Igalo
There are various elements that make Igalo, a small coastal town straddling the border with Croatia, stand out as really rather special. First, its sheltered location at the northwestern edge of the Bay of Kotor guarantees sweeping views over the picturesque Lustica Peninsula. Second, it has long been at the forefront of Montenegrin medical tourism thanks to the ‘Dr. Simo Milosevic Health Institute‘, a multidisciplinary Health Spa built around Igalo’s ancient thermal springs.
Third, Igalo also plays host to Tito’s Villa Galeb, the former Yugoslav leader’s summer residence where he used to spend months at a time during the 1970s, taking advantage of the town’s mild year-round climate and unhurried Mediterranean vibes. And finally, Igalo has managed to develop into a popular seaside resort, especially for younger travelers from neighboring countries, who come here for the affordable beach clubs and nightlife scene.
Bay of Kotor
Find out more about the lovely Bay of Kotor, an Adriatic inlet that connects some of Montenegro’s most stunning coastal towns, including Perast, Risan, and Herceg Novi.
The Lustica Peninsula
The almost untouched Lustica Peninsula off the coast of Igalo is a popular day-trip destination, accessible by water taxi from nearby Skver Harbor in Herceg Novi.
History and Culture
Lying just one kilometer north of the popular and historic seaside resort of Herceg Novi, Igalo presents itself as a viable alternative base to taste rich Montenegrin heritage, without having to stray too far off the beaten track. The discovery of Igalo’s therapeutic muds (peloids) dates back to the 1930s when ‘Vichy Laboratoires’ attested their healing properties.
In the aftermath of World War II, there has been plenty of investment in this area, with the population increasing five-fold. The foundation for the state-owned ‘Dr. Simo Milosevic Institute‘ was laid in 1949, and Igalo slowly grew into Montenegro’s main medicinal wellness resort, earning a reputation for its successful rehabilitation in rheumatology approach.
Whereas in its early years, the focus was clearly put on serving older visitors with knee and shoulder pains, in the last three or four decades, Igalo established itself as a popular holiday destination, especially among families and young tourists from other Balkan countries who don’t come here for the mineral-rich waters but to simply enjoy their annual summer vacation.
Herceg Novi
Discover Herceg Novi, a picturesque coastal town adjacent to Igalo, offering an authentic Montenegrin experience in its historic alleyways and along the seaside promenade.
Things to do in Igalo
Most holidaymakers arriving during the warmer months will engage in some serious coastal leisure at Igalo Beach, where sun loungers, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards are available for hire, and then unwind with cocktails at one of the waterfront bars. There are also dozens of cafes and restaurants open for lunch and dinner along the 6-kilometer-long main coastal promenade that connects Igalo with Herceg Novi.
For a serene feel-good experience away from the beach, the on-site Spa center in the Palmon Bay Hotel runs a range of rejuvenating and energizing treatments throughout the week. Alternatively, the Dr. Simo Milosevic Institute also has a dedicated beauty section, offering a range of massages, facials, waxing, and other cosmetic procedures.
Josip Broz Tito’s ‘Villa Galeb’ is situated right here on the Igalo waterfront, occupying a large estate surrounded by a thick forest. Also home to several treatment rooms where the former Yugoslav strongman received therapy for his late-life health problems, this huge edifice was also used to entertain guests of state but has since been turned into a museum, in which the decor and furniture have remained untouched since Tito died in 1980.
Things to do in Herceg Novi
From plenty of cultural activities and local festivals to family-friendly outdoor adventures, there are many things to do in Herceg Novi year-round!
Igalo also has a lot to offer for active holidaymakers: the resort is a perfect starting point for several epic, properly marked mountain hikes, including those to the peaks of Mount Orjen, and bicycle tours around the Bay of Kotor. Many trails start either in the small mountain hamlet of Vrbanj, where you’ll also find the family-friendly ‘Vrbanj outdoor adventure park‘, or at the Subra mountain hut.
All kinds of aquatic sports can, as might be expected, be practiced at Igalo’s and Herceg Novi’s beachfront, including snorkeling and scuba diving, with diving centers located in the neighborhood of Topla (People’s Diving Club) and Skver Harbor (Diving Montenegro), which are within footwalk distance of Igalo.
If you are into history combined with discovering some picturesque natural landmarks, you’ll find private boat tours or water taxi transfers to the Lustica Peninsula fascinating. There you’ll find the charming fishing village of Rose, a series of abandoned Yugoslav-era submarine pens, some of Herceg Novi’s most pristine beaches, and the Blue Cave, Montenegro’s most famous sea grotto.
Rose
Don’t miss visiting Rose, a hidden, pretty fishing village full of charm, offering atmospheric beaches and authentic taverns housed in former sea captains’ houses.
If you appreciate a good sunset, the viewpoint from the Church of St. Elijah in the neighborhood of Zvinje shouldn’t disappoint. This very special locale sits right on the border with Croatia, overlooking the entire bay and offering probably the best views of Igalo and Herceg Novi. On the winding road down from there, you’ll pass Ranch ARYEN, a hillside homestead, restaurant, and petting zoo offering horseback riding lessons.
Restaurants in Igalo
Although being a small coastal town of just 3,000 people, you’ll find flavors from around the world in Igalo, including Italian and Georgian cuisine. For top-notch gastronomy of the Caucasus, there is no way around Restaurant Amber. Feast on cheese-filled khachapuri, chebureki, and khinkali – either inside in the rustic atmosphere of an old grain mill or outdoors on their lofty al-fresco terrace.
If you don’t mind a backdrop of local and visiting kids splashing and enjoying their summer holiday, ‘Bel Paese’ offers generously sized and reasonably priced Neapolitan pizza, grilled meats, and seafood, as well as other typically Italian specialties. Caffe Pizzeria Motiv is another popular choice (particularly with locals) for pizza, burgers, and delicious sandwiches.
For affordable, meat-and-fish-heavy Montenegrin cuisine, two local eateries have won high praise. Retreat to Restaurant Babic for a taste of what is arguably the tastiest grilled meat in town. Simple yet delicious, juicy cuts are delivered to your plate straight from their on-site butcher shop while Ilijada capitalizes on its idyllic promenade setting, serving everything from fresh seafood to traditional beef goulash.
Herceg Novi’s Top Restaurants
Read our guide to the best restaurants in Herceg Novi, from meaty feasts at Restaurant Babic to charming waterfront eateries overlooking the Bay of Kotor.
Hotels in Igalo
The 4-star Hotel Palmon Bay is certainly one of the most stylish stays in Igalo, boasting a prime waterfront setting on the Pet Danice Walkway which connects it to neighboring Herceg Novi. The 213-room Spa hotel features both an outdoor and indoor pool and private beach access for sun-lounging while overlooking the stunning bay.
But it’s the sophisticated spa and wellness center with many treatment options fed from a natural thermal spring that makes this hotel unique. The interior is warm and contemporary with natural hues, and all the residences are thoughtfully laid out, with up-to-date furniture and modern fixtures.
The splendid and family-friendly Iberostar Waves Herceg Novi overlooking Njivice Beach reopened to fantastic reviews. A resort-style refuge with great facilities and cordial service, that took years of painstaking renovations, it has now been brought up to current standards, making it the talk of town it is today.
Herceg Novi’s Top Hotels
If you are searching for intimate, high-end accommodation with Adriatic charm, read our guide to the best hotels in Herceg Novi, from boutique stays to chic resorts.
Events
Igalo and Herceg Novi come together for their annual program of summer and winter festivities. Their joint calendar includes a wide range of events, from open-air concerts and theatre plays to sports championships, and sailing regattas. But perhaps most popular is the Mimosa Festival in February, which brings together locals and visitors alike for three weeks of singing, dancing, feasting on local food, exhibitions, and stage performances.
No less popular is the annual Herceg Novi International Film Festival, which is held for one week in August against the backdrop of several historic locations, including Kanli Kula Fortress, Forte Mare, and Ivo Andric’s House on Njegoseva Street in Herceg Novi’s Old Town.
Herceg Novi’s Historic Center
Herceg Novi’s Old Town sits perched atop the hills overlooking Skver Harbor and the Bay of Kotor, offering plenty of nice cafes, boutiques, and restaurants.
Surrounding Areas
The historic center of Herceg Novi is just a three-minute drive away from Igalo – or a twenty-minute walk along the scenic Pet Danica Walkway. With its boat-filled marina, charming old-town bars, and restaurants it will satisfy anyone’s cravings for an authentic historical experience and an injection of genuine Adriatic culture.
Portonovi, the prestigious deep water marina, is also very close, with a beautiful resort of luxury hotels, beach clubs, and international harborfront restaurants. Drive further south along the shores of the Bay of Kotor and arrive at some of Montenegro’s most charming coastal towns, including Risan, Perast, and Kotor.
From Perast, you can take a water taxi to the Church Island of Our Lady of the Rocks, a truly picturesque spot offering breathtaking views of the mainland. Cavtat and Dubrovnik in Croatia, another two Adriatic coastal gems, are just 30 (45) kilometers away taking the ‘Jadranska Magistrala’ (Adriatic Highway) into the other direction.
Perast
Discover Perast, an ancient coastal town located between Kotor and Igalo, known for its beautiful Baroque churches, palazzi, and waterfront restaurants.
Our Lady of the Rocks
Don’t skip taking a water taxi to the incredibly pretty Our Lady of the Rocks Island when visiting Perast. The Catholic church dates back to the 15th century.