Discover Žvinje

Žvinje brings together a place of special historical significance and a viewpoint on Ilinica. The Orthodox Church of St. Elijah stands in Žvinje, on the border between Montenegro and Croatia. Several memorial sites are located beside the church, and the Ilinica viewpoint offers views of Herceg Novi, the Bay of Kotor and Lovćen.

St. Elijah and the memorial sites on Ilinica

Beside St. Elijah, a monument commemorates French soldiers who died in Boka during Napoleon’s rule. The memorial site includes a mass grave for French soldiers killed in 1806. Their French comrades erected the monument in 1919. South of the church there is also a 15th-century stećak, considered a marble tombstone. The church, monument and burial site make Ilinica a place where the region’s history can be explored at specific locations.

The Ilinica viewpoint is in Žvinje, above Njivice. From there, views extend to Herceg Novi, the Bay of Kotor and Lovćen. A route description from 2021 advises driving to the settled part of Žvinje; from there, continue to the viewpoint on foot or by bicycle. The walking route is marked and has information boards. Check local trail conditions and the state of the signage before setting out. Ranch Aryen in Žvinje has a zoo and riding school; check that it is currently operating before visiting.

Hiking and culture in the Herceg Novi destination

The Herceg Novi destination also offers its own hiking routes. The Herceg Novi–Kameno–Borići–“Za Vratlom” mountain hut trail links Herceg Novi with Orjen and serves as an access route to the Orjen–Lovćen–Rumija long-distance trail. Another route leads from Tatar bašta through Sušćepan and Ratiševina to Mokrine. It connects villages in the hinterland, as well as churches and viewpoints, and is suitable for walks and easy mountain hikes.

Orjen Nature Park lies in the hinterland of Herceg Novi, on Mount Orjen. Its network of marked trails ranges from easy walking paths to routes for experienced mountaineers. The park is connected by the Herceg Novi–Trebinje road; a marked footpath from the centre of Herceg Novi leads there in less than two hours. The park’s protection is particularly important for its many endemic plant species, including Munika.

The fortresses and museums of Herceg Novi tell different chapters of the city’s history. Kanli Kula was built by the Ottomans in 1539 and hosts film and music festivals, concerts and folklore performances. The Clock Tower was built in 1667 by order of Sultan Mahmud and forms the entrance to the Old Town. Forte Mare stands right on the coast and guarded the city’s access from the sea; from the fortress, you can look out over the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, the city harbour, Igalo and the Old Town. The Mirko Komnenović City Museum opened in 1953. Its collections include historical, archaeological and ethnological holdings, as well as icons; it is surrounded by a botanical garden with rare plants and offers views of the sea.

The time of year can also matter when planning your trip: the Mimosa Festival is a traditional event in Herceg Novi, founded in 1969. Its programme in February and March includes masked balls, carnival events, concerts, and children’s, arts and sports programmes; it also features a fish and wine festival. For excursions in Orjen, Vrbanj Adventure Park offers a different kind of activity: it covers 7,000 square metres and has 44 elements across four courses, plus a 200-metre zip-line course as a fifth course. The courses range from options for children aged six and up to those for experienced users; eight certified trainers are available for visitors.

To help decide where to go, consider the different highlights: in Žvinje, the focus is on Ilinica, the Church of St. Elijah and the historic memorial sites. The Herceg Novi destination also offers fortresses, museums, events and trails in Orjen.

Discover more destinations: Đenovići, Sasovići, Sušćepan, Igalo, Gornji Morinj, Kamenari, Baošići, Kameno.

For the full destination overview: Herceg Novi.