Why stay in Herceg Novi

“Whoever believes will not be in haste.” Herceg Novi is a city of 1000 steps, a city with soul, where every square and every room has a traditional maritime charm, a place where you can escape from everyday life at least for a moment. Entirely in the old stone facades, decorated with green wooden shutters, intertwined with narrow streets and full of stairs Herceg-Novi cannot leave anyone indifferent.

Herceg Novi was founded only in 1382, making it one of the youngest cities on the Adriatic. Its founding father was the Bosnian king Tvrtko I, who wanted to make himself independent from Kotor and Dubrovnik with his own port city. While other cities in the Bay of Kotor were under the rule of the Venetians, Herceg Novi was conquered by the Turks for 200 years until 1687. Later the city belonged to the Venetian Republic, Austria, Russia, the French Empire, Montenegro, Austria-Hungary, Serbia, Mussolini’s fascist Italy, and eventually the former Yugoslavia from 1919 to 2006.

Since Herceg Novi stands at the gate to the Bay of Kotor, it is not surprising that its history is marked by numerous wars and a large number of forts that are still in place today. Forte Mare is the first to greet “guests” arriving in Herceg Novi. It was greatly expanded under the Turks, but the strong crenellated walls and gun ramps remind us of Austrian rule. It used to be named “Jaka Kula” (Sturdy Tower). The next kula is “Kanli Kula” (Bloody Tower), which was built by the Turks in the 16th century. From here you have one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Herceg Novi coast! In the 1960s it was converted into an amphitheater where many concerts and film festivals are held. Finally, the third Španjola Fortress is badly ruined, but entry is free.

Well, what wars can take place without divine accompaniment. “Manastir Savina” (Savina Monastery) from the 15th offers not only the must-see views of the Bay of Kotor, but also three beautiful Orthodox churches that stand out from the Catholic holy world of Herceg Novi. In the historic core of the city on the square near the fountain is the Orthodox Church from the 20th “Sveti Arhangela Mihaila” (Church of the Archangel Michael). And of course the Roman-Catholic Church “Sveti Jeronima”(Church of St. Jerome), dating from 1850, which rivals the Church of the Archangel Michael in interior decoration.

Blue Cave

Near Herceg Novi there are many beautiful wild beaches, which can be reached by boat in half an hour: Rose, Zanjice, Dobrec, Miriste and, of course, Mamula Island (former prison). And of course Plava Spilja (Blue Cave), this charming natural wonder is probably the most impressive sea cave on the Adriatic coast, depicted on every postcard and included in the obligatory boat tour list. Swimming and diving in the warm waters of this surreal environment is an attraction in itself. If you want to impress your friends during their stay in Montenegro, you should definitely take them to this hidden spot on the Lustica peninsula.

Portonovi

Portnovi is the riviera of the Bay of Kotor, where bohemian life, giving every day new acquaintances from all over the world will seem ordinary. Most of your time here is spent outdoors, where in the Adriatic sun you can sunbathe by the pool, on the beach or sailing on a yacht. Back at the five-star hotel with spa, you’ll enjoy fresh juices, seafood, delicacies and local wine.

If you do not know where to stay in Herceg Novi – you can use the search on our site. Select the option “Herceg Novi” and click on “Search”.