How to Rent a Car in Herceg Novi and Discover Secret Coastal Spots
Discover how to rent a car in Herceg Novi and reach Montenegro’s secret coastal gems. Complete guide with local tips, routes, beaches, and more.
Many visitors to Herceg Novi don’t realize that behind the well-known beaches, small secluded coves are waiting—places tourists rarely discover. These hidden shores, with clear waters and untouched nature, can only be reached if you have a car.
Rent a Car in Herceg Novi isn’t just a practical step – it’s your ticket to a completely different experience. Without a vehicle, many of the most stunning spots remain out of reach. Public transport doesn’t go there, and walking usually isn’t an option.
That’s why this guide offers more than just tips. It shows you how to rent with ease, where to go, and which beaches don’t appear in brochures. Planning your route becomes part of the enjoyment – every turn brings a new view, every sunset a new story.
Quick Car Rental Tips for Herceg Novi
A bit of planning goes a long way when renting a car in Montenegro. Knowing when and how to book can save you money and help you avoid common issues from the start. The best time to rent a car in Herceg Novi is during the off-season—between October and April. Prices are lower, and vehicle availability is usually better. In summer, demand rises quickly. If you’re visiting in July or August, make sure to book your vehicle at least two to three weeks in advance to secure a good selection.
Car Rental in Herceg Novi: When and How to Book
Booking through online platforms usually results in better rates than renting in person, especially during peak season. In addition, many agencies offer free cancellation if you change plans at least 7 days before pickup.
To improve your chances of getting the vehicle you want, try picking it up early in the day. Most offices open by 8 AM, and the most popular models are often gone before noon.
Before confirming a reservation, it’s smart to compare prices across several sites. Local companies often outperform international chains—not just in price, but in understanding local roads and travel patterns.
If you're staying longer than five days, consider booking a weekly rate instead of paying by the day. These longer rentals often come with lower per-day costs and added perks.
Pro Tip: Some agencies quietly include a free second driver—check the rental terms carefully so you don’t miss the benefit.
Documents and Local Driving Rules
A valid driver’s license from your home country is required to rent a car. If you plan to rent a car in Herceg Novi, EU licenses are valid for up to 90 days, while non-EU visitors are generally advised to carry an International Driving Permit.
The main driver must also present a credit card in their name to cover the security deposit. Cash deposits are rarely accepted, and most agencies won’t hand over the keys without a valid card.
Insurance is included by law, but basic coverage can leave gaps. For peace of mind—especially if you're unfamiliar with coastal or mountain roads—full coverage is highly recommended!
Additionally, parking in Herceg Novi’s Old Town can be challenging due to narrow streets and limited spaces. Most companies offering car rental in Herceg Novi will provide maps showing legal parking zones, helping you avoid both confusion and fines.
Speed limits are set at 50 km/h in towns and 80 km/h on open roads. Police often monitor the coastal routes, so staying within limits is a good idea.
Fuel Tip: Smaller gas stations typically close by 8 PM. If you’re planning a late return or a longer trip, fill up earlier in the day.
Car rental in Herceg Novi: 4 Hidden Beaches Worth the Drive
And now we come to the most exciting part—what all this planning is actually for. Renting a car gives you access to the kind of beaches most tourists will never see. These aren’t places you stumble upon; you have to know where to go—and have the wheels to get there.
All four beaches are tucked away on the Luštica Peninsula, directly across the bay from Herceg Novi. While the distance by boat is short, reaching them by car takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. The route offers some of Montenegro’s most impressive coastal views, making the drive part of the experience.
Choosing to rent a car in Herceg Novi gives you the freedom to explore this unique part of the coastline on your own schedule.
Zanjic Cove – The Turquoise Paradise
Located in a quiet bay on Luštica, Zanjic Cove is surrounded by olive trees and green hills, creating a peaceful atmosphere. The turquoise water is calm and clear, even on breezy days.
Although the beach is just across the bay, it takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach by car. The drive passes scenic stretches of the Bay of Kotor, and there’s a small parking area near the entrance.
The beach itself combines pebbles and sand. A few local restaurants offer seafood right by the water, and sunbeds are available for rent during the summer months.
Why go to Žanjice:
- Calm, turquoise waters
- Natural shade from olive trees
- Fresh seafood by the shore
- Snorkeling-friendly shallows
Tip: Try to arrive before 10 AM to secure parking and enjoy the calm before the tour boats show up.
Mirište Beach – Where Locals Escape the Crowds
Mirište is a small, quiet cove just a few minutes past Žanjice (Zanjic). Locals know it well, but tourists often overlook it, which makes it perfect for a relaxed day without noise or distractions.
The drive continues along the southern side of Luštica, ending with a short path down to the beach. It’s an easy walk, but the road is narrow—drive slowly and stay aware.
There are no shops here, so bring food, drinks, and beach gear. The water is clean and deep, perfect for a swim, while pine trees provide much-needed shade on hot days.
What to pack:
- Water and snacks
- Snorkeling mask
- Beach shoes
- Towel and sun protection
Good to know: Though Mirište doesn’t face directly west, late afternoon light gives the place a golden, peaceful tone.
Dobreč Beach – Luštica’s Hidden Corner
Dobreč Beach is often described as remote, but it’s more accurately a blend of natural beauty and low-key comfort. It’s less crowded than others, yet offers basic facilities that make the stay more convenient.
The road to Dobreč is narrow and winding, especially near the end. You’ll park in a small dirt lot just above the beach. From there, a short walk leads you to a concrete beach platform, surrounded by rocky coastline and clean, deep water.
There’s also a small beach bar serving drinks and light food, so you won’t need to bring everything with you. The beach is great for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying a quiet day with a view.
Why Dobreč is worth it:
- Peaceful atmosphere, even in high season
- Concrete platform and clear water
- On-site beach bar
- Ideal for relaxed swimming and coastal views
Note: Cell reception may be weak—download maps and let someone know where you’re heading.
Rose Beach – A Former Military Secret
Rose Beach sits near the very tip of Luštica, once part of a closed military zone. Today, it’s open and peaceful, though still a bit hidden from the tourist radar.
Expect a longer drive—about 1 hour and 50 minutes from Herceg Novi—followed by a short but steep 5-minute walk down to the beach. Parking is limited, so early arrival is a good idea.
The beach combines sandy and rocky sections, tucked beneath high cliffs that block the wind. The deep water is excellent for swimming, and the remnants of bunkers and tunnels give the area a quiet, historic atmosphere.
Access notes:
- 1h 50m drive from Herceg Novi
- Steep but manageable walking path
Note: Even though these beaches are just across the water from Herceg Novi, they’re far enough by road to remain peaceful and mostly uncrowded. Choosing to rent a car in Herceg Novi is what makes the difference—it gives you full access to the Luštica Peninsula and its best-kept secrets.
Practical Beach-Hopping Guide
Once you rent a car in Herceg Novi, the coastline unfolds differently. No longer limited to nearby town beaches, you're free to explore some of the most stunning and less-visited spots along the Bay of Kotor.
Smart planning—especially knowing what to pack and how to time your visits—makes a big difference in how much ground you can cover in one day.
What to Bring and When to Go
Each beach has its own rhythm. Some have cafés and umbrellas, while others are completely undeveloped. Having the right gear with you means less stress and more time to enjoy the water.
Here’s what to pack:
- Waterproof phone case and portable charger
- Reef-safe SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Quick-dry towel and extra swimwear
- Snorkeling gear
- Cooler with water and fruit
From May to September, sea temperatures are ideal for swimming, hovering around 22°C. Mornings between 7 and 10 AM are quietest, while late afternoons (4–7 PM) are perfect for relaxed sunbathing and softer light.
By choosing to rent a car in Herceg Novi, you can adjust your schedule on the go—arriving early or lingering late without worrying about bus timetables.
Tip: Bring a light hoodie or shirt for the evenings. Even summer nights can cool down quickly near the coast.
Parking and Safety on the Coast
While many beaches are beautiful, parking can be limited or confusing. This is especially true on Luštica and in historic parts of town. Having a flexible plan helps you avoid parking stress and unnecessary fines.
Parking basics:
- Paid street parking: €1–2 per hour
- Daily parking tickets: €8-10
- Free parking: available in side streets but tighter to navigate
The town uses a circular traffic flow system—when in doubt, turn left. Don’t rely solely on GPS in older zones, and always check local signs.
Leave no valuables in plain sight. Even in quiet areas, it's better to store passports, extra cash, and cards in your hotel safe than risk it in the car.
Safety tips to keep in mind:
- Wear water shoes—rocky entries and sea urchins are common
- Save roadside assistance number: 19807
- Nearest hospital: Meljine Medical Center, 24/7
- Check for bura winds before heading out—they can quickly change sea conditions
Note: Some remote beaches have zero mobile signal. Download offline maps before heading out.
Route Planning to Beat the Crowds
Timing is everything. Starting with the furthest beaches and working your way back helps avoid both traffic and crowds. This is another big reason travelers prefer to rent a car in Herceg Novi—you can control your own pace.
Suggested daily flow:
- Morning (8–11 AM): Luštica Peninsula (Žanjice, Mirište, Rose)
- Midday (11 AM–2 PM): Zelenika and Kamenari
- Afternoon (2–5 PM): Igalo beaches and town promenade
Crowds peak between 11 AM and 1 PM, especially with visitors coming in from Dubrovnik. Another wave hits from 5 to 7 PM as people head back toward the border. If you're aiming for Luštica, consider using the upper coastal road toward Tivat. It's a bit longer but bypasses Herceg Novi’s central traffic.
Thanks to the flexibility you gain when you rent a car in Herceg Novi, you’re not just chasing the sun—you’re experiencing the coastline like a local, with time on your side and freedom to stop wherever the road invites you.
Tip: The Kamenari–Lepetani ferry runs every 20 minutes and offers a scenic shortcut across the Bay of Kotor.
Sample One-Day Itinerary
If you plan ahead, it’s easy to see a lot of Herceg Novi in a single day—especially if you have your own wheels. Once you rent a car in Herceg Novi, the entire town and its surroundings become more accessible, including spots you’d probably skip without a vehicle.
This itinerary is designed to balance historical sites, scenic drives, and coastal relaxation—with enough flexibility to stop when something unexpected catches your eye.
Morning Route (8 AM – 1 PM)
Start your day at Kanli Kula Fortress at 8:00 AM. This 16th-century Ottoman structure sits on a hill above town and offers panoramic views over the Bay of Kotor. Parking is available just outside the entrance, and a 45-minute visit gives you time to explore the stone walls and towers.
From there, drive about 5 minutes to the Old Town pedestrian zone. Leave your car in one of the nearby parking lots, then stroll through narrow alleys filled with local shops, quiet courtyards, and stone staircases.
Key morning stops:
- Clock Tower – quick photo and orientation (15 minutes)
- Archangel Michael Church – peaceful courtyard visit (20 minutes)
- Herceg Novi City Museum – small but insightful (30 minutes)
Next, head east along the coast toward Savina Monastery, about 10 minutes away. Surrounded by gardens and cypress trees, this 18th-century monastery is known for its architecture and calm atmosphere—perfect for a short reflective stop.
To wrap up your morning, take the short drive to Njivice Beach. The road offers open sea views, and the beach itself is ideal for a quiet swim or light lunch at one of the nearby waterfront restaurants.
Tip: Njivice is often less crowded than central beaches—great for an early bite before crowds arrive.
Afternoon Route (2 PM – Sunset)
After lunch, head to the Spanjola Fortress around 2 PM. It’s free to enter and offers wide views over the coast and surrounding mountains. The road is steep but paved, and any rental car can handle it.
Spend up to an hour walking the outer walls and taking photos. On clear days, you can even see the open Adriatic.
At 3:30 PM, continue to Forte Mare, a compact seafront fortress with a nearby café—perfect for a short break.
By 4:30 PM, stop at the Portonovi, a modern harbor lined with cafes and a view toward Luštica. Grab a drink or ice cream before moving on.
A short drive east brings you to Meljine, a quiet area with local charm—ideal for a quick stroll.
End your day at Topla around 6 PM. Park at a viewpoint and enjoy one of the best sunset spots in the area.
Route Insight: The full loop covers about 25 km, but with the freedom that comes from choosing to rent a car in Herceg Novi, the journey becomes just as enjoyable as the destinations.
Why You Should Rent a Car in Herceg Novi
Exploring Herceg Novi changes completely once you have your own vehicle. From hidden beaches on Luštica to hilltop fortresses and border-crossing road trips, a rental car lets you see more, stop freely, and skip the crowds.
If you plan to rent a car in Herceg Novi, local agencies like Montenegro Car offer better rates, local knowledge, and flexible service. With easy access to Dubrovnik, Trebinje, Budva, and the Bay of Kotor, this town is the perfect base for discovering the western Balkans by road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to rent a car in Herceg Novi?
To rent a car in Herceg Novi, you must be at least 21 and have a valid license; non-EU visitors should carry an international permit.
Is insurance included when I rent a car in Herceg Novi?
Yes, basic coverage is included, but full insurance is recommended—especially for young drivers or those unfamiliar with Boka Bay roads.
What is the average cost of renting a car in Herceg Novi?
Daily rates start at €25, with better deals for early or multi-day bookings—especially during off-season months.
Are there any specific traffic regulations in Herceg Novi that I should be aware of when renting a car?
Montenegro has zero tolerance for alcohol while driving, and late returns over one hour are charged as a full day.
Are there traffic rules I should know before I rent a car in Herceg Novi?
Montenegro has zero tolerance for alcohol while driving. Late returns over an hour are charged as a full extra day.
How can I get the best price when I rent a car in Herceg Novi?
Longer rentals and early reservations offer the best value. Local providers like Montenegro Car often beat international chains on both price and service.
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