Known as the town of 100,001 steps, Herceg Novi is an overlooked coastal jewel residing along the shores of the Bay of Kotor in the Adriatic Sea. Filled with ancient alleyways to wander, hulking medieval fortifications to explore, and pristine bodies of water to enjoy lots of water recreation, this small town that boasts more than 200 days a year of sunshine makes a great getaway for those seeking Europe’s intriguing past with a dose of present-day entertainment. Locals are easygoing and open-air markets and breezy beaches offer a welcome diversion for tourists. Ready to discover this age-old town? Then you must scroll down to see the top things to do in Herceg Novi, Montenegro.
1. Uncover the city's heart at Herceg Novi Old Town
Take a g glimpse into Herceg Novi’s medieval past by walking the streets of Herceg Novi Old Town. This splendid area is filled with ancient architecture and touristy delights like charming cafes, tasty eateries, and ample souvenir shops. More than 600 years in existence, the entire section of Old Town is encompassed by a wall and you must climb many flights of steps to reach the interior. Old Town features a handsome clock tower and a bustling main square where you can grab a coffee and check out establishments like modest book stores that offer English-language reads by famed Yugoslav writers.
Herceg Novi Old Town
Address: Herceg Novi, Montenegro
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
2. Relish entertainment in a rare setting at Kanli Kula Fortress
Of the collection of Herceg Novi’s fortresses, Kanli Kula Fortress is the biggest. When the Ottoman Turks ruled this area in the 16th century the site was a Turkish prison - also known as Bloody Tower. Today Kanli Kula Fortress serves as a wonderful open-air amphitheater where visitors can enjoy entertaining concerts, theatrical performances, and outdoor movie screenings year-round. Every July there’s a popular music festival called Suncane Skale. This beautiful attraction also offers spectacular panoramic views of the entire Herceg Novi coastline!
Kanli Kula Fortress
Address: Herceg Novi, Montenegro
Website: Kanli Kula Fortress
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)
Price: 2 USD
3. Witness jaw-dropping views at the imposing Forte Mare
Dramatically perched above the sea is Forte Mare. This formidable and historic waterfront fortress is a particularly big draw for tourists because it provides impeccable picturesque views of the city, bay, and coastline. In 1979, an earthquake broke off a significant portion of the fortification known as Fort Citadela and the rocky remnants can be seen jutting from the water when strolling along the promenade. Forte Mare not only offers a history lesson of Herceg Novi’s past, but this space is also one of the venues for the yearly Festival of Cinema held in August.
Forte Mare
Address: Herceg Novi, Montenegro
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 3 USD
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Stroll the breezy Promenade Pet Danica
Comprised of 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) between Igalo and Meljine, Promenade Pet Danica is a delightful breezy diversion that stretches along Herceg Novi’s beautiful coastline and is a popular feature among tourists and locals. This boardwalk offers easy access to delicious restaurants, tasty fruit stands, pebbled beaches, charming shops, and comfy rental lodgings. Stroll the area and drink in the ambiance, grab a tantalizing ice cream cone at a creamery, or dine on fresh seafood at a cozy eatery. For nighttime action, you can hit one of several lively bars or clubs.
Promenade Pet Danica
Address: Herceg Novi, Montenegro
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
5. Take a refreshing dip at Zanjic Cove
Boasting the clearest water in the Adriatic, Zanjic Cove offers deep blue water, a pebbled shoreline, and magnificent olive groves along this 984-foot (300-meter) beach. Zanjic Cove is an idyllic place to spend a sunny and relaxed afternoon. A beachside escape, Zanjic Cove is one of the most popular spots in Herceg Novi to gather on a warm day. If you want to pick up the pace there’s plenty of water recreation available. A nice trek is a boat trip - either private or with a group - to the Blue Cave which offers exhilarating scenery and a nice swim.
6. Marvel at the time-worn beauty of Savina Monastery
Surrounded by rich greenery and vegetation and residing near the beautiful Bay of Kotor, Savina Monastery offers a picture-perfect setting. An ornate Serbian Orthodox monastery comprised of no less than three churches, this lovely site has been in existence since 1030! A tiny museum is also on the premises and highlights many interesting and treasured artifacts. When exploring, make sure you stroll the path towards the graveyard where you’ll discover amazing views of the bay and the city.
Savina Monastery
Address: Monastery Route, Herceg - Novi, Montenegro
Website: Savina Monastery
Opening hours: Sunrise - sunset (daily)
Price: Free
7. Look with wonder at St. Michael Archangel Church
St. Michael Archangel Church is located in the charming and compact Belavista Square - the main square in Old Town. St. Michael Archangel Church is a dazzling piece of architecture that was erected in 1911. You need only look as far as its compelling construction to witness Herceg Novi’s rich and varied culture and influences through the centuries. From the tall Gothic windows to the gorgeous Romanesque arches and the dominant Byzantine dome, this place of worship offers a feast for the eyes.
Saint. Michael Archangel Church
Address: Herceg Novi, Montenegro
Website: Saint. Michael Archangel Church
Opening hours: Sunrise - sunset (daily)
Price: Free
8. Uncover Herceg Novi's bygone era at Zavičajni muzej
If you want to delve into Herceg Novi’s past then you must visit Zavičajni muzej or Homeland Museum. Encompassed by a lovely botanical garden in a park-like setting, this 19th-century structure provides breathtaking views and is home to compelling artifacts from the region’s vast ancient history. There are even a few exhibits highlighting relics found from excavations and shipwrecks! The grounds are stellar: filled with unique plants and lush subtropical vegetation. Just moments from the sea, visitors can rest in the garden area and enjoy absolute tranquility listening to the sounds of the waves at this fabulous tourist attraction.
Zavičajni muzej
Address: 9 Mirka Komnenovića, Herceg Novi, Montenegro
Website: Zavičajni muzej
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 7pm (closed on Sun)
9. Take a splendid jaunt to Mamula Fortress
An imposing circular figure on a small islet at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, Mamula Fortress was erected in the 19th century and bears the name of the Austrian governor General Lazar Mamula who built it. During World War I, the structure served as a prison. Later it was used as a concentration camp by Italy’s fascist regime during World War II. When exploring the site, beware of flocks of seagulls that are known to swoop down on tourists unexpectedly. There are also wild rabbits hopping about. While on this rocky island, visitors can engage in water sports such as swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
10. Sample the area's top-notch vino at Savina Winery
With the mesmerizing Savina Monastery as a backdrop, Savina Winery is a premier vineyard in an inviting atmosphere. Showcasing a beautiful sun-soaked grape plantation, Savina Winery pledges a commitment to excellence when it comes to their wine-making. This winery still grows its wares the way it was done in the 18th century. Only the finest grapes are picked and the wine is aged in French oak barrels on the premises in the estate’s cellar. Take a tour and sample some of the best rosé, Chardonnay, and variety of reds in the region.
Savina Winery
Address: Branka Ćopića 7d, Herceg - Novi 85340, Montenegro
Website: Savina Winery
Hello, Herceg Novi
Herceg Novi offers the classic European summer holiday. From ancient fortresses and captivating swimming coves to delicious wine-tasting at top vineyards, you won’t be disappointed when you tour this enamoring section of Montenegro.
Due to COVID-19 many - if not all - attractions may be closed or have limited access so check the attraction’s website or the country’s official webpage for up-to-date information.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to