Once known as a tranquil resort for summer visitors, Herceg Novi is quietly stepping into a new role — a city to live, work, and build a sustainable lifestyle. Located at the northern entrance to the Bay of Kotor, it combines centuries-old charm with a new wave of digital freedom and international ambition.
With over 200 sunny days per year, a relaxed rhythm, and the blue horizon always in sight, Herceg Novi offers a slower, more fulfilling life without disconnecting from the world.
A city of sunshine, culture and layers of history
Founded in the 14th century, Herceg Novi wears its history like a mosaic. Venetian, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian influences shape its fortresses, stone stairways, and sea-facing towers. The Old Town, wrapped in flowers and Mediterranean architecture, reflects the character of a city that has survived empires but never lost its soul.
Every February, the famous Mimosa Festival celebrates the arrival of spring, filling the city with color, music, and laughter — a symbol of optimism and rebirth that perfectly fits Herceg Novi’s new identity.
Living in harmony: Nature and quality of life
Life here unfolds between mountains and the sea. Residents can swim in the morning, hike in the afternoon, and dine outdoors as the sun sets over the Bay. The mild climate supports year-round living, while the long promenade — one of the most beautiful on the Adriatic — connects Herceg Novi with the luxury Portonovi Marina and the tranquil fishing villages of Meljine and Kumbor.
The result is a lifestyle that feels both Mediterranean and mindful: simple pleasures, fresh food, and genuine community.
A growing hub for remote work and entrepreneurship
Montenegro’s digital transformation is gathering pace — and Herceg Novi is part of that story. Affordable living, reliable internet, and a new generation of remote professionals and digital entrepreneurs are redefining what it means to live on the coast.
The nearby Portonovi Resort has attracted global brands, while coworking-friendly cafés and serviced apartments are springing up across town. For freelancers, designers, developers, and consultants, this blend of affordability and inspiration is rare.
“You can work in the morning with a sea view and dive in the afternoon,” says an architect who relocated from Prague. “The internet is fast, and the community is friendly — it’s a small paradise for creative people.”
Emerging economic potential
Tourism remains Herceg Novi’s heartbeat, but new industries are stirring. The revitalized shipyard in Bijela, now focused on super-yacht refits and marine technology, signals a shift toward technical and specialized employment. Small-scale manufacturing, real estate, and wellness tourism are also on the rise.
Local authorities are promoting initiatives to make the city vibrant all year, including film festivals, cultural events, and digital-nomad residency programs — turning what was once a seasonal destination into a living city.
The realities behind the beauty
Despite its charm, Herceg Novi faces practical challenges. The hilly terrain and countless stairways make commuting on foot a workout, and bureaucracy can be slow for newcomers navigating residency or business registration.
The local job market remains limited outside tourism and hospitality, meaning many residents either work remotely or commute to larger hubs like Tivat or Podgorica. However, these trade-offs are offset by low crime rates, community spirit, and the ability to live by the sea without the costs of the Riviera.
Why Herceg Novi stands out
In a region often defined by fast tourism, Herceg Novi offers something different — continuity and authenticity. It’s a place for people who value balance, creativity, and natural beauty over chaos and overdevelopment.
Its transformation into a work-and-live city reflects a wider trend in the Adriatic — where smaller towns are finding new life through digital mobility, green tourism, and lifestyle migration.
A city ready for the future
For digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and families seeking a European base with soul, Herceg Novi’s time has arrived. It combines the charm of the old Mediterranean with the openness of a new era.
Affordable, inspiring, and still undiscovered, it is not just a city to visit — but a city to call home.
Elevated by www.mercosur.me