Herceg Novi

Montenegro

About Herceg Novi

Herceg Novi sits at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, earning its nickname "the city of sun and mimosa." Founded in 1382, the town cascades down a steep hillside to the waterfront, with fortress walls, staircases, and lush Mediterranean vegetation creating a unique and photogenic townscape.

Thanks to its strategic position, Herceg Novi was ruled by the Bosnians, Turks, Venetians, Spanish, French, and Austrians, leaving behind an extraordinary mix of architectural styles. Today it is known for its mild climate, botanical richness, and the annual Mimosa Festival celebrating the arrival of spring.

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Quick Tips

Currency: Euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted. ATMs available in the town center and near the waterfront.
Transport: Be prepared for stairs — lots of them. The town is built on a steep hillside. Water taxis connect to beaches and across the bay. Local buses run to Kotor and Dubrovnik.
Tipping: Round up or leave 10% at restaurants. Small tips for water taxi drivers are appreciated.
Croatia access: The Croatian border is just 25 km away. Dubrovnik makes an easy day trip, but expect queues at the border in summer.
Blue Cave: Book a boat trip to the Blue Cave (Plava Špilja) at Luštica Peninsula. The vivid blue light inside is unforgettable. Best visited on calm, sunny mornings.

Interesting Places to Visit

Forte Mare

A medieval sea fortress at the waterfront, originally built by the Bosnian king Tvrtko I. Today it hosts open-air cinema and concerts in summer. Offers lovely views of the bay entrance and the open sea. Small entry fee.

Kanli Kula Fortress

An Ottoman-era fortress ("Bloody Tower") perched above the Old Town with panoramic views. Now converted into an open-air amphitheater seating 1,000, it hosts performances during the Herceg Novi Film Festival and summer events.

Savina Monastery

A serene Serbian Orthodox monastery complex dating to the 11th century, set among ancient trees and Mediterranean gardens. The small church has remarkable 15th-century frescoes. A peaceful haven just a short walk from the town center.

Old Town & Clock Tower

The charming Old Town features narrow streets connecting Ottoman, Venetian, and Austrian buildings. The Sahat Kula (Clock Tower) at the entrance is the town's symbol. Explore churches, galleries, and cafés built into the medieval walls.

Žanjice Beach & Blue Cave

Žanjice is a beautiful pebble beach on the Luštica Peninsula, accessible by boat from Herceg Novi. Combine it with a visit to the nearby Blue Cave (Plava Špilja), where sunlight creates an ethereal blue glow inside the grotto.

Mamula Island Fortress

A 19th-century Austro-Hungarian fortress on a small island at the bay entrance. Visible from Herceg Novi's waterfront, it has been converted into a luxury hotel but the island's history and dramatic setting make it worth a boat trip past.

Pet Danica Promenade

A beautiful 7 km seaside promenade stretching along the bay. Lined with cafés, palm trees, and swimming platforms. Perfect for an evening stroll or morning jog with views across the water to the mountains.

When to Visit

Herceg Novi enjoys one of the mildest climates on the Adriatic with lush vegetation year-round:

🌸 Spring (March – May)

Magical season. The famous Mimosa Festival in February/March kicks things off. Temperatures climb from 13–23°C with blooming gardens and quiet streets.

Mimosa Festival (late Feb – early Mar)
Lush botanical gardens in bloom
Ideal hiking temperatures

☀️ Summer (June – August)

Warm and sunny (24–32°C). Peak beach season with water taxis running frequently to Žanjice and other beaches. Herceg Novi Film Festival adds cultural flair. Book ahead.

Herceg Novi Film Festival
Best time for Blue Cave visits
Lively waterfront nightlife

🍂 Autumn (September – November)

Lovely through October (15–25°C). Sea is warm enough for swimming into October. Fewer tourists, great food with seasonal ingredients. November brings rain.

Chestnut and olive harvest
Quieter beaches
Beautiful autumn light on the bay

❄️ Winter (December – February)

Mild (5–13°C) but the rainiest season. Herceg Novi gets more rain than Kotor. Many seasonal businesses close. Mimosa trees start blooming in February — a unique sight.

Carnival celebrations
Early mimosa blossoms
Budget-friendly accommodation

Where to Eat (Affordable & Good)

Herceg Novi's food reflects its multicultural history. Fresh seafood and Montenegrin mountain cuisine meet Mediterranean flavors:

Konoba Feral$ – $$

A beloved waterfront konoba with tables right by the sea. Outstanding grilled fish, black risotto, and mussels buzara. The catch of the day is always fresh. Excellent value for the waterfront location. Mains €8–15.

Konoba Kruso$ – $$

Hidden gem in the Old Town serving traditional Montenegrin dishes with a modern twist. Try their stuffed squid or lamb slow-cooked under the sač. Charming stone courtyard setting.

Restoran Gradska Kafana$

The "City Café" is a local institution on the main square. Affordable daily specials, good coffee, and people-watching. Classic Montenegrin comfort food — try the stuffed peppers or ćevapi. Full meals under €8.

Portofino$$

Elegant waterfront restaurant with excellent Italian-inspired seafood dishes. The seafood pasta and whole grilled branzino are highlights. Beautiful terrace overlooking the bay. Mains €12–20.

Safari$

Popular with locals for fast, generous, and cheap Balkan grills. Huge pljeskavica burgers, ćevapi platters, and fresh salads. No-frills setting but unbeatable value. A full meal for €5–7.

Ribarsko Selo$$ – $$$

A "fishing village" restaurant on the waterfront in nearby Igalo with its own dock. Specializes in fresh-caught fish and seafood platters. The setting is magical at sunset. Worth the short walk from Herceg Novi.