Tivat has long sat in the metaphorical shadow of nearby Kotor; however, the town’s setting on the outermost bay of the greater Bay of Kotor made it the perfect place to construct one of the country’s most luxurious ports – Porto Montenegro. This ultra-modern part of town, which may seem more Monaco than Montenegro, puts Tivat firmly on the Adriatic coast’s marine map. Superyachts sit side-by-side in a marina lined with newly-built luxury residences, a five-star hotel and plenty of restaurants serving cuisine ranging from Asian fusion to catch-of-the-day seafood. There’s also a small museum where you can learn about the area’s maritime and military history.
Away from the port, young Tivat doesn’t have an Old Town, however the Buca-Lukovic Museum & Gallery showcases the region’s lifestyle and culture. The regenerated waterfront area’s promenade is backed by restaurants and fronted by a handful of venues where you can take a dip in the refreshing waters of the bay. Wherever you are along the waterfront, the views are spectacular and we highly recommend enjoying an unforgettable Montenegrin sunset over a drink in one of the bars.
Tivat is a fantastic place to base yourself while exploring the Bay of Kotor, with many of the region’s attractions within a 30-minute drive. Just 15 minutes away is the Island of Flowers (Prevlaka), a peninsula that’s home to the ruins of a 13th-century monastery built by Serbian archbishop Saint Sava. It occupies a wonderful setting stretching out into the bay, overlooking coastal communities and the emerald hills behind.
For traditional ‘old Med’ vibes, head northeast along the waterside trail to the sleepy village of Donja Lastva, where you can wander through pretty streets or relax on small shingle beaches. Backed by the forest- and scrub-clad Mount Vrmac, a popular mountain-biking and hiking spot, this is a great destination for active types. Hike to the hillside village of Gornja Lastva with its stone houses, olive groves and abandoned ruins, before continuing up to the 9th-century church of St Vid’s for views over both sides of the Bay of Kotor, towering granite mountains to the east and the Adriatic Sea to the west. Back down at sea level, it’s easy to get out on the water. Those who like to explore under their own steam can try stand-up paddle-boarding, while for thrill-seekers there’s a wake park nearby. Alternatively, you can hire a skippered yacht or a speedboat to explore the beautiful bay in more depth.
Further afield, the likes of Kotor and Budva await. Arguably Montenegro’s most famous town, Kotor is a port of call for many cruise ships between April and November and a popular day-trip destination for people staying in Dubrovnik, Croatia about 60 miles along the coast. This UNESCO-listed city boasts a warren of cobbled alleyways and stunning Mediterranean architecture that was painstakingly rebuilt following an earthquake in the late 1970s. Beautiful Budva is a gem on Montenegro’s coast, also just 30 minutes away by road. Here you can expect a mix of medieval splendour and modern upmarket resorts, as well as another marina filled with yachts. See the beautiful Old Town, head up to the 15th-century citadel or sunbathe on Richard’s Head beach in the shadow of the picture-perfect city walls.
Situated less than 10 minutes from the centre of town, Tivat Airport is the main airfield serving the Bay of Kotor. Simply contact our team and we’ll arrange everything you need to charter a private jet to Tivat.
