About Town & Getting Around
" Herceg Novi is town of sun, stairs, greenery and I'm amazed by it's beauty."
Ivo Andric - Nobel Prize writer
About Herceg Novi
Herceg Novi is a charming coastal town that will easily make you fall in love with it. Visitors return year after year, drawn not only by the Mediterranean climate, endless sunshine, and the blue sea, but also by the town's unique architecture, rich culture, and exceptionally friendly locals. With a turbulent history dating back to its founding in 1382, every stone, ancient wall, and fortress here tells a story of its own.
The famous promenade, Šetalište Pet Danica, runs right along the coast, connecting Igalo and Meljine. Walking along it, listening to the waves crashing against Herceg Novi’s ancient walls, and breathing in the scent of sea salt under the warm sun offers the ultimate Mediterranean experience.
At the very heart of the promenade lies Škver—the true soul of the city for us locals. We live and gather here 365 days a year. Whether the strong bura (north wind) or the warm jugo (south wind) is blowing, in summer or winter, you will always find locals and tourists alike enjoying the benefits of our mild climate.
Near Škver, the medieval Forte Mare fortress proudly stands guard. Once built to protect the town from sea invasions, it now serves as a magical open-air cinema. Watching a movie under the stars here is a unique experience you shouldn’t miss. Higher up, dominating Herceg Novi’s panorama, is the historic Bloody Tower (Kanli Kula), which offers an uninterrupted, breathtaking view of the entrance to the stunning Boka Bay.
The Old Town & Cultural Legacy
And what about the Old Town? Countless stairs and narrow stone streets lead up to the charming historic center. On Belavista, the upper square of the Old Town, sits the beautiful Church of St. Archangel Michael, built from fine Korčula stone. From there, a passage through the iconic Clock Tower (Sahat Kula) connects you directly to the lower square and the main pedestrian street, Njegoševa.
Beyond exploring historical landmarks, the Old Town is a lively place where you can browse boutiques featuring fine Italian designers, relax in the park, send a postcard, or enjoy a cappuccino in one of the many vibrant cafés. For a truly memorable break, we highly recommend refreshing yourself at the famous "Gradska Kafana" (City Café), where you can spend a pleasant afternoon on its magnificent open-air terrace with a stunning view.
Known through history as a city of conquerors (Turks, Venetians, Austrians...) and a sanctuary for world-class artists and writers (such as Nobel laureate Ivo Andrić, Aleksa Šantić, Vojo Stanić, Luka Tomanović, and Zuko Džumhur), Herceg Novi possesses a stunning, timeless beauty that will remain in your memory for a lifetime.
🗺️ Getting Around Herceg Novi
Getting around Herceg Novi is straightforward, but there is one thing you should know right away: stairs. Lots of them! The Old Town is built on a steep hillside, so exploring means climbing up and down stone steps—but we promise the stunning views make it completely worth it.
Here are the best ways to navigate the town and the surrounding area:
By Foot (The Best Way Local): Most of the main sights, historic spots, and beaches are perfectly walkable, especially since our properties are located near the Old Town and right on the Šetalište Pet Danica seaside promenade. The promenade itself is flat, traffic-free, and perfect for long walks, morning jogs, or sunset strolls past cafés and beaches.
By Taxi: Taxis are highly available and relatively affordable for short trips. They are especially handy at night, in the peak summer heat, or when you are carrying heavy beach bags.
By Local Bus: Blue-line local buses run regularly along the coast, connecting Herceg Novi with nearby towns and beaches. They are very budget-friendly and useful if you want to explore further out. Since timetables can sometimes change during the season, feel free to ask us for the current schedule, or you can check regional connections on busticket4.me.
By Boat (Water Taxis): During the summer season, water taxis and small boats are a fun and scenic way to hop between beaches or cross the bay. If you are looking for a special treat and want to bypass summer traffic entirely, private boat transfers (for example, from Herceg Novi directly to Tivat or the airport) can be arranged saving you a lot of time compared to the road.
Car Rentals & Driving: If you plan to explore inland Montenegro (like the national parks or monasteries), renting a car is a great option. However, for shorter stays focused on Herceg Novi, you can easily manage without one. Please keep in mind that peak season traffic around the Boka Bay can be slow and parking in town can be challenging.
