Baocici -- Guida Completa di Viaggio

Panoramica

Baocici (pronounced "Bah-OH-chee-chee") is a minuscule villaggio costiero on the southern shore of the Bocche di Cattaro, nestled between Djenovici and Baosici, circa 6 km southeast of Herceg Novi. With scarcely more than a handful of houses, it is among la piu piccola settlements on the bay, yet its diminutive size is precisely what gives it appeal. Baocici offers an experience of the Bocche di Cattaro 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 case in pietra that constitute the village date to the 18th and 19th centuries and exemplify the traditional Bocche di Cattaro building style -- thick limemuri in pietra, small windows, tetti di tegole rosse, and stone-paved yards shaded by grape arbours and fig trees.

Baocici is not a destination per chi cerca activities and nightlife. It is a place for quiet contemplation, morning swims in acqua cristallina, long afternoons reading on a terrazza in pietra, and evenings watching the light fade over the mountains across the bay. Per il visitatore giusto -- someone who values stillness, bellezza naturale, and authentic carattere mediterraneo over convenience and entertainment -- it is paradise.

Storia & Heritage

Like many of the small settlements along the southern shore of the Bocche di Cattaro, Baocici developed as an agricultural and fishing hamlet during the medieval period. The village's case in pietra reflect the building traditions of the Bocche di Cattaro that evolved over centuries under successive rulers -- the medievale serbo kingdoms, the Repubblica di Venezia, Napoleon's brief Illyrian Provinces, and the Impero Austro-Ungarico.

The periodo veneziano (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 terrazza in pietras 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 dominio austro-ungarico (1797--1918), the bay received improved roads and communications. The strada costiera 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.

Come Arrivare & Come Muoversi

Baocici is on the strada costiera (M2) between Herceg Novi and Bijela. From Tivat Airport, the drive takes about 25 minutes along the scenic bay road. From Dubrovnik Airport in Croazia, allow circa 45 minutes including the valico di frontiera 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 distanza a piedi. 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 a est) and Baosici (a similar distance a ovest). For daily shopping, restaurants, and services, Herceg Novi is the nearest town with full amenities.

Top Things to See & Do

1. Nuotare nella Baia

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 piena estate, the temperatura dell'acqua 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. Passeggiata sul Sentiero Costiero

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 vista sulla baia and the scent of erbe selvatiche and pini mediterranei. 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 Citta Vecchia takes about an hour and is una delle piu pleasant passeggiata costieras 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 Citta Vecchia features a remarkable concentration of fortresses spanning Ottoman, Venetian, and periodo austro-ungaricos. Forte Mare guards the harbour entrance and hosts cultural events in estate. Kanli Kula (the Blood Tower), an fortezza ottomana, now serves as an extraordinary cinema all'aperto seating 1,000 people. Spanjola crowns the hill above town with panoramic vista sulla baia. 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 Grotta Azzurra

From Herceg Novi or the neighbouring villages, escursione in barcas run to Mamula Island (with its 19th-century circular fortress) and the Grotta Azzurra (Plava Spilja) on the Lustica peninsula. The Grotta Azzurra 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 costa montenegrina. Tours typically run from giugno through settembre, last about 2--3 hours, and cost around 15--25 euros a persona. Book at the Herceg Novi waterfront or ask your alloggio host for recommendations.

5. Visit the Savina Monastery

The Savina Monastery, located between Herceg Novi and Meljine, is una delle piu important ortodosso serbo monasteries on the coast. Set in beautiful grounds of ancient cypress and albero di ulivos, 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 atmosfera spirituale and artistic significance -- merita assolutamente the short trip from Baocici.

6. Semplicemente Rilassarsi

Baocici's greatest luxury is the absence of obligation. There are no museums to visit, no visita guidatas to join, no da non perdere 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 terrazza in pietra. 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 per chi can appreciate it, it is worth more than any packed itinerary.

7. Snorkeling lungo la Costa

The rocky coastline around Baocici supports a variety of vita marina in its clear waters. Bring a mask and snorkel and explore the mondo subacqueo along the shore -- you will find small fish, sea urchins, and interesting rock formations. The water clarity is excellent, particolarmente 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.

Dove Mangiare

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 pesce alla griglia, insalata di polpo, risotto nero, and other specialita montenegrine in waterfront settings. Konoba Feral in Djenovici is particolarmente recommended for its pesce fresco and reasonable prices.

In Herceg Novi (6 km), you will find a wide range of restaurants along the waterfront and in the citta vecchia, from upscale ristorante di pesces to casual pizzerias and traditional Balkan grills. The mercato verde in the centro del paese sells fresh fruit, vegetables, local cheese, prosciutto affumicato (prsut), honey, and olio d'oliva -- excellent for provisioning a con uso cucina 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 vista sulla baia that rival any restaurant panorama.

Periodo Migliore per Visitare

Baocici is best visited from maggio to ottobre, with the warmest swimming conditions in luglio and agosto when temperature del mare reach 25--26°C and temperature dell'aria hover around 30°C. The village is at its most peaceful in giugno and settembre, when the weather is warm but the summer peak has not yet arrived or has already passed -- these mesi di media stagione offer the ideal balance of good weather and tranquility. Spring (aprile--maggio) is lovely for walking, with fiori selvatici on the hillsides and temperature miti in the low twenties, though the sea may still be too cool for extended swimming. The bay's sheltered position ensures condizioni miti even in inverno, with temperature diurne rarely falling below 10°C, though this is primarily a summer destination.

Dove Alloggiare

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. Alloggio here is about as close as you can get to living like a local in a traditional Bocche di Cattaro 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 rapporto qualita-prezzo is excellent compared to more popular bay settlements.

Consigli Pratici

• 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 in autobus, 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 Grotta Azzurra, and Mamula Island are all easily accessible.