Bijela combines a long history with a maritime and shipbuilding tradition that continues to this day. A document from Kotor mentioned the settlement in 1333 under the name Sankti Petri; by 1355, Bijela was already appearing under its current name. Sankti Petri was home to a Benedictine monastery and a small church; the present-day locality is called Rake. These changing names and historical layers give the place a distinctive cultural focus.
Churches and Maritime History
Several churches preserve different phases of construction. Sv. VraÄŤi dates from the 18th century. Riza Bogorodice was built in the 19th century on the foundations of a 12th-century church. The church of Rize Bogorodice also preserves the apse of an older place of worship from the 12th or 13th century, as well as remains of medieval frescoes. The church of Sv. Petar stands on 9th-century foundations and was rebuilt in the 15th and 18th centuries. Its architectural fragments date from the 9th to the 11th century; the church itself dates to 1783. Those interested in architectural history will find not just individual dates here, but traces of different periods across several religious buildings.
Bijela’s identity also includes a maritime and shipbuilding tradition that continues to this day. This offers a different perspective on the place than its churches: rather than focusing on a single building, it highlights a lasting theme in the local history. Together, the church’s building phases and the area’s maritime character provide context for a visit that includes cultural discoveries.
Bathing Areas and Water Quality
The existing bathing area at Hotel Delfin is divided into Atlas zones 19B1 and 19B3. The bathing area has been adapted for people with reduced mobility. Facilities in zone 19B1 include areas for sun loungers and parasols, changing cabins, a lifeguard station, waste bins, and a volleyball court. Toilets and showers are located in an adjacent food and beverage establishment. Check which facilities are currently available before your visit. Azzuro is both a hotel beach and a public beach; local access conditions may change.
Bijela’s coastal waters were assigned to Class II in the 2025 classification. Monitored waters in Classes I and II are considered suitable for bathing and marine recreation. Since bathing water quality varies by season, check the current classification before your trip. This allows you to consider the place’s historical side and plan a beach visit separately, without treating a seasonal assessment as a timeless statement.
In the wider destination of Herceg-Novi
In the wider destination of Herceg-Novi, Orjen Nature Park offers a distinct perspective on the hinterland: it lies on Mount Orjen, and its network of marked trails ranges from easy walks to routes for experienced mountaineers. The nature park can be reached on foot from the center of Herceg Novi via a marked trail in less than two hours. 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 national long-distance hiking trail. This information concerns the wider destination of Herceg-Novi.
The Mimosa Festival is also part of Herceg Novi, not one of Bijela’s local offerings. The traditional event was founded in 1969; its program in February and March includes masked balls, carnival events, concerts, and numerous children’s, arts, and sports programs. The wider destination therefore offers both marked trails in Orjen and a seasonal cultural program. These are separate topics to consider when planning a trip: the festival months mentioned help you choose when to visit, while the trail descriptions point to hiking options in Orjen.
Discover more destinations: Sušćepan, Žanjica, Baošići, Klinci, Kamenari, Sutorina, Sasovići, Žvinje.
See the wider travel guide: Herceg-Novi.
