Herceg Novi is a popular tourist town in the Bay of Kotor, which is located in the northern part of the coast of Montenegro in the valley Orjen mountains. It is definitely worth a visit for all tourists on holiday in Montenegro. It is the administrative center of the municipality of the same name with a population of about 13,000 inhabitants.​

City `s history.

Archaeological finds indicate that the first Illyrian settlements on the site of modern Herceg Novi appeared during Antiquity. Myself the city was founded in 1382 by the Bosnian king Tvrtko I as a defensive structure, and initially was called Sveti Stefan, now another city in Montenegro bears this name. For medieval Bosnia, this fortress was of great strategic importance and was the most important access to the sea. After the death of the king, power passed to Prince Sandal Hranić from the Kosača dynasty. During his reign, the city experienced a strong economic boom and functioned as a major salt trading center. During the reign of Stefan Vukcic, the city began to be called Herceg Novi. In 1466, the Venetian Republic made an offer to Duke Vukčić to exchange Herceg Novi and the city of Risan for the island of Brac and the palace in Split, but the Duke refused.

The special position of Herceg Novi fueled the interest in it of both the Venetian Republic and the Ottoman Empire. In 1482, the Turks finally managed to conquer the city, and it became a center of piracy and slave trade. The Ottoman period lasted just over 200 years.

In 1687, after a 30-day siege, the Turks were forced to surrender the city to the Venetian Republic, and the city became part of the Venetian Republic as part of the province of "Albania Veneta". Venetian domination continued until 1797, as well as throughout the entire Bay of Kotor. Surprisingly, in 1806-1807. Herceg Novi was under Russian patronage. Until 1918, control of the city passed from France to Austria. During the Napoleonic Wars, power over the city passed to the French, and then the Austrians owned it until 1918, then the city became part of Yugoslavia until its collapse.

Sights of Herceg Novi.

At the very entrance to the city in the Savinskaya Dubrava park, surrounded by oaks, cypresses, chestnuts and pines, there is a monument of early Balkan Christianity - Orthodox, one of the oldest in Montenegro.


Among the beaches awarded the Blue Flag, the beach, or rather its component, stands out.

One of the best beaches in Montenegro, marked with the Blue Flag, is located on Lustica peninsula. The length of this fine sandy beach is 300 m. It is located in a picturesque bay and is surrounded by olive groves. Thanks to the shallow sea, it is perfect for families with children.

How to get to the city?

Getting to Herceg Novi is not difficult. About 30 km from it there are two international airports - (Montenegro) and Dubrovnik (Croatia). Herceg Novi is connected to the cities of Montenegro Adriatic route(Jadranska magistrala) - a two-lane highway of quite a decent level. In general, the quality of Montenegro’s roads, short distances between cities and a large number of rental offices are conducive to traveling around the country by

Restaurants and cafes in Herceg Novi.

The same can be said about and. The cuisine here is predominantly national and European. Keep in mind that portions in restaurants are usually of such a size that this goes against all the advice of nutritionists. That is why we strongly recommend ordering one dish at a time, since they are prepared very quickly.

Lifehack: seafood lovers will appreciate that Herceg Novi is home to private mussel farms (školjke). They cost only 2 euros per kilogram.

That part of the city’s infrastructure that is in demand by lovers of nightlife is well developed: bars, numerous shows, clubs. There is also a promenade in Herceg Novi, from which it is best to admire the sea and panoramic views of the coast. In recent years, the city has hosted the Mimosa Festival every winter. At this time, everything around is permeated with its aroma, and the blooming city is very beautiful.

About a hundred different species of tropical and subtropical plants grow in Herceg Novi, which were brought by sailors from various countries of the world during the 6th centuries. Ancient architectural buildings in the Old Town of Herceg Novi contain a rich history, and a large number of cafes and restaurants serving national and European cuisine along the embankment and on the streets of the city will satisfy any connoisseur of delicious food. And even those who like to listen to music and dance will have something to do in the local nightclubs and bars.

In general, Herceg Novi is ideal for tourists who come to relax, treat their health, and even have fun.

Not far from the delightful Žanjice beach is its equally attractive neighbor - Miriste beach. It is not so big (half the size of Zanice - about 2 kilometers), but it has its own unique charm. The air here is unusually clean - this is facilitated by the dense forest, near which Miriste beach lies. The picturesque forest gives the beach a unique atmosphere, which is ideal for a relaxing holiday. The beach itself is not natural - the sand here lies on concrete slabs, which are located at different levels.

You can also get to Miriste beach by sea on a private boat or speedboat. To do this, you need to swim to Cape Arza right behind it and there is a small bay where you will find a beach.

Coordinates: 42.39481200,18.57988400

Zanjice Beach

A ten-minute drive from the city of Herceg Novi is the delightful Zanice beach. It is noteworthy that you can get here from the tourist center of Igalo by sailing on a private boat or boat. Zanjice beach is surrounded by olive groves. The sea is azure in color, instead of sand there are snow-white pebbles. The beach is well developed - it has everything you need for relaxation. When you get tired of the sun and want coolness and freshness, numerous bars and restaurants await you in the shade of the olive groves. Zanice Beach also boasts its own attractions - the Blue Cave and Mamula Island (where a medieval fortress rises). In order to get to the island, you will need to board one of the tourist boats that take tourists to Mamula every half hour.

Coordinates: 42.39912200,18.58194400

What sights of Herceg Novi did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Nikola Djurkovic Square

Nikola Djurković Square is one of the most important squares in the city. It is located in front of the entrance to the ancient city, but people also called it “the square with the clock.” Along the perimeter of the square there is a huge variety of cafes and restaurants, the doors of which are open until late at night. The main bank of the city and many administrative buildings are also located here.

Also on the square there are a huge number of ancient buildings imbued with the spirit of history. Thus, we can safely say that the square is a historical center that reflects the ancient history of the city. On weekends and holidays, concerts and entertainment events are held here. On weekdays, as a rule, the square is filled with a large number of tourists and local youth who want to stroll along the quiet, secluded streets.

Coordinates: 42.45175500,18.53672600

Belavista is a very small square located in the historical center of the Montenegrin city of Herceg Novi. The square is surrounded on all sides by ancient houses, and its exquisite medieval atmosphere attracts many tourists.

Belavista is also known as Duke Stefan Square. This is a very romantic and cozy place, one of the most beautiful in the whole city. In the center there is an elegant stone fountain with drinking water, and the edges of the area are limited by palm trees. In the surrounding buildings there are small summer cafes, where it is very pleasant to wait out the midday heat while enjoying the ancient architecture of Belavista.

A local attraction of the square is the magnificent Orthodox Church of St. Michael the Archangel, which is recognized as an important architectural monument of the 19th century. In addition, there is a small tourist center on the square, which offers visitors a variety of excursions around the Old Town of Herceg Novi and its surroundings.

Coordinates: 42.45139800,18.53758200

Blue Cave

The Blue Cave in Herceg Novi is a grotto on the Adriatic coast. The reflection of sunlight at certain times of the day gives the grotto waters a special transparent turquoise color.

The Blue Cave can be reached by boat. Amazing spectral refractions of sunlight in the clear waters of the grotto give rise to a turquoise glow on the surface of the sea surface. Many shades of blue shimmer across the stone walls, reflected in the waters of the grotto.

Behind the dark and low arch of the cave lies the expanse of a light-filled grotto. The unexpected transition from pitch darkness to the dazzling radiance of heavenly color is amazing.

You can swim in the grotto by plunging into the water directly from the boat. Thanks to underground springs, the water in the grotto is several degrees warmer than outside.

Coordinates: 42.37425500,18.59736100

Herceg Novi embankment

Herceg Novi is a wonderful Montenegrin resort, pressed by the Orjen mountains close to the sea. The aristocracy has long loved to relax here, having managed to appreciate what the city’s discreet but delicate charm offers them.

The center of local life is the embankment. Stretching for several kilometers along the coast, it is considered one of the longest in Europe. Walking along it, you can visit several urban areas that were previously independent settlements. A huge number of establishments for a fun life are concentrated around the embankment. You can easily spend the whole day on the promenade, walking along the very picturesque shore and visiting restaurants and shops. In the summer, the vibrant local life is diversified by various festivals that take place here on the embankment.

An interesting fact is that for about 30 years there was a railway along the embankment, which was abolished in 1967.

Coordinates: 42.44969700,18.53925300

Church of St. Jerome

The Church of St. Jerome is a small, beautiful church in the lower part of the Old Town.

The time of construction is approximately the 16th century. In the 19th century, the church underwent large-scale restoration.

The temple was built in the neoclassical style, painted white and decorated with stucco ornaments.

According to some sources, previously there was a mosque on this site, which was destroyed immediately after the victory over the Turkish conquerors.

On the altar of the church, Saint Jerome, considered the main patron and protector of the city, is depicted next to the Virgin Mary.

Coordinates: 42.45804900,18.52468600

Church of the Archangel Michael

The small church of the Archangel Michael is the pride of the small town of Herceg Novi. It began to be built in 1883, the work was completed in 1911, at which time it was consecrated. Now it is considered the main Orthodox church of the city.

The small, cozy temple originally fused several styles in its appearance: one can distinguish between Romanesque Gothic and the influence of Byzantine and Islamic styles. But all the details of such a colorful heritage harmoniously coexist with each other, creating a captivating image of this church.

The inside of the temple is decorated with a magnificent marble iconostasis. Also inside are valuable icons by the famous Czech artist Sigler.

The church fits very well into the ensemble of the square.

Coordinates: 42.45246800,18.53682900

Sea fortress (Forte Mare)

Forte Mare, which means Sea Fortress, rises on the rocks in the old part of the flourishing city of Herceg Novi. This is part of the ancient defensive structures that protected the city in the Middle Ages. The emergence of the fortress presumably dates back to the 14th century. In the period before the 17th century, the fortress was reconstructed and expanded several times.

The fortress has its current appearance and size from the time of Ottoman rule, when battlements grew on its walls, and cannons appeared in the fortress itself. At that time, the fortress bore the name “Yaka Kula”, which means “powerful fortress” or “Kula Abaspashe”. The current name Morska kula (Sea Tower) was given to the fortress in the 18th century by the Venetians. And the fortress owes its modern appearance to the Austrians, who modified it somewhat.

The fortress had many secret passages, manholes and stairs. In 1833, the fort was reconstructed, and since 1952 the fortress began to be used as a summer cinema. Later, discos and concerts began to be held within its walls.

At the end of the 20th century, the fortress was restored again, and now Fort Marais is a famous tourist attraction. Through the gates within its walls you can go straight from the seashore to the top of the fortress, and if you climb to the upper floors of the fort, you will see a breathtaking view of the city and the sea

Coordinates: 42.45310100,18.53118900

Port of Herceg Novi

The port of Herceg Novi is one of the largest and most convenient urban transport hubs.

The city of Herceg Novi was formed on the Adriatic in the 14th century. Already in those days, the city port was of great importance for the development of Herceg Novi. Over the centuries of its existence, the port not only has not lost its charm and significance, but has also acquired new qualities. Today it is a convenient transport hub where ships from various countries arrive. The numerous silhouettes of yachts give it a special charm.

Another name for the city port is Shkver, which translates as “ship building”. In ancient times, sea vessels were actually actively built here. Nowadays, another interesting detail of the port is the presence of a city swimming pool right in the water area.

Coordinates: 42.45047300,18.53263600

Bloody Tower

Kanli Kula is a tower-fortress built by the Turks during Ottoman rule in the territory of Montenegro, Herceg Novi. There is no exact date of its construction, but it is known that this structure was erected in the 16th century. The location of the tower allowed it to be used as a reliable fortress defending the city from the enemy from the sea. From the observation deck of the fortress there is a panorama in which the sea is clearly visible.

However, the tower was not used for long as a fortress, and rather quickly turned into a prison and torture chamber. That is why the second name of the tower is Bloody.

Modern Kanli-Kula is, first of all, a wonderful observation deck from which you can endlessly admire the sea views and the front part of the coast, which captures part of the city.

In 1966, a summer stage and an amphitheater with more than 1,000 seats were built on the territory of the tower. Today, many cultural events, theatrical performances, concerts, etc. are held on the territory of the Kanli Kula Tower. This is one of the most beautiful summer stages and outdoor theater venues in Europe.

Inspection of the tower is paid and will cost you 1 euro per person.

Coordinates: 42.45234100,18.53797000

Fortress island Mamula

In the mid-19th century, the Austrian authorities built a small fortress here to protect the entire bay from potential intruders. The construction and subsequently the fortress itself was supervised by the Serbian general, governor of Dalmatia Lazar Mamula, in whose honor the fortress received its current name. Later, the island lost its original name and became known as Mamula.

During the First and Second World Wars, the island was used by occupying forces as a transit point.

Today, the Mamula fortress represents one of the largest and most fundamental fortifications on the Adriatic Sea. The monumentality of the structure and the quality with which it was built in its time, the precision of its forms and excellent functionality allow it to remain today one of the most reliable fortresses in its region.

It is not in use and is currently protected as a cultural monument. However, the island itself is not closed and day trips by boat are quite common. To get here, you need to buy a ticket on a boat departing from Herceg Novi.

The authorities are considering projects to resume the work of the Mamula fortress and create an exclusive tourism zone on its territory with all the infrastructure, subject to the preservation of the original form and monumentality of the structure.

Coordinates: 42.39533500,18.55837600

The most popular attractions in Herceg Novi with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Herceg Novi on our website.

Herceg Novi is a city of slender people, that’s how I remember it. Judge for yourself what the inhabitants of a city can be like, in which there is not a single level street; all the streets are a continuous labyrinth of stairs and ladders. However, “City of a Thousand Steps” is another alternative name.

The city is very green and pedestrian, like all medieval settlements, it has a labyrinth of narrow streets. You can only explore the historical part on foot; transport simply cannot get through here. During the high tourist season, Herceg Novi is flooded with tourists, and the squares and streets can even be crowded.

In fact, it is the Old Part of Herceg Novi that most attracts tourists; there are none at all on the outskirts. Tour groups are quite predictable, they use the same paths and rarely deviate from the beaten path. Knowing this simple life hack, you can explore all the sights almost alone. It’s very easy to get around the tourist crowds; to do this, you should walk along one of the parallel streets; this trick will significantly save your time.

How to get there

Herceg Novi is located practically on the border with Croatia and Bosnia and Herzigovina, and has a sea border with Croatia. The city is the northernmost Montenegrin resort, if you do not take into account the small village of Igalo. About city transport, read the link.

Due to its remote location, not all conventional transport methods will be economically viable; often renting a car is much more profitable than taking intercity buses. It sounds strange, but it's a fact.

By intercity bus- despite its remoteness, Herceg Novi can be reached by public buses. If you live in Budva, you can use direct buses (via the Lepetane-Kamenari ferry crossing), or ride along the entire Boka Kotor Bay (the bus goes to all stops).

As part of a group excursion- Herceg Novi is included in the route of the most popular Montenegrin excursion “Excursion to the Boka Kotor Bay”, which you simply must visit.

In one day you will see the most striking sights of the most beautiful region of Montenegro. During the excursion you will visit several medieval cities (including Herceg Novi), swim in the Blue Cave, visit Zhanitsa beach, etc. How a group excursion around the Bay of Kotor works, read the link.

Why go to Herceg Novi

When you ask a similar question to our compatriots who have lived in this city for a long time, they counter ask their own question in the style of “Why go to Montenegro and settle somewhere else?” As a rule, what follows is praise and all sorts of embellishments of the city and its environs.

If you answer the above question briefly, it will turn out something like this:

  • the city is very green;
  • quiet and relaxing holiday;
  • there is all the necessary infrastructure;
  • there is a famous hospital nearby (in Igalo);
  • excellent sea (or rather bay) and several pebble beaches;
  • beautiful nature and nice townspeople.

There are sometimes too many tourists in the city center, although when compared with Budva and other resort towns, not so many. In general, you can find housing here for all occasions; you can live in a calm and quiet area, next to the Savina Monastery, in the historical center, or in a noisy tourist center (on the embankment towards Igalo).

Herceg Novi stretches along the bay; most tourists prefer to settle a little away from the historical center and the city port. There are good rental options in the upper part of the city (above the highway), but this is for those who are willing to walk a lot.

Here are the most popular accommodation places in Herceg Novi (according to tourists’ reviews):

Museums Herceg Novi

There are not many museums in the city, and I never managed to visit some of them, but I am very persistent.

Museum of Local Lore

The local history museum is located a little away from the historical part of the city, in the Topla area. The museum is a mix of a Botanical Garden outside and an Art Gallery inside. All this luxury is located in an old palace of the 18th century, which once belonged to Mirko Komnenovic.

Maritime Museum in the Old Town

Three flags proudly flutter over one of the city squares of the Old Town: Russian, Montenegrin and St. Andrew's. It was this amazing combination that attracted me to explore this place in more detail. It turned out that the Russian flag was placed over the territory of the Maritime Museum, which is also called the “Museum of 100 Anchors.”

During all my visits to the city, the museum was locked and it was impossible to get into its territory. A little later they explained to me that most of the exhibition is displayed in the open air, and there is no need to try to go inside.

Fortresses of Herceg Novi

Knowing the military history of the city, you should definitely visit its fortresses and defensive structures. Some of the fortifications are located on the territory of the Old Town, one fortress high above the city, and several more far out to sea (fortresses Mamula, Arza, etc.), they belong territorially to Herceg Novi.

Some of the defensive structures look quite good, they are looked after and used in everyday life, others are in ruins or completely destroyed. Let's start from the very bottom of the city, right from the surf line.

Sea fortress

At the very edge of the water we are greeted by the impregnable walls of the Sea Fortress. This stone giant grew up on the shores of the Bay of Kotor in the 14th century; for a long time it protected the townspeople from uninvited guests. Today it houses an open-air cinema.

Citadel

If you walk along the embankment in a southern direction, you can see the once impregnable Citadel, which nevertheless could not withstand the onslaught of the natural elements and collapsed. Now its destroyed walls serve as a free sun lounger for vacationing tourists.

Clock tower

It is unknown how defensive this structure was, but it is believed that the entrance to the city was made through this tower, i.e. it housed one of the city gates.

West Tower

If you go a little higher, you will see the “West Tower”. This building really looks like a serious defensive facility, it’s a pity that you can’t visit it.

Tower of St. Jerome

The location of this watchtower is clearly visible on the map, but I could not find it on the spot. Questions from the local population led to nothing. Materials are published on the Internet with the caption “Tower of St. Jerome”, which depict the tower from Mich Pavlovich Square, but the map says that this is a completely different object.

Bloody Tower or Kanli-Kula

We go up the city staircase streets to the level of the Jadranski Put highway, this is where one of the largest fortresses of Herceg Novi is located - the Bloody Tower.

Spaniola Fortress

Another fortress was built high above the city - Spaniola, which can be translated as a Spanish fortress, but the Spaniards stayed in Herceg Novi for only one year and have no special connection to this fortress. I remember the fortress because my DSLR broke on its territory, which forced me to buy a new camera and come back here again.

Port in the Old Town

Most tourists begin their acquaintance with Herceg Novi from its picturesque port. It is to the city port that numerous tourist ships with tourist landings come. The local port is a great place for a selfie, I would even say that it was simply created for this activity.

Life is always in full swing near the city port; shops and restaurants can be found in the neighborhood, and the multi-kilometer embankment literally invites you to stroll along it.

A huge open-air swimming pool was built right in the port, the structure is grandiose, and in my opinion completely useless. Who would want to swim in chlorinated water when there is a real sea nearby?

In the area of ​​the city port, you can buy one of the sea excursions and go relax on the famous Zhanitsa beach, swim in the Blue Cave and wander around the abandoned fort-prison Mamule.

City embankment

As I said earlier, Herceg Novi has a long promenade, no matter which direction you go along it, you are guaranteed a long walk along the Bay of Kotor. Unlike the Budva embankment, where you have to walk single file during the tourist season, the embankment in Herceg Novi is wide and magnificent. The rest of the tourist infrastructure (cafes, restaurants, shops, etc.) is identical to Budva.

Not many, most of the swimming places are a cozy concrete shore with sun loungers, beach umbrellas and other tourist attractions.

It is worth mentioning the presence of paid beaches, which somehow relate to expensive hotels, during the high tourist season - this is perhaps the best place to relax. In principle, all city beaches are municipal and should be free; you only have to pay for the rental of umbrellas and sun loungers. Sometimes you can come with your own mat and sunbathe absolutely free, but there may be different nuances.

In addition to paid places for beach holidays, Herceg Novi has many wild places for swimming and relaxing. Conventionally, “wild” beaches run along the entire embankment, one after another. Most of them are completely free and available to everyone. The quality of swimming on them may be no different from paid analogues (not everyone will agree with me here).

Beach near the Savina monastery

This is a pebble beach at a sufficient distance from the main tourist scene. The main contingent of vacationers are guests of expensive apartments, usually wealthy travelers and local tourists.

Beach Sting

The beach is located under the walls of the Sea Fortress and is considered the main city beach. The beach is pebble, despite the proximity of the port, there are always a lot of people here. The place is very popular and overcrowded.

All the necessary infrastructure is present (cafe, shower, toilet), especially if you come on vacation during the high season. The beach is convenient because of its location, and the presence of powerful fortress walls in the background makes the photos from this beach monumental.

Beach near the yacht club

On the other side of the city port, you can find convenient concrete sections of the shore with landscaped stairs. The entire coastline in this place is “rolled” into concrete, which does not prevent people from sunbathing, swimming and enjoying life. There is also a huge outdoor swimming pool.

Beach near the tunnel in Igalo

The most romantic and small beach in Herceg Novi, located on the way to the neighboring village of Igalo. In front of the rocky outcrop through which the tunnel is cut, there is a small section of coastline, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. There is only one drawback: there is too little space, and there are too many people interested.

If you continue your journey towards Igalo, you can find quite a lot of pleasant places to relax, but for a more comfortable beach holiday, I recommend going to Zhanitsa beach for the whole day.

Have a nice holiday in Herceg Novi.

She traveled through the Balkans with her husband and parents, and one day I accompanied them along the Boka Kotor Bay. I’ll just show you part of how we walked around Herceg Novi. Today you will see the city in winter colors, as it was cloudy, plus I will give you tips on what to see in Herceg Novi in ​​a couple of hours.

Just look at the color of the Adriatic! Is it really like this in the summer, when a crowd of tourists splashes in the water? What is this city interesting for you, besides swimming in the sea,- ask me? First, in general history, read about Admiral Dmitry Senyavin, who expelled the French and Austrians from the bay with the Montenegrins and Bokelians. Secondly, the cute architecture and fortresses. Thirdly, this city is close to Emir Kusturica, in a sense it replaced his native Sarajevo. Fourthly, Herceg Novi is fighting for the title European Capital of Culture for 2021, the second round has already passed.

Even in January, Hereg Novi is beautiful, green and colorful! A sign of winter is ripe citrus fruits. I picked this kumquat from the Savina monastery, it helps with hangovers, by the way:) I wrote about the benefits of kumquat.

I also tried oranges there, but as expected, they were wild and sour. You can see this tree in the photo

Let me go back a little, this is the town of Lepetane with a couple of hundred inhabitants.

The fastest way to get from Budva or Tivat to Herceg Novi is to take a ferry, it is free for people, you have to pay for the size of the transport. A regular passenger car costs 4.5 euros. It operates around the clock, all year round, depending on occupancy, there are several such ferries here. While you are sailing, you can get out of the car and take photos from both sides. Behind Vera you can see the town of Kamenari, where the ferry docks.

What I show first is the Savina Monastery on the outskirts. Approaching the roundabout on the highway, we turn left (), and after 200 m we look for parking at the monastery, there are two of them. There is one highlight of this church - it is a panoramic platform from where the photo was taken. Find the stairs behind the cemetery, it leads to the old church. Or ask the priest where Vidikovac (panoramic platform) is.

The second interesting fact of the Savina monastery is that the director of the entire Balkans, Emir Kusturica, converted to Orthodoxy here, and also buried his parents nearby. Once I walked around three cemeteries, and it turned out that although he was an atheist, his relics were buried in a Muslim cemetery not far from here... The director is very popular here, last summer he was awarded the literary prize “The Seal of Duke Stephen,” the same ruler who which gave Paul its name to the city in the 15th century after its title. The jury, with the blessing of Metropolitan Amfilohije, awarded Kusturica the award for his literary and artistic activities that serve the cause of preserving the Serbian identity, values ​​and dignity of the Serbian people.

In the photo I am standing at the grave of a Don Cossack and his descendants. The large Russian cemetery of “white emigrants” is located a little further - on the street. Monastyrskaya. About our compatriots who fled to Royal Yugoslavia a century ago

Since I want to make the story useful for tourists, and not just for viewing the Montenegrin winter, I drew our route by hand. 1 - Savina monastery. 2 - cemetery of white emigrants. Next, go onto the highway until the traffic light and turn left to Negosheva Street. Most often I park my car right behind the post office, this is number 3 ( marked on the map too). The price of this parking is always 80 cents per hour. But there are also cheaper ones for 50 c or free in the yards.

Every Montenegrin city has a street dedicated to the ruler Njegos, who now rests in a mausoleum on Mount Lovcen. In Herceg Novi, the famous “Gradska Kafana” is located on it (on map 4). In the summer I always stop for coffee and cake, and all the tourists happily agree :)) The reason is to show the relaxed lifestyle of the locals, the importance of communication and seeing beauty. The big plus of this cafe is the panorama. You can see the open sea, the fortress, the old part of the city, the water polo pool, yachts...

By the 15th day we were already hungry, the cafe did not suit us, but 50 meters below by the smell we identified an eatery where they make roshtl (grilled meat). To eat inexpensively in Montenegro with a large group, I advise you to take mixed meso (cold meat) and a couple of salads.

At the fork after the Gradskaya Kafana, everyone usually goes left along the pedestrian street, ending up in the historical part of the city and its main Nikola Djurkovic Square (on map 5). There is still a Christmas tree, the cafes are deserted, like the stairs at Sakhat Kula. This means that no one will interfere with photography! If you wish, you can conquer the Turkish fortress of Kanli Kulu, it can be seen on the edge on the left. A little lower there is the Bosnian fortress of Forte Mare, and above the highway there is the Spanish-Turkish Spaniola, but in ruins. But every tourist will find entertainment in the city to suit his taste :))

Having walked through the Clock Tower along the 60 steps of King Tvrtko, we found ourselves in Belavista Square with the Orthodox Church of St. Michael the Archangel (on map 6). We still had hay lying around and oak branches standing. All this after the holidays Badnidan (Oak Day) and Bozhich (Christmas)

Turning around, you will see the City Archives, a radio station, a library, and a fountain. And I only see cats

Then we walked along the street of Marko Voinovich, who was born here andfamous in our homeland. He was one of the founders of the Black Sea Fleet in the Russian Empire. EThe old house was reconstructed by a Parisian woman into a tourist villa, you will see it on the left, there is still a memorial plaque hanging on it. And we go to the Church of St. Jerome and the Music School (on map 7). Here you can see the museum of anchors. To the left of the palm tree, 3 white flagpoles are visible; in the summer, the Russian, Montenegrin and St. Andrew's flags flutter there.

There is an excellent panorama of access to the open sea; Boka Kotorska ends at this point. In summer, from the Herceg Novi embankment you can take a boat to the fortress island of Mamula (if the hotel is not closed for construction), to Zanice beach and the Blue Caves.

Some people ask why go to Montenegro in winter when the weather is so gray? But no! It was +16 air temperature on January 11! And the flowers and greenery are so pleasing to the eye!

A cactus is blooming in someone's yard

Bougainvillea

Opposite the Sea Fortress stands the Bosnian king Tvrtko, who founded the city. Bosnia was then a strong state with a large territory, and Herceg Novi was at first called Sveti Stefan.

We pass by the building of the former railway station of Herceg Novi, now there is a restaurant

And a train used to run along the embankment; the branch was laid by the Austrians at the beginning of the 20th century; the communists dismantled the road in the 60s due to unprofitability. And with the development of tourism, how can a train run near the sea and beaches? Now it is a 7-km walking area with cacti and cafes.

On the other side is the charming Adriatic

Herceg Novi is one of the most beautiful cities in Montenegro. I went there for one day and almost fell in love, I will soon write a photo post about the beaches and share my observations.

But it’s impossible to get a feel for and get to know a place in one day, so you need “the help of a friend.”


Herceg Novi beach in windy weather

In addition to beach holidays, there are many other entertainments in Herceg Novi and the surrounding area:

  • Boat ride on the Bay of Kotor (20€ per person, including meals and visits to several islands). Pleasure boats depart from the central pier (next to Feral Konoba) and from Skver Beach. Tickets can be purchased in advance at tourist centers in the city. There are shorter trips on boats that cost less 8€ . They run along the coast and you don’t need to buy tickets in advance.
  • Visit to the Blue Cave– a spacious grotto in a steep rock. It is better to plan a trip to the cave in sunny weather, because it is when the rays penetrate deep into the cave and are reflected in the sea water that the vaults acquire a beautiful bluish color. You can also get to the cave by booking a boat or speedboat excursion.
  • Visit to an ancient Orthodox church Savina Monastery, which is only 2 kilometers from the city towards Kotor. The place is very beautiful, calm and atmospheric.

Sea surface off the coast of Herceg Novi

Conclusion

We lived in this Balkan country for quite a long time, made a 7-day trip plan around Montenegro, admired its beauty and originality, but Herceg Novi somehow sunk into our souls in a special way - it is not so noisy, but at the same time lively and cheerful, like Budva, you can enjoy tranquility in it, like in Kotor, and from it it is relatively convenient to get to Durmitor, so Herceg Novi is an ideal place that can be a starting point for both a holiday in Montenegro and a trip around this country.