Hidden places in Igalo and the surrounding area

The Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord stands in Solila, in the coastal part of Sutorina. Its stone facade has a portal, a small rose window and a belfry with three openings. The old church was destroyed in the middle of the nineteenth century, during Ottoman rule, and the site was used as a military storehouse. Permission to rebuild was granted only after years of appeals to the authorities.

Inside the church are works by Dragica Kosic, an icon painter from Herceg Novi who paints icons in egg tempera on prepared wooden boards. Regular access for tourist visits has not been confirmed, so ask the parish whether the interior can be visited. Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord in Solila on Google Maps.

Ilinica is a small plateau above Zvinje overlooking Herceg Novi and the entrance to the Bay of Kotor. The stone Church of St Elijah stands on the plateau, close to the Croatian border.

A marked trail from the Zvinje side passes through evergreen vegetation and climbs to the plateau. Ilinica viewpoint above Zvinje on Google Maps.

The Church of St Stephen stands on a rocky rise in Suscepan, in a complex with the parish house and cemetery. Its facade has a stone portal, a rose window and a belfry with three openings. The belfry is built from a different stone from the rest of the building and is associated with a restoration in the late nineteenth century.

Older stone fragments depicting griffins, mythological creatures with a lion’s body and an eagle’s head, are kept inside the church. They belonged to an earlier medieval church, whereas the present facade shows later rebuilding.

The parish says liturgy is held every other Sunday and on certain feast days. Ask the parish about entry and viewing the stone fragments, since regular access for tourist visits has not been confirmed. Parish information about the church and Church of St Stephen in Suscepan on Google Maps.

In Ratisevina, the Radman family has an old stone house and a space for tasting products from the farm. Beekeeping is one of their activities, so visitors can try honey and other bee products. Juices, wine and rakija add to the offerings of a family that also grows fruit and olives and raises animals.

Arrange a day visit with Zeljko Radman, including what you can taste or see, the time and the price. The household is at Ratisevina 7. The host’s contact number is +382 67 691 641. Radman rural household in Ratisevina on Google Maps.

Ranc Aryen in Zvinje has an equestrian club, a small zoo and a restaurant above the area where the animals are kept. Alongside horses and ponies, it lists rabbits, deer, roe deer, African goats, llamas and kangaroos among its animals. Some animals may be fed with food prepared at the ranch, following staff instructions. The restaurant terrace looks out over the Bay of Kotor, Lovcen and Orjen.

The equestrian area includes a fenced training space with an instructor. A riding lesson is a separate service, so agree on conditions for a beginner or child with staff. The approach to the ranch turns off the main road towards Njivice, following the ranch signs. Its published contact number for visits is +382 69 333 033, and the restaurant number is +382 67 230 547. Arrange the time and price of your chosen activity before setting off. Ranc Aryen in Zvinje on Google Maps.

Pony Art Garden is the Markovic family’s rural household in Tici on Lustica. Donkeys, ponies and goats live on the property, and visitors can learn about the work involved in caring for the animals and making goat cheese. The hosts also grow vegetables, fruit and herbs that they use in food for guests.

Meals are prepared by arrangement with guests, with no set menu. The household’s products include several kinds of goat cheese and liqueurs made from citrus fruit, wild pomegranate and carob. Visitors may help prepare food, while garden work and other tasks depend on the season. Ponies are part of the household, but riding is not listed among its services.

For a day visit, meal and activity, contact Zizela Markovic at +382 69 679 833. Tici is on the Lustica peninsula, so visiting from Igalo is a separate trip to arrange with the hosts in advance. Pony Art Garden in Tici on Lustica on Google Maps.

On the Dobrogled pass above Krusevice stands the circular stone building of a former windmill. Its walls are built from irregular stones and it has a low entrance. The roof and sails are gone. The windmill was intended for grinding grain.

Zeljko Starcevic recorded a story about local resident Jefto Radovic, who brought the idea for the mill from Romania. According to that story, a storm broke the sails after one summer of operation.

Before setting out, ask Orjen Nature Park whether the final walking approach from Krusevice is passable. Entry into the ruin has not been confirmed as safe. Contact and information for Orjen Nature Park and Windmill above Krusevice on Google Maps.

The adventure park at Vrbanj is in Orjen’s beech forest. Obstacles are installed between trees, with ropes, nets and wooden platforms above the ground. The courses vary in difficulty, and a zip line is also offered. Participants use safety equipment and are assisted by instructors while crossing the obstacles.

The same site has a rest area and a fitness trail. Ask staff which course suits the participants and what is included in the price before taking part.

The park’s operation depends on the weather. To confirm whether it is open on the day, its hours and the price of a visit, contact the park at +382 67 117 337. Vrbanj is in the mountain hinterland of Herceg Novi, so visiting from Igalo is a separate trip away from the coast. Contact Vrbanj Adventure Park and Adventure park at Vrbanj on Google Maps.