Herceg Novi

About Herceg Novi

Herceg Novi stands where the Bay of Kotor opens to the Adriatic, the first town you reach as the bay meets the sea. Founded in 1382 by the Bosnian king Tvrtko I, it has passed through Venetian, Ottoman, Spanish, Austrian and French hands — and each left a mark, from the Forte Mare and Kanli Kula fortresses to the Spanish-built Španjola fort on the hill above. Locals call it the "city of the sun" for its long bright days and lush subtropical gardens, and the town is famous for its steep stone stairways that climb from the waterfront up through the old quarter. Its position at the bay mouth makes it the natural launch point for the open-sea sights of the outer bay.

Getting to Herceg Novi by boat

Herceg Novi lies at the far, seaward end of the bay, so the road from Kotor is long — out through the Verige strait and along the whole northern shore. By water the town and its riviera open up far more directly. Because this stretch sits near the exposed bay mouth, boat transfers here follow a fair-weather rule and run when the sea is calm. You can check routes, conditions and docking points on our private boat transfers page.

Old Town, fortresses & the riviera

The old town is best explored on foot: descend the stairways past Belavista square and the Orthodox church of St Michael the Archangel, walk the walls of Forte Mare above the harbour, and climb to Kanli Kula for the widest views over the water. The seafront Pet Danica promenade runs for kilometres along the coast, linking small beaches, cafés and swimming spots. In spring the town hosts its celebrated Mimosa Festival, when the surrounding hillsides turn yellow with blossom.

Blue Cave & Žanjice from Herceg Novi

Herceg Novi is the closest bay town to the outer-sea highlights. From here it is a short run to the Blue Cave, the sea cave near the bay mouth where the water glows electric blue, and to Žanjice, the pebble beach on the Luštica side that pairs naturally with a cave swim. The fortress island of Mamula sits just offshore between them. These open-water spots are weather-dependent and at their best on calm, clear days.