Herceg Novi’s Top Beaches
As if Herceg Novi’s many superlatives – its idyllic setting at the entrance of the Bay of Kotor, as like as not Montenegro’s most charming historic center, and an abundance of delicious Adriatic fare – weren’t enough, this picturesque seaside resort also cradles some of Montenegro’s most stunning beaches.
While those lining Herceg Novi’s coastal promenade are not exactly well-kept secrets, and many are not even beaches in the traditional sense (think: paved concrete instead of sand), the ‘plazas’ on the Lustica Peninsula are prime places for beachgoers and sunseekers looking for rustic beauty.
Herceg Novi
Herceg Novi has a lot going for it: medieval fortresses, authentic Mediterranean vibes, and a beautiful old town overlooking the Bay of Kotor.
Lustica Peninsula
A sparsely populated landmass guarding the Boka Bay from the Adriatic, the Lustica Peninsula is known for its historic stone villages, pristine beaches, and olive groves.
Miriste Beach
As if the views of brilliantly clear Adriatic waters surrounding Mamula Island and the gently bobbing sailboats (it is a popular anchoring spot) weren’t enough, stacks of Mediterranean-style houses hugging the low-hanging cliffs make Miriste Beach feel like something plucked from a Mid-Century postcard.
A croissant of pebbles snatched from the craggy, dramatic coastline, Miriste Cove doubles as a tiny fishing village and a lovely micro resort. Luxuriate either directly on the beach or on a sun lounger occupying either side of the paved concrete deck, go scrambling over the rocky outcrops or enjoy some relaxed swimming or snorkeling.
Miriste Beach
A narrow stretch of pebbles lies in an intimate cove backed by centuries-old olive trees and an unpretentious waterfront tavern – welcome to Miriste Beach!
Forte Rose II Beach
Within walking distance of the picturesque fishing village of Rose, this rugged stretch of pebbly shoreline has the same turquoise-colored water as the Budva Riviera, but it’s more remote and thus less crowded. The seaboard around here is known for sea caves, abandoned fortresses, and even Yugoslavia’s secret submarine tunnels, ready to be explored by the more adventurous visitors.
Start in Rose with a leisurely al-fresco lunch overlooking the Adriatic, then drowse off the loza (Montenegrin grappa) buzz with a doze on Forte Rose II Beach. Notwithstanding the adroitly arranged sun loungers and parasols put out by a local hotel, the rocky coastline and the shipwreck jutting up on its northern flank preserve its distinctly untamed charm.
Rose
Gilded Age sea captains’ houses line the small yet charming harborfront of Rose, a fishing village with a long and turbulent history. Well worth a visit!
Rose Beach
Just a few steps from the adjacent parking lot and the docks where water taxis from Herceg Novi (and boats from other coastal towns) load off day trippers, Rose Beach sits on the sparsely populated Lustica Peninsula and has that kind of wild beauty that makes every moment here seem almost surreal.
The beach is pebbly but picturesque, and its (typically) choppy waters are more snorkeler- than swimmer-friendly. Once you’ve enjoyed your fair share of beach time here, head over to one of the hidden submarine tunnels: you can’t really appreciate the magic of this part of the Adriatic coast until you’ve gone snorkeling along a Cold-War-era heritage landmark.
Arza Beach
This is the southwestern tip of the Lustica Peninsula where Fort Arza, an abandoned Austro-Hungarian defensive stronghold with a capacity of almost 100 soldiers, used to guard the entrance to the Bay of Kotor. These days, instead of machine guns and howitzers, Arza Beach is blissfully peaceful, and you won’t be expected to fend off enemies on this biscuit-colored stretch of rocky pebbles next to Miriste.
Sunbathe overlooking the sail yachts and fishing boats anchored in the bay, go coasteering, or embark on a little snorkeling or diving adventure – the shoreline here is littered with ancient artifacts and there are also the remains of the PBR-512 patrol ship, which sits on sandy a bottom, about 40 meters below sea level.
The Bay of Kotor
The Bay of Kotor is also referred to as Europe’s southernmost fjord. It’s a scenic Adriatic inlet connecting some of Montenegro’s prettiest coastal towns.
Zanjice Beach
A refuge for Herceg Novi locals and holidaymakers who want to escape the jam-packed urban beaches close to the town center. With over 200 meters of rocky pebbles – half of it dedicated to perfectly arranged wooden sun loungers and cream-colored parasols – Zanjice Beach always feels spacious, even amid summer crowds.
It’s accessible either by car along a narrow, winding road (more than two hours from Herceg Novi traffic permitting) or by water taxi from the marina, and the scenic trip takes just 20 minutes. The gently shelving sea is as calm as a lagoon, perfect for snorkeling and kayaking – watersport rentals are available on-site.
Didn’t bring snacks? Pop back to one of the beachfront restaurants for a bite or refreshing drink. For those interested in seeing the Blue Cave, Montenegro’s largest sea grotto known for its incredible blue glow, you can arrive there by taxi boat right from Zanjice Beach, but go early – until midday – for the best possible experience.
Watersports in Montenegro
Stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, kitesurfing, snorkeling, parasailing, and scuba diving are some of the most popular watersports in Montenegro.
Lalovina Beach
Beachgoers looking for a ‘plaza’ on the mainland side of Herceg Novi should make Lalovina Beach a mandatory part of their itinerary. When you are eventually tired of Herceg Novi’s countless stairs, museums, and leafy piazzas, take the 5-kilometer-long Pet Danica Promenade to this picturesque cliff-side beach, located in the neighborhood of Zelenika.
The long walk will be rewarded with typically clear water, stunning coastal scenery, and the unique panorama of the Bay of Kotor that’s so distinctly different from anywhere else in Europe. At the peak of summer, rent one of those cabanas and unwind with a cold drink to capture a bit of the Montenegrin dolce vita without having to fight over that little contested public beach space.
Beach Clubs near Herceg Novi
There is another way to experience Herceg Novi’s beautiful scenery: beach clubs are becoming increasingly popular, taking advantage of the Bay of Kotor’s dramatic mountain setting, and providing a unique combination of tranquility and jollity that fascinates visitors and locals alike.
Sitting within the up-and-coming Portonovi Resort in Kumbor (a 15-minute drive away by car from Herceg Novi’s Old Town), the Portonovi Beach Club goes beyond the standard beach club experience, skillfully blending sandy beachfront bliss, live entertainment, and top-notch dining. Its busy schedule includes many exciting events – reservation is required!
The Adriatica Beach Club occupies a pebbly stretch in the small coastal hamlet of Josice, overlooking the Verige Strait. The beach bar is aptly named ‘Svetionik’ – after the lighthouse adjacent to it. Here you can luxuriate on plush sun loungers or stylish Bali beds, swim in the warm bay water, dance to DJ sets (in the evenings), and indulge in some serious gourmet cuisine.
Another good option for sipping on some mind-blowing cocktails while relishing in delicious dishes prepared by a Michelin-star chef is the Bocasa Beach Club, a lovely venue run by the team behind Hotel Mediterraneo in Kamenari. Guaranteed to satisfy the most demanding beachgoers looking for some sophisticated coastal fun, and the occasional refreshing dip in the bay.