A paradise of untouched nature, stunning beaches, and scenery capped off by dreamlike sunsets.
Lustica is a peninsula in the south of Montenegro. Stretching along the Adriatic, from Tivat to Herceg Novi, the peninsula created the most beautiful bay – The Kotor Bay. Characterized by most as pure and exotic, the Lustica peninsula is a paradise for those who seek untouched nature. There is something very alluring about Lustica. It’s the kind of place where summer days on the beach stretch endlessly, and the nights are romantic with a dark canvas of shimmering stars over it.
Experience the romantic side of Montenegro, with stunning ocean views, secluded beaches, and undisturbed serenity.
With an area of 47 km² (13 km long) and 35 km of coast, this peninsula accounts for 12% of the Montenegrin coastline. On the northeast side, beautiful views are overlooking the Tivat and Herceg Novi bays and on the southwest side, the entrance of the Kotor Bay.
Luštica peninsula is the favorite spot for tourists in Herceg Novi. It holds the nicest shores, including Žanjice, Mirište, Arza, and Dobreč. Being close to Tivat Airport, the area is perfect for development. Several large projects, including golf courses, are a work in progress.
However, there is still very little tourism development, with the main building activity limited to that close to Zanjice beach. Whether this is good or bad, we gladly leave this to the readers. The biggest tourist center is Krašići, with many houses and apartments for rent.
Tourism on Lustica
As mentioned before, the Lustica peninsula is underdeveloped in the aspect of tourism. Currently, there is only one resort offering luxurious accommodation. Lustica peninsula has thirteen small villages, mostly with locals living here. However, as of recent years, more and more people, from abroad, buy land and build houses, making Lustica their summer or permanent home. There are many houses, villas, and apartments rented during the summer season, as well as the entire year. Lustica, however, is not just about the slow life. There are several beautiful trendy beach clubs where you can party.
Mamula Fortress
Just outside the Herceg Novi bay, 6.3 kilometers (3.4 nautical miles) is the Lastavica island. A small, circular island housing a notorious fortress called Mamula. It is an imposing stone stronghold of circular shape and stunning views overlooking the walls. During World War II, it served as a concentration camp, which made it infamous. Despite its unfortunate role in the past, Mamula is very popular for visitation thanks to its beauty. Starting from the shore, up to the grand gate, and past the high and imposing walls, Mamula will astonish you. If you like medieval prisons, jail cells, hidden chambers, and intriguing stories, then Mamula is a place to visit. Read here on how to get to Mamula.
Blue Cave
Hidden, legendary, and sparkling blue, the Blue Cave is a small cavern on the tip of the Lustica peninsula. The name of the cave comes from the sparkling bright blue color of the water. The sunlight reflects off the bottom of the cave, creating a perfect illumination of the water and the cave. According to legends, the cave also served as a hiding place for pirate gold. Some say there are still treasures left at the bottom of the cave. The cave is also a favored spot for visitors, and the boat tours here are fun. How to get to the Blue Cave?
Beaches
Perhaps the most alluring of the Lustica peninsula are the beaches. The secluded, the hidden, the trendy, and fun beaches. Some of the beaches are rocky and wild, whereas some are sandy and secluded. Whichever you choose, you will be astonished and happy. Here are some of the most famous beaches in Lustica.
Zanjic beach
The beautiful and picturesque pebble beach with ancient olive groves and crystal clear water is perhaps the most popular. Located at the tip of the Lustica peninsula, Zanjic beach will welcome you to its stunning beauty.
The beach is famous for its beauty and favored by visitors from Herceg Novi. Throughout the summer, boats filled with people come here from Herceg Novi. The beach is family-friendly because the water is very shallow for at least 15 meters before becoming deeper. You can enjoy more than the beach and olive groves at Zanjic. There are several restaurants only steps away from the beach, offering the best of international cuisine at affordable prices. You can also enjoy a pleasant walk to the neighboring Miriste valley, and visit the old Arza fort. If you like romantic sunsets, this beach is the right choice, the sunsets here are magic!
Miriste Beach
Miriste is a beautiful cove on the tip of the Lustica peninsula and very close to beach Zanjic. The crystal clear water, as well as the beauty of the coast, attracted many visitors and inspired thousands of photo posts throughout the internet.
At the edge of the Miriste cove, you will find the Arza fortress. One of two forts from the Austro-Hungarian period defending the entrance to the Kotor bay. Even though the fortress is closed and you can’t get in, it’s still a great spot to escape the crowds and enjoy a little self-time.
Only a few pedals away from the beach is the Lady of Miriste. A small island, with the Vavadenje monastery, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The monastery represents the most illustrative example of the fusion of architecture and ancient natural beauty.
