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Welcome to the Bay View holiday apartment in Herceg Novi, Montenegro.
Herceg Novi is located at the entrance to Boka Bay, one of the top ten most beautiful fjords in the world, and the only fjord in the Mediterranean. The town lies 50km south of the Croatian city of Dubrovnik, and is accessible from Dubrovnik Cilipi airport (23km) and from Tivat airport in Montenegro (22km). Herceg Novi is famous for being a sunny town, since it is sheltered from the extremes of weather by lofty Mount Orijen (1,893m), rising up behind the town and surrounding the entire bay, thus contributing to the dramatic scenery of the region. Herceg Novi is a medieval town, established by the Bosnian King Tvrdko I in the spring of 1382 with the intention of developing trade, maritime activities and craftsmanship, and competing with its northern neighbour, Dubrovnik. He named it Sveti Stefan but the current name was obtained during the rule of Herceg Stjepan Vuksin Kosaca, when Herceg Novi experienced its quickest period of growth.
During its turbulent history Herceg Novi was at one point or another ruled by Turks, Spaniards, Venetians, Austrians, Russian and French. The town ramparts are poorly preserved, but what is left is the charming heart of the old town, with two main squares and several beautiful churches. These squares are now filled with charming cafes and restaurants. A few fortresses have also survived, such as Kanli Kula (1483) to the north of the city, Sahat Clock Tower (1667) to the west, Fortress Forte Mare (1687) to the south, and Karaca gate to the east. Further above the city is Fortress Spanjola (1538), yet another of the numerous historical ruins in the area. Nowadays, full of thick greenery, Herceg Novi hides several species of tropical and sub-tropical flowers. Famous for its abundant mimosa trees, Herceg Novi becomes scented with the subtle fragrance of this yellow flower in January and February, when the town celebrates the famous Mimosa Festival.
Nowdays, Vibrant with bars and restaurants, rich in culture, and looking out over beautiful, clean blue sea, Herceg Novi has numerous beaches to relax on, and sunny days all year round. From here you can easily explore the neighbouring UNESCO cities of Kotor or Dubrovnik, or you can take a boat ride to explore the deserted Austro-Hungarian prison-island Mamula, or the competing orthodox and catholic churches set on tiny islands outside of Perast. You can also explore other Boka Bay locations, the Montenegro Riviera as well the famous 'Black Mountains' themselves. This location offers perfect harmony, both relaxation on the beaches and a convenient point of departure to explore the rest of beautiful, unspoilt Montenegro!
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Having a car is not essential as Herceg Novi has a lot to offer within walking distance, including excursion bus services to Kotor, Dubrovnik etc. However, a car would be desirable if you wish to explore the region at your own pace and have more small excursions into the mountains and generally around the lesser visited bay areas.
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