Herceg Novi is definitely worth a visit. Herceg Novi in \u200b\u200bwinter: walking tour of the main attractions
The resort of Herceg Novi is the administrative center of the municipality of the same name. Located on the Adriatic coast, near the border with Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, 70 km from the capital Podgorica and 30 km from Tivat International Airport. Another landmark is, at the entrance to which there is a "city of a thousand steps" or "botanical garden", as Herceg Novi is called Montenegro and its inhabitants.
The area of \u200b\u200bthe resort is 235 km², the population is about 17,000 people. Arriving in Herceg Novi, tourists note a different location of the city compared to other settlements on the Montenegrin coast - it seems to be struggling with the wild nature, and people are trying to build houses right into the rocky mountains and erect an endless number of stairs. That is why it is believed that local girls have the most beautiful figures in Montenegro - they have to overcome millions of steps every day. And Herceg Novi is also surrounded by plants, as evidenced by numerous photos of fruit trees, palms, cacti and flowers, which are published by travelers.
Weather and climate
Montenegro and the Mediterranean coast as a whole are characterized by alternation of mild weather in winter and hot summer, which is also true for Herceg Novi. The city settled on the terraces of Mount Orien (its height reaches 1,895 meters) and protected itself from the cool air masses. The local average annual temperature is + 16 ° C. In January and February, the average daily temperature is + 10-12 ° C (sea water is + 14-15 ° C). In winter, the thermometer does not drop below -5 ° C. In the first month of spring, the air warms up to + 17-19 ° C, and from April to October there are no temperatures below + 20 ° C.
The average monthly air and water temperature in summer is + 23-26 ° C, which prolongs the swimming season from May to September. The peculiarity of the weather in Herceg Novi is that there are more than 200 sunny days a year, in the summer the sun “works” for 10.5 hours a day. Another feature is the mistral, which relieves the sultry weather, making sailors and surfers fall in love with itself.
The best time for a beach and sightseeing holiday in Herceg Novi is June and September with their mild weather, no precipitation and an average air temperature of + 26 ° C. Evenings during these months can be chilly, so it is worth bringing long-sleeved jackets with you.
The city's attractions
All sights of Herceg Novi are conditionally distributed between its main territories - the Old Quarter, the Embankment and the Savina area. As in any other European city, the Old Quarter is the richest in historical monuments. It consists of several key architectural objects, built at different times and harmoniously integrated into the current landscape of the resort.
Old town of Herceg Novi
The advantageous geographical position of the city of Herceg Novi determined its fate. Over the centuries, it changed hands many times, so the construction of defense structures was a decisive factor in its planning. One of them - sahat-Kula towercreated by the Turkish sultan and decorated with a massive clock. A little higher - Western tower, and in the eastern part of the Old Quarter - tower of Saint Jerome... The church by the sea is also dedicated to the latter - it was converted from a mosque after the Ottoman state fell in the middle of the 19th century.
Fortress structures are presented bastion Kanli-Kula, Spanish the fortress of Spagnola, ruins venetian Citadel and Sea fortress... The latter was erected one of the first and was designed to protect Herceg Novi from the sea. Today, films are shown in this attraction, concert programs and discos are arranged.
There are few restaurants and boutiques in the Old Quarter of Herceg Novi, but there are art galleries, an archive, a library with valuable books and a museum. Walking along this part of the resort will be a test for the tourist's feet due to the huge number of winding streets and stairs. To see all the sights, you should wear comfortable shoes, then the faces in the photo will be happier.
Lifeguards work on the shore, and there is a cafe not far from the beach. You can get to Dobrech by boat from Herceg Novi, Montenegro is very compact - the distances here are small and not burdensome.
The sights of the beaches of the city of Herceg Novi, described on the page, are marked on the map in Russian. To see all objects, click on the icon in the upper left corner.
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Not far from the delightful Zanjice beach is its equally attractive neighbor - Mirishte beach. It is not so big (half the size of Zanjice - about 2 kilometers), but it has its own unique charm. The air here is unusually clean - this is facilitated by a dense forest, next to which lies Mirishte beach. The picturesque forest gives the beach a unique atmosphere, which is the best way 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 Mirishte beach by sea on a private boat or speedboat. To do this, you need to swim to Cape Arza immediately behind it and there is a small bay on which 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 Igalo tourist center - by sailing on a private boat or boat. Zanjice beach is surrounded by olive groves. The sea is azure color, instead of sand there are snow-white pebbles. The beach is well developed - there is everything you need to relax. When the sun gets bored and you want coolness and freshness, numerous bars and restaurants await you in the shade of olive groves. Also, the Zanjice beach boasts its own attractions - the Blue Cave and the Mamula Island (where the 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
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Nikola Djurkovic Square
Nikola Djurkovic Square is one of the most important squares in the city. It is located in front of the entrance to the ancient city, but even among the people it was nicknamed “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. There is also the main bank of the city and many administrative buildings.
Also on the square there is 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 are held here. On weekdays, the square is usually filled with a large number of tourists and local youth who want to stroll through the quiet, secluded streets.
Coordinates: 42.45175500,18.53672600
Belavista is a very small square located in the historical center of the Montenegrin town of Herceg Novi. The square is surrounded on all sides by old houses, and its refined atmosphere of the Middle Ages attracts many tourists.
Belavista is also known as Duke Stefan's Square. This is a very romantic and cozy place, one of the most beautiful in the whole city. In the center there is a graceful stone fountain with drinking water, and the area is bordered by palm trees at the edges. In the surrounding buildings there are small summer cafes, where it is very pleasant to wait out the midday heat, enjoying the ancient architecture of Belavista.
The 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, where visitors are offered various 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 waters of the grotto 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 over the stone walls, reflecting in the waters of the grotto.
Behind the dark and low vault of the cave lies the vastness of the light-flooded 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 against the sea by the Orjen mountains. For a long time, the aristocracy has loved to rest here, having managed to appreciate what the city's unobtrusive but delicate charm offers them.
The embankment is the center of local life. 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. Around the embankment, a huge number of establishments for a boring life are concentrated. On the promenade, you can easily spend the whole day walking along the very picturesque coast and going to restaurants and shops. In the summer, the boiling of local life is diversified by various festivals that take place right here on the waterfront.
An interesting fact is that for about 30 years a railway passed along the embankment, which in 1967 was abolished.
Coordinates: 42.44969700,18.53925300
Church of Saint 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 a large-scale restoration.
The temple was built in the neoclassical style, painted white and decorated with stucco ornaments.
According to some sources, there was a mosque on this site earlier, 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 the same time it was consecrated. Now it is considered the main Orthodox church in the city.
A small cozy temple originally fused several styles in its appearance: one can distinguish both Romanesque Gothic and the influence of Byzantine and Islamic styles. But all the details of such a variegated heritage harmoniously coexist with each other, creating a captivating image of this church.
Inside the temple is decorated with a magnificent marble iconostasis. Also inside are valuable icons of the hand of 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. It is part of the ancient defensive structures that defended the city in the Middle Ages. The emergence of the fortress presumably dates back to the 14th century. In the period up to the 17th century, the fortress was reconstructed and expanded several times.
The present appearance and dimensions of the fortress have been going on since the time of Ottoman rule, when battlements grew on its walls, and cannons appeared in the fortress itself. At that time, the fortress was named "Yaka Kula", which means "powerful fortress" or "Kula Abaspash". 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 somewhat modified it.
The fortress had many secret passages, manholes and stairs. In 1833, the fort was reconstructed, and since 1952 the fort has been 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 underwent restoration again, and now Fort Mare is a famous tourist attraction. Through the gates within its walls you can walk right from the sea coast to the top of the fortress, and if you go up to the upper floors of the fort, you will have 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 XIV century. Already in those days, the city port was of great importance for the formation of Herceg Novi. Over the centuries of its existence, the port not only has not lost its charm and significance, but also acquired new qualities. Today it is a convenient transport hub where ships from various countries come. The numerous silhouettes of yachts give it a special charm.
In another way, the city port is called Shkver, which translates as "ship building". In ancient times, sea vessels were really actively built here. Nowadays, another interesting detail of the port is the presence of a city pool right in the water area.
Coordinates: 42.45047300,18.53263600
Bloody tower
Kanli Kula is a fortress tower built by the Turks during the Ottoman rule in 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, a panorama opens, in which the sea can be seen at a glance.
However, as a fortress, the tower was not used for long, and rather quickly turned into a prison and a 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 admire the seascapes and the front part of the coast, capturing part of the city, for an infinitely long time.
In 1966, a summer stage and an amphitheater with more than 1000 seats were built on the territory of the tower. Today, the Kanli Kula Tower hosts many cultural events, theater performances, concerts, etc. It is one of the most beautiful summer stages and outdoor theaters in Europe.
Inspection of the tower is paid and will cost you 1 euro per person.
Coordinates: 42.45234100,18.53797000
Mamula Fortress Island
In the middle of the 19th century, the Austrian authorities built a small fortress here to protect the entire bay from potential intruders. Serbian general, governor of Dalmatia Lazar Mamula, in whose honor the fortress got its current name, supervised the construction and subsequently the fortress itself. Later, the island also lost its original name and began to be called Mamula.
During the First and Second World Wars, the island was used by the occupying forces as a transit point.
Today the Mamula fortress is one of the largest and most fundamental fortifications on the Adriatic Sea. The monumentality of the building and the quality with which it was erected in due time, the accuracy of the forms and excellent functionality allow it to remain one of the most reliable fortresses in its region today.
It is not used and is currently protected as a cultural monument. However, the island itself is not closed and day trips by boat are common. To get here, you need to buy a boat ticket departing from Herceg Novi.
The authorities are considering projects to resume the work of the Mamula fortress and create an exclusive tourism zone with all the infrastructure on its territory, provided that the original form and monumentality of the structure are preserved.
Coordinates: 42.39533500,18.55837600
The most popular sights in Herceg Novi with descriptions and photos for every taste. Choose the best places to visit the famous places of Herceg Novi on our website.
Herceg Novi is one of the most beautiful cities in Montenegro. I went there for one day and almost fell in love, soon I will write a photo post about the beaches and share my observations.
But it is impossible to feel and recognize the place in one day, so you need “help from 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:
- Riding a boat or speedboat on the Bay of Kotor (20€ per person, taking into account food and visiting several islands). Pleasure boats leave from the central pier (next to the Feral horse boat) and from Skver Beach. Tickets can be bought in advance at the city's tourist centers. There are less long boat trips with less cost 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 sheer cliff. It is better to plan a trip to the cave in sunny weather, because it is when the rays penetrate into the depths of 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 ordering a boat or boat excursion.
- Visit to an ancient Orthodox savina monastery, which is just 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 to Montenegro, admired its beauty and originality, but Herceg Novi somehow sunk into the soul in a special way - it is not so noisy, but at the same time lively and cheerful, like Budva, in it you can enjoy the tranquility, 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 rest in Montenegro and for traveling around this country.
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The city is very green and pedestrianized, like all medieval settlements, it has a labyrinth of narrow streets. You can inspect the historical part only on foot, transport simply won't pass here. During the high tourist season, Herceg Novi is flooded with tourists, the squares and streets can even be crowded.
In fact, it is the Old part of Herceg Novi that attracts most tourists, there are none at all on the outskirts. Tour groups are quite predictable, they use the same paths, and rarely stray from the beaten path. Knowing this simple life hack, you can see all the sights almost alone. It is very easy to get around the tourist crowds, for 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 with Croatia it has a sea border. 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 remoteness, not all the usual transport methods will be economically viable, often renting a car is much more profitable than traveling by intercity buses. It sounds strange, but it is a fact.
By intercity bus - despite its remoteness, you can get to Herceg Novi by public buses. If you live in Budva, you can use direct buses (via the Lepetane-Kamenari ferry crossing), or ride along the entire Boko Kotorska Bay (the bus goes with all stops).
As part of a group tour - Herceg Novi is included in the itinerary of the most popular Montenegrin excursion "Excursion along the Boka Kotorska 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 the Zanitsa beach, etc. How the group tour of Boko Kotorska Bay goes, follow 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 question in the style of “Why go to Montenegro and settle somewhere else?”. As a rule, further praise and all kinds of embellishments of the city and its surroundings follow.
If you answer the above question briefly, you get something like this:
- the city is very green;
- quiet and peaceful rest;
- there is all the necessary infrastructure;
- there is a famous hospital nearby (in Igalo);
- excellent sea (or rather the bay) and several pebble beaches;
- beautiful nature and pleasant townspeople.
Sometimes there are too many tourists in the city center, although when compared with Budva and other resort towns, there are not so many. In general, you can find housing here for all occasions, you can settle 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 historic center and the city port. There are good rental options in the upper part of town (above the motorway), but those are for those willing to walk a lot.
Here are the most popular accommodations in Herceg Novi (according to tourists):
Herceg Novi museums
There are not many museums in the city, and I have not been able to visit some of them, and 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 district. The Museum is a mix of the Botanical Garden on the outside and the Art Gallery on the inside. All this luxury is located in the old palace of the 18th century, which once belonged to Mirko Komnenovich.
Maritime Museum in the Old Town
Above one of the city squares of the Old City, three flags proudly fly: Russian, Montenegrin and Andreev. It was this amazing combination that drew me to study 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 exposed in the open air, and there is no need to try to get inside.
Fortress 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 City, one fortress is high above the city, and several more far in the sea (fortresses Mamula, Arza, etc.), they are territorially related to Herceg Novi.
Some of the defenses look quite good, they are looked after and used in everyday life, others are in ruins or completely destroyed. Let's start at 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 Boko Kotorska Bay in the XIV century, for a long time he protected the townspeople from uninvited guests. Today an open-air cinema was set up in it.
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 holidaymakers.
Clock tower
It is not known how defensive this structure was, but it is believed that through this tower the entrance to the city was carried out, i.e. one of the city gates was located there.
Western tower
If you go up a little higher, then you will see the "Western Tower". This building really looks like a serious defensive object, it is a pity that you cannot visit it.
Tower of Saint Jerome
The location of this watchtower is clearly visible on the map, but I could not find it on the spot. Interrogations of the local population led nowhere. On the Internet, materials are published with the signature "Tower of St. Jerome", which depicts the tower from the Micha Pavlovich square, but the map says that this is a completely different object.
Bloody Tower or Kanli Kula
We go up the city streets-stairs to the level of the Yadransky Put highway, it is here that one of the largest fortresses of Herceg Novi - the Bloody Tower is located.
Spagnola fortress
Another fortress was built high above the city - Shpaniola, which can be translated as the Spanish fortress, but the Spaniards stayed in Herceg Novi for only one year and have no special relation to this fortress. I remember the fortress, because my DSLR broke down on its territory, which made me buy a new camera and come back here again.
Port in the Old Town
Most tourists start their acquaintance with Herceg Novi from its picturesque port. It is to the city port that numerous tourist ships with tourist landing parties come. The local port is a great place for selfies, I would even say that it is just made for this activity.
Life is always in full swing near the city port, nearby you can find shops and restaurants, and the many kilometers embankment literally invites you to walk 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 wants to swim in chlorinated water when there is a real sea nearby.
In the area of \u200b\u200bthe city port, you can buy one of the sea excursions and go to relax on the famous Zanitsa beach, swim in the Blue Cave and wander around the abandoned fort-prison of Mamule.
City embankment
As I said earlier, Herceg Novi has a long embankment, in whatever direction you go along it, you are guaranteed a long walk along the Boko Kotorska Bay. Unlike the Budva embankment, where you have to walk in 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.
There are not many, most of the swimming places are cozy concreted beach with sun loungers, beach umbrellas and other tourist attractions.
It is worth mentioning the presence of paid beaches, which are somehow sideways related 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 will have to pay only for the rent of umbrellas and sun loungers. Sometimes you can come with your own rug and sunbathe absolutely free, but there may be different nuances.
In addition to paid places for beach recreation, Herceg Novi has many wild places for swimming and recreation. Conventionally "wild" beaches run along the entire embankment, one after another. Most of them are completely free and available to everyone. The quality of bathing on them may be no different from paid counterparts (not everyone will agree with me here).
Beach in the area of \u200b\u200bSavina monastery
This is a pebbly beach at a sufficient distance from the main tourist hangout. The main contingent of vacationers is the guests of expensive apartments, as a rule, wealthy travelers and local tourists.
Sting beach
The beach is located under the walls of the Sea Fortress; it is considered the main city beach. The beach is pebbly, despite the proximity of the port, there are always a lot of people here. The place is very popular and crowded.
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 coast with refined ladders. The entire coastline in this place is "rolled" in 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 smallest beach in Herceg Novi is located on the way to the neighboring village of Igalo. In front of the rocky ledge, through which the tunnel is cut, there is a small section of the coastline, which is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. There is only one drawback, there is too little space, and there are too many people willing.
If you continue your way towards Igalo, you can find quite a lot of pleasant places to relax, but for a more comfortable beach holiday, I recommend going to the Zanitsa beach for the whole day.
Enjoy your stay in Herceg Novi.
