Baocici -- Comprehensive Travel Guide

Overview

Baocici (pronounced "Bah-OH-chee-chee") is a minuscule coastal village on the southern shore of the Bay of Kotor, nestled between Djenovici and Baosici, approximately 6 km southeast of Herceg Novi. With scarcely more than a handful of houses, it is among the smallest settlements on the bay, yet its diminutive size is precisely what gives it appeal. Baocici offers an experience of the Bay of Kotor stripped to its essentials: stone, sea, mountains, and silence.

The village sits on a gentle curve of the bay shore, facing north across the water toward the Lustica peninsula. Behind it, the wooded slopes of the coastal hills rise steeply, creating a natural amphitheatre that shelters the settlement from winds and frames it in green. The few stone houses that constitute the village date to the 18th and 19th centuries and exemplify the traditional Boka Kotorska building style -- thick limestone walls, small windows, red tile roofs, and stone-paved yards shaded by grape arbours and fig trees.

Baocici is not a destination for those seeking activities and nightlife. It is a place for quiet contemplation, morning swims in crystal-clear water, long afternoons reading on a stone terrace, and evenings watching the light fade over the mountains across the bay. For the right visitor -- someone who values stillness, natural beauty, and authentic Mediterranean character over convenience and entertainment -- it is paradise.

History & Heritage

Like many of the small settlements along the southern shore of the Bay of Kotor, Baocici developed as an agricultural and fishing hamlet during the medieval period. The village's stone houses reflect the building traditions of the Boka Kotorska that evolved over centuries under successive rulers -- the Serbian medieval kingdoms, the Venetian Republic, Napoleon's brief Illyrian Provinces, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The Venetian period (1420--1797) was formative for the entire bay region. While larger settlements like Herceg Novi, Kotor, and Perast gained fortifications, harbours, and public buildings, tiny villages like Baocici remained largely self-sufficient communities of fishermen and small-scale farmers growing olives, grapes, and citrus fruits on the terraced hillsides above the shore. The stone terraces visible on the slopes behind the village are the enduring legacy of this agricultural tradition -- hand-built over generations, they transformed the steep limestone hillsides into productive land.

Under Austro-Hungarian rule (1797--1918), the bay received improved roads and communications. The coastal road that now passes through Baocici was first properly constructed during this period, connecting the small settlements between Herceg Novi and Bijela. The Austrians also introduced modern maritime infrastructure to the bay, including lighthouses, navigation markers, and harbour improvements at nearby ports.

Throughout these political changes, Baocici remained what it has always been: a tiny, quiet settlement where a few families lived close to the land and the sea. That continuity of character is precisely what makes it special today.

Getting There & Getting Around

Baocici is on the coastal road (M2) between Herceg Novi and Bijela. From Tivat Airport, the drive takes about 25 minutes along the scenic bay road. From Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia, allow approximately 45 minutes including the border crossing at Debeli Brijeg. From Podgorica, the journey takes about two hours via the highway and the Sozina tunnel.

The Herceg Novi--Kotor bus route passes along the main road above the village, with stops within walking distance. Tell the driver you want Baocici, as it is a request stop and easy to miss. A taxi from Herceg Novi costs around 8--10 euros.

The village itself consists of just a few buildings -- you can walk its entirety in two minutes. A waterfront path connects it to neighbouring Djenovici (a 10-minute walk to the east) and Baosici (a similar distance to the west). For daily shopping, restaurants, and services, Herceg Novi is the nearest town with full amenities.

Top Things to See & Do

1. Swim in the Bay

The swimming from Baocici's waterfront is excellent. The water is clean, deep close to shore, and sheltered from waves by the bay's enclosed geography. Small concrete platforms and rocky outcrops provide entry points, while natural stone slabs along the shore serve as sunbathing spots. In high summer, the water temperature reaches 25°C, making for long, luxurious swims. The bay's calm conditions make it suitable for swimmers of all abilities, including children, though water shoes are recommended due to the rocky bottom near the entry points.

2. Walk the Coastal Path

A waterfront path runs along the shore connecting the small villages between Herceg Novi and Bijela. Walking from Baocici in either direction provides a gentle, scenic stroll with constant bay views and the scent of wild herbs and Mediterranean pines. Westward, the path leads through Baosici toward Herceg Novi; eastward, it passes through Djenovici toward Bijela. The flat terrain makes this suitable for all fitness levels, and benches along the way invite rest and contemplation. The full walk from Baocici to Herceg Novi's Old Town takes about an hour and is one of the most pleasant coastal walks in the region.

3. Explore Herceg Novi

Herceg Novi, just 6 km away, is the main town of the outer bay and offers a full day of exploration. The Old Town features a remarkable concentration of fortresses spanning Ottoman, Venetian, and Austro-Hungarian periods. Forte Mare guards the harbour entrance and hosts cultural events in summer. Kanli Kula (the Blood Tower), an Ottoman fortress, now serves as an extraordinary open-air cinema seating 1,000 people. Spanjola crowns the hill above town with panoramic bay views. The town is also known for its stepped streets, Mediterranean squares shaded by exotic trees, the outstanding Savina Monastery, and a lively arts scene with galleries and summer festivals.

4. Boat Trip to Mamula Island and the Blue Grotto

From Herceg Novi or the neighbouring villages, boat excursions run to Mamula Island (with its 19th-century circular fortress) and the Blue Grotto (Plava Spilja) on the Lustica peninsula. The Blue Grotto is a sea cave where sunlight reflects off the sandy bottom to create an ethereal blue glow -- swimming inside is a magical experience that ranks among the most memorable on the Montenegrin coast. Tours typically run from June through September, last about 2--3 hours, and cost around 15--25 euros per person. Book at the Herceg Novi waterfront or ask your accommodation host for recommendations.

5. Visit the Savina Monastery

The Savina Monastery, located between Herceg Novi and Meljine, is one of the most important Serbian Orthodox monasteries on the coast. Set in beautiful grounds of ancient cypress and olive trees, the complex includes the Small Church of the Assumption (11th century), the Large Church of the Assumption (18th century), and a treasury containing valuable icons, manuscripts, and religious art spanning several centuries. The monastery is a place of deep spiritual atmosphere and artistic significance -- well worth the short trip from Baocici.

6. Simply Relax

Baocici's greatest luxury is the absence of obligation. There are no museums to visit, no guided tours to join, no must-see attractions to tick off. Bring a book, a towel, and perhaps a bottle of local Vranac wine. Swim in the morning when the water is glassy and still. Nap in the afternoon shade of a stone terrace. Watch the sunset illuminating the mountains across the bay in the evening. Listen to the crickets as darkness falls. This is the essence of a Baocici holiday, and for those who can appreciate it, it is worth more than any packed itinerary.

7. Snorkelling Along the Shore

The rocky coastline around Baocici supports a variety of marine life in its clear waters. Bring a mask and snorkel and explore the underwater world along the shore -- you will find small fish, sea urchins, and interesting rock formations. The water clarity is excellent, particularly in the morning before any afternoon wind disturbs the surface. This is not a world-class diving destination, but the casual snorkelling is enjoyable and accessible directly from the village waterfront.

Where to Eat

Baocici has no restaurants of its own -- the village is simply too small to support commercial dining. The nearest options are in Djenovici (10 minutes' walk), where small konoba restaurants serve grilled fish, octopus salad, black risotto, and other Montenegrin specialities in waterfront settings. Konoba Feral in Djenovici is particularly recommended for its fresh seafood and reasonable prices.

In Herceg Novi (6 km), you will find a wide range of restaurants along the waterfront and in the old town, from upscale seafood restaurants to casual pizzerias and traditional Balkan grills. The green market in the town centre sells fresh fruit, vegetables, local cheese, smoked ham (prsut), honey, and olive oil -- excellent for provisioning a self-catering stay.

Self-catering is the practical approach for longer stays in Baocici. Stock up at the supermarkets in Herceg Novi, and enjoy meals on your terrace with bay views that rival any restaurant panorama.

Best Time to Visit

Baocici is best visited from May to October, with the warmest swimming conditions in July and August when sea temperatures reach 25--26°C and air temperatures hover around 30°C. The village is at its most peaceful in June and September, when the weather is warm but the summer peak has not yet arrived or has already passed -- these shoulder months offer the ideal balance of good weather and tranquility. Spring (April--May) is lovely for walking, with wildflowers on the hillsides and mild temperatures in the low twenties, though the sea may still be too cool for extended swimming. The bay's sheltered position ensures mild conditions even in winter, with daytime temperatures rarely falling below 10°C, though this is primarily a summer destination.

Where to Stay

Baocici has a property available on montenegro.com, offering a rare chance to stay in one of the bay's most intimate and peaceful settings. Accommodation here is about as close as you can get to living like a local in a traditional Bay of Kotor village. The quiet, the views, and the direct water access make even a short stay memorable. Properties are typically stone-built apartments or houses with terraces overlooking the bay, furnished simply but comfortably. The value for money is excellent compared to more popular bay settlements.

Practical Tips

• Baocici has no shops, restaurants, or services. Bring everything you need or plan to walk to Djenovici or drive to Herceg Novi for supplies.
• The village is ideal for couples seeking a romantic, secluded getaway or for anyone needing a genuine digital detox.
• Water shoes are strongly recommended for entering the sea from the rocky shore. Sea urchins are present in some areas.
• If you are arriving by bus, tell the driver you want to stop at Baocici -- it is a request stop and the village is easy to miss from the road.
• The reflected light from the bay in the evening is beautiful -- the village's north-facing aspect means you see the last light illuminating the mountains and the Lustica peninsula across the water, creating a warm, golden glow.
• Pack mosquito repellent for summer evenings -- the sheltered position and vegetation attract insects after sunset.
• A torch is useful for navigating the unlit waterfront path after dark.
• Baocici makes an excellent base for exploring the entire outer bay area -- Herceg Novi, the Lustica peninsula, the Blue Grotto, and Mamula Island are all easily accessible.