Scenic Day Excursion to a Picturesque Coastal Town in Montenegro Offers a Charming Escape from Croatia
Discover Herceg Novi, Montenegro: A Hidden Gem on the Adriatic Coast
Herceg Novi, a charming seaside town nestled in the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With a population of 33,000 people, this picturesque town has managed to maintain its storybook aesthetic, with tile roofs, stone and plaster walls, and a castle-like clock tower.
Herceg Novi was founded in the 14th century and has a rich history marked by various invaders throughout its existence. Today, it stands as a testament to its past, with several forts located across the bay. One such fortress is Kanli Kula, a 15th-century fortress that offers panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor. This historic landmark has been transformed into an outdoor performance space with elegant terraced seating crafted from stone. During the summer, Kanli Kula hosts cultural festivals, staging concerts, operas, and other live events.
The Old Town of Herceg Novi is a must-visit, with narrow streets that wind through preserved architecture and small shops and cafes. The seaside promenade (Pet Danica) is perfect for leisurely strolls, people-watching, and soaking in the coastal atmosphere from cafes and restaurants. Visitors can also relax or swim at Plaža Boka, a popular pebble beach.
For those seeking a spiritual experience, the Savina Monastery complex, a serene orthodox monastery nestled in lush greenery just outside the city, features several historic churches. The Upper Fortress, known as Spanjola, provides great views of the coastline and played a strategic defensive role historically.
Herceg Novi is not just about history and culture; it also offers opportunities for adventure. The town is a gateway to various tours and activities such as hiking, water sports, boat excursions, and private guided tours. The nearby Igalo, a small spa town at the western end of the promenade, is famous for its therapeutic mud treatments.
For the best visit, consider traveling in spring or autumn (April-May or September-October) when the weather is pleasant and the city is less crowded. Taxi drivers routinely pass between Croatia and Montenegro, making it a common trip from Dubrovnik airport.
Montenegro, a small country that packs a lot into its 5,300 square miles, shares borders with Albania, Serbia, Kosovo, and Bosnia. It became a sovereign nation in 2006 and has 182 miles of coastline, including the underrated town of Perast, offering a relaxed, picture-perfect vacation. The Submarine Tunnel, a corridor burrowed into the cliffs by Yugoslavia's communist government, is another unique attraction in Montenegro.
Visitors can also explore the Blue Cave, a vast opening in the cliffs where the water glows electric blue, or swim and snorkel inside it. Montenegro's average elevation is over 3,000 feet above sea level, making it known for its hiking and rugged biking routes.
Whether you're seeking history, culture, adventure, or relaxation, Herceg Novi, Montenegro, offers a captivating experience that will leave you longing for more.
Herceg Novi's coastal lifestyle, merged with the opportunity to travel and explore its historic sites, makes it an ideal destination for a vacation that combines relaxation and adventure. During summer, Kanli Kula hosts cultural festivals, showcasing the town's vibrant travel-inspired lifestyle.
The picturesque town of Herceg Novi, with its rich history, lush greenery, and scenic coastline, offers travelers an enchanting journey through Montenegro's unique blend of culture, natural beauty, and historical landmarks, appealing to those seeking a captivating travel experience.
