Is Herceg Novi Worth Visiting? When It Is & When It’s Not

When I visited Herceg Novi for the first time on my one week trip to Montenegro, I didn’t really understand this city. But then years later, when I returned to live in the area, I got to revisit it on many occasions and realized that Herceg Novi is actually well worth a trip not just for a day but for at least a full weekend break.

Since then it has become my favorite city and after coming to live near it, my husband and I decided to buy an apartment here because we think it’s just the best place where to be in the whole of Montenegro.

And considering that fact that over the last few years Herceg Novi expanded a bit, more gorgeous hotels popped up and infrastructure improved, there are now even more reasons to check it out.

Yet, at the same time, I understand that for some people coming all the way to Herceg Novi may not be the best idea. Depending on how much time you plan to spend in Montenegro and which direction you are coming from will define a final answer as to whether Herceg Novi is worth visiting or not.

So let’s cover it all below with me together!

Is Herceg Novi Worth Visiting – That Time When It Is 

Herceg Novi is worth visiting under several conditions but there are other times when it may be better to skip it.

First, you definitely shouldn’t miss it if coming from Dubrovnik. This will be the first city you encounter where you can even base yourself if having a few days in Montenegro on a trip from Croatia.

Second, it is worth visiting Herceg Novi when being in Kotor city and anywhere in the Bay of Kotor. Being one of the most important cities in the past and having experienced the influence of various empires and cultures, including the Byzantines, Romans, Serbs, Venetians, Ottomans, and Austro-Hungarians, Herceg Novi is just one interesting city with many activities, both in summer and winter.

If you like history, you will appreciate three fortresses here as well as a couple of museums with information on the culture and history of the city and region. 

People who love nature will enjoy some interesting hiking trails, beaches, and thermal waters. Beaches in Herceg Novi are some of the nicest among all beaches in the bay and there are even a few very nice sandy beaches in the area. While you can’t swim on them from about December to May, it is still very possible to sunbathe as Herceg Novi region is the sunniest place in Montenegro in winter.

There are also a few thermal mineral springs in Kamelj, Igalo, and Zelenika, which offer various procedures for health and relaxation.

If you enjoy music and cinema, then plan to come to Herceg Novi during the International Montenegro Film Festival, International Festival of Music and Theater “From the Bottom of the Sea,” International Classical Music Festival “Prince’s Games,” or the “European Music Days” chamber music festival. They all happen in Herceg Novi throughout the year and are a lot of fun.

Herceg Novi is also worth visiting if you are traveling to Montenegro with kids. With good infrastructure, parks with playgrounds, and clean warm sea, it is one of the best destinations in the whole Balkans for families with children who are looking to have a nice beach holiday in Montenegro.

And then if you feel like going away, just rent a car in this part of Montenegro to go on a road trip exploring Montenegro’s hidden gems.

That Time When It May Be Better to Skip Herceg Novi

Those times when Herceg Novi is not worth visiting are when you are flying to Podgorica or Tivat during summer with a plan to go hiking in Montenegro mountains and mainly visit Lovcen National Park, Durmitor, or Prokletije while not having much time on hand.

The thing is – the main road along the coast between towns in Kotor Bay gets incredibly busy in July and August. It becomes so congested that getting stuck in traffic (be it in a car or bus) and wasting time is very possible. 

So, instead of driving around to reach Herceg Novi, I would better recommend you visit Cetinje, the first capital of Montenegro which doesn’t get enough attention. And from Cetinje, drive down to Kotor, one of the oldest cities in the Balkans. 

Another time when you shouldn’t be visiting Herceg Novi is when you love to party. There are a couple of clubs in Igalo (a small town adjacent to Herceg Novi) but they are rather low-key compared to Kotor and Budva. Overall, Herceg Novi with its restaurants and bars has a serene atmosphere that is great for families with children and those who love peace and quiet.

Is Herceg Novi Worth Visiting in Winter?

As I mentioned above, Herceg Novi region in December, January, and February gets more sun than any other Montenegrin city by the sea. Yes, it still rains and there is still wind, but winter months here are a bit more comfortable compared to the rest of the coast. 

So if you are wondering whether it is worth visiting Herceg Novi in winter, my answer is a resounding yes, it absolutely is, especially if you are going to be at this time in Dubrovnik!

However, after the New Year, it becomes quite cold, and you shouldn’t expect temperatures higher than +15 to +17 degrees Celsius (59-63°F) during the day, often accompanied by piercing winds. While some may argue that +15 degrees isn’t too chilly, the sea winds make it feel much colder in reality!

I’d say that overall, coming to Herceg Novi from late November to March is worth the effort as winter is perfect for walking around the city and sightseeing. This city has charming architecture and fortresses to explore and a lovely winery open year-round in Savina Monastery. Also, if it doesn’t rain, you can join a boat tour around the Bay of Kotor or go hiking in the Kotor Bay which opens up magical views with heavy clouds on the horizon.

However, since Herceg Novi weather is really unpredictable, there may be heavy rain throughout your entire visit which can spoil the impression. It’s important to be ready for this possibility.

What Is Worth Visiting in Herceg Novi?

Depending on the season, the number of activities varies. From very interesting museums and terraces with a view to blue grottos and wineries, Herceg Novi can offer quite a few experiences.

I invite you to read my full guide to things to do in Herceg Novi to understand what’s better to do and when.

BONUS: Herceg Novi vs Kotor – Which One to Choose Where to Stay?

These two are very different cities that offer very different experiences even though there is only a short drive between them.

First of all, you need to know that Herceg Novi is cheaper than Kotor. It is also all about the history, beaches, and a few amazing hotels like the luxurious Lazure Hotel & Marina or more budget-friendly all-inclusive hotel Iberostar. This is why it is a wonderful pick for people who want to have a few days (or a week-long) vacation on a resort with meals included and easy access to the beach.

Herceg Novi is great for families with smaller kids and for people who love water sports, hiking, and atmosphere of good old Europe. It offers numerous historical sites, including fortresses, churches, and museums as well as a few hiking paths in the area. The city also has excellent spas with mineral water.

Kotor on the other hand captivates with its unique medieval architecture and ancient old town, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. There, you’ll find very narrow streets, centuries-old buildings, a few former castles, and even a fortress above the city with views of the fjords. 

There are no beaches in Kotor in the sense of nice shorelines where to swim. All beaches are manmade, very small and water there is not clean to swim.

Choosing Kotor is best for romantic walks, long evening times by the water with a glass of wine, and quiet secluded stays as there are many private B&Bs with intimate atmosphere and views on all sides. Examples of such places are Kotor Nest or Bay Mola apartment in a charming Dobrota village.

Also, there are many other interesting places around this city which make it a great destination where to stay in Montenegro if you plan to go on road trips.

If you have enough time in Montenegro, try to visit both Herceg Novi and Kotor to fully experience their uniqueness. If not, then:

• Choose Herceg Novi for beaches, water sports, best seafood, all-inclusive accommodation, and more sun in winter. Otherwise,
• Choose Kotor for the Middle Ages feel, spectacular fjord views, hiking, romantic guesthouses, oyster farms, and upscale dining with panoramas.

>> Read my guide to where to stay in Kotor and how to find the best accommodation >>

Is It Worth Visiting Herceg Novi From Dubrovnik?

Yes, it’s absolutely worth visiting Montenegro from Dubrovnik! To start with – these cities are very close to each other which is why it doesn’t take much time to travel between them on a bus or rental car. 

Next, Herceg Novi is much cheaper than Dubrovnik (in every season) and less crowded in July and August. Furthermore, even though these two destinations are similar in some ways, in reality they are different and have unique styles with various things to do. 

However, when visiting, it may be better to come by bus (purchase tickets directly at Dubrovnik’s bus station) or by car (hire a car from Localrent to have permission to bring a vehicle outside Croatia).

Dubrovnik’s streets are filled with advertisements promoting excursions or day tours to Herceg Novi (like for example this one which includes a boat cruise around the bay) but tour agencies often come up with extra costs and rush through every place they visit.

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• Hiring a Car in Montenegro – things to know and avoid
• How to Find & Rent Apartment in Montenegro – for the long-term
• Beaches in Budva – best beaches not to miss
• Autumn in Montenegro – why it’s the best season to visit