Plizio Visual Lab

Mamula

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

The Mamula fortress is located on the uninhabited island of Lastavica at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. It was built in the mid-19th century, specifically between 1853 and 1860, by the Austro-Hungarian General Lazarus von Mamula as part of a strategic defense system. The circular structure has a diameter of approximately 200 meters and is characterized by its precise stonework and massive construction. During World War II, starting from May 30, 1942, the fort served as an Italian concentration camp under the command of Benito Mussolini's troops. After the war, the facility fell into decay for decades before a transformation into a luxury resort was initiated in recent years, leading to controversial debates about the handling of historical heritage. Today, Mamula remains an important memorial for regional military history and the dark chapters of the 20th century.

Location: Montenegro
Top sights: Fort Mamula · Fort Arza · Arza
Nearby: Herceg Novi (7 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	4	5	8	12	16	20	24	24	19	14	10	6
Rain mm	156	152	138	103	89	67	42	43	116	138	187	178

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The uninhabited fortress island is a historical monument and can usually be visited as part of organized boat excursions, both externally and partially internally. The grounds of the 19th-century fort are often at least partially accessible to tourists.

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Typical hours

Visiting times for the island generally depend entirely on the schedules of local tour boats, which mostly operate during the day throughout peak season. During the winter months, organized tours to the island are often severely restricted or paused.

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Photography

The abandoned fortress architecture set in the middle of the sea gives incredibly dramatic and extraordinary photo opportunities for enthusiastic photographers. However, caution is advised when navigating the old, partially ruined structures for shots.

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Time needed

A typical boat excursion to the island, including the visit, generally takes about one to two hours depending heavily on the departure point. You should plan at least thirty to forty-five minutes just for exploring the fascinating fortifications themselves.

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Combine with

This excursion can be excellently combined with a scenic boat tour through the spectacular Bay of Kotor or a memorable visit to the nearby Blue Cave. A subsequent stroll through the welcoming historical town of Herceg Novi is also a fantastic option.

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Getting there

The island is accessible exclusively by water, mostly via dedicated excursion boats or water taxis from nearby locations like Herceg Novi or Žanjic. It is highly advisable to arrange boat tickets in advance at the promenade during the busy high season.

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Insider tip

Because the facilities are quite old and sometimes uneven, comfortable and slip-resistant shoes are absolutely necessary for exploring the fort. Also remember to bring adequate sun protection, as there is almost no natural shade on the stony island.