In Žvinje, Ilinica Viewpoint and the history surrounding the Orthodox Church of St. Elijah are among the area’s defining features. When choosing your destination, you can first decide whether you want to focus on exploring Žvinje or also consider other attractions in the wider destination.

Ilinica Viewpoint and Getting Your Bearings

Ilinica Viewpoint is in Žvinje, above Njivice. From there, you can see Herceg Novi, the Bay of Kotor and Mount Lovćen. This makes the viewpoint a clear destination for visitors who want to combine taking in the scenery with getting their bearings as they explore.

A description from 2021 says that you can drive as far as the inhabited part of Žvinje; from there, continue to the viewpoint on foot or by bicycle. Road and trail conditions may change, so it is advisable to check them before setting out. The walking path has markers and information boards. Since the signage may change, it is also best to check its current condition.

Church, Memorial Site and Stećak

The Orthodox Church of St. Elijah stands on Ilinica in Žvinje, on the border between Montenegro and Croatia. Beside the church are a monument and a shared grave for French soldiers who died in Boka in 1806, during Napoleon’s rule. Their French comrades erected the monument in 1919. The church and memorial site connect the border setting with a specific historical reference.

South of the church is a 15th-century stećak, described as a marble tombstone. This provides another historical point of interest near the church, distinct from the monument to the French soldiers. Those interested in Ilinica’s history can view these places as different facets of the local heritage.

Ranch Aryen and Other Local Attractions

Ranch Aryen in Žvinje offers a different kind of visit: it has a zoo and a riding school. The complex also includes a riding club, a mini-zoo, a restaurant and an eco-hotel. This makes the ranch complex quite different from the historic sites around the church. Facilities and operations may change; if they are central to your visit, check in advance which offerings are currently operating.

Hiking in the Wider Herceg-Novi Destination

In the wider Herceg-Novi destination, 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 accessible via the Herceg Novi–Trebinje road; it can also be reached from the centre of Herceg Novi on foot in less than two hours via a marked trail.

Two other trails in the wider Herceg-Novi destination offer different hiking experiences. The Herceg Novi–Kameno–Borići–“Za Vratlom” Mountain Hut trail connects Herceg Novi with Orjen and serves as an access route to the Orjen–Lovćen–Rumija state long-distance hiking trail. The Tatar bašta–Sušćepan–Ratiševina–Mokrine trail connects villages in the hinterland and churches with viewpoints; it is suitable for walks and easy mountain hikes. When planning, you can choose between an approach to the long-distance trail and a route featuring villages, churches and viewpoints.

Culture and Events in the Wider Herceg-Novi Destination

Cultural attractions also belong to the wider Herceg-Novi destination. Kanli Kula is a monumental fortress in the Old Town of Herceg Novi, built by the Ottomans in 1539. The fortress hosts the Herceg Novi Film Festival, Guitar Art Fest and the Operosa Festival, as well as pop and classical concerts and folklore performances. If a particular festival is central to your trip, check the dates of the relevant events in advance.

The Mimosa Festival is a traditional event in Herceg Novi, established in 1969. Its programme in February and March includes masked balls, carnival events, concerts, and numerous children’s, arts and sports programmes; it also includes the Fish and Wine Festival. These dates and events may affect your travel plans. Check the specific festival dates if you want to plan your trip around a particular programme.

Choosing the Right Area to Stay

The wider Herceg-Novi destination also offers attractions such as hiking trails on Orjen and cultural events in Herceg Novi. This distinction can help you choose the right place for your trip without conflating local attractions with regional offerings.

Discover more destinations: Đenovići, Kumbor, Igalo, Bijela, Herceg Novi, Lipci, Sasovići, Klinci.

Back to the wider destination overview: Herceg-Novi.