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Things to Do in Herceg Novi

Things to Do in Herceg Novi

Herceg Novi Coastal Montenegro, Montenegro Travel Guide

Nearby Day Trips

Explore charming towns and historical sites close to Herceg Novi.

Coastal Gems

Kotor

A UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its remarkably well-preserved Old Town, encircled by formidable city walls, and its stunning setting at the deepest part of the Bay of Kotor.

Perast

A picturesque Baroque town known for its two iconic island churches: Our Lady of the Rocks (artificial island) and St. George (natural island with a monastery).

Tivat

Home to Porto Montenegro, a luxury superyacht marina. Tivat offers high-end shops, fine dining restaurants, and a sophisticated atmosphere.

Cross-Border Excursions

  • Budva: A lively coastal town known for its charming Old Town (Stari Grad) and popular beaches, including Mogren and Jaz.
  • Cavtat, Croatia: A charming coastal town located near Dubrovnik Airport, offering a relaxed atmosphere, beautiful harbor, and historical sites.
  • Dubrovnik, Croatia: A world-renowned UNESCO city, famous for its stunning Old Town, impressive city walls, and rich historical sites.
  • Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina: A charming town known for its Ottoman-era Arslanagić Bridge, a picturesque Old Town, and a relaxed atmosphere (requires international border crossing).

Transportation

  • Frequent public bus connections from Herceg Novi's main bus station for Kotor, Perast, Tivat, Budva.
  • Boat tours available from Herceg Novi to Perast and Kotor.
  • Public buses to Cavtat, Dubrovnik, Trebinje are less frequent due to border crossing procedures.
  • Private transfers or rental cars offer more flexibility for cross-border trips.

Tour vs. Independent Travel

  • Organized tours offer convenience (transportation, multiple stops, guide insights).
  • Organized tours offer less flexibility in terms of time spent at each location and itinerary.
  • Independent travel provides more flexibility to set your own pace and adapt itinerary.
  • Independent travel is often more cost-effective for single destinations, especially with public transport.

Time Required

  • Half-day trips: Perast (including a boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks island).
  • Half-day trips: Dedicated boat trip to the Blue Cave and Mamula Island.
  • Full-day trips: Kotor & Perast combined.
  • Full-day trips: A full day in Dubrovnik or a full day exploring Trebinje.

Important Border Notes

Cross-border trips require international border crossing procedures. Ensure you have necessary travel documents and check visa requirements.

Natural Escapes

Montenegro's dramatic landscapes offer a range of natural beauty to explore beyond the coast.

Parks & Reserves

  • Lovćen National Park: Home to Mount Lovćen and the Njegoš Mausoleum (approx. 2 hours drive), offering panoramic views.
  • Mount Orjen: Rising directly behind Herceg Novi, offers extensive hiking and nature exploration, with rugged terrain and diverse flora.
  • Lake Skadar National Park: The largest lake in the Balkans, an important birdwatching site, offering boat trips and charming lakeside villages.
  • Tara River Canyon: Located in northern Montenegro, it offers stunning mountain scenery, challenging hiking, and thrilling rafting opportunities.

Scenic Coastal Areas

Bay of Kotor

This fjord-like bay is surrounded by dramatic mountains, creating a stunning landscape. It is best explored by boat or by driving its perimeter.

Luštica Peninsula

Offers a rugged coastline with hidden coves, ancient olive groves, and traditional villages. It is a more secluded and wilder natural escape.

Secluded Beaches

Žanjic & Mirišta Beaches, located on the Luštica peninsula, are popular pebble beaches known for their clear waters and are easily accessible by boat taxi.

Rural Life

Rose: A charming, picturesque fishing village on the Luštica peninsula, often included in boat tours, offering a glimpse into traditional coastal life.

Local Production

Villages on the Luštica Peninsula offer insight into traditional Montenegrin rural life, olive oil production, and local cuisine. Many small producers welcome visitors for tastings.

Seasonal Beauty

Autumn sees changing foliage in higher elevations, creating beautiful seasonal displays, a dramatic contrast to the coastal environment.

Cultural Excursions

Dive into Montenegro's rich history and traditions.

Historical & Ancient Sites

  • Gurdic Gate (Kotor): Part of Kotor's impressive city walls, known for its natural spring and dramatic setting.
  • Old Olive Tree (Bar): Located near Bar, one of the oldest in the world (2,000+ years), a living piece of history.
  • Rural Villages: Villages on the Luštica Peninsula offer insight into traditional Montenegrin rural life and olive oil production.
  • Njeguši village: Famous for its smoked ham (pršut) and cheese, nestled in Lovćen National Park.

Spiritual Journeys

Ostrog Monastery

A remarkable Serbian Orthodox monastery built into a vertical cliff face (approx. 2.5-3 hours drive), it is a major pilgrimage site and truly awe-inspiring.

Architectural Wonder

This monastery is accessible by car or organized tour, offering an unique blend of architecture and spiritual devotion.

Regional Delicacies

Njeguši village is often included as a stop on organized tours from Kotor, allowing you to taste authentic regional delicacies.

Logistics for Exploration

Transportation

Long-distance buses connect all major towns and cities within Montenegro, making it easy to move between regions.

Coastal Route

Herceg Novi -> Perast -> Kotor -> Budva -> Sveti Stefan -> Bar -> Ulcinj. This route follows the Adriatic coastline, offering beaches, historical towns, and scenic drives.

Mountains & Lakes

Herceg Novi -> (bus/car) Podgorica -> (train/bus) Kolašin/Mojkovac (for Durmitor National Park) or Virpazar (for Lake Skadar National Park). This route provides a contrast to the coast, focusing on Montenegro's rugged interior.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider extending your trip to explore more of Montenegro's diverse regions or combine it with neighboring countries for a broader Balkan experience.

Northern Montenegro

  • Durmitor National Park: Add 2-3 days to experience stunning mountain scenery and challenging hiking.
  • Tara River Canyon: Offers thrilling rafting opportunities, a completely different landscape from the coast.
  • Access is typically via Podgorica or Nikšić.
  • Overnight stays in mountain lodges or guesthouses.

Southern Exploration

Lake Skadar National Park

Dedicate 1-2 days to this park, the largest lake in the Balkans. It is an important birdwatching site, offering boat trips and charming lakeside villages like Virpazar.

Coastal Continuation

After exploring the Bay of Kotor, a logical next step is to move south to the Budva Riviera or continue further down the coast to Bar and Ulcinj.

Cross-Border Options

You could cross into Albania (via Ulcinj) or head north into Bosnia and Herzegovina or Serbia for a broader Balkan itinerary.

Recommended Routes

  • Coastal Route: Follows the Adriatic coastline, offering beaches, historical towns, and scenic drives.
  • Mountains & Lakes: Focuses on Montenegro's rugged interior, contrasting with the coast.
  • Balkan Loop: Combines Montenegro with neighboring countries for a diverse experience.
  • Customizable itinerary for varied interests.

Travel Tips

  • Long-distance buses are convenient for inter-city travel.
  • Rental cars offer flexibility for exploring remote areas.
  • Plan border crossings in advance for efficiency.
  • Book accommodation early during peak season.

Regional Highlights

  • Unique blend of Adriatic coast and Dinaric Alps.
  • Rich historical heritage across diverse regions.
  • Opportunities for both relaxation and adventure.
  • Welcoming locals and authentic experiences.

Seamless Travel Tip

For a seamless visit to Kotor and Perast, take an early morning bus from Herceg Novi. This allows you to explore before the main crowds arrive, especially cruise ship passengers in Kotor.

Activity Planning Summary

Maximize Your Day Trips

  • Plan your route to combine nearby destinations efficiently (e.g., Kotor and Perast).
  • Start early for popular sites to avoid crowds and enjoy the morning light.
  • Utilize public buses for cost-effective travel between towns.
  • Consider private transfers or rental cars for flexibility, especially for cross-border trips.

Enhance Longer Stays

  • Extend your trip to northern Montenegro for mountain scenery and adventure sports.
  • Dedicate days to Lake Skadar National Park for nature and birdwatching.
  • Explore options to cross into neighboring countries for a broader Balkan experience.
  • Research specific interests like cultural excursions or unique village visits in advance.