Herceg Novi holidays

You’ll have everything from historical fortresses to seaside restaurants on a holiday to Herceg Novi.

Ancient fortresses

This pretty town’s sat at the foot of Mount Orjen – right on the coast of Montenegro – and it’s not short of things to see and do. One of the most famous buildings in Herceg Novi is the ancient Fort Mare – a fortress that dates back to the 13th century but is still used today, even sometimes playing host to concerts and open-air cinema screenings. Away from the old town, you can stroll around a harbour buzzing with food and drink joints right by the water, and there’s a string of pebbly beaches lining the coast if you're looking for a scenic place to chill.

Watery wonders

With a plot on the edge of the Bay of Kotor, Herceg Novi’s well placed for boat trips and watersports. Two of the most popular spots to visit by boat are the Blue Cave and Mamula Island. The Blue Cave, as its name suggests, is a rocky grotto with neon blue water inside. It’s a bit of an optical illusion – the water’s actually clear, but it’s illuminated by a small light stream that reflects off the limestone walls, giving it its blue sheen. If you look carefully, you’ll sometimes see fish dancing about underneath your boat, too. A trip to Mamula Island, on the other hand, takes you to an isolated ancient fortress that was built in the mid-1800s.

Strolls in the countryside

Walking enthusiasts – this bit’s for you. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to picturesque rambling routes in Herceg Novi. A few walks here are best suited to avid hikers, but plenty of them are fairly gentle and not too steep, meaning you don’t need to be experienced to enjoy Montenegro’s countryside. You’ll wander through landscapes dotted with olive trees, past cobblestone walls and jagged hillsides, all with far-reaching views of the Adriatic Sea in the distance. And it goes without saying, you’ll want to bring your camera.

A spot of wine

If you enjoy a glass of vino or two, a visit to one of Herceg Novi’s wineries is a must. There are plenty scattered about in the countryside surrounding the town, and one of the most popular spots to visit is called Savina. This place is perched on a hillside by the seafront, right next to an old monastery – and yes, it’s as scenic as it sounds. As well as tasting different varieties of wine, you’ll get to learn about how it’s made before tucking in to some nibbles that’ve been hand-picked to go with each tipple.