Herceg Novi

Herceg Novi is a charming coastal town in Montenegro, located at the western entrance to the bay of Kontor at the foot of Mount Orjen. The name Herceg Novi means "New Castle" and was founded 600 years ago, in 1832, by the Bosnian King Tvrtko. Herceg Novi is a growing Montenegrin tourist destination. It is becoming well known as a spa and health center as nearby Igalo has copious amounts of healing sea mud and mineral springs.

Visiting Herceg Novi

There is an excellent anchorage in the bay of Kotor within the municipality of Herceg Novi. Surrounded by stunning mountainous landscapes with good protection from wind and swell. Anchors hold well in the muddy seabed at depths of approximately 7 – 10 meters. Port Herceg is a small central port with 70 mooring berths and is a perfect location for accessing the old town. Below the old town is the Herceg Novi beach, which has a gray fine pebble terrain leading into the warm calm aquamarine waters; sea shoes are recommended when visiting this location. There are sunbeds and umbrellas available for tourists wanting to escape the hot sun rays. The beach is very popular in the high season with many rocky inlets along the shoreline that can be easily accessed. The tourism season starts in May and ends in October, with peak months falling in August and September. Temperatures reach highs of 88°F (31°C) with water temperatures reaching to 79°F (26°C) during the peak months.

Exploring During the Daytime

The Pet Danica Walkway is a gloriously wide pedestrian walkway that follows the shoreline and has spectacular views of the bay. The walk is 6 kilometers long and stretches from Igalo through Herceg Novi into nearby Meljine. There are charming cafes and rest stops situated along the route. Sitting high over Herceg Novi Old Town is Kanli-Kula, which translates to „Bloody Tower.“ It is a large stone tower that was originally used as a prison by the Turks when they ruled the region from 1481 to 1687. Visitors can visit the dungeons and see the prisoners' etchings on the walls. The Forte Mare Fortress, also known as the Sea Fortress, stands proudly on the rocks in the southern part of the old town near the port. It was built to protect the medieval town from potential invasions from the sea. In 1833, the fortress was reconstructed with the additions of secret passages and ladders. It is now used as a cultural center and hosts film and theater events. From the upper floors of the fortress, visitors can admire panoramic views of the town, the bay of Kotor, and the Adriatic Sea. It is a perfect photography opportunity, not to be missed.

Nightlife in Herceg Novi

Herceg Novi has a varied nightlife, including venues such as classic pubs, traditional restaurants, cool bars, and family-friendly restaurants. Many of the evening entertainment establishments are located within the street-paved alleys of the Old Town, such as bars and family-friendly Italian pizzerias. The waterfront has a wonderful local vibe and lively atmosphere where traditional restaurants and beer gardens can be found.