Herceg Novi sits at the western gateway to the Bay of Kotor — a fortified hillside town with a layered historical character (medieval, Ottoman, Venetian, Austro-Hungarian), a working local harbour, and sweeping views across the bay toward Montenegro’s limestone mountains. It is often bypassed by visitors heading straight for Kotor, which is a mistake: Herceg Novi’s old town is compact and genuinely atmospheric, and its position at the bay entrance makes it an excellent base for the entire Kotor Bay area including ferries to Croatia.
The recent arrival of One&Only Portonovi and the redeveloped Lazure Hotel & Marina has shifted Herceg Novi’s luxury end into a different category — but the town retains budget options and mid-range boutique hotels for travellers who don’t need five-star facilities.
The Main Areas
The Old Town (Stari Grad)
Herceg Novi’s old town is built on steep terraces above the sea, connected by stone staircases and narrow streets. The main square, Trg Herceg Stjepana, is the social heart — ringed by cafés, the clock tower, and the Venetian-era Arkulin palace. The Kanli Kula (Bloody Tower, a fortified Ottoman bastion) stands above the old town and offers views across the bay.
Staying in or near the old town puts you within walking distance of most restaurants, the harbour promenade, and the evening life. Budget and mid-range guesthouses are common here.
Igalo and the Western Beach Strip
Igalo, immediately west of Herceg Novi, has a long pebbly beach and was historically known for its balneotherapy clinics (the local seabed mud is used for therapeutic treatments). It is flatter and more resort-like than the old town, with some apartment complexes and beach hotels. A good option for families or those who want direct beach access.
Portonovi (Eastern Marina)
The Portonovi development to the east of the old town is a purpose-built luxury marina resort — effectively a self-contained enclave with the One&Only hotel, a superyacht marina, restaurants, and a beach. It is not walkable to the old town without a taxi. Right for those who want a luxury resort experience; not for those who want to be embedded in the town itself.
Budget Options (Under €70/night)
Stone House Herceg Novi — a recently renovated guesthouse near the old town clock tower. Rates from approximately €40–60 as of 2026.
Private apartments and studios in the old town — numerous local apartments are available via Booking.com and Airbnb in the €40–70 range, especially outside peak season. The old town’s stepped streets mean bags must be carried rather than wheeled — confirm access before booking.
Hotel Novi — a simple mid-range property in Herceg Novi with basic but clean rooms, conveniently located for the old town. Rates from approximately €60–80 as of 2026.
Mid-Range Options (€70–160/night)
Boutique Hotel Kredo
Boutique Hotel Kredo is the best-reviewed mid-range hotel in Herceg Novi — rated 9.4 on Booking.com by recent guests. It has an outdoor pool, views of Kotor Bay from most rooms, a restaurant, and bar. Free private parking is available. The location is close enough to the old town to walk while still being above the main tourist foot traffic.
Rates from approximately €90–140 per night as of 2026 in high season; lower in May and September.
Good for: Couples, those who want bay views and a pool without five-star prices.
Hotel Subra Atrium
A well-reviewed property a 5-minute walk from Lalovina Beach with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, garden, and terrace. Rated well for families.
Rates from approximately €80–130 per night as of 2026.
Good for: Families, beach-focused visits.
Luxury Options (€200+/night)
Lazure Hotel & Marina
Lazure Hotel & Marina overlooks Kotor Bay 1.2 miles from Herceg Novi’s old town. The hotel has 2 restaurants, a seasonal beach bar, and a private marina. Rooms and suites face the bay. It has a boutique feel relative to Portonovi’s resort scale.
Rates from approximately €200–320 per night as of 2026 in high season.
Good for: Couples who want bay views and marina atmosphere without the full One&Only scale and price point.
One&Only Portonovi
One&Only Portonovi is Montenegro’s most prestigious resort — a 5-star property in the Portonovi marina development with a seasonal outdoor pool, private beach, multiple restaurants, and a One&Only spa. The scale is substantial: this is a destination in itself rather than just a place to sleep. The old town requires a taxi.
Rates from approximately €400–700+ per night as of 2026 in peak season.
Good for: Luxury travellers, honeymoons, those who want the best address in Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor area.
Getting Around the Bay from Herceg Novi
Kamenari–Lepetane Ferry — the most useful piece of infrastructure in the Bay of Kotor. The ferry crosses the narrowest point of the bay in about 5 minutes, saving a 1-hour drive around. Runs continuously in summer; approximately €5 per car as of 2026. Located approximately 15 km east of Herceg Novi.
Kotor — approximately 30 km from Herceg Novi; 30–45 minutes by road (shorter via the ferry). See our Kotor where to stay guide if you prefer a base closer to the old town.
Dubrovnik — the Croatian border crossing at Debeli Brijeg is approximately 15 km from Herceg Novi. Dubrovnik’s old town is approximately 45 minutes from the border.
What to Do in Herceg Novi
Kanli Kula — the Ottoman 16th-century fortress above the old town. Converted into an open-air theatre in summer; film and theatre performances run July–August. The ramparts offer views across the bay.
Forte Mare — a Venetian fortification at the water’s edge, connected by stone steps to the old town. Free entry; open to walk around.
Savina Monastery — a 17th-century Orthodox monastery on the hillside above the town, with fine views and a more contemplative atmosphere than the crowded coastal sites.
Mimosa Festival (February) — Herceg Novi is unusually warm for February (often 15–18°C) due to its position at the bay entrance. The mimosa trees bloom in winter and the festival involves parades, local food, and cultural events. Off-season accommodation prices are significantly lower.
Practical Notes
- Parking – the old town’s stepped streets mean no vehicle access inside. Most hotels have parking arrangements; confirm before arrival.
- Taxi – the main way to move between Portonovi, Igalo, the old town, and the ferry. Taxis are metered and inexpensive by Western European standards.
- Swimming – Herceg Novi has several pebble beaches along the coast. Igalo’s beach is the longest. The water is generally clear.
Compare prices and availability across all Herceg Novi hotels — Search hotels in Herceg Novi.
Plan Your Trip
Flights: Search flights to Tivat or Dubrovnik - the two most practical gateways to Herceg Novi.
Airport transfer: Book a fixed-price transfer from Tivat Airport - Kiwitaxi shows the total cost upfront before you book.
Travel insurance: Get travel insurance for Montenegro - covers medical, cancellation, and trip interruption.
eSIM: Buy an eSIM for the Balkans - Airalo data plans work across Montenegro and the region.
See also: Herceg Novi guide | Where to stay in Kotor | Where to stay in Budva | Montenegro travel guide