Are you planning a luxury charter vacation to visit Dubrovnik, one of Europe’s most famous elite destinations?
After you finish exploring the gorgeous city known as a mecca for billionaires and celebrities each summer, try to make time to visit its lesser-known but equally impressive neighbor, Herceg Novi. Although it belongs to Montenegro, while Dubrovnik is a part of Croatia, the two are just minutes away by luxury yacht.
The city had a much more low-key vibe than the capital of the world’s elites until a newly finished project, Porto Novi, a concept with chic boutiques, restaurants, and a swish marina, created an enormous buzz in luxury tourism.
The sheltered marina in Porto can accommodate superyachts up to 120 meters in length and offers outstanding service to ensure your bespoke yachting holiday goes without a single worry on your mind.
When you leave your luxury marina, you can explore the rich cultural heritage, majestic landmarks, and vibrant nightlife Herceg Novi was always known for in the region.
Once known as Castelnuovo, the town was already inhabited in Neolithic times and later became part of the Illyrian, Roman, Venetian, and Ottoman empires. During your luxury charter holiday in Herceg Novi, you will see strong contrasts - old architecture that tells the story of times long gone and the new lavish area with a contemporary and sophisticated tone.
Best Things To See In Herceg Novi
After cruising from one Montenegrin turquoise cove to another, you might feel like stretching your feet - and with the incredibly beautiful historic streets of Herceg Novi where each building is an artistic masterpiece, you’re in for some enjoyable walks.
Kanli-Kula
This open-air amphitheater sits high over the Herceg old town, providing breathtaking views of the Adriatic. Built by the Ottomans and updated by the Venetians, it represents a stunning example of renaissance architecture. Back in its day, it also served as a jail utilized by the Turks, when it was nicknamed “Bloody Tower”. If you’re interested, you can even go down into the dungeons and see where detainees carved artworks and messages into stones. Hauntingly beautiful, the amphitheater is now used for cultural events, including a guitar festival and one devoted to opera each summer.
Durković Square & Clock Tower
Durković Square is the focal point of the Old Town (Stari Grad) and probably the busiest square of Herceg Novi. Every day and night, Durković gathers all locals who religiously meet for a comfortable espresso or cocktails and live music - Montenegrins are very friendly, and social gatherings play a crucial role in their life. So join in for the vibrant atmosphere and meet new friends!
From Durković Square, a flight of stairs will take you straight to the city's most emblematic landmark, the Clock Tower (Sahat Kula). This site was created in 1667 by Sultan Mahmud as one of the main attractions in the old town. It should be mentioned that you should prepare the most comfortable shoes when exploring this city, as the towers and endless stairs make exploring the numerous historic landmarks quite a workout.
Forte Mare Fortress
If you want to tone up without exercising, Herceg Novi is the town for you. With so many fortresses and landmarks to visit, strolling through this town is the most enjoyable sports activity one could think of.
The Mare Fortress was built by the principal Bosnian King who established Herceg Novi, and it has been reconstructed a couple of times as it changed hands. The impressive castle was meant to be a guarded settlement to protect the town from pirate attacks and was later turned into a cinema during the 1950s.
If you find yourself in Herceg Novi in the late spring months or summer, you can head to the top for a small fee. From there, you’ll get a dazzling panorama of the entry to the Bay of Kotor and the Adriatic Sea.
Castel Savina
If sightseeing is not your jam, but premium wine is, make sure to devote one afternoon to the beautiful castle with sun-soaked vineyards where you can enjoy a fine tasting, paired with delicious Montenegrin prosciutto and cheese. With centuries of tradition when it comes to wine production, Savina is known as home to the most highly regarded reds and whites in the country.
Blue Cave
This magic grotto is situated on the Luštica Peninsula, just a short cruise from the marina by luxury charter yacht. If you can, buy a disposable underwater camera to capture the ethereal beauty - the Blue Cave impresses visitors with the intense turquoise color of the sea, made stronger by the light that protrudes the grottos two entrances - you might want to immortalize the moment and create the coolest charter cruise souvenir.
Mamula Fortress
A mysterious fortress on a desolate island has had an intriguing dark history that inspired many local films and often served as a shooting location. Built by an Austohugarian general in the 19th Century, Mamula has served as a prison in both world wars but is today a ghost palace that you can visit for free during your luxury charter cruise.
The Best Beaches In Herceg Novi
Amazed by the magnificent historic landmarks and palm-studded alleys? Wait ‘till you see the beaches! Herceg Novi is a city that delivers on all fronts and will be especially interesting for those that love to hunt for a hidden cove where nature managed to persist in spite of touristic development.
Žanjice Beach
Žanjice is a peninsula found right by the Bay of Kotor and can be approached by boat from Herceg Novi within minutes. This dreamy cove is adored for its long, wide shore embraced by seductive nature, thick forest, and calm atmosphere. The water here is exceptionally clear and intensely blue, making it one of the favorite swimming spots for locals.
There are several restaurants serving drinks and refreshments, as well as parasols and sunbeds for rent.
Baošići Beach
Baošići Beach is situated along the shore of the scenic village in the Herceg Novi municipality that carries the same name, minutes from the city center.
This charming cove resembles a postcard from the seventies - pine trees, clean seas, and traditional restaurants create a look that will transport you to the happiest moments of your childhood.
It has both sandy and pebbly parts and calm seas, making it perfect for a family beach day.
Kumbor Beach
This area of Herceg Novi is highly charismatic, thanks to old Mediterranean houses, abundant greenery, and a serene feel. The sandy beach is a great place to kick back and relax, far away from tourist noises, but without foregoing the comforts of an organized beach.
Lalovina Beach
Lalovina is a gorgeous beach in the Zelenika neighborhood of Herceg Novi, with idyllic scenery and pristine nature. Because of the mountains and southern area of the city and a unique microclimate, Lalovina is a wonderful place to explore the seabed while diving or snorkeling.
If you’re planning a luxury charter cruise a bit off-season, you’ll appreciate the high average temperature of the sea that stays in the range of 22 - 26°C from May to September.
The Best Restaurants To Visit In Herceg Novi
Known as the city with 100.001 stairs, exploring Herceg Novi by foot and then swimming in it’s incredibly pretty beaches will allow you to eat without a guilty conscience. Whether you’re planning a family gathering, or wish to go for a romantic evening, the culinary scene of this Montenegrin town has something to offer for everyone.
Bloom Lounge & Champagne Bar
If you moor your luxury charter yacht in the Porto Novi marina, this chic restaurant will probably be your go-to option. The interior is impeccable and will dazzle any trendy visitor. The dishes such as the braised chicken or burrata, prepared by a chef who crafted his skills in Michelin-star restaurants, and the extensive wine and champagne list make this one of the coolest restaurants in Montenegro.
Konoba Feral
An iconic restaurant in the city center that many locals still use as a meeting point and orientation mark is one of the places you should definitely visit during your stay in Herceg Novi. The barbecued squid and hand-crafted fish tagliatelle are superb, and the wine list incorporates vintage bottles from the Savina Monastery. While dining here, you will get the prettiest views of the town and the sea - we highly recommend it for a family lunch or early dinner.
Splendido Taverna
An authentic fish restaurant with stunning azure vistas that never fails to amaze visitors with their mouthwatering black risotto and unrivaled shellfish broth, Splendido offers excellent cuisine and marvelous ambiance for quite a modest price.
If you’re traveling with kids and would like to have them entertained in between dishes, you will appreciate the playground located just by the restaurant.
Tri Lipe Taverna
An old-school taverna that always delivers when it comes to the quality of ingredients and classic Montenegrin cuisine dishes makes for a great lunch option while wandering through the beautiful streets of Herceg Novi. Each guest is treated like a family member by the friendly staff that’s always ready to go the extra mile to make everyone feel at home.
Casa Epico
If you have a special occasion coming up or simply want to plan a romantic dinner, head to the stunning rooftop restaurant, where you will get to indulge in amazing meals and awe-inspiring views of the Adriatic.
The Michelin-star chef Eros Picco uses the best local ingredients to create an unforgettable play of flavors, viewing traditional Montenegrin dishes through a modern Prisma and crafting culinary masterpieces.
