HERCEG NOVI - A CITY OF SALT WITH 100 001 STEPS

GPS Coordinates:42°27'11.02" N 18°32'15.00" E

Located between the entrance to the Bay of Kotor and the high mountain Orjen you will be warmly welcomed in the biggest, sunniest and youngest city in the Bay of Boka - Herceg Novi. A city that has been ennobled by poets and painters over the centuries.

Although it is one of the youngest settlements on the Adriatic, it had a very turbulent history, and every one of the numerous conquerors had left a mark on the city, making it one of the most picturesque towns on the Montenegrin coast.

Fortress Kanli Kula, Source: Tovougerbust

A city that has been destroyed and rebuilt nine times during its turbulent history. Rarely do any cities have a known founder, year and reason for existence. Herceg Novi was founded in May 1382 by the Bosnian king Tvrtko the First, between Dubrovnik and Kotor who were already considered as big and important towns. The reason why Tvrtko choose this geographical corner for his new city is that Novi is the most magnificent amphitheater of nature. A town on the slope of a high hill, between forests, palm trees, oranges and other southern flora.

It is enough to enumerate only the peoples who ruled this city and understand its value. Before Tvrtko Kotromanić here were: Illyrians, Romans, Byzantines, and then Turks, Spaniards, Venetians, Austrians, Russians, French...The city was destroyed and rebuilt nine times.

WHY THE CITY OF SALT? The city was founded for the development of the salt trade and then it was named Sveti Stefan (yes, like the "current" Sveti Stefan-about fifty kilometers to the south). The old town lies just above the town’s marina. And this reminds that Herceg Novi has another nickname – the City of Stairs. To reach the old town from the seaside, you’ll need to go with one of the 100 001 stairs of town.

WHAT TO SEE? It is well known spa and health center, with nearby Igalo being abundant in healing sea mud called “igaljsko blato” (Igalo mud) and mineral water springs called “igaljske slatine” (Igalo water springs). The most famous tourist attractions in Herceg Novi are:

⚓ Old town - The Herceg Novi old town is amazing. It is on a fairly steep hill that leads all the way down to the sea. Wandering through the small stairways to the various plazas and fortresses is many hour adventures. There are both Orthodox and Catholic churches that are well worth visiting. Free.

Monastery Savina, Photo: Yuya Matsuo 

⚓Kanli Kula - (Old Town). The Kanli Kula fortress dominating the old town doubles as an open-air theatre and is worth visiting mainly for the splendid views of the town and the Boka Kotorska bay.

⚓ Espanola — The Španjola fortress located higher up the mountain (170 meters above sea level) dates back to the 16th century. Take a small street going upwards across from the Kanli Kula fortress. The entrance is free and you can freely climb the walls.

⚓Savina Monastery — The Savina monastery, approximately 2 km east from the city center has three beautiful Orthodox churches and splendid views of the bay.

The city itself is not a major destination for sunbathing, but there are many attractive beaches reachable by boat. It's just a few nautical miles away from beaches Zanjic, Miriste, Lustica...

A city that has a thousand-year-old authentic cultural heritage, especially 89 sacral gems, churches built from the 9th to the 19th century from which 75 Orthodox and 14 Catholic.

Tavern Feral, a family tavern is one of the restaurants that has been manage to preserve traditional food for over thirty years with a lot of love.

The konoba restaurant "Krušo" offers a wide choice of local and international dishes and a selection of the finest wines.

WHY? We concluded that Herceg Novi is worthy to stand next to its neighbors Dubrovnik and Kotor and that built its uniqueness and recognizability based on position, history and character.

Local Winery Savina, Source: Castelsavina

RESTAURANTS YOU CAN REACH FROM ANCHOR:

Perla Portonovi restaurant & cafe bar is situated in the heart of the exclusive resort community Portonovi - Montenegro essence.

Adriatica restaurant by the beach is unique in its own right and will offer its guests a cozy setting with a relaxed vibe, right after the ferry in Kamenari.

If you, however, find your self walking on the streets of Herceg Novi we would recommend you to check out traditional taverns like Tavern Krušo or Tavern Feral with great food and traditional coastal atmosphere.

Info for Captains:

Anchorage:

Anchorage is permitted west and east from the port, in Meljine beach(this anchorage is very safe, even in south winds), near the port of Zelenika, or in front of Igalo (Topla beach). It is important to say that the end of this beach is shallow.

Marina Herceg Novi, Photo: Vuk Ilic

Port of Herceg Novi:

⚓ the length of the coast is 250 m,

⚓ depth along the coast is from 3m-9m,

⚓ the port has 40 berths,

⚓ the maximum length of mooring yachts is 30 m,

⚓ has 8 service cabinets for water and single-phase electricity 220 V, 50 Hz,

⚓ if necessary, there is a diver,

⚓does not perform repairs or take wastewater from the vessel,

⚓ no maritime pilotage required,

⚓ petrol pump for boats (Euro diesel, Eurosuper 95 and all types of lubricants)

⚓ no tax-free fuel.