Montenegro’s famous Blue cave to become protected site – Visitors will need a permit from September
Tourists and tour operators will have to apply for a permit before organizing trips, in order to prevent further environmental damage caused by uncontrolled mass tourism
The iconic Blue Cave (Plava špilja), one of Montenegro’s most popular natural attractions, will soon receive official protection status. Starting from September, entry to the cave will only be possible with a special permit.
The Municipality of Herceg Novi announced that the Blue Cave has been included in the Register of Speleological Sites of Montenegro, a first step toward declaring it a protected natural area. The Ministry of Ecology, Spatial Planning and Urban Development confirmed that the updated national register will be completed by the end of September, officially recognizing the Blue Cave as part of the country’s speleological heritage.
Under Montenegro’s Nature Protection Law, this means that visits to the cave will be strictly regulated. Tourists and tour operators will have to apply for a permit before organizing trips, in order to prevent further environmental damage caused by uncontrolled mass tourism.
The next step will be the creation of a detailed conservation study, initiated by the Municipality of Herceg Novi. Once adopted, this study will pave the way for the Blue Cave to be officially declared a protected natural monument.
The Blue Cave, located on the Luštica Peninsula near Herceg Novi, is famous for its dazzling turquoise waters created by sunlight reflecting inside the cave. It is one of the most visited attractions on the Montenegrin coast, often included in boat excursions around the Bay of Kotor.
( Vijesti online )