Herceg Novi Travel Guide 2025

Herceg Novi, perched at the entrance of the Bay of Kotor, is one of Montenegro’s most charming coastal towns. Known as the “City of Stairs” for its countless stone steps, and the “City of the Sun” for its mild climate and 200+ days of sunshine a year, Herceg Novi offers a perfect blend of history, culture, beaches, and natural beauty.

For UK travellers, Herceg Novi is an ideal holiday base: affordable, accessible via nearby airports such as Tivat Airport, Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia, or Podgorica Airport. It’s a town where you can wander cobbled squares, explore centuries-old fortresses, soak in mineral-rich spas in Igalo, and enjoy fresh seafood by the Adriatic.

This expert guide will take you through everything you need to know about Herceg Novi in 2025: its history, attractions, dining, nightlife, day trips, and practical travel tips.

**Church of Archangel Michael, Herceg Novi**

Why Visit Herceg Novi?

Beautiful setting: At the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, with views of the Adriatic and Orjen mountains.
Historic old town: Fortresses, churches, and cobbled alleys with Venetian and Ottoman influences.
Affordable: Prices lower than in Dubrovnik or Budva.
Beaches and spas: A mix of pebble beaches and natural spa springs.
Gateway location: Perfect for exploring Montenegro’s coast and southern Croatia.
Year-round destination: A mild Mediterranean climate makes it enjoyable in spring, summer, and autumn.

A Short History of Herceg Novi

Herceg Novi’s story is one of empires, trade, and resilience.

Founded in 1382 by King Tvrtko I of Bosnia as a trading port.
Ottoman Rule (1482–1687): The town became an important Turkish stronghold, with mosques and oriental architecture.
Venetian Era (1687–1797): Venetian fortifications shaped the Old Town that we see today.
Austro-Hungarian Period: Herceg Novi developed as a naval base.
20th Century: Briefly part of Italy during WWII before joining Yugoslavia.
Modern Montenegro: Now a thriving seaside town and cultural hub.

This layered history is reflected in its fortresses, churches, and eclectic architecture.

Top Things to Do in Herceg Novi

1. Explore the Old Town (Stari Grad)

Wander narrow alleys, climb staircases, and admire stone houses and lively squares. Highlights include:

Clock Tower (Sahat Kula): Built by the Ottomans in 1667.
Belavista Square: A charming square with the Church of St. Michael.
Kanli Kula Fortress: An Ottoman fortress now used as an open-air theatre with sweeping bay views.

2. Visit Forte Mare (Sea Fortress)

Overlooking the Adriatic, this 14th-century fortress offers panoramic views and insight into the town’s defensive past.

3. Walk the Five Kilometre Promenade (Šetalište Pet Danica)

Stretching from Herceg Novi to Igalo, this scenic waterfront promenade is lined with beaches, cafés, and palm trees. Perfect for evening strolls.

4. Relax in Igalo’s Mineral-Rich Spas

The neighbouring town of Igalo is famous for its therapeutic mud and mineral springs, attracting visitors seeking wellness holidays.

5. Swim at Herceg Novi’s Beaches

Popular options include:

Žanjic Beach (accessible by boat): A pebble beach with turquoise waters.
Igalo Beach: Family-friendly and sandy in parts.
Savina Monastery Beach: Quiet and scenic.

6. Savina Monastery

A stunning Orthodox monastery complex dating from the 11th century, nestled in vineyards above the sea.

7. Festivals & Culture

Herceg Novi is Montenegro’s festival capital:

Mimosa Festival (February–March): Celebrating spring with parades, music, and food.
Herceg Novi Film Festival (August): Attracting international filmmakers.
Music & Theatre Events in Kanli Kula during summer.

Practical Guide for UK Visitors

Flights to Herceg Novi

Tivat Airport: 40 minutes away; direct UK flights in summer.
Dubrovnik Airport (Croatia): Just across the border, 45–60 minutes away; excellent year-round UK connections.
Podgorica Airport: About 2 hours’ drive.

Where to Stay

Old Town: Charming guesthouses and boutique hotels.
Igalo: Spa hotels and family resorts.
Savina area: Peaceful hotels with sea views.
Luxury options: Porto Novi resort in Kumbor, 15 minutes from Herceg Novi, offering high-end dining and marina facilities.

Money & Costs

Currency: Euro (€).
Coffee: £1.50–2.
Meal for two: £25–40.
Hotel: £50–120 per night, more in luxury resorts.

Language

Official language: Montenegrin.
English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Safety

Herceg Novi is very safe, with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Best Time to Visit Herceg Novi

Spring (April–June): Ideal for sightseeing, festivals, and pleasant weather.
Summer (July–August): Hot (30°C+), perfect for beaches, though busiest.
Autumn (Sept–Oct): Warm sea, fewer crowds, affordable prices.
Winter: Mild climate, wellness holidays in Igalo, and off-season charm.

For UK visitors, May–June and September are the best balance of sunshine, affordability, and manageable crowds.

Day Trips from Herceg Novi

Herceg Novi’s location makes it perfect for exploring Montenegro and southern Croatia.

Kotor Old Town: A UNESCO gem just an hour away.
Perast & Our Lady of the Rocks: Baroque town and iconic island church.
Lovćen National P ark: Hiking and panoramic views over the Bay of Kotor.
Dubrovnik, Croatia: Only 90 minutes away by road.
Blue Cave (Plava Špilja): Accessible by boat, a natural sea cave with glowing blue waters.
Žanjic & Mirište Beaches: Remote, beautiful coves near the Blue Cave.

Dining & Nightlife in Herceg Novi

Where to Eat

Tri Lipe: Traditional Montenegrin grill.
Konoba Feral: Seafood and Mediterranean cuisine.
Admiral Café & Restaurant: Bay views and fresh fish.
Restoran Kantula: Local specialities in Igalo.

Cuisine to Try

Fresh Adriatic fish, octopus salad, mussels.
Njeguški pršut (smoked ham) and cheese.
Local wines: Vranac (red) and Krstač (white).

Nightlife

Herceg Novi has a relaxed, social nightlife scene:

Wine bars and cafés in Old Town squares.
Beach bars along the promenade in Igalo.
Summer festivals in Kanli Kula with live performances.

Insider Tips from a Montenegro Travel Expert

Stairs: Herceg Novi is hilly—pack comfortable shoes.
Boat trips: Book smaller boats for a personalised experience.
Festival season: Time your trip for the Mimosa Festival in spring or open-air concerts in summer.
Cross-border travel: Bring your passport if planning a day trip to Dubrovnik.
Stay longer: Herceg Novi is worth more than a day trip—spend 2–4 nights.

Suggested Itineraries

One Day in Herceg Novi

Morning: Explore Old Town & Kanli Kula.
Afternoon: Stroll the promenade to Igalo, enjoy the beach.
Evening: Dinner by the sea.

Two Days

Day 1: Old Town, Forte Mare, promenade.
Day 2: Savina Monastery and a boat trip to Žanjic or the Blue Cave.

Three to Four Days

Add day trips to Perast, Kotor, or Dubrovnik.

FAQs About Herceg Novi

Is Herceg Novi worth visiting?
Yes—its history, beaches, spas, and relaxed charm make it a great alternative to busier towns.

How many days should I spend?
2–3 days is ideal, but longer if you want to enjoy beaches and day trips.

Is Herceg Novi cheaper than Kotor or Dubrovnik?
Yes—restaurants, hotels, and activities are very affordable.

What is Herceg Novi best known for?
Its staircases, fortresses, spa tradition, and the Mimosa Festival.

Can you swim in Herceg Novi?
Yes—there are family-friendly beaches and clear waters for swimming.

Why UK Travellers Love Herceg Novi

For UK visitors, Herceg Novi combines:

Short flights and easy transfers from Tivat or Dubrovnik.
Lower prices than nearby hotspots.
A unique blend of history, beaches, wellness, and festivals.
Easy access to both Montenegro and Croatia.

It’s the perfect destination for those who want a mix of relaxation and exploration in 2025.

Herceg Novi is one of Montenegro’s hidden gems—sun-drenched, full of history, and welcoming to visitors. Whether you’re climbing fortress walls, strolling the palm-lined promenade, soaking in a spa, or dining on fresh seafood, Herceg Novi offers an experience that feels both authentic and unforgettable.

For UK travellers, it’s an easy, affordable, and rewarding destination—one that combines Mediterranean charm, cultural depth, and natural beauty at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor.

So if you’re planning a Montenegro holiday in 2025, make sure Herceg Novi is on your list—you’ll quickly see why it’s called the City of the Sun.