Herceg Novi
What captivates many first-time visitors to Herceg Novi is its eternality: Montenegro’s northernmost coastal town exudes an aura of a gentler era long gone while still providing contemporary amenities and comforts. Life is enjoyable in the ‘town of endless sunshine and verdant greenery’, a title aptly given by Nobel Prize winner and former long-term resident Ivo Andric.
Those calling Herceg Novi home, are spoiled by the untamed beauty of the Bay of Kotor, a well-preserved, rich architectural heritage, and a great sense of community. Evidence of lucrative maritime trade is to be found in the beautiful sea captains’ homes and Orthodox churches lining the pristine shores of Herceg Novi’s Riviera.
The Bay of Kotor
A picturesque Adriatic inlet connecting some of Montenegro’s most beautiful coastal towns and villages – Welcome to the stunning Bay of Kotor!
Its residents are known for their cordiality and laid-back nature, and there is an increasing number of international residents who have traded the fast-faced city rhythm in favor of true Mediterranean slow living. For Montenegrins, going out for a coffee is less about the vitalizing beverage and more a way of life – every cup of espresso or cappuccino is meant to be lingered over, lending an atmosphere of congeniality around town.
Herceg Novi is a multicultural community of Germans, Brits, Russians, and Ukrainians blending not only with the endemic population but also with Serbs and Montenegrins relocated from neighboring regions and countries. No matter what their background, they all massively benefit from an easy-going atmosphere, a diet consisting of omega-3-rich seafood, market-fresh fruits and vegetables, and the longevity elixir of extra-virgin olive oil.
Major Landmarks
Hundreds of years of foreign rule have carefully crafted Herceg Novi’s unique townscape that shows elements of Venetian, Ottoman, as well as Austrian architectural influences. The main old-town piazza – Bellavista Square – serves beside the Pet Danica coastal walkway as Herceg Novi’s beating heart, and is dotted with some nice al-fresco restaurants besides the Church of St. Michael the Archangel.
In the same way that the Herceg Novi of today in itself is the result of a turbulent history, this picture-perfect Orthodox edifice incorporates a range of styles, including Byzantine, Roman, Gothic, and Islamic, resulting in a truly unique structure. The church interior is distinguished by a white marble altarpiece and striking religious icon paintings by Czech Master Franjo Cigler.
The monument to Herceg Novi’s founding father King Stephen Tvrtko I of Bosnia was inaugurated in 2013 on the town’s 631st anniversary. Measuring more than 5 meters in height, the bronze statue is placed right on the lower town square at the harborfront. It was also King Tvrtko I who erected the ‘Forte Mare Fortress‘, located on the side of the coastal promenade.
Today, instead of soldiers and gunpowder, it serves as an open-air concert hall and boasts a video room showing a short film about the fort’s history (with English subtitles) inside the former dungeons. Learn how the Ottoman admiral Hayreddin Barbarossa vigorously besieged Herceg Novi in 1539 and how the Holy League came out as the losing party. What else? Thanks to its strategic location, the Forte Mare Fortress also offers striking views of Herceg Novi’s charming townscape.
The Kanli Kula (‘Blood Tower’) is another stunning viewing point that is just a ten-minute walk away. It is a defensive stronghold erected during Ottoman Rule which was later reinforced by the Venetians. While it also doubled as an infamous prison in past centuries, its role is much more gentle these days, hosting the annual Herceg Novi Film Festival and the Sumer Opera Festival among others.
Medieval history buffs and urban explorers will find pleasure in looking around the (abandoned) remains of the ‘Spanjola Fortress’ (Spanish Fortress, built by the Spaniards in 1538 during their short-lived rule), which is situated 170 meters above the orange-tiled roofs of Herceg Novi (accessible either by car or short hike), and overlooking the entire Bay of Kotor.
The iconic 17th-century Herceg Novi Clock Tower (‘Sahat Kula’) was erected during Ottoman Rule and is just a stone’s throw away from busy Bellavista Square. Climb to the top of the parapet via s spiral staircase for picture-perfect views and one of Herceg Novi’s best photo spots.
History and Culture of Herceg Novi
‘Skver Harbor‘ tells us what is likely the most crucial part of Herceg Novi’s 650-year-long history. It was founded by King Tvrtko I in 1382 so that his Bosnian Kingdom would have access to the sea and compete with neighboring Dubrovnik for control over the Adriatic. However, just a hundred years later, Montenegro’s northernmost coastal town was subdued by the Ottoman Empire.
Ottoman control in Saint Stephen (as Herceg Novi was referred to back then) lasted until the Venetian victory in the Sixth Ottoman-Venetian War (1684–1699). The ensuing 100-year-long rule of the Venetian Republic left behind several historic landmarks and a rich cultural heritage, as evidenced by the well-preserved Church of St. Jerome and the Church of St. Leopold Mandic in Herceg Novi’s old town.
The Austro-Hungarian Monarchy controlled the entire Bay of Kotor, including Herceg Novi, from the end of the 18th century until World War I, and was responsible for several large-scale infrastructure projects in this region such as the construction of the first and only Boka railway. It used to connect Herceg Novi with Sarajevo, Vienna, and Budapest but was dismantled in the 1970s by the Yugoslav administration.
The former railway station has been bought up by Bosnian-Serbian film director and screenwriter Emir Kusturica and turned into a charming waterfront cafe, aptly named ‘Stanica’ which translates into ‘station’. One could say that the opening of the railway line in 1901 and Hotel Plaza in 1902 kicked off tourism in Herceg Novi, transforming the small coastal town into the popular seaside resort it is today.
Herceg Novi’s Historic Center
Discover Herceg Novi’s Old Town, a potpourri of living history, with ancient churches, cobblestone streets, charming boutiques, and a range of bars and restaurants.
Beaches in Herceg Novi
Herceg Novi’s seaside promenade winds along a series of small pebbly & paved concrete beaches, and beach clubs, which are all worthy of consideration, particularly in the off-season when they are far less crowded. Walking along the Pet Danica Walkway is surely a great way of scouting for the most intimate spots.
However, for those willing to look a bit further afield, there’s surely a sunny spot by the sea to be found to suit everyone’s taste, from traveling couples to families with small children. The Lustica Peninsula boasts several picturesque bays which are all connected via water taxis among themselves and to the marina in Herceg Novi.
Lustica Peninsula
The Lustica Peninsula is a sparsely populated region off the coast of Herceg Novi, offering pristine beaches, traditional stone villages, and a luxury marina resort.
The charming fishing village of Rose is just a 20-minute boat ride away, giving visitors and locals of Herceg Novi plenty of space for luxuriating in the sun, swimming, and snorkeling. Forte Rose II Beach is a white gravel beach with crystalline, turquoise-colored waters, and breathtaking views across the Bay of Kotor.
Back to the mainland, there’s a stylish venue in the neighborhood of Meljine, the Lazure Beach Bar, delivering cocktails and fusion food straight to the sun loungers of those willing to pay the price. A little bit further down the coast, in Kamenari, you’ll find the Bocassa Beach & Restaurant, specializing in gourmet cuisine in a chic Boka Bay environment.
Rose
Accessible by water taxi from Herceg Novi, Rose is the perfect day trip destination, offering picturesque beaches and a harborfront lined with sea captains’ homes.
Herceg Novi’s Top Beaches
While Montenegro’s northernmost coastal town is not exactly known for its ‘plazas’, there are some pristine stretches to and fro. Discover the best beaches in Herceg Novi.
Things To Do in Herceg Novi
Herceg Novi sits right in the middle of the 6-kilometer-long Pet Danica promenade that runs from Igalo all the way to the marina in Meljine. It’s a picturesque and well-designed coastal walkway, which is very popular with local residents and visitors alike, who want to saunter, jog, or cycle in parallel with the Adriatic.
Much of it is surrounded by verdant greenery (palm trees, cactuses, banana plants, and more) and lined with an abundance of quaint cafes, waterfront restaurants, good lighting, and the odd historical landmark and former railway tunnel – ideal for exploring Herceg Novi at leisure. Head southeast towards Meljine for the best viewing points and a taste of authentic Montenegrin wine at Savina Winery.
Walking in the other direction brings you to the SBS Tennis Center, where you can enjoy a round of tennis, overlooking the bay. The local history museum of Mirko Komnenovic is situated in a baroque villa close to Ivo Andric’s House, which is worth a visit in its own right. For a small entrance fee, you can get a glimpse into the town’s history from its founding in 1382 until the World War II period.
Things to do in Herceg Novi
From cultural activities and local festivals year-round to family-friendly outdoor adventures, here is our list of the best things to do in Herceg Novi.
Savina Monastery
The Orthodox Savina Monastery sits perched atop a forested hill, overlooking the Bay of Kotor. There is a small monastery shop, selling homemade wine, honey, and olive oil.
Hotels in Herceg Novi
It’s possible to have the full spectrum of hotel experiences in Herceg Novi, from resort-style accommodations – with outdoor swimming pools and other great amenities – to charming boutique stays set in the lively historic center. One of the jewels in the local hospitality scene is the luxurious 5-star Lazure Hotel, overlooking the marina in Meljine.
It occupies, among others, an 18th-century heritage building on the seafront, boasting 128 commodious and well-appointed rooms and suites, two full-service restaurants, private beach access, a stylish Spa & Wellness center – and arguably some of the best views of the Bay of Kotor, perfectly positioned to guarantee you a relaxed and pristine holiday.
Hotel Lazure
Escape to the Adriatic with a romantic five-star luxury stay at the Lazure Marina and Hotel, located in Meljine, within a 40-minute walking distance of the Old Town.
Towering over lovely Njivice Beach, the four-star all-inclusive Iberostar Herceg Novi is unquestionably one of the area’s best resort hotels for a family vacation. A recent thorough renovation has given much of the interiors and facilities a crisp and modern look, including what must be one of Montenegro’s prettiest outdoor pools.
If you want to splurge, there are some good options for that as well on Herceg Novi’s beautiful Riviera: the One & Only in Portonovi is for many the best and most exclusive resort in Montenegro, offering first-class dining, stylish beach clubs, a lavish Spa center, and more – a truly luxurious escape from busy everyday life.
It’s easy to feel calm and relaxed in the 5-star Mamula Island Hotel, a contemporary luxury refuge housed in a 19th-century Austro-Hungarian fortress off the coast of Herceg Novi and the Lustica Peninsula. It comes with 32 spacious rooms and suites, a holistic Spa & Wellness center, private beach access, three swimming pools, and a fine dining restaurant, overlooking the Adriatic.
Iberostar Herceg Novi
The cliffside Iberostar Herceg Novi is one of the best value accommodations set within the Bay of Kotor, perfectly suited for a relaxed family getaway.
Herceg Novi’s Top Hotels
The first hotel in Herceg Novi opened in 1901, and since then many great stays have been added. Discover the best hotels in Herceg Novi, from boutique retreats to resorts.
Herceg Novi Nightlife
If you want Mediterranean Ibiza-style hedonism, you’ve certainly come to the wrong place. However, if you adore warm and friendly socializing in cozy spaces, you’ll feel at home on Herceg Novi’s nightlife scene. ‘Tondo’ is a relaxed electronic music venue, something between a bar and a club, that is located adjacent to the city park, and is open all year round.
Several of Herceg Novi’s restaurants also double up as lively bars as evening falls, including Kafe Barbarella and Admiral Cafe & Restaurant, sitting right at the harborfront, and offering a seriously stylish spot with magnificent sea views. Caffe Radio 2B has become one of the hottest places in town (geared towards a 20’s crowd), where cheerful mixologists, guest DJs, and a cozy backyard setting all add up to an intoxicating mix.
For those who love to dress to impress, and sip vibrant and innovative cocktails surrounded by expensive yachts and their well-heeled owners, then the night scene in Portonovi might tick all your boxes. At nightfall, yachties are joined by champagne-guzzling locals and pleasure-seeking visitors who reserve tables at ‘Square‘, ‘Romeo & Juliet‘, or ‘Maison Lounge Bar‘ to see and be seen.
Sample an ice-cold craft beer at Pub Got, a relaxed and charming bar playing Classic Rock, Blues, Funk, and Jazz. This cool little evening hang-out serves a good range of beers on tap, including a locally brewed IPA and lager. When it gets busy, as it usually does after 9 pm, you’ll see customers socializing on the staircase under leafy banana plants.
Just a few steps away in the direction of the beachfront and Forte Mare Fortress is a buzzing ‘Drunk Octopus‘ craft beer bar where you can enjoy several delicious IPAs, stouts, and other artisanal beers. Grab a table on the intimate sea-view terrace for the full Herceg-Novi-at-night effect – the party will then continue indoors.
Portonovi
There is a new luxury marina in Herceg Novi: Portonovi is well worth a visit for a tasty waterfront meal, a little shopping, and soaking up those fine Adriatic coastal vibes.
Restaurants in Herceg Novi
The old-world surroundings of a grand cafe overlooking the old town; simple Adriatic snacks; a romantic waterfront dining experience or something luminously modern: Herceg Novi seems to have it all. Sitting in the rustic and traditional restaurant Stari Mlin (Old Mill) located in the rural neighborhood of Podi and run by the Misinezovic family, you’ll dine inside Herceg Novi’s last remaining heritage grain mills.
The extensive tradition of its idyllic setting is well reflected in its authentic menu: Montenegrin, Adriatic, and Balkan cuisine accompanied by striking garden and mountain views. Guests can sit outside on the summer terrace enjoying the peaceful sound of crickets while indulging in roasted veal, homemade cheeses, and delicious wine.
The five-star Hotel Lazure’s Rosemarine restaurant is a sophisticated and secluded option away from the hustle and bustle of the promenade, offering refined MediterrAsian fusion cuisine laced with Middle Eastern flavors. And further afield in Portonovi, there is no shortage of good eateries satisfying the palates of everyone from hungry local gourmets to peckish sailors and boat owners, recently ashore from their vessels.
This implies that the demand for top-notch international cuisine is very well catered for, as evidenced by the likes of the posh Italian beachfront restaurant aptly named ‘Sabia’ (Italian for sand), and Tapasake, an Asian fusion restaurant and pool club famed for its excellent sushi rolls, tacos, and regular high-profile patronage.
Herceg Novi’s Top Restaurants
Kantina 65 is the latest in health-conscious dining in Herceg Novi, while Casa Epico offers an innovative global menu under the Michelin-starred eye of Eros Picco.
Events in Herceg Novi
Herceg Novi is a buoyant place to visit throughout the year, and absolutely a fabulous escape for a few days, either in the peak season when plenty of open-air concerts, film nights, and stage plays are organized, over the Festive Period in December and January, or at the start of spring for the Mimosa Festival.
Taking place over a two or three-week period at the end of every February, this popular festival is dedicated to the yellow-flowering mimosa tree, bringing joy to Herceg Novi residents and marking the end of winter with dozens of open-air musical performances, plenty of child entertainment, artistic, cultural & sports events.
Down at the harbor, guests can enjoy grilled fish, local wine, and a typically cheerful atmosphere entirely free of charge while connecting with locals and other visitors from around the world. Expect to see majorettes with twirling batons marching to the beat of drums and the steady sound of bass horns.
For the popular masquerade ball, devotees dress in funky attire or traditional Venice carnival costumes, and there is also a separate event for children. Don’t miss the burning of the life-size effigy, a purification ritual that is traditionally reserved for the last day of the Mimosa Festival, commonly drawing large crowds.
Summer nights are truly magical in Herceg Novi, seeing its fortresses and cobbled old-town streets & squares come alive for the annual ‘Operosa’ Opera Festival, the Guitar Art Summer Fest, and the iconic Herceg Novi Film Festival, which is traditionally held on Kanli Kula’s summer stage, curating plenty of screenings and feature films competing against each other.
There is further the annual Portonovi Regatta, several wine-tasting events, gourmet festivals, and lots more. Whatever the time of the year, there is always an interesting cultural event being organized either in Herceg Novi itself or in the Portonovi Marina, so make sure not to miss out on those joyous days filled with unforgettable memories.
Shopping in Herceg Novi
The farmer’s market in Herceg Novi is open every day from May through September (it is however closed on Sundays in the off-season) when shoppers and traders create a real buzz. While Herceg Novi can hardly be considered a notable shopping destination, you’ll still be able to find everything you’d expect from a burgeoning seaside resort, including souvenir shops, arts & crafts stores, and book and antique sellers.
Moreover, groceries, chemist’s products, beach gear, toys, and other items of daily use can be found on every corner. the HDL Novi Mall is a small shopping center, catering to both locals and visitors and offering a wide range of clothing items besides groceries. Furthermore, there are also some small gems to be found in Portonovi’s marina village, including ‘Prego Fashion’, ‘MC2 Saint Barth’ (Fashion), and ‘Trend by Eichholtz’ (design furniture).
Living in Herceg Novi
Just over 19,500 people are currently registered as permanent residents of Herceg Novi (33,000 live in the wider municipal area). It should come as no surprise that summers get quite busy here, with a disproportionate influx of tourists in July and August. However, the winter season is reasonably quiet, but still, the majority of shops, restaurants, and hotels will stay open year-round, so there is always something going on.
The towering Orjen mountain range together with the calm & sheltered Bay of Kotor and easy access to neighboring Dubrovnik and the Lustica Peninsula make Herceg Novi one of Montenegro’s most desirable residential areas. Its somewhat remote location and proximity to both Croatia and Bosnia create a unique feel, setting it apart from the rest of Coastal Montenegro: Herceg Novi has charm, character, and a warm-hearted community, making it an obvious choice for year-round living.
Montenegro Residency Options
Read this guide to find out more about your Montenegro Residency Options in 2024 and 2025 and make this beautiful part of the world your new home!
The Surrounding Area
There are many coastal towns and small fishing villages nearby, all with their individual charm, which are well worth a visit: Rose on the Lustica Peninsula, for example, with its Austro-Hungarian fortresses, and the more popular settlements along the shores of the Bay of Kotor, including Risan, Perast, and Kotor, which are all within an hour’s driving distance and good choices for going out in the evenings, doing a little shopping, and dining in a waterfront eatery.
Near the Baroque coastal beauty of Perast, the emblem of which are several medieval churches and palazzi, you can also visit the Fort of Saint Andrew, offering one of the best views of Kotor, and some outstanding family-run mussel & oyster farms. If, on the other hand, you feel more drawn to Herceg Novi’s mountainous backcountry, you should consider visiting the traditional stone village of Zlijebi, the mountain plateau of Orjen Sedlo, and attempting to climb the peaks of Odijevo and Veliki Kabao.
Perast
Discover Perast, a charming coastal town between Kotor and Herceg Novi, known for its laid-back atmosphere and promenade lined with waterfront restaurants.
Kotor
Surrounded by ancient, UNESCO-listed city walls and towering mountains, world-renowned Kotor is a must-visit destination on your trip to Montenegro.