Austro-Hungarian fortification at the entrance to Boka Kotorska
Arza Fortress is an Austro-Hungarian fortification from the mid-19th century on Cape Arza, at the far southwestern end of the Luštica peninsula, in the municipality of Herceg Novi.
Together with Mamula Fortress on the islet of Lastavica and the fortification on Cape Oštro on Prevlaka, it formed the first line of defence of the entrance to the Bay of Kotor. The exterior is well preserved, but it is privately owned and the interior is not open to visitors. It is reached on foot from Arza and Mirište beaches, and the view from the cape takes in Mamula, the islet of Žanjic and the open sea.
Arza Fortress was built in the mid-19th century, at the same time as Mamula on the islet of Lastavica and the fortification on Cape Oštro, on the proposal of General Lazar Mamula. The three fortifications together closed the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, as part of the system of the Maritime Fortress of Boka. Externally, Arza is well preserved and has retained its original form.
From Cape Arza you can see Mamula Fortress, the islet of Žanjic, Cape Oštro on Prevlaka and the open sea. This is one of the rare places from which all three fortifications of the entrance to Boka can be seen in the same frame. The most beautiful light is late afternoon.
The beaches of Žanjice, Mirište and Arza are connected by a coastal path through macchia. From Žanjice to Cape Arza it is about 1 km, and from Arza Beach to the fortress only a few hundred metres. The walk is short but rocky.
Immediately below the cape are Arza Beach and Mirište Beach, with clean water and a view of Mamula. In summer, taxi boats from Herceg Novi run to them, so a visit to the fortress is easily combined with a day at the beach.
The army of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro sold the fortress in 2005 through an international tender, together with the surrounding complex of about 11 hectares. The announced tourist complex was not built, and the interior is not open to visitors – the fortress can only be viewed from the outside.
Mountains
A short, rocky path from Arza and Mirište beaches to the fortress, with a view of the entrance to Boka.
On the water
Arza, Mirište and Žanjice beaches immediately below the cape, with clean water and a view of Mamula.
On the water
Taxi boats from Herceg Novi and excursions to the Blue Cave and Mamula pass right by Cape Arza.
Food & wine
Cape Arza is a diving location at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor.
Culture
Mamula, the islet of Žanjic and Cape Oštro in the same frame, most beautiful in the late afternoon.
Castle · 1.1 km
A circular Austro-Hungarian fortress from 1853 on the island of Lastavica, at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, 3.5 nautical miles from Herceg Novi.
Cave · 2.9 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.
Village · 4.3 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.
Village · 5.6 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 · 6.9 km
Manastir Savina in Herceg Novi preserves three churches, a rich treasury, and the miraculous icon of the Virgin of Savina.
Castle · 7.3 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.
City · 7.4 km
A coastal city with six centuries of history, monumental fortresses, and more than 250 sunny days a year.
Castle · 7.4 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.
Tours by local hosts with a stop right here – departure, duration and price at a glance, booked directly with the host.
Stop: Arza FortressFrom Kotor
6 h · 30 min at the stop · Boka Boat Tours
from €600
See dates
Stop: Blue Cave (Plava Spilja)From Kotor
3 h · 30 min at the stop · 0.9 km away · Boka Boat Tours
from €300
See dates
Sails pastFrom Kotor
Sun Rays Speed Boat Tour
from €130
See dates
Sails past Mamula FortressFrom Kotor
4 h · 1.1 km away · Boka Boat Tours
from €60 / person
See dates
Sails past Mamula FortressFrom Kotor
3 h · 1.1 km away · Boka Boat Tours
from €40 / person
See datesMonthly averages – Herceg Novi.
Visitor tip
The nearest airport is Tivat, about 22 km by road.
From Tivat via Radovići and Luštica by asphalt road to Žanjice and Mirište beaches (about 26 km), then on foot to Cape Arza. From Herceg Novi, take the Kamenari–Lepetane ferry and then go across Luštica, or drive around the bay (about 45 km).
There is no bus line to the fortress itself; the most practical way is to arrive by car, taxi or boat.
In summer, taxi boats and excursion boats from Herceg Novi run to Žanjice and Mirište (about 7 km by sea); trips to the Blue Cave and Mamula pass right by Cape Arza, so the fortress can also be seen well from the sea.
Hiking, walking and cycling routes that start here or pass nearby, with maps and GPX downloads.
Hiking · Mirište Beach
Hiking · Žanjice Beach
Hiking · Veslo Beach
Cycling · Rose, Luštica · Lake Skadar
Walking · Kumbor Beach
Walking · Igalo Beach
Hiking · Forte Mare Fortress · Lovćen National Park
Cycling · Španjola Fortress · Durmitor National Park
Day 1 · Luštica
No. The fortress is privately owned and the interior is not open to visitors; it can only be viewed from the outside, and the view from the cape is freely accessible.
By car across Luštica to Žanjice or Mirište beaches, then on foot to the cape, or in summer by taxi boat from Herceg Novi. From Arza Beach to the fortress it is only a few hundred metres.
In the mid-19th century, during the Austro-Hungarian period, at the same time as Mamula Fortress and the fortification on Cape Oštro on Prevlaka.
Mamula Fortress on the islet of Lastavica, the islet of Žanjic, Cape Oštro on Prevlaka and the open sea.
No; the walk is short but rocky, so bring closed shoes and water.
