Herceg Novi Old Town
Herceg Novi is Montenegro’s northernmost coastal town, straddling the border with neighboring Croatia. Particularly its historic center offers a laid-back Mediterranean atmosphere, plenty of history, and culture year-round. There is a picturesque square, viewpoint, and beautiful historic center literally around every corner, waiting for you to explore.
Sitting at the entrance of the Bay of Kotor, just 7 kilometers from the new luxury marina of Portonovi and 50 kilometers from the famously stunning Dubrovnik, it’s the perfect destination to get a taste of Montenegro’s rich heritage. without having to wander off too far away from the beaten track.
Herceg Novi
Herceg Novi, the town of endless sunshine and verdant greenery, has a lot going for it, providing all the necessary ingredients to combine culture with beach relaxation.
Major Attractions
One of Montenegro’s most charming Orthodox edifices is situated in the heart of the old town, on Bellavista Square, forming part of the historic townscape of Herceg Novi. Also home to quaint art galleries, a picturesque fresh-water fountain, and a range of al-fresco restaurants, Bellavista Square is the ideal spot for enjoying a morning or afternoon coffee and soaking up some seriously laid-back Mediterranean vibes.
The square is also beautiful in the evening when locals and visitors alike congregate here to socialize, indulge in delicious local cuisine, and marvel at the Church of St. Michael the Archangel while enjoying the cool Herceg Novi summer breeze. Peeking inside the church, which combines elements of Roman, Byzantine, Gothic, and even Islamic architecture, is worthwhile as well for its white-marbled wall of icons (‘iconostasis’).
‘Kanli Kula‘, roughly translated, is Turkish for ‘Blood Tower’, a name given to Herceg Novi’s upper fortress by the Ottoman Turks. Built in the 16th century, this defensive stronghold used to double as a brutal prison, however in these more peaceful days, it plays host to a series of events, including the Herceg Novi Film Festival. Thanks to its strategic hillside setting, you can expect panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor below, and it’s also a fantastic starting point for a tour of the Old Town.
Bay of Kotor
Discover the stunning Bay of Kotor, a beautiful Adriatic inlet that connects the coastal towns of Perast, Kotor, Herceg Novi, Tivat, and Risan.
The Forte Mare Fortress dominates the lower townscape of Herceg Novi, sitting above Skver Harbor and the main city beach. This 14th-century edifice that dates back to Herceg Novi’s foundation is one of the best locations in town for enjoying the vibrant sunset hour through the dungeon windows or from the sweeping summer amphitheater, where regular cultural events take place.
The clock tower (‘Sahat Kula’) from 1667 is one of Herceg Novi’s most iconic landmarks, which even found its way to the town’s coat of arms. Once the main entrance to the walled historic center, it now attracts visitors from all over the world, who also come for the great views from its observation deck.
Things to do
For the region’s finest produce, make sure not to miss Herceg Novi’s farmer’s market. Held from Monday through Saturday (plus on Sunday during the summer months), there are stalls with farmers selling locally-produced fruits, vegetables, olive oil, cured meats, and cheeses, and there is a separate section dedicated to fish and seafood.
If you love getting lost amidst old buildings, enjoying panoramic bay views, and discovering hidden treasures free of crowds, St. Jerome Square shouldn’t disappoint. Besides the Church of St. Jerome, some weathered anchors and cannons are lurking in the picturesque courtyards below.
Unlike Budva, Kotor, and Bar, Herceg Novi’s Old Town is not surrounded by ancient city walls (it used to but they have not survived into the Modern Age). However, history enthusiasts can indulge their history habits by visiting Kanli Kula and Forte Mare Fortress, two of the town’s ancient defensive strongholds, which are within footwalk distance of the old town.
Which museums and galleries you’ll consider indispensable will depend on your personal preferences and aesthetic proclivity. For lovers of contemporary art, head to Sue Ryder’s art gallery; to view sculptures and works of art by Duro Beli Prijic and his son Aleksandar, pop into ‘Atelje Prijic’.
At the Old Town Museum, you’ll find diverse postcards, photographs, and antique letters showcased in a traditional townhouse adjacent to the clock tower. Discover a wealth of carefully curated information about the life of Mikhail Bulgakov, the Russian-Soviet author and playwright by visiting the excellent Bulgakov Museum right next door.
Things to do in Herceg Novi
Discover the best things to do in Herceg Novi while visiting this beautiful Montenegrin coastal town, from cultural to family-friendly outdoor activities!
History and Culture
Many significant historical events have shaped Herceg Novi’s rich and turbulent past. The youngest of all Boka coastal towns, Herceg Novi was founded by Bosnian King Tvrtko I in 1382 as a maritime trading hub and seaport, it was subsequently attacked and conquered by the Ottoman Turks (15th century), the Venetian Republic (17th century), before finally being subdued by Habsburg Austria in 1798.
All of these conquerors left a wealth of cultural heritage – both tangible and intangible – behind, which is still alive today in the Old Town’s narrow cobblestone streets and piazzas. The pedestrianized historic center is well-preserved, and as soon as you pass the clock tower gate, you will unavoidably feel enthralled by the beautiful old buildings and peaceful alleyways, inviting you to stroll, browse, or simply unwind with an al-fresco cappuccino or beer on a leafy town square.
Restaurants
For an authentic taste of bronze-drawn linguine, aromatic macaroni, and fresh homemade ravioli – all produced in small batches and served in colorful bowls – visit Pasta di Bocca, a charming family-run noodle parlor with a generous menu packed with mouth-watering pasta combinations in the heart of the old town.
For something a little more contemporary, Kantina65, on the edge of the historic center, serves a rich breakfast menu, including smoked salmon avocado toast and American pancakes, alongside varied (vegan-friendly) options for lunch and dinner. Dine either inside the industrial-chic dining room or outside in the atmosphere of a Parisian streetside bistro.
Herceg Novi’s Top Restaurants
The old town is the perfect place to begin your gastronomic tour of Herceg Novi. Check out our list of the best restaurants in Montenegro’s northernmost seaside town.
Hotels in the Old Town
In the historical center itself, you’ll only find a few guesthouses and vacation rentals, but as a popular tourist destination, there are certainly dozens of good hotels surrounding the old town. The 4-star all-inclusive Iberostar Waves Herceg Novi has recently had a stylish makeover, while Hotel Lazure and Boutique Hotel Kredo remain glamorous hideaways in the neighborhood of Meljine, overlooking the Bay of Kotor. Have a look at our guide for more options.
Herceg Novi’s Top Hotels
If you are looking for intimate, unique accommodations with a Mediterranean flair, here is our selection of the best (boutique) hotels in Herceg Novi!
The Surrounding Areas
The Old Town of Herceg Novi makes one of the best bases for exploring the entire Bay of Kotor region, including the Lustica Peninsula, a haven for boat and snorkeling tours, scuba diving, and bicycle trips. The Orjen National Park is an often-overlooked natural gem bordering Croatia and Bosnia, offering a variety of hiking trails, remote stone villages, and breathtaking scenery around every corner.
The picturesque coastal towns of Perast, Risan, Kotor, and Tivat are all within easy reach of Herceg Novi, each with their distinctive charm and character, making for a welcoming change of scene. Portonovi is a super yacht marina and resort just a few kilometers from Herceg Novi’s historic center. Tucked away from mass tourism, this sophisticated refuge has already hosted world stars such as Magic Johnson – and Novak Djokovic owns a waterfront villa here.
Equally lovely are the deep blue waters of the Adriatic surrounding the two islets off the coast of Perast: St. George and Our Lady of the Rocks, which are accessible via water taxi or private boat transfer from Skver Harbor in Herceg Novi.
The Lustica Peninsula
Discover the Lustica Peninsula, a beautiful stretch of land guarding the entrance to the Bay of Kotor that offers several pristine beaches alongside historic stone villages.
Events in the Old Town
Some of Herceg Novi’s most prominent ancient buildings offer spectacular backdrops for a wide range of cultural events throughout the year, including open-air concerts, art exhibitions, and theater plays. Kanli Kula Fortress plays host to the annual Operosa Opera Festival, the Herceg Novi Film Festival, and the Guitar Art Summer Fest.
Seafood, local wine, live music, majorettes performing vibrant dance moves, and Venice-style masquerade parties are the protagonists of the family-friendly Mimosa Festival, which takes place over three weeks at the end of February and early March and is, perhaps unsurprisingly, very attractive to visitors.
Living in Herceg Novi’s Old Town
Thanks to its pristine setting at the foot of Mount Orjen overlooking the world-class Bay of Kotor, Herceg Novi’s Old Town tops many a housebuyer’s list of Montenegrin Shangri-La’s. Just 30 kilometers away from the busy airports of Tivat and Dubrovnik in Croatia, it is also well-connected to the rest of Montenegro via the Adriatic Highway and the P11-Road leading towards Niksic and Podgorica.
For someone looking for authentic Adriatic vibes with a vibrant cultural scene, particularly during the summer months, Montenegro’s northernmost coastal town poses a good alternative to living in the more popular seaside resorts of Kotor, Tivat, and Budva. Historic, family-friendly, and boasting plenty of good restaurants, and sports facilities, Herceg Novi has certainly much to offer.