Herceg Novi is the most western Montenegrin resort on the Adriatic coast. It was founded by Bosnian king Tvrtko I in 1382 and has a long and vibrant history.
What is special about Herceg Novi? It is sometimes called “Town of 100,001 Steps”. There is a legend that Ivo Andrić, famous writer and Nobel prize winner, who lived with his wife from 1963 to 1968 in Herceg Novi (nowadays his house is a museum) described this town in three words: “Stairs, stairs, stairs…”. And that’s true, many streets are simply stairs so you should be prepared to go upstairs or downstairs quite often during your stay here.
One of the best attractions in Herceg Novi is Pet Danica (Five Danica) Promenade. It was a railway connecting Herceg Novi port to Sarajevo, Bosnia, here in the 19th century, and now it is a very long and green embankment named after five young women who died protecting Herceg Novi during World War II. They were all called Danica.
Nowadays there are a lot of cafes and restaurants here, also you’ll find a bunch of small beaches. So it is a great place to rest during a hot summer day.
Another top attraction you can explore in Herceg Novi is the Old Town, which is about 6 centuries old.
And yes, stairs are also included here. They make Old Town very picturesque, but it may be hard to walk here during rains or storms.
There are three interesting fortresses in Herceg Novi: Forte Mare, Kanli Kula, and Fortress Spanjola. Forte Mare fortress dating back to the 14th century is located in the city center and is easy to find. It is open for visiting during the summer season, the entrance cost is 4 euros in 2024. After its foundation, the fortress was several times rebuilt and enhanced – by the Turks, by the Venetians – and what we see now is an Austro-Hungarian version of Forte Mare fortress. Quite close to Forte Mare you will find Kanli Kula fortress.
One of the symbols of Herceg Novi is the Clock Tower (or Sat Kula). It was built in 1667 during Ottoman rule and served also as a city gate. Now it is located in the very historical center of Herceg Novi so you won’t miss it. Near the Clock Tower, you will find Nikola Djurković Square – a large square full of restaurants, shops, banks, etc.
Just near the Clock Tower, on another main square of Old Town – Belavista Square – you will see St. Michael Archangel Orthodox Church built in the 19th century. It has a remarkable architecture representing a mix of different styles.
A luxury marine Portonovi (a rival of Porto Montenegro and another luxury marine on the Adriatic coast) is located just a few kilometers from the historical center of Herceg Novi.