The 7 things to do in Herceg Novi

Are you on vacation in Dubrovnik and would like to escape a little? So go to Montenegro to visit Herceg Novi!

When Montenegro is referred to as a travel destination, the towns of Kotor or Tivat are regularly the most cited. Yet Montenegro is full of treasures unknown to French tourists. Places that have nothing to envy the showcases of local tourism. The city of Herceg Novi is one of these still preserved and uncovered destinations.

Located close to Croatia, in the far west of the Kotor Buttes, Herceg Novi is very easily accessible, whether or not we are vehiculated. Due to the small size of the city, visiting Herceg Novi can be done quite quickly. However, it is recommended to spend one night there. You will then be able to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere and admire the view of Kotor’s Mouths that you never get tired of.

On the way, to discover the seven essential things to do in Herceg Novi!

1. Old town

Visit Herceg Novi begins first and foremost with its old town, a must-see in Montenegro. Any city that respects its old town or stari grad ! Herceg Novi does not derogate from the rule and is her main interest. Yet, the old town of Herceg Novi differs significantly from that of Kotor. Everything seems different: architecture, buildings, many steps to go up or down, the situation... It must be said that Herceg Novi does not have the same story as Kotor: sometimes under Serbian, Italian and Ottoman domination, this mixture makes the city resemble little of its Montenegrin consœur or even of its Dubrovnik .

There are several access to the old town but the main one is on the left of the main avenue Njegoševa . Take your time to admire every street and every corner. If the weather is nice on the day of the visit, then you can enjoy a good lunch, dinner and/or coffee on the terrace. Although tourist attendance tends to increase, Herceg Novi remains a much quieter place than Dubrovnik or even Kotor. Feel calm!

2. The monastery of Savina

The most iconic monument in the east, it is also one of its most emblematic to visit in Herceg Novi. The origins of the monastery date back to the 11th century and some relics always date from that time. Built for various reasons, the whole building is rebuilt during the 17th and 17th centuries. Composed of three orthodox Serbian churches, the monastery is worth a look at those who have never visited orthodox buildings or who have not been able to visit the monastery of Ostrog.

The main attraction of the monastery is not the building itself but its location. And we are told that the little walk is worth it! Surrounded by beautiful vegetation and palm trees, built on the heights of Herceg Novi and adjoining the forest of Savina, the place is conducive to rest and admiration of the landscape. The highlight of the show is the splendid view of the bay! This view is also one of the most beautiful in the whole country. The visit is, to date, free. So just look at Herceg Novi to take her eyes...

3. Fortress Kanli Kula

The bloody tower is the meaning of Kanli Kula in Turkish! Is it because of the complex and tiring access for those who walk there? Or rather for his abominable story? Take option 2! Built by the then masters of the region, the fortress was above all a prison. It was here that the local opponents were imprisoned (and tortured) to the handy of the Ottoman Empire. We dare not imagine what happened there.

Built in the 16th century, the fortress is not the most delightful place to visit Herceg Novi under its most beautiful day. But she's part of her story. Today, the monument, well renovated, welcomes many concerts and shows in the summer. A nice revenge! The visit is fast and offers, once again, a magnificent view of the Kotor Palate. The entrance fee is 2€ free for children.

There are three other fortresses to make in Herceg Novi. The first is the Spanish fortress, which is far higher, and which is accessible free of charge. It is not really maintained, which offers a certain charm. The second is the fortress of the sea, which is close to the marina, whose entrance price is identical to Kanli Kula. The third is located west of the fortress of the sea and is no more than ruins the citadel, with accessibility, there too, free of charge.

4. Coffee Gradska Kafana and restaurant Tri Lipe

Located on the Njegoševa , at the main entrance of the old town, this café enjoys a considerable advantage over others: its location. Indeed, we can't be better seated to admire the view of Kotor's Palate while drinking his coffee or sipping a cocktail! While prices are a little higher than in the old town, it is easy to understand why given the restaurant's situation.

It is also possible to recover on site. However, in all honesty, apart from the magnificent view, this restaurant does not have any gustative interest. For food, another restaurant is worth it: Tri Lipe. Located close to the small marina, in a small alley, it is a must for fish lovers! In addition, everything is local: beautiful portions, very low price. Keep in mind, the restaurant can quickly become crowded in peak hours.

5. Place Belavista

The old town of Herceg Novi has its gathering point for who is lost there. This one is named Belavista and seems quite classic at first sight. Yet, after a few seconds, one feels literally taken away by this charming little church, this beautiful fountain, these beautiful terraces and, of course... this beautiful view of the bay. Place Belavista reveals all its charms on sunny days.

Unlike the Gradska Kafana, a little tourist, drink a good Turkish coffee like the locals ( kuvana kafa ) on Place Belavista, is a real local and authentic experience. We don’t get tired of the panorama surrounding us, such as these little frescoes on the walls of a café. Place Belavista is the ideal place to visit Herceg Novi otherwise, the time of a rest deserved after a few hours of walking.

6. The beach

Are you looking for what to do in Herceg Novi for a bit of stuffing? Although Kotor's Bouches are not necessarily the ideal place for the beach, there are some nice spots. It is useful to specify that many are very small sizes and/or are not available free of charge in the summer. Rafaelo Beach, Beach Topla, Žalo, Bla Beach... There is the embarrassment of choice! The largest is Bla Beach but it’s also the most frequented. Out of season, attendance is less, especially during the week. And it can still be very hot in September!

7. Igalo

Herceg Novi's bird, Igalo has been known for its thermal properties since ancient times. It is in Igalo that the largest spa in Montenegro is located: the perfect place to relax on a tiring journey. Igalo is as quiet as Herceg Novi and its beach is more accessible.

Finally, for history enthusiasts or, if there is still, of the late Yugoslavia, it is in Igalo that the former private residence of the former president of the country, Josip Broz Tito. Called Villa Galeb, it is located behind the Igalo Spa Hotel and visits for 3€.

How to get to Herceg Novi?

By plane from France

Herceg Novi with no airport, you will have to choose between two airports if you are going to visit Herceg Novi from France:

• Dubrovnik : located at 1h15 drive, Dubrovnik Airport is well served but the border crossing can be long in the summer. Note that in the absence of public transport, you must take a taxi or rent a car on site.
• Podgorica : although at 2:30 a.m. on the road, it presents the advantage of placing you in Montenegrin lands. Just take a taxi to the city centre and then take a bus to Herceg Novi.

Whatever your departure city, do not hesitate to consult a standard flight comparison Skyscanner in order to gauge prices and thus opt for the best offer. You can compare depending on your departure dates and/or departure or arrival airports.

By bus or car from Montenegro

Once in the region, the bus is clearly the easiest and most economical means of transport. As in winter, many buses provide daily connections from Dubrovnik and any city of Montenegro.

For those who opt for a certain freedom, renting a vehicle is not so expensive, even in the high season. If you land in one of the airports mentioned above, you can do it rent a vehicle in one of the available agencies on site.

Where to stay in Herceg Novi?

Herceg Novi being a small town, it is very easy to stay in the center. There are everything: big hotels, like Perla or Plaža, many apartments Airbnb . Prices are very accessible, even in the summer, so the absence of a youth hostel does not pose a particular problem.

For those who want more tranquility, there are beautiful villas located in height with a breathtaking view of the Kotor Bouches. If you opt for the hotel, do not hesitate to consult the various offers on a hotel Compare hotels : depending on your preferential dates and options, you will have an overview of the best rates.

You are now ready to visit Herceg Novi, a good trip!