Herceg Novi Attractions

Herceg Novi was founded in 1382 by the Bosnian king Tvrtko I, which makes it one of the younger coastal towns along this stretch of the Adriatic. But it sits at a strategic point, the bay's only naval approach, and four empires have left fortresses here. Forte Mare sits above the harbour, Venetian-reinforced on earlier medieval foundations, facing directly out to sea. Walk-in entry is a few euros and the ramparts give the cleanest view of the marina and the bay opening.

Kanli Kula (the 'Bloody Tower') is the big Ottoman fortress uphill from the Old Town, with an amphitheatre built into the walls; the summer concert programme runs through July and August. Španjola Fortress higher up on the ridge dates from the brief Spanish occupation in 1538. It's partially ruined and unstaffed, which is part of the appeal; the walk up takes around 40 minutes from the main square and the view is the best in town.

Set back above the harbour, Savina Monastery is an Orthodox complex of three churches in a cypress grove. The smaller Little Church dates to the 11th century; the main Great Church was finished in 1799 and holds a museum of icons, manuscripts and liturgical objects. Services run most mornings and visitors are welcome outside service hours. Inside the Old Town itself, the Church of St Jerome (Catholic) and the Archangel Michael Church (Orthodox, on Belavista square) mark the two communities that historically shared the town.

Outside town, the Lustica peninsula holds the Mamula island fortress (now a hotel, visible from the town and reachable on day-trip boats), the Blue Grotto sea cave, and the underground submarine pens at Arza. Built by the Yugoslav navy, tunnelled into the cliffs, and open for boat tours from the marina. Together these fill a comfortable three-day itinerary before you've even left the bay.