An Austro-Hungarian fortress from 1853 on the rocky island of Lastavica
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.
Highlights
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.
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.
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.
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
The seabed around Lastavica conceals cannons, anchors, and rich marine life — including octopuses and lobsters.
Exploring the coastal cliffs of the island and surrounding coves by kayak in crystal-clear water.
The sea around the island of Lastavica is renowned for its exceptional clarity and warmth during the summer months.
The circular fortress tower and stone walls rising from the sea offer outstanding shots from a boat or pontoon.
A combined boat excursion: Mamula Fortress, Blue Cave, beaches at Mirište and Žanjic — all in one day.
Hiking, walking and cycling routes that start here or pass nearby, with maps and GPX downloads.
Walking tour of 3.8 km with 44 m of ascent and 70 m of descent. It takes about 1 h 5 min without breaks. The trail is of moderate difficulty, one-way, with an asphalt/concrete surface and some rocky sections.
3.8 km44 m55–80 min
View trailThis 5.1 km trail leads from the Žanjice beach area toward Rose on the Luštica peninsula. It is easy, fully paved, and suitable for all ages.
5.1 km16 m1½–2 h
View trail
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
View trailAn easy walking tour 1.0 km long with 48 m of ascent. The surface is asphalt/concrete, it takes about 20 minutes without breaks and is located near several beaches.
1.0 km48 m15–25 min
View trail
The Coastal Promenade Kumbor – Đenovići – Baošići is an easy one-way trail, 4.6 km long. It runs along the sea and beaches, with a short ascent of 18 m and a descent of 86 m; estimated duration without breaks is 1 h 15 min.
4.6 km18 m65–90 min
View trail
The 7.1 km trail runs from Igalo through Herceg Novi to Zelenika along the shore of the Bay of Kotor. It is easy, mostly on asphalt, and suitable for the whole family throughout almost the entire year.
7.1 km128 m2–2½ h
View trail
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
View trail
Top Biking Trail 1 – SALTY AND SWEET is a very demanding one-way cycling route 406.3 km long. It passes by Perast and Dobrota and through Lovćen National Park and Durmitor National Park.
406 km10,191 m6–8 days
View trailGallery
Plan Your Visit
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.
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 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.
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.
https://www.banyantree.com/montenegro/mamula-island-by-banyan-tree
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