Zanjice Beach

Just a 40-minute boat ride (or two hours by car) from busy Herceg Novi sits Zanjice Beach, cutting out a beautiful piece of Montenegrin coastline. It finds itself in a larger cove, surrounded by olive orchards and fragrant pine trees. Despite its secluded location, it has a small car parking lot nearby, making it a sensible choice for those traveling with children.

At first glance, you probably would not like the rather large pebbles – water shoes are necessary for most people. But these pebbles and stones fulfill their function of filtering the waters and making them so crystal-clear and clean. On calmer days, the water appears almost translucent.

The rocky shore is a good terrain for snorkeling and fun to explore by kayak or paddle boat. Just be careful of the water taxis that frequent Zanjice Bay and neighboring coastal towns. Sun loungers and parasols are available for hire for 15€ the set. If you prefer natural shade, you find it in the adjacent olive grove.

Sunsets here are known to be particularly beautiful. Most people leave by boat in the late afternoon hours so that there are only a few people to share the beach with when the sun finally sets and turns the sky into a color palette ranging from purple to red to orange.

It is extraordinarily calm at this time of the day and very picturesque as a matter of fact, with all the fishing boats bobbing on the calm water, some going out to cast their nets or collect the catch of the day. The stunning and iconic Mamula Island in the background adds to the laid-back vibes.

Onsite, you will find basic beach facilities: paid showers, changing cabins, and toilets among others. The few beachside restaurants and cafes serve simple regional and Adriatic cuisine. Expect to find everything from Caesar salads to grilled squids and cevapcici with fries.

For a larger selection of restaurants and eats, you’ll have to leave Zanjice Beach and dine out in one of Herceg Novi’s restaurants, or choose a laid-back eatery in Lustica Bay or anywhere else on the Lustica Peninsula, where the dining options are one-step up and more diverse.

Things to do near Zanjice

Swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing are by far the most popular activities at Zanjice Beach – this is your ideal sanctuary for relaxing in beautiful surroundings. But that does not mean that there is nothing to do nearby. Here are some activities to consider.

Blue Cave

Zanjice Beach and a visit to the gorgeous Blue Cave are often included in the same boat tour. And it is easy to see why – the grotto sits just three coves further down the coastline. When the sea is calm, it is possible to enter the blue-glowing cave by boat. It is a worthwhile experience to swim inside the picturesque cave.

source: Wikipedia

Info: You cannot reach the cave by land.

Scuba Diving

While in Zanjice, you can also arrange a scuba diving experience at the Nemo Diving School, a team of scuba enthusiasts with more than 20 years of experience and PADI certification.

Miriste Beach

Just a short walk from Zanjice, lies an even more secluded cove, harboring tiny Miriste Beach. Attracted by the bay’s picturesque setting and tranquility, you will see many smaller boats and yachts anchored here. The beach has a free and paid section where you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas – 18€ the pair.

Many visitors to Zanjice also come here to eat in the charming restaurant that cascades down into several outdoor patios, partly shaded by olive and tangerine trees. It’s probably your best choice if you are looking for a place to eat, especially since seafood is delicious here. Onsite at Miriste Beach, there are unpaid showers and changing rooms.

Arza Beach & Fortress

You can even walk a little further till you reach one of the westernmost points of the Lustica Peninsula, a strategic location home to the remains of the Arza Fortress. From here, the Bay of Kotor was defended against luring enemies. Luckily, these times are over and you can now enjoy breathtaking views from this place.

source: Lustica Bay

Close by is another hidden gem, the scenic Arza Beach. 

Info: Note that the fortress constitutes private property and that you ought to restrain from entering the property; there are also safety concerns.