Žanjic Beach

Žanjic Beach occupies a sheltered south-facing bay on the western shore of the Lustica peninsula, directly across the bay mouth from Herceg Novi. The beach is one of the larger natural pebble stretches on this section of coast, running roughly 300 metres in a broad crescent between two low headlands covered in olive trees. The pebble here is distinctively small, pale and smooth. The product of centuries of wave action against the limestone cliffs behind the beach.

Water clarity is among the highest on the Montenegrin coast, with visibility routinely above 15 metres in calm conditions. The bay opens directly onto the outer Adriatic, so sea temperatures run slightly cooler than inside the Bay of Kotor itself. Access is by boat. There is a rough road from Radovanići village on the Lustica interior, but most visitors arrive by water taxi or tour boat from the Herceg Novi marina.

The crossing takes about 25 minutes and costs €50 to €80 return per small group in a private water taxi, or €15 to €25 per person on a shared tour boat. Two seasonal restaurants operate at the back of the beach in July and August, serving grilled fish and salads. Lounger rental is available through the beach bars. An ancient olive grove behind the beach holds trees documented at over 2,000 years old.

Among the oldest cultivated olives in the Mediterranean. Mirište Beach lies immediately next door, separated only by a low headland, and is easily reached on foot in five minutes.