Herceg Novi, the Green City

When the plane goes down for landing all I can see are massive mountains, windy roads and clear blue water. We land in Dubrovnik, Croatia and from there it’s only a 20 minute drive to Montenegro and Herceg Novi. The green city located by the sea and a part of the Bay of Kotor.

≫ This post is a collaboration between me, Nordic TB and the Tourism Organisation of Herceg Novi ≪

When I go on vacation, I do it to explore a new place, meet new cultures, taste new food and hike new trails. Even if I go to wind down and relax I am not one to spend my days in a sun chair. I want to be active even during my vacation.

It turns out that the little coastal town called Herceg Novi in Montenegro is the perfect spot for such a trip. Because it’s close to the sea you have swimming, sailing and sea kayaking close at hand. On all other sides the town is surrounded by mountains perfect for hiking or biking.

Herceg Novi, the green city of stairs

This little town is a long and narrow, with only one traffic light and a one way road. It consists of three plateaus, tiny streets and  steep stairs. It’s a very traditional and affordable city. Or guide says it’s a city with a soul and I think I can feel that.

Water when traveling can be difficult. We also know how bad it is to buy bottled water. It takes more water just to produce the bottle itself, and then plastic takes for ever to break down again (please buy as little plastic as possible and make sure to recycle).

Luckily, here in Herceg Novi they get their water from a lake in Bosnia and thus the tap water is perfectly safe to drink. There’s also a few spots in town where you can refill your own water bottle. Perfect for those that come here to hike, bicycle and of course all of us that choose to travel more sustainable.

Trees, bushes and plants (around 300 different Mediterranean plants) can be seen fighting for space amongst the houses and there’s even a park or two in this little seaside town. This is what makes it such a lush, green city.

A city best explored by foot as you can wander down by the sea, up the stairs, over the square and through old town, or explore on a rental bike and cruise along the over 5km long seaside promenade. 

I fell in love with all the cats here and a lot of them had just had kittens… I had to stop and cuddle. A lot!

It’s fairly easy to travel more sustainably here and support the locals. Besides not having to buy bottled water you can eat really good sea food fished just outside of town. A small bar called Kino is the only place that serves Novsko, a beer brewed in Herceg Novi.

“Through winemaking, we wish to give greater meaning to our stay at this, in many ways, special place”

This little town even has it’s own vineyard. Savina Winery is both a house, farm and winery owned by a couple who after traveling and exploring wineries all over the world decided to settle down here in their home town of Herceg Novi and restore this estate.

It’s a beautiful place and I am so glad they saved it and brought it back to life, and that they contribute to the local craft of Herceg Novi.

The tourist offices in town can help you with information about these activities and hikes as well as provide maps and folders, or help you connect with the right people. 

For example Montenegro Outdoors that can help you explore this area in a more outdoorsy and adventurous way by taking you sailing and explore the coast, sea kayak through the only fjord in the Mediterranean or hike up the mountains with you!

≫ Read about my hike in the Orjen massif here

Down by the harbour there’s a map over hiking routes in the Orjen Massif and some of the hiking routes start right here in town.

Before coming here I knew nothing of Montenegro as a country, and I had never heard of Herceg Novi. This little coastal town with it’s narrow streets, lush greenery and towering mountains really took my breath away.

To be able to travel to such a small place and be able to take part in so many different nature experiences is truly amazing. I could definitely see myself travel here again with friends to enjoy the fresh seafood, explore the caves by the coast, kayak on the open sea and hike in the mountains.

Oh the mountainsof Montenegro… How I miss them already.