For the most convenient trip, book a car rental in Podgorica. Within a couple of hours, the landscape transformed from the highlands into something almost Instagrammable, the Bay of Kotor shimmering, stone villages clinging to cliffsides, and the scent of wild herbs drifting through the open windows.
Our destination is Herceg Novi, a coastal gem tucked at the very entrance of the Bay of Kotor.
Why Herceg Novi Deserves a Spot on Your Itinerary
Herceg Novi is one of those places that quietly surprises you. It doesn't shout like Dubrovnik or bustle like Budva.
Instead, it draws you in with its layered history, lush botanical gardens, and a relaxed seafront atmosphere that feels genuinely lived-in.
The town sits at the mouth of the Bay of Kotor, making it a natural gateway for travellers exploring the
Montenegrin coast. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply someone who enjoys good coffee by the sea, Herceg Novi has something meaningful to offer you.
Explore the Old Town
First things first, head straight to the Old Town, locally known as Stari Grad. Walking through its narrow, cobblestone streets feels like stepping back several centuries.
The architecture reflects a fascinating mix of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Venetian influences, each layer telling a different chapter of the town's past.
The iconic Kanli Kula fortress dominates the skyline, offering sweeping panoramic views of the bay.
It also hosts open-air concerts and cultural events during the summer. Spend at least a couple of hours here wandering without a plan; you will be glad you did.
Visit the Forte Mare Fortress
Just a short walk from the Old Town, Forte Mare is another fortress worth your time. It sits right by the waterfront, and the contrast between the ancient stone walls and the glittering Adriatic behind them makes for some genuinely stunning photographs.
The fortress dates back to the 14th century and has been rebuilt and reinforced multiple times. Today, it serves as a cultural venue and an architectural landmark.
Going in the early morning means you get softer light and far fewer crowds, which makes the whole experience feel much more personal and peaceful.
Wander Through the Botanical Garden Arboretum
One of the most underrated attractions in Herceg Novi is the Arboretum botanical garden in nearby Tivat, but the town itself is also famous for its incredible greenery.
Herceg Novi is often called the "Town of Flowers" for good reason. The mild Mediterranean climate allows mimosa, bougainvillea, agapanthus, and oleander to thrive in extraordinary abundance.
Strolling through the parks and public gardens here feels genuinely restorative. The town even holds an annual Mimosa Festival every February, drawing visitors from across the Balkans.
If you love nature, this town will feel like a very welcome surprise.
Beach Time
Of course, no visit to Herceg Novi is complete without spending time on the beach. Beaches in Herceg Novi are very nice and cosy, often smaller but worth spending a day on them.
Igalo beach is calm and pebbly, popular with families and older visitors. Further along the coastline, you will find smaller, more secluded coves that reward a little exploration.
The water in the Bay of Kotor tends to be exceptionally clear and calm compared to the open Adriatic, making it ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking.
Renting a kayak or paddleboard for an afternoon is one of the best decisions you can make here.
Take a Day Trip to Igalo and Its Healing Mud
Just next door to Herceg Novi lies Igalo, a small resort town famous across the former Yugoslavia for its therapeutic mud and mineral-rich seawater.
The Institute Dr. Simo Milosevic has been offering wellness and rehabilitation treatments for decades, and many visitors specifically come to this part of Montenegro for health tourism.
Even if you are not there for medical reasons, the spa treatments and thalassotherapy options are deeply relaxing.
Combining a beach morning in Herceg Novi with an afternoon wellness session in Igalo is a perfectly balanced day on the Montenegrin Riviera.
Cruise the Bay of Kotor
One of the most memorable experiences you can have from Herceg Novi is a boat tour of the Bay of Kotor.
Daily cruises depart from the town's harbour and wind through the bay, stopping at highlights like the Our
Lady of the Rocks island church near Perast, the medieval town of Kotor itself, and various secluded beaches accessible only by water.
The bay is a UNESCO-listed natural and cultural heritage site, and seeing it from the water gives you an entirely different perspective. Several operators offer private boat rentals if you prefer to explore at your own pace.
Getting Around: Why Renting a Car Makes All the Difference
Getting the most out of Herceg Novi and the surrounding region is so much easier with your own wheels.
Booking a car rental at Podgorica airport was genuinely one of the best travel decisions I made on this trip.
The drive from Podgorica to Herceg Novi along the motorway through Niksic takes roughly 2 hours and is completely straightforward.
Having a car meant I could stop at a roadside viewpoint whenever I felt like it, and make detours through villages
I had never heard of, and reached the more remote beaches that buses simply do not serve.
If you are flying into Montenegro, arranging your car hire before you land saves time and often money too.
Final Thoughts
Herceg Novi is the kind of town that stays with you long after you have left. It is not flashy, and it does not try too hard to impress. It simply exists, beautifully and authentically, at the edge of one of Europe's most spectacular bays.
From its ancient fortresses and blooming gardens to its beaches, healing mud, and extraordinary seafood, there is genuinely no shortage of things to experience here.