Herceg Novi

Developed as a coastal resort during eighteenth-century Austro-Hungarian rule, little Herceg Novi is a thoroughly likeable town, and yet one usually bypassed by tourists. Its steep maze of lanes is lined with stately, crumbling villas, while decades of international sailors have left a legacy of plants and flowers from around the world.

Most sights are concentrated within Herceg Novi’s appealing, walled Old Town. At its centre you’ll find the Church of Archangel Michael, just over a hundred years old but looking a few decades more than that. From here you can climb the steps to take in views from the “bloody tower” of Kanli Kula (daily 8am–10pm; €1). Downhill, the seafront promenade makes for a delightful walk. Head east for twenty minutes, then turn inland to find the elegant, seventeenth-century Savina Monastery (daily 6am–8pm; free).

Accommodation and eating

There’s a dearth of good-value accommodation in town, though the Black Mountain agency can book private rooms from €10/person.

Moving on

When heading south, most buses cut out the Bay of Kotor loop with a quick ferry ride (no extra charge). Travelling via Kotor will increase the following journey times – excepting Kotor – by around 45min.