'Campo Mamula' from 1959, directed by Velimir Stojanović, depicts the events of that period.

Boutique Hotel Mamula Island by Banyan Tree

Boutique Hotel Mamula Island by Banyan Tree

Since 2023, Mamula Fortress has operated as a luxury boutique hotel managed by the Banyan Tree group – the first such hotel of the group in Europe. The hotel features 32 rooms and suites housed in restored casemates and towers of the fortress, three pools, a private beach, a 748 square metre spa centre, three restaurants and four bars. Condé Nast Traveler included it on its list of 'Best New Hotels in the World 2024'. The rooms offer panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea from both sides – towards the open sea and towards the interior of the bay.

Blue Cave on the Luštica Peninsula

Blue Cave on the Luštica Peninsula

Just a few minutes by boat from Mamula Fortress, along the coast of the Luštica peninsula, lies the Blue Cave – a sea cave renowned for the brilliantly blue colour of its water, created by the refraction of light through underwater entrances. The interior of the cave is characterised by enormous rocks bathed in shades of blue, creating a visual experience that is hard to forget. Visitors can swim through the interior of the cave and photograph it from different angles. The Blue Cave is regularly combined with a visit to Mamula Fortress as part of boat tours departing from Herceg Novi.

What to do

Activities in Mamula Fortress

  • Food & wine

    Diving

    The seabed around Lastavica conceals cannons, anchors, and rich marine life – including octopuses and lobsters.

  • On the water

    Kayaking

    Exploring the coastal cliffs of the island and surrounding coves by kayak in crystal-clear water.

  • On the water

    Swimming

    The sea around the island of Lastavica is renowned for its exceptional clarity and warmth during the summer months.

  • Culture

    Photography

    The circular fortress tower and stone walls rising from the sea offer outstanding shots from a boat or pontoon.

  • On the water

    Bay Boat Tour

    A combined boat excursion: Mamula Fortress, Blue Cave, beaches at Mirište and Žanjic – all in one day.

Around here

Nearby places

  1. Arza Fortress

    Castle · 1.1 km

    An Austro-Hungarian fortress from the mid-19th century on Cape Arza, at the tip of Luštica – together with Mamula and Oštro, the first line of defence of the entrance to Boka Kotorska.

  2. Rose, Luštica

    Village · 3.7 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.

  3. Blue Cave

    Cave · 3.9 km

    A sea cave on the southwestern coast of Luštica, at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor – famous for its turquoise-blue water where you can swim directly from the boat.

  4. Kumbor

    Village · 5.5 km

    Kumbor is a peaceful coastal settlement on the shore of the Bay of Kotor, located approximately 5 km east of Herceg Novi.

  5. Manastir Savina

    Religious Site · 6.3 km

    Manastir Savina in Herceg Novi preserves three churches, a rich treasury, and the miraculous icon of the Virgin of Savina.

  6. Kanli Kula Fortress

    Castle · 6.6 km

    Monumental Ottoman fortress from 1539 at 85 m above sea level, with a view of the entire bay and a summer stage seating 1,000.

  7. Forte Mare Fortress

    Castle · 6.6 km

    Forte Mare is a fortress on the coast of Herceg Novi, built from the 14th to the 17th century, and it received its present-day appearance during the Austrian restoration in 1833.

  8. Herceg Novi

    City · 6.6 km

    A coastal city with six centuries of history, monumental fortresses, and more than 250 sunny days a year.

All destinations
Tours & trips

Boat tours that sail past

These tours don't moor here, but the route runs right past – and the view from the sea is often the best one.

Plan Your Visit

Weather & Useful Info

When to come

Monthly averages – Herceg Novi.

  • Jan: Air (max) 11 °C, Sea 14 °C
  • Feb: Air (max) 12 °C, Sea 13 °C
  • Mar: Air (max) 13 °C, Sea 14 °C
  • Apr: Air (max) 16 °C, Sea 16 °C
  • May: Air (max) 22 °C, Sea 19 °C
  • Jun: Air (max) 27 °C, Sea 23 °C
  • Jul: Air (max) 30 °C, Sea 25 °C
  • Aug: Air (max) 30 °C, Sea 26 °C
  • Sep: Air (max) 25 °C, Sea 24 °C
  • Oct: Air (max) 21 °C, Sea 21 °C
  • Nov: Air (max) 16 °C, Sea 18 °C
  • Dec: Air (max) 13 °C, Sea 15 °C
Air (max)SeaSwimming season
Climate and weather – Herceg Novi
May, June, and September – warm temperatures, calm seas, and fewer crowds than July and August. July and August are the busiest months for boat tours. For hotel guests, the season runs from May to October.

Visitor tip

The fortress is accessible exclusively by boat – to view it from the outside, take a boat from the Škver pier in Herceg Novi. Entry onto the island is reserved for hotel guests, but you can organise a boat excursion that passes by the island and swim in the sea around it. The Blue Cave and the beaches of Mirište and Žanjic are on the same route, so it's well worth combining them in a single trip. The water is calmest in the early morning hours.

Good to know

Opening hours
Hotel Mamula Island by Banyan Tree: season May–October. The memorial gallery is available throughout the year for hotel guests. Outside tour by boat: throughout the entire tourist season.
Admission
Access to the island is reserved for hotel guests (overnight stay from 650 EUR). Boat tour around the island from Herceg Novi: around 5 EUR per person (line towards Žanjice).
Parking
Parking in Herceg Novi near the Škver port. On the Luštica peninsula there is a parking lot at the Mirište pier from where boat transfers to the island are organized.
Accessibility
The island is inaccessible for persons with limited mobility – access is exclusively by boat, and the interior of the fortress includes stairs and stone corridors.
Website
banyantree.com/montenegro/mamula-island-by-banyan-tree

Getting Here

By Plane

The nearest airport is Tivat (TIV), approximately 22 km away – around 50 minutes' drive to the Mirište pier, then 5 minutes by boat to the island. Podgorica Airport (TGD) is approximately 103 km away, while Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) is approximately 35 km away.

By Car

Herceg Novi is reached via the E65 motorway from Podgorica (approximately 100 km, 1.5 hours' drive) or from Dubrovnik (approximately 50 km, 1 hour). The island cannot be reached by car – vehicles are parked in Herceg Novi or at the Mirište pier on the Luštica peninsula.

By Bus

Regular bus services connect Herceg Novi with Podgorica, Kotor, and Budva. The bus station in Herceg Novi is located in the town centre, from where you can walk or take a taxi to the Škver pier for boat tours.

By Boat

The only way to reach the island is by boat. During the tourist season, small boats depart from the Škver pier in Herceg Novi towards Žanjice and pass by the island (ticket approximately €5 per person). Hotel guests arrange a private boat or helicopter transfer to the island.

Open in Google Maps
Trails

Trails around Mamula Fortress

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

All trails
Mirište – Mandegaj (Luštica)
ModerateHiking

Hiking · Mirište Beach

Mirište – Mandegaj (Luštica)

  • 3.8 km
  • 44 m
  • 55–80 min
View trail
EasyHiking

Hiking · Žanjice Beach

Žanjice – Rose: coastal walk on the Luštica peninsula

  • 5.1 km
  • 16 m
  • 1½–2 h
View trail
EuroVelo 8 – Mediterranean Route – Montenegro Section
ExpertCycling

Cycling · Rose, Luštica · Lake Skadar

EuroVelo 8 – Mediterranean Route – Montenegro Section

  • 195 km
  • 3,259 m
  • 2–3 days
View trail
EasyHiking

Hiking · Veslo Beach

Luštica: walk near Veslo Beach

  • 1.0 km
  • 48 m
  • 15–25 min
View trail
Coastal Promenade Kumbor – Đenovići – Baošići
EasyWalking

Walking · Kumbor Beach

Coastal Promenade Kumbor – Đenovići – Baošići

  • 4.6 km
  • 18 m
  • 65–90 min
View trail
Pet Danica Promenade: Igalo – Herceg Novi – Zelenika
EasyWalking

Walking · Igalo Beach

Pet Danica Promenade: Igalo – Herceg Novi – Zelenika

  • 7.1 km
  • 128 m
  • 2–2½ h
View trail
Coastal Hiking Transversal
ExpertHiking

Hiking · Forte Mare Fortress · Lovćen National Park

Coastal Hiking Transversal

  • 88.4 km
  • 4,606 m
  • 4–6 days
View trail
Top Biking Trail 1 – Salty and Sweet (Herceg Novi – Plužine)
ExpertCycling

Cycling · Španjola Fortress · Durmitor National Park

Top Biking Trail 1 – Salty and Sweet (Herceg Novi – Plužine)

  • 406 km
  • 10,191 m
  • 6–8 days
View trail
Day plan

Suggested Itineraries

A Day at the Entrance to the Bay – Mamula and Surroundings

  1. Day 1 · Herceg Novi – Island of Lastavica – Blue Cave – Žanjic

    Boat Tour: Mamula Fortress, Blue Cave, and Žanjic

    In the morning, set off from the Škver pier in Herceg Novi on a full-day boat excursion – the most popular way to experience Mamula Fortress. The boat sails towards the bay's entrance and stops beside the island of Lastavica, where you'll see the imposing circular walls of stone blocks built by Austro-Hungarian engineers between 1850 and 1854 from up close. The fortress occupies almost the entire island, which is only 200 metres in diameter, and its circular form and tall tower are visible from every angle. The waves rising against the island's cliffs and the colour of the sea in this part of the bay make for particularly photogenic scenes. The boat then continues to the Blue Cave on Luštica – a cave with brilliantly blue water that you can swim through. After the cave, a short sail brings you to the beach at Žanjic, ideal for lunch on one of the smaller terraces with fresh školjke na buzaru or grilled fish. In the late afternoon, the boat returns to Herceg Novi, where you can stroll along the promenade and enjoy a coffee with a view of the bay. Tip: boats usually depart around 9am – arrive 15 minutes early, as spots on popular tours fill up quickly.
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can see Mamula Fortress up close on a boat tour departing from the Škver pier in Herceg Novi during the tourist season. Entry onto the island is reserved for guests of the Mamula Island by Banyan Tree hotel. A ticket for the boat tour towards Žanjice and past the island costs approximately €5 per person.

The only access to the island is by boat or helicopter – the island is located 3.5 nautical miles (approximately 6.3 km) from Herceg Novi. Hotel guests arrange a private boat transfer from the Mirište pier on the Luštica peninsula (5 minutes by boat). The nearest airport is Tivat (TIV), approximately 22 km away.

The fortress was built between 1850 and 1854 on the orders of Austro-Hungarian General Lazar Mamula, as part of a defensive system protecting the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, together with the fortresses of Arza and Prevlaka. It received its name from General Mamula in 1865 by imperial decree.

From 30 May 1942, Italian fascist forces converted the fortress into a concentration camp where more than 2,000 people were imprisoned, mainly from the Bay of Kotor region. Many prisoners did not survive. Today, a memorial gallery within the hotel commemorates this history.

Since 2023, the luxury boutique hotel Mamula Island by Banyan Tree has operated within the fortress, featuring 32 rooms and suites, three pools, a private beach, a spa centre, three restaurants, and four bars. In 2024, the hotel was included on Condé Nast Traveler's list of 'Best New Hotels in the World'. Rates start from €650 per night.

Diving is possible in the waters immediately surrounding the island of Lastavica – the seabed conceals cannons, anchors, and rich marine life. A single boat excursion can combine a visit to the fortress, the Blue Cave on Luštica, and the beaches of Mirište and Žanjic. The water is particularly clear in this part of the bay.