Zelenika: Coast and Hotel History

Zelenika is a coastal town with a distinctive hotel history. The choice of location brings together several geographical and historical aspects: around two kilometres of coastline, its former importance as a port, and its connection to the Zelenika–Sarajevo narrow-gauge railway.

Coast and early hotel history

Hotel Plaža opened in Zelenika in 1902 and is considered the first hotel on Montenegro’s coast. This gives the town’s hotel history a specific historical date. The port and former narrow-gauge railway add maritime and transport-history contexts to this perspective.

Culture in the wider destination of Herceg-Novi

The history of the wider destination of Herceg-Novi can also be read through its different structures. The monumental Kanli Kula fortress in the old town of Herceg Novi was built by the Ottomans in 1539. The clock tower was built in 1667 by order of Sultan Mahmud and forms the entrance to the old town. Forte Mare stands directly on the coast and guarded the town’s access from the sea. From the fortress, the view extends to the entrance of the Bay of Kotor, the town harbour, Igalo and the old town. The structures represent different historical functions: fortress, town entrance and coastal defence.

The Mirko Komnenović City Museum opened in 1953 and houses historical, archaeological, ethnological and icon collections. It is surrounded by a botanical garden with rare plants and offers a view of the sea. The Savina monastery complex lies two kilometres east of Herceg Novi in a Mediterranean landscape. It comprises two churches, a monastery building with a treasury, and the Church of Saint Sava on a nearby hill. Among other things, the treasury preserves a 13th-century crystal cross of Saint Sava and a 17th-century Gospel. From the Church of Saint Sava, the view extends as far as Lovćen.

Trails and nature in the destination of Herceg-Novi

Orjen Nature Park lies in the hinterland of Herceg Novi, on Mount Orjen. Its dense network of marked trails ranges from easy walking paths to routes for experienced mountaineers. Numerous endemic plant species, including Munika, were a major factor in the area’s protected status. The nature park can be reached on foot from the centre of Herceg Novi via a marked trail in less than two hours.

The trails offer different ways to find your bearings in the wider destination. The Tatar bašta–Sušćepan–Ratiševina–Mokrine trail connects villages in the hinterland and churches with viewpoints, and is suitable for walking and light mountain hiking. Another trail leads from Herceg Novi via Kameno and Borići to the “Za Vratlom” mountain hut, connecting the town with Orjen and serving as an approach route to the Orjen–Lovćen–Rumija national long-distance trail.

Events in the wider destination

The Mimosa Festival is a traditional event in Herceg Novi. Founded in 1969, its programme in February and March includes masquerade balls, carnival events, concerts, and numerous children’s, arts and sports programmes. If your trip depends on the festival, check the event dates before planning.

Discover more destinations: Sušćepan, Lipci, Klinci, Kumbor, Baošići, Kamenari, Gornji Morinj, Igalo

For the wider travel overview: Herceg-Novi.