A Village Built on Healing Mud
Igalo sits at the western edge of Herceg Novi where the Sutorina River meets the bay. The combination of mineral-rich mud deposits, shallow warm seawater, and a microclimate with over 200 sunny days per year caught the attention of European physicians as early as the 19th century. But it was Josip Broz Tito who put Igalo on the map. The Yugoslav president visited every year for treatments, and his patronage transformed the village into a destination that attracted political leaders and wellness tourists from across Europe and the Middle East.
The Institut Dr Simo Milosevic, founded in 1949, became the flagship facility. At its peak it treated over 35,000 patients annually using a combination of marine aerosol therapy, therapeutic mud applications, hydrotherapy, and physiotherapy programmes. The institute still operates today and accepts both medical referrals and walk-in wellness guests.
Inside the Institute
The facility occupies a long stretch of the Igalo waterfront, with treatment rooms overlooking the bay. The medical programmes focus on musculoskeletal rehabilitation, respiratory conditions, and post-operative recovery. For casual visitors the institute offers individual sessions including mud wraps, underwater massage, inhalation therapy, and heated seawater pools. A single mud treatment session takes roughly forty-five minutes and costs between fifteen and thirty euros depending on the package. No referral is needed for wellness treatments — you can book at the reception desk on arrival.
What the Treatments Involve
The therapeutic mud is harvested from the Igalo bay deposits and heated before application. Guests lie on treatment beds while the warm mud is applied to joints, the lower back, or the full body. After twenty to thirty minutes the mud is washed off in a seawater shower. The experience is surprisingly pleasant — the mud has a smooth, silky texture and the mineral warmth penetrates deep into the muscles. Many visitors combine a morning mud session with an afternoon on the beach, alternating relaxation with gentle coastal walks along the promenade that connects Igalo to the centre of Herceg Novi.
The Igalo Beach and Promenade
Igalo's pebble beach stretches for roughly a kilometre along the bay, backed by pine trees and the long seaside promenade. The water is shallow and calm — ideal for families and for the gentle swimming that forms part of many spa treatment plans. Several beach bars and konoba restaurants line the waterfront, serving grilled fish and cold Niksicko beer. The promenade continues eastward for two kilometres into Herceg Novi centre, making it an easy walk or a short drive. Visitors who want a beach day after their spa session might also consider driving to Zanjice — see our guide to driving to the Blue Cave.
Getting There by Car
Igalo is five minutes west of Herceg Novi centre by car. Parking is available along the waterfront road and in a small car park near the institute entrance. From Tivat Airport the drive takes approximately forty minutes along the bay road. Having a car opens up the entire Herceg Novi Riviera for combining spa visits with hill drives and olive tastings — see our guide to olive oil tasting in the hills above Herceg Novi.
Practical Tips
- Booking: Walk-in wellness sessions are available, but booking a day ahead guarantees your preferred time slot.
- Best season: Year-round. The institute operates every month. Summer adds beach time; winter offers quieter, more affordable sessions.
- Parking: Free street parking on the Igalo waterfront. Arrive before 10am in summer for a spot near the institute.
- Combine with: A morning spa session pairs well with an afternoon drive to the olive groves or the Savina Monastery.