Herceg Novi

The sunny city of Herceg Novi is famous for its flowers and exotic plants, brought back from far flung locations by generations of sea captains. Oleander, magnolia, honeysuckle and jasmine line the streets here; it is the botanic garden of Montenegro. Perhaps because of its beauty, Herceg Novi has become home to many Montenegrin artists, and the town has a number of galleries and hosts regular exhibitions.

In February Herceg Novi hosts the Mimosa festival, in honour of the mimosa flower which heralds the coming of spring. The weeks of festivities include masked balls and carnivals as well as sports and cultural events

Founded in 1382 and highly prized for its strategic location Herceg Novi has had a turbulent past, changing hands numerous times. The Turks, Venetians, Spanish and Austro-Hungarians have all occupied the town, leaving significant traces of their civilization. There is plenty to explore: the well-preserved Fortress Spanjola stands on a hill behind the old fortified town overlooking the bay, and nearby are the ruins of Kanli Kula - the Bloody Tower - which served as both fortress and prison. Traces of messages left by prisoners are still visible on the walls here. In August a film festival is held in the tower.

In the entrance to the Boka Kotorska lies the sentinel island of Mamula,built in Austro-Hungarian times as a fortress but used in the Second World War as a prison camp.

A long promenade connects Herceg Novi to Topla which is said to have the mildest climate in the area. The sheltered beaches and shallow sea here make it a safe and pleasant place to swim.

A little further along the coast in the opposite direction is Savina Monastery. Set in woodland above the bay this is one of the most beautiful examples of baroque architecture on the Adriatic.