Herceg Novi completely stole my heart — and honestly, I didn’t expect it to. Montenegro is full of stunning places, but there’s something about this little town at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor that just hits differently.
It’s charming without trying too hard and somehow manages to feel both laid-back and full of life at the same time. Think stone staircases, palm-lined promenades, tiny hidden cafés, and sunsets that make you stop mid-walk just to stare.
Actually, I loved Herceg Novi so much that I brought my mom here for our summer holiday last year.
So, in this guide, I’m sharing exactly why it’s my favorite Montenegrin town — plus everything you need to know to plan your visit, from the best areas to stay and things to do, to little tips I wish I knew the first time I went.
Don’t have time to read the full article? Here are the best places to stay in Herceg Novi
🌟 My favorite apartments on the promenade >> Savina Bliss Residences
🌟 My favorite Old Town accommodation >> Pearl apartment
🌟 Great resort >> Palmon Bay Hotel & Spa
Article overview
Herceg Novi
Herceg Novi was founded in 1382 by the Bosnian king Tvrtko I as a defensive town and went on to be ruled by Bosnians, Spaniards, Venetians, Ottomans, Austrians, and later Yugoslavia.
Each era left its mark on the town’s architecture and layout, from imposing hilltop fortresses and stone staircases to elegant waterfront buildings.
It is located in western Montenegro, right at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, with the Adriatic Sea stretching out in front and mountains rising behind it. It’s one of the first towns you reach when you cross into Montenegro from Croatia.
I actually first heard about Herceg Novi when I was looking for an affordable place to stay for a while after a holiday in Dubrovnik — and it ended up being one of those happy travel discoveries I didn’t know I needed. I extended my trip two times, staying 15 days, and have since been back several times.
How many days in Herceg Novi?
It depends on my you’re visiting. You can see a lot of the highlights in one day; however, I also recommend a day in the sun on the beaches or on a boat tour. So two days is great.
If you have three to four days, even better. I spent four days last time and enjoyed seeing about one attraction each day with a lot of time by the water, on the beach and in the many great restaurants.
Best time to visit
I have been to Herceg Novi in late August, October and early November. And August is the busiest month; however, it didn’t feel crazy busy like Dubrovnik and Kotor. But July and August are when you get the full beach-town energy and everything is open late.
I loved October because the weather was still beautiful — 20°C or more every day — but most of the restaurants along the waterfront promenade had already closed for the season.
If you want the best overall experience, I’d say late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–early October) are the sweet spots. You still get warm, sunny weather and that relaxed Adriatic vibe, but with fewer crowds and better prices than peak summer.
How to get there
The easiest way to get to Herceg Novi depends on where you’re coming from, but the good news is that it’s very well connected for such a small town. The two most convenient airports are Dubrovnik (Croatia) and Tivat (Montenegro).
Dubrovnik is a great option with many international flights, or if you’re already visiting Croatia, from there, you can take a taxi or transfer across the border. There are no direct buses to Herceg Novi from the airport, but from the bus station in town.
I took the bus from Dubrovnik to Kotor: This is what you need to know!
Tivat Airport is even closer and ideal in summer, especially if you’re planning a Montenegro-only trip. You can easily get a taxi from the airport to the port or bus station.
Another option is flying into Podgorica Airport, which often has more flight options year-round, although it’s farther away and requires a longer drive.
🚘 If you’re traveling to Herceg Novi from another city or country, Daytrip is an excellent transportation option. Instead of rushing from point A to point B, Daytrip allows you to add stops along the way. I have used their service several times now and absolutely love it. Click here to check it out!
How to get around?
Getting around Herceg Novi is pretty simple, but there’s one thing you should know right away: stairs. Lots of them. The Old Town is built on a hillside, so exploring it means climbing up and down (often on steep stone steps), but the views make it worth it.
🚶♀️ Most of the main sights are walkable, especially if you’re staying near the Old Town or the Šetalište Pet Danica seaside promenade. The promenade is flat and perfect for long walks, beach stops, cafés, and sunset strolls.
🚌 There are local buses that run along the coast through Herceg Novi and nearby areas. They’re cheap and useful if you’re staying a bit outside the center. The schedules are not always easy to understand, so I recommend just asking a local. You can also use busticket4.me.
🚕 Taxis are easy to find and relatively affordable for short rides. They’re especially handy at night, in the summer heat, or if you’re carrying beach bags. I paid €4 to go from Meljine to the bus station, just to give you an idea of price.
🛥 In peak season, boat taxis and small boats can be a fun way to hop between beaches or get out on the bay without needing a full tour. We actually got a private boat transfer from Herceg Novi to Tivat. Such a treat, we saved a lot of time compared to the bus.
🚙 If you’re planning to explore more of Montenegro (especially inland), renting a car can be convenient — but in summer, traffic around the bay can be slow and parking can be tricky. For shorter stays, you can easily manage without one.
I have yet to pluck up the courage to drive in Montenegro. I really want to, as there is so much to see off the beaten track. However, there is a lot of honking and let’s just say, creative driving. It is not as bad as in Albania, but still.
Top things to do in Herceg Novi
After several visits to Herceg Novi, these are my favorite attractions and things to do.
Walk the waterfront promenade
If I had to pick just one thing to do in Herceg Novi, this would be it. Walking the waterfront promenade is hands down my favorite way to experience the town.
Šetalište Pet Danica stretches for several kilometers along the sea, connecting beaches, swimming spots, cafés, and marinas. You’ll also walk under stone archways and you can even climb on the Citadella Fortress ruin that has partly fallen into the ocean.
I loved starting my mornings with a slow walk and a €1 pastry by the water, and ending my days the same way, watching the sun dip behind the mountains.
I recommend walking the promenade from Meljine and past the Old Town on your first day to see which beaches and waterfront restaurants you want to try.
Explore the Old Town
Stari Grad is a maze of stone staircases, hidden courtyards, archways, and viewpoints that constantly pull you in a new direction. I loved how lived-in it feels. This isn’t a polished, museum-like old town — it’s real life unfolding around you.
Laundry hangs from balconies, locals chat on doorsteps, and tiny cafés appear just when you need a break from the heat.
The climb is part of the charm. Yes, there are a lot of steps, but every staircase leads to something beautiful, like Belavista Square, the Clock Tower, or the square in front of Saint Jerome’s Church, boasting stunning views.
Hit the beaches
The beaches in Herceg Novi aren’t long stretches of sand, but rather a series of small, mostly pebbled beaches tucked along the coastline.
Most of them are right off the waterfront promenade, so you can easily walk from one to another and stop wherever looks good. The water is incredibly clear, and even in August, it felt refreshing rather than overcrowded.
Along the promenade, some of the most popular spots include Herceg Novi Beach, Rafaello Beach, Plaža Yachting Club 32 and Topla Beach. However, I ended up on the beaches closer to Meljine most days. It felt a little calmer over there.
Not all the beaches have clear names, but my favorites are the one in front of Boka Bay Residences (with the white and blue changing tents below) and the public part next to Lazure Beach & Bar.
If you’re looking for something a bit more scenic, taking a short boat ride to nearby spots like Žanjica Beach or the Blue Cave is also very popular.
Enjoy the view from the fortresses
🏰 Kanli Kula Fortress >> This is the most famous one. Kanli Kula sits high above the Old Town and dates back to the 16th century, built during Ottoman rule. Its name translates to “Bloody Tower,” which sounds dramatic — and honestly fits the vibe.
Today, it’s much more peaceful and is used as an open-air theater and event space. The real reason I love it, though, is the view: sweeping panoramas over the Bay of Kotor that are especially magical at sunset. I think I paid €4, so it’s quite reasonable.
🏰 Forte Mare (Sea Fortress) >> Forte Mare is the seaside fortress you’ll spot right along the waterfront at the edge of the Old Town. Originally built in the 14th century by the Bosnian King Tvrtko I, it was later expanded by various rulers, including the Venetians.
It feels a bit more rugged and compact than Kanli Kula, but climbing it gives you fantastic views over the promenade and the Adriatic.
🏰 Španjola Fortress >> This one is less polished, a bit rough around the edges, and incredibly atmospheric. It sits high above the town, overlooking both Herceg Novi and the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, and was originally built by the Ottomans before later being reinforced by the Spanish (which is where the name comes from).
Nature has reclaimed the fort and there’s almost no signage around the place other than a board by the entrance. It was free to visit a few years ago, but last time I was there, it was closed for renovations. So they might be turning it into more of a tourist attraction.
Hike up to Savina Monastery
Tucked away just outside the town center and surrounded by greenery, it’s a lovely contrast to the busier waterfront. The monastery itself is beautiful, but what really made the visit memorable for me was walking up to the viewpoint above it.
The walk wasn’t too strenuous, but doing it in early September meant the heat definitely made itself known. From the viewpoint, you get gorgeous views over the Bay of Kotor, with the monastery roofs peeking out below and the sea stretching endlessly beyond. We used Google Maps to find it.
Book a wine tasting at Savina Winery
In the same area, you’ll also find Savina Winery, and this ended up being one of my favorite experiences in Herceg Novi. We booked a wine tasting for 6:00 pm, which turned out to be perfect timing — we arrived while it was still daylight and stayed long enough to watch the sun slowly dip below the mountains.
The walk up is a little steep (especially in the heat), and I got very sweaty, but luckily, there was a lovely breeze on the veranda. If you’re not up for the walk, just get a taxi. They can call one for you when you want to go home as well.
The views from the winery are incredible. It feels calm and removed from town. We got a small charcuterie board and tasted one rosé, one white wine and one red. Before we left, we were taken on a quick tour of the property.
Wellness in Igalo
Igalo is technically part of Herceg Novi, the more modern part, centered around wellness and slow living. It’s long been known as one of Montenegro’s most important rehabilitation and spa destinations, anchored by the famous Igalo Spa.
People come from all over, especially Scandinavia and Norway, which I was surprised to learn since I had never heard of it before.
Even if you’re not visiting for health reasons, there’s a calm atmosphere here. The Šetalište Pet Danica promenade runs all the way from the Old Town to Igalo, and I loved strolling this stretch in the afternoon.
Igalo is also where you’ll find most of the area’s larger hotels and resort-style stays, making it a good choice if you want pools, spas, and easy beach access rather than boutique apartments.
Bay of Kotor boat tour
One of my absolute favorite experiences in Montenegro was taking a half-day boat tour around the Bay of Kotor from Herceg Novi. It’s the perfect way to see the highlights of the bay while enjoying time out on the water.
The tour is done by private boat, which makes it feel relaxed and personal, with space for up to six people. Along the way, you’ll stop in Kotor before continuing on to Perast, one of the prettiest towns in the bay with its elegant waterfront and postcard-perfect setting.
A short stop at Our Lady of the Rocks lets you explore the iconic island church and learn about its fascinating history. The tour also includes time for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing onboard, with water, a cooler
Heartland of Montenegro day trip
Another great experience—and one that many visitors to Montenegro sadly miss—is the scenic day tour through Cetinje, Lovćen, and Njeguši, right in the heart of the country.
The journey leaves the coast behind for dramatic mountain scenery, beginning with a panoramic drive above the Riviera before reaching Cetinje, Montenegro’s former royal capital.
From there, the route continues into Lovćen National Park, where a climb up 461 steps to the Njegoš Mausoleum rewards you with sweeping views across mountains and sea.
The day finishes in Njeguši, known for its smoked ham and cheese, before returning via the famous 25 hairpin turns, a thrilling road with some of the best views in the country.
Where to stay in Herceg Novi
Compared to Kotor, where medieval walls dominate the skyline, or Budva, where the beaches are packed with tourists, Herceg Novi feels like a hidden gem.
If you’re looking for a quieter, more local experience, Meljine on the east side of town is a great choice.
I stayed there on my first visit and found an affordable apartment in a neighborhood that felt lived-in.
Meljine has recently developed a luxurious waterfront area, complete with sleek apartments, upscale restaurants, a marina, and a beach club.
It’s also the spot to do any larger grocery shopping, which makes it ideal for longer stays.
Unfortunately, the apartment I stayed in is no longer available; however, I also love Hotel RR. It literally rises out of the ocean. And the staff is incredible.
If you want to be in the thick of it, the promenade is hard to beat. On my second visit, I booked a gorgeous apartment called Savina Bliss Residences, just steps from the water. It was pricier, but completely worth it. I loved the sound of waves and the ease of walking to the beaches, restaurants, and small shops.
Boka Bay Residences is another top-rated option along the promenade.
As mentioned earlier, if you’re drawn to the Old Town, be prepared for steep cobblestone streets and plenty of steps. Carrying luggage or moving around with mobility concerns can be challenging, but the payoff is worth it.
Boutique guesthouses tucked into these narrow lanes offer a very authentic experience. If you’re lucky enough to find available dates, you can’t do much better than this gorgeous apartment.
For a more resort-style stay, head to Igalo and Palmon Bay Hotel & Spa. Their pool/beach club area is one of the best you’ll find in Herceg Novi. And the spa is great with both infrared saunas and a relaxing salt room.
Best cafés & restaurants
As a foodie, my favorite way to get to know a new place is also the food. To be honest, I didn’t know much about Montenegrin food, but I’m pleasantly surprised. Especially by the affordable pastries and quick bites that are great to bring on the beach. Here are some of my favorite places.
🥗 Banja Bar is my favorite overall restaurant in Herceg Novi, largely because of its unbeatable location right on the promenade. You’re literally sitting above the water. We ordered the tuna tartare, Greek salad, and chicken skewers, and everything was incredibly fresh and beautifully presented. The staff were also genuinely kind and attentive, which isn’t always a given during the busy summer season.
🥟 Amber Restaurant one of the best meals I had in Herceg Novi and easily one of the best restaurants in town. The focus is on Georgian cuisine, and everything we tried—from the stuffed eggplant and phali to ckmeruli and khinkali – was full of flavor and beautifully done.
🥖 Baguetteria became one of my favorite spots for breakfast and brunch in Herceg Novi, especially thanks to its outside seating in the beautiful@ marina area.
We stopped in several times and loved everything we tried—from fresh juices and avocado toast to yogurt with granola—and it was always consistently good. They also have takeaway pastries and coffee, which are perfect if you want something easy to enjoy by the water.
☕️ Fabrika Coffee I stopped in here several times after reading great reviews online, and once I found it—tucked down a narrow alley—it quickly became a favorite. There’s a small, shaded courtyard under a tree. I had a lemon iced tea and banana bread, which was exactly what I needed after a hot walk. The baristas clearly know their craft, offering several single-origin coffees, filter options and cold brew.
🥙 Tri Lipe is one of those places I can never walk past without stopping. The grill is right next to one of the main staircases in the Old Town leading down to the promenade, and the smell alone makes it hard to resist.
I usually grab a burger served in a large, homemade bun, then choose my own toppings — simple, satisfying, and incredibly good value at around €5. There’s also seating inside if you want to take a break from walking.
🍩 Vendors on the beach walk around selling donuts, popcorn, fruit and even olive oil. I tried resisting, but I’m too weak when it comes to donuts.
🌟 Read next >> Budva, Sveti Stefan or Petrovac? The best area to stay
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