Montenegro's greenest coastal town offers charm, affordability, and a welcoming community.
Known as the "City of Flowers" and "Garden City," Herceg Novi offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and increasingly popular expat living.
Natural Setting Perched between mountains and sea at the entrance to Kotor Bay, Herceg Novi enjoys a microclimate that keeps it green year-round.
Historic Character Multiple empires have left their mark: - Venetian fortresses - Ottoman clocktower - Austro-Hungarian architecture - Yugoslav-era promenades
Affordability Generally 20-30% cheaper than Budva/Kotor for similar properties.
Stari Grad (Old Town) Steep, atmospheric, full of character. Many steps - not for everyone. - Properties from €1,500/sqm - Restaurants and nightlife - Sea views from upper levels
Topla Beachfront area with promenade and hotels. - More touristy - Good beach access - Apartments €2,000-3,000/sqm
Savina Residential area around famous monastery. - Quiet, family-friendly - Local feel - Good value
Igalo Known for health tourism and spa treatments. - Flattest area (good for elderly/mobility) - Large promenade - Affordable options
Baosici & Bijela Villages towards Kotor. - Waterfront living - Quieter lifestyle - Best value properties
Herceg Novi has fewer beaches than Budva but some hidden gems: - Mirista - pebbly, clear water - Zanjice - boat access, pristine - Igalo beach - sandy, shallow - Mamula island - day trips
Established Scene Herceg Novi has a welcoming, established expat community: - Regular meetups and events - Facebook groups active - Mix of retirees and remote workers - Several English-speaking businesses
Language More Montenegrin-speaking than Budva - good motivation to learn!
Getting Around - Town centre walkable (but hilly) - Local buses to neighbourhoods - Car recommended for exploring - Taxi to Dubrovnik airport: €40-50
Border Proximity Croatian border 15 minutes away: - Day trips to Dubrovnik - Access to EU shops - Wider airport options
Amenities - Hospital and clinics - Schools - Large supermarkets - Weekly market
Special Microclimate - Mildest winters on coast - 2,000+ hours of sunshine - More rain than Budva - Lush vegetation year-round
Prices (2026) - Apartments: €1,500-2,500/sqm - Houses: from €150,000 - Seafront premium: +50% - Old Town character properties: varies widely
Rental - 1-bed apartment: €300-500/month - 2-bed apartment: €400-700/month - Seasonal premium in summer
Pace Slower than Budva, more relaxed than Kotor.
Food - Excellent local restaurants - Fresh fish daily - Montenegro's best mimosas (fried dough balls) - Croatian influence on cuisine
Activities - Hiking in hills above town - Boat trips into bay - Day trips to Croatia - Fortress exploration
Pros - Affordable - Beautiful setting - Welcoming community - Less touristy - Close to Croatia
Cons - Very hilly (many steps) - Further from Tivat airport - Quieter nightlife - Some areas very old
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