This coastal resort town along Montenegro's Adriatic Sea is known for its medical spa treatments using mineral-rich mud from the local bay.
Igalo lies at the entrance of the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, where the Adriatic Sea meets Mount Orjen's slopes. You'll find the largest medical spa on the Adriatic coast here, with its mineral-rich mud baths and thermal springs. Walk along the 6-kilometer Pet Danica promenade to reach neighboring Herceg Novi, or swim in the warm waters of the protected bay. The town's most recognizable landmark is Villa Galeb, where Yugoslav leader Tito spent his summers.
Getting to Igalo
You can reach Igalo by flying into Tivat Airport, 23 kilometers away, and taking a taxi (€35) or bus (€3) to the town. Regular buses connect Igalo with major cities in Montenegro and neighboring countries, including Dubrovnik, Croatia. The Adriatic Highway runs through the town, making it easily accessible by car from both northern and southern directions.
The Dr Simo Milošević Institute
This medical center includes five indoor pools heated to different temperatures, three sauna rooms, mud treatment areas, and four tennis courts. You can book individual treatments or multi-week programs focusing on skin therapy or musculoskeletal rehabilitation. While many patients stay at the institute's accommodation, you can schedule treatments while staying elsewhere in town. Most doctors recommend three-week programs for optimal results.
Beaches and Swimming
The bay location keeps water temperatures between 22-26°C from May through September, with calm conditions due to the natural shelter. Three main beaches stretch along the coast: the sandy Igalo Beach near the institute, the pebbled Žalo Beach in the center, and the concrete-platform swimming areas near Pet Danica promenade. Water depth increases gradually, reaching 1.5 meters about 20 meters from shore.
Walking the Pet Danica Promenade
The 6-kilometer waterfront path connects Igalo with Herceg Novi. Along Pet Danica, you'll find local restaurants serving fresh fish and seafood caught daily, coffee shops, and small retail stores. The concrete path stays level throughout its length, with 15 wooden benches placed approximately every 400 meters. The walk takes about 1.5 hours at a leisurely pace.
Climate and Seasonal Activities
Igalo experiences 200+ sunny days annually, with winter temperatures rarely dropping below 5°C and summer highs averaging 29°C. The Mimosa Festival runs through February with daily concerts in the town square, local food markets, and art exhibitions. During summer months (June-August), the waterfront hosts open-air cinema screenings and music performances three times weekly.
Day Trips from Igalo
Take a boat tour to the Blue Cave, where you can swim in clear water inside limestone grottoes. The medieval town of Kotor is a one-hour drive away, while Dubrovnik takes 45 minutes by car. In the mountain village of Vrbanj, 7 kilometers uphill, you'll find a zip-line course and marked hiking paths ranging from 2 to 15 kilometers in length.
