When visiting Herceg Novi, there are many best things to see and do. From exploring the Old Town (Stari Grad) to enjoying the beautiful views along the promenade, there is something for everyone.

If you’re interested in architecture, the best things to see in Herceg Novi are:

1. 1. St. Archangel Michael Church
   2. Savina Monastery
   3. Forte Mare
   4. Pet Danica Promenade
   5. Church of the St. Spasa
   6. Kanli Kula Fortress
   7. Church of St. Jerome
   8. Clock Tower
   9. Fortress Spanjola
   10. Škver City Harbor

We spent all of January visiting the sights in Herceg Novi. Based on our experience, we compiled this list of the best things to see.

If you don’t have a month to explore, you can follow our suggested Hercig Novi Walking Tour and easily see all the top things on our list in one day.

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The Church of St. Archangel (Michael Crkva Sveti Arhangel Mihajlo) is in the square Belavista, near the center of the old town of Herceg Novi.

It was built during the Austro-Hungarian administration of the city. The church is on the site where the former church, built by Herceg Stefan, once stood. The church was constructed with stone from Korčula, and its interior is decorated with an iconostasis made of white Italian marble.

The Savina Monastery, located in the eastern part of town, is a must-see attraction in Herceg Novi. It’s named in honor of Archbishop Sava, one of the most worshipped deities of the Serbian Orthodox Church, who built a small church in this town in the XIII century.

The monastery complex consists of three churches: the small Church of the Assumption, the Great Temple of the Assumption, and the Church of St. Sava.

There are also two burial sites on the grounds of the monastery.

Small Church of the Assumption

According to records, the Small Church of the Assumption (Sveto Uspenje Bogorodice) dates from 1030. That church has one transept with half circle apsidal, a belfry, and an oculus above the west portal. It was renovated in 1831.

Inside, it’s decorated with frescos of the Great Holidays and Life of Jesus made by the famous Kotor painter Lovro Dobricevic, one of the greatest masters on the coast in the middle of the 15th century. These frescoes are an example of a mixture of Byzantine icon painting and Gothic way of expression.

Great Temple of the Assumption

The Great Temple of the Assumption was built by Nikola Foretic from 1777 to 1799. It represents one of the most beautiful Dalmatian Baroque buildings. The belfry is decorated with wreaths, rosettes, and niches, providing the façade with a baroque silhouette.

The main relic of the monastery, the icon of St. Mary of Sava, is held in the Great Temple. There’s a legend that prayers to this icon saved the city from being destroyed by the Venetian army in the 18th century. When an enemy ship approached, the gathered citizens and monks started praying to the icon to save the church. Then, heavy rain and thunder started, and lightning struck the ship, setting it on fire, killing everyone on board, and repelling the attack.

Church of St. Sava

The Church of St. Sava is near the upper burial site, slightly away from the two churches of the Assumption. It’s presumed to have been built in the 13th century by St. Sava himself. It was renovated two centuries later.

There are several holy relics within the walls of the monastery, including the ashes of Serbian Tsaritsa Elena, Apostle Thomas, and St. George, and the crystal crucifix of St. Sava. The monastery’s library contains over 5,000 texts, including a handwritten copy of the Gospel dated to 1375 and an alphabet book printed in Russia in the late-17th century that the great Montenegran poet and Metropolitan bishop Petar II Njegos used.

It was built in the 14th century at the edge of the sea by Tvkro I, the town’s founder. Part of the defensive wall from that time is preserved on the southeast side of the fortress.

At various times, the fortress was in the hands of the Ottoman Empire, the Venetian Republic, and Austro-Hungary. The fortress was extended and reconstructed over the centuries. Today’s size, shape, and dimensions came about during the Turkish reign.

In the middle of the 16th century, that fort was called “Jaka kula” (“Strong Tower”) or “Kula Apasbase.” Today’s name, Forte Mare, was received in the 18th century during the Venetian reign.

Forte Mare represents one of Herceg Novi’s most significant fortifications and is probably responsible for the construction of the medieval town.

During the summer, the fortress hosts various events, including festivals and dramatic performances.

Pet Danica is an almost 4-mile-long promenade built directly where the Austro-Hungarian railway used to be located. When the railway was disassembled in the 1970s, the Pet Danica walkway was constructed, and the town got its resort-like appearance.

Today, visitors can enjoy a scenic walk along the promenade from Igalo to Meljine, which offers stunning views and a pleasant atmosphere. It’s a popular place for both tourists and locals to walk and enjoy the various cafes, restaurants, and shops.

The Church of the Holy Savior is a Serbian Orthodox church in Herceg Novi. It was constructed from 1709 to 1713 next to the Church of St. George. It got its present appearance in 1864 when it was almost completely renovated.

There are many valuables inside the church that famous people have donated.

Kanli kula is situated in the north part of the old town. The tower’s size and position dominate the city at 279 feet above sea level.

Kanli kula’s exact date of construction cannot be determined, but we know it was first mentioned in written documents in the 17th century. It was used as a fortification system and a prison during Ottoman rule. The name Kanli kula is of Turkish origin and means “bloody tower.”

It was rebuilt during the Austro-Hungarian reign and again after the earthquake of 1979.

Today, the fortress has one of the largest amphitheaters in the Adriatic, and during the summer, it hosts various dramatic performances and concerts.

aka Church of St. Jeronimo aka Church of Sveta Jeronima aka St. Joakim Church

St. Jerome’s Church (Crkva Sv. Jeronima) is a catholic church in Trg Mića Pavlovića.

The church was built on the spot of an older catholic church dating back to the 17th century. St. Jerome is recognized by the Catholic and the Orthodox churches as the town’s protector.

Its interior is decorated with baroque paintings by Tripo Kokol, a famous painter who lived in the late 17th century and early 18th century.

It is a functional church with regular services.

aka Sahat Kula aka Tora

The Clock Tower (Sahat Kula) is located in Nikola Djurkovic Square. The tower, built during the Ottoman Empire, is one of the oldest clock towers in Montenegro and the heraldic symbol of the city.

The clock tower has had various functions throughout history. It was used to announce the hour of daily prayers to the locals (at the time, there was a mosque nearby), it was the tower gate, and it was used for reconnaissance patrols during wars.

The Spanish first established Fortress Spanjola during their short rule over Herceg Novi in 1538-1539. Over the next decade, its construction was continued by the Ottoman Empire. In addition to the Ottoman Empire, the fortress has been held by the Venetian Republic, France, Austro-Hungary, and Yugoslavia at various times.

Some sources reference another name for the fortress, Gorni Grad (or the Upper Town) – a reference to the fort’s location. An underground tunnel connects this part of Herceg Novi to the lower town.

The fortress is now abandoned, and no attempts have been made to preserve it. It is open and accessible to the public. It is accessible on foot or by car. Take the turn to Sbrina Street from Jadranska Magistrala and follow the signs. The fort has a marvelous view of the town and the bay.

Škver is the name of the small town port with a lighthouse in the middle of the promenade where the railway used to be. Today, the former railway station has been refurbished to house a café, a bar, and an art gallery. There is also a swimming pool for competitions and other open-air events.

Boat tours are also available from the marina. A boat trip to Mamula Island offers the opportunity to visit the Blue Cave and enjoy the beautiful coastline of the Lustica Peninsula. Boats depart several times a day from the main marina, allowing visitors to experience these top sights in the area.

If you’re still on the fence after reading about the 10 Best Things to See, check out “Is Herceg Novi Worth Visiting.” We review a long list of factors you should consider before reserving a room and booking your flight.

If you only have one day (or even just a couple hours) in Herceg Novi, we suggest visiting the recommended sites in the following order:

1. 1. Kanli Kula Fortress
   2. Clock Tower
   3. St. Archangel Michael Church
   4. Church of St. Jerome
   5. Forte Mare
   6. Škver City Harbor
   7. Pet Danica Promenade
   8. Savina Monastery

Following the suggested itinerary will take you past 8 of the 10 Best Things to See in Herceg Novi and through all of the Old Town! Depending on your level of urgency, it will take about 2hrs to complete the walking tour. This estimate allows time to stop for photos and take a peak inside the churches (along with an occasional drink of water). But it does not include tours of any attractions.

If you have more time, you can see more of the promenade, visit two Serbian churches, and climb up to the Spanish Fortress to take in some fantastic views of the Bay and surrounding mountains. Each excursion will take an additional 45mins so you could do the primary tour and both add-ons in less than 4 hours. The combined itinerary will take you to all the 10 best things to see in Herceg Novi.

Our suggested Herceg Novi Walking Tour starts and ends at the Kanli Kula Fortress. Along the way, you will see many interesting architectural buildings in the Old Town, visit the town harbor, and walk a section of the beautiful promenade on your way to the Savina Monastery.

PRO TIP: If you want to see more of the Pet Danica Promenade and take in a bonus sight, keep walking west on the promenade past the harbor towards Topla and visit the Church of the Holy Savior and the Church of St. George. These historic Serbian Orthodox churches are worth a visit if you have a little extra time.

PRO TIP NO. 2: Hike up to the 16th-century Fortress Spanjola to another fortress and get the very best views of the Bay of Kotor with Mount Orjen and Mount Lovcen in the distance. The fortress is abandoned, but it is open and accessible to the public.

Herceg Novi is known for its stunning coastal location and rich history. Situated on the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, Herceg Novi is renowned for its picturesque views, beautiful beaches, and charming Old Town. The town’s historic landmarks, such as the Forte Mare Fortress and the Clock Tower, showcase its cultural heritage.

Herceg Novi is also famous for its healing mud and wellness spa and its annual summer events and festivals, including the Mimosa Festival. Finally, it’s home to PVK Jadran, the professional water polo club.

Yes, Herceg Novi, Montenegro is very pretty. It has beautiful views of the mountains in nearly every direction, a fantastic view of the Bay of Kotor, and several historic buildings.

The coastal path, called Pet Danica walkway, stretches for more than 4 miles (7 km) and offers stunning views of the bay of Kotor. Strolling along the shoreline on the pedestrian-only promenade, tourists can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and admire the beautiful scenery. The waterfront is also lined with restaurants providing ample opportunities to relax and indulge in delicious seafood dishes while enjoying picturesque surroundings. Konoba Feral is one of the best places. This restaurant offers delicious fresh seafood dishes and a perfect dining experience with fantastic sea views. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a full seafood dinner, Konoba Feral is a great choice.

There are many great places to stay in Herceg Novi. For the best experience, we recommend staying near the Old Town (the castle marker on the map below). If you don’t stay in the Old Town, we recommend staying near the sea along the promenade. The architecture of Herceg Novi is not as memorable as you go inland and away from the Old Town and the Bay of Kotor.

Here’s an interactive map with accommodation options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.

Book your stay now!

If you fly into Dubrovnik Airport, you can take a taxi or private transfer to Herceg Novi. It’s only 18 miles (40 minutes with border crossing) from the airport to Herceg Novi.

If you fly into Tivat Airport, you can take the bus to Herceg Novi. The trip only takes 55 min. But the bus only runs once in the morning and once in the evening.

If you need door-to-door service, then a taxi from the airport to the front door of your hotel is best. To arrange a taxi or private transfer, we recommend GetTransfer.

Do you need wifi during your trip and don’t want to pay for roaming? We use eSIMs from Airalo during our travel and highly recommend them. They are cheap, easy to set up, and allow you to leave your primary sim card in your phone (so you don’t loose it). Click below for more info.

The time of the year with good weather and fewer crowds is often referred to as the shoulder season. The shoulder season in Herceg Novi is April, October, and November. For many, this is the best time of the year to visit.

You can see all of Herceg Novi on foot in a few hours. However, we recommend staying at least one night to enjoy dinner and the promenade after dark. Of course, there’s plenty to see and do, including beach and water activities during the summer months if you have time for a longer stay.

Some of the best beaches in Herceg Novi include Herceg Novi Plaza, Plaza Topla Herceg Novi, Rafaello Plaza Herceg Novi, and Bla Bla Beach. These beaches offer crystal-clear waters, stunning views, and easy access to cafes and restaurants.

Kayaking is another popular activity in Herceg Novi. Kayaking is the best way to see the area from a unique perspective. Travelers can hire a kayak from several places around the marina or join a guided tour. Many excursions go to the famous Blue Cave or “Plava Spilja.”

If you don’t want to paddle, many itineraries are available to explore by boat for a small fee. Many of these tours allow you to have a personalized experience and visit all the must-see attractions at your own pace. Whether you want to visit the Blue Cave, Lady of the Rocks, Kotor Bay, or the Adriatic Sea, a private tour will ensure the best possible experience. You can easily book a private tour in advance or find options available at the harbor.

Yes, the small old town of Herceg Novi can be easily explored in a short time, offering a charming and picturesque experience. Although it may not be as big as Kotor’s old town, it has its own unique charm. Whether you’re interested in exploring historical landmarks, enjoying the beautiful Adriatic Sea, or simply relaxing by the coast, Herceg Novi has something to offer for every traveler, even those with limited time.

We explored this question in depth in our article “Is Herceg Novi, Montenegro Worth Visiting?”

Herceg Novi is a coastal town on the Bay of Kotor in northern Montenegro. It’s about 1 hr 15 min north of Tivat, where the primary airport to access the Montenegrin coastal towns is located. However, it’s only 45 min to 1 hr south of the Dubrovnik, Croatia airport (depending on how long it takes to get across the border).