Lustica Peninsula
North of the busy coastal town of Budva, things get more tranquil. The Lustica Peninsula, stretching from Plavi Horizonti Beach and taking in the coastal resorts of Lustica Bay and Krasici, up to the northwestern fishing village of Rose, is one of Montenegro’s least discovered and least visited areas.
While the vibrant south parties and the Boka Bay attract hundreds of thousands of cruise ship tourists, the Lustica Peninsula unhurriedly goes about its daily business of fishing and growing the finest grapes and olives. It blesses visitors with a sense of seclusion that is rarely found along Montenegro’s Adriatic coast.
The scenery here is not as dramatic as on the Budva Riviera or in Kotor, instead, it’s a mellow, green region where rolling hills and secluded coves blend with authentic Montenegrin stone villages and small, exclusive holiday resorts. Lustica Bay, Rose, and Krasici are the best-known places on the peninsula.
Picturesque Rose sits at the outermost western tip, overlooking Herceg Novi and the Croatian coast. East from there is a former military zone with a series of Yugoslav-era submarine tunnels accessible by boat or kayak. Narrow, winding roads are characteristic of this region, but drivers are rewarded with spectacular views.
Rose
One of the prettiest coastal villages in Montenegro with sea captain’s houses lining its small promenade, scenic Rose is certainly worth a visit.
History and Culture
You’d be pardoned for believing that Montenegro’s influx of rich and famous property buyers stay huddled in places like Tivat and Kotor, but this does not always apply. The serenity of the Lustica Peninsula is exactly the reason why many chose to make it their primary or secondary residence over the past couple of years, especially following the COVID-19 epidemic.
Being relatively disconnected from other Montenegrin coastal towns, Rose is well off the tourist radar, and as such has remained truly authentic with only a handful of boutique hotels and vacation rentals. Rose occupies a strategic geographic position and has guarded the entry to the Bay of Kotor from potential invaders and pirates for centuries.
Founded by the ancient Greeks as a military outpost and trading port and later administered by the Venetians and Austro-Hungarians, Rose’s maritime legacy remains strong. The cultural and economic benefits of seafaring are still apparent in the well-preserved sea captain’s homes and the three churches located there.
Churches are certainly plenty, with more than twenty of them dotted around the entire peninsula. Those culturally adventurous souls who make it to them usually come for their colorful frescoes and shrines. Others are more interested in Lustica’s military history: three abandoned fortifications of the Austro-Hungarian era (Fort Arza, Fort Lustica, and Fort Kabala) can be found along its western coast.
No description of the Lustica Peninsula can be complete without a mention of its olive oil, cheese, and prosciutto culture. Here you’ll still find some small family farms producing olive oil from traditional presses, the same way it has been produced for centuries. It pairs exceptionally well with the local dry-cured ham and cheese marinated in olive oil, two other produce the region is known for.
5 Amazing Beaches on the Lustica Peninsula
It’s certainly true that the Lustica Peninsula isn’t all about beaches and sunbathing, but that does not mean its lovely coastline does not draw any beachgoers. On the contrary, there are numerous beautiful coves to choose from.
Plavi Horizonti Beach
The dreamy Plavi Horizonti Beach (Blue Horizons) is one of these spots for escaping from it all: it’s wild, picturesque, and free of any development (except for the onsite, wooden beach restaurant). The only thing that may undermine your sense of getaway is the immense popularity with locals, especially families with children.
Plavi Horizonti Beach is one of the few genuinely sandy beaches in Montenegro, plus the waters are warm and shallow which makes it a safe and desirable beach destination for many. It must be mentioned that, due to the sandy ground, crystal-clear waters are more the exception than the norm here. Still, Plavi Horizonti Beach is one of two Blue Flag beaches on the Tivat Riviera.
Plavi Horizonti Beach
The warm and shallow waters of Plavi Horizonti Beach are surrounded by lush pine forests which will appeal to adventurers and nature lovers.
Blue Flag Beaches in Montenegro
Discover the best Blue Flag Beaches in Montenegro, from sandy stretches of coast to intimate coves with warm and crystal-clear waters.
Zanjice Beach
The wild and rugged 300-meter-long stretch of medium-sized pebbles that is Zanjice Beach, is so different from the typically tiny coves found elsewhere on the peninsula. It will remind you why venturing off the beaten path is worth it in every possible way. Twelve kilometers away from Lustica Bay, the glassy sea water here has the level of translucence you’d normally expect from a hotel pool.
Zanjice Beach
Zanjice Beach is a beautiful, pebble beach and quiet resort village in the northwestern part of the Lustica Peninsula. A great beach to snorkel and swim.
Miriste Beach
The virgin Miriste Beach, just around the bay from Zanjice, is located in a secluded cove. Backed by olive trees and a simple beach restaurant, this is a sublime spot for escaping the scorching summer heat. Its relaxed vibe is contagious, no wonder that die-hard fans return again and again to this little piece of paradise.
Miriste Beach
Calm, quiet, and surrounded by verdant Mediterranean greenery best describe Miriste Beach. Enjoy scenic views of Mamula Island and beyond.
Dobrec Beach
Calm, crystalline waters and fine pebbles make up the 50-meter-long Dobrec Beach which is squeezed into a tiny cove between Zanjice and Rose, and only accessible by boat. Small but very sweet, Dobrec is a remote-feel beach with dense shrubs and woods all around. It’s one of the best spots for swimming and snorkeling in that region.
Dobrec Beach
Crystalline waters and heavenly surroundings make Dobrec Beach popular with locals and in-the-know tourists alike. Only accessible by boat.
Arza Beach
Now a secret and tucked-away destination for sun worshippers, Cape Arza was at one time one of the most important nodes in the Austro-Hungarian network of defense. Just a short walk from Miriste Beach, its most notable landmarks are the Arza Fortress to the left of it and the monastic Gospa island within swimming distance.
Arza Beach
Arza Beach has a laid-back, relaxed vibe. Being often overlooked for the more popular neighboring beaches, there is usually enough space here even in peak season.
11 Things to Do on the Lustica Peninsula
There’s so much more to Lustica than simply stunning beaches. Besides unwinding and relaxing blessedly free from traffic, you can take advantage of a diverse offer of pleasant activities. The peninsula’s network of authentic country roads connects century-old villages, churches, and picturesque olive groves, and the new cultural hotspot is Lustica Bay with dozens of cultural and fun events taking place throughout the year.
St Luke’s Church
Take in the sweeping, 360-degree views stretching all the way across the Bay of Kotor at this ancient Orthodox hilltop church. It is one of the oldest religious sites in Montenegro, supposedly dating back to the 7th century, and you can reach it via the road up from Radovici via Gosici.
The Blue Cave
The best way to reach the blue cave while being on the Lustica Peninsula is to catch a taxi boat from Zanjice Beach. Small water taxis frequent the beach and the natural sea cave hourly. Make sure to visit in the morning hours – only then you will be able to experience the full blueish glow that radiates from the cave.
The Glowing Cave
The Blue Cave’s natural beauty is a source of wonder and fascination. It is the largest sea cave in Montenegro, accessible by small boats and kayaks.
Tennis
Playing tennis is an active yet relaxing way to experience the picture-perfect countryside. You can rent a private court by the hour in the Tennis Master Center which is located in the Centrale neighborhood of Lustica Bay. This is the ‘hot’ new place in town for friendly to ferociously competitive matches.
Discover the Beauty of Lustica by Bike
Embark on a mesmerizing bike journey along Lustica’s winding roads and discover abandoned Austro-Hungarian fortresses, traditional Mediterranean stone villages, and lush olive groves. The terrain is hilly and offers dramatic views of verdant greenery, craggy shorelines, and tranquil bay landscapes. Guided (e-) mountain bike tours are available.
Play Golf
Commanding stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and located within the Lustica Bay compound, Montenegro’s first 18-hole golf course is scheduled to open in May 2024. Be one of the first to test the greens, fairways, and tees; but they should probably be fine having been designed by Gary Player.
Explore the Coast by Boat or Sailing Yacht
See the peninsula from another perspective and get a glimpse of the coastal beauty by taking a boat trip. Many private bout tour companies organize tours by (speed) boat from the harbors in Herceg Novi, Tivat, and Kotor, taking you all along the hidden coves and sea caves of the Lustica Peninsula.
Alternatively, there are charter companies in the marina that can tailor packages to suit all budgets. Choose among motor boats, catamarans, and classic sailing yachts, and the experience can be easy-going or more exciting. The Oleg Goncharenko sailing school offers courses for those wanting to learn basic seamanship. The gentle winds, warm waters, and simple navigation make Montenegro one of the best places to learn sailing.
Delicious Local Produce Testing
The soils of Lustica with its proximity to the sea and exposure to the powerful Bora winds, are ideal for cultivating grapes, pomegranate, figs, and olive trees. Visiting one of the family-run olive farms is a worthwhile experience, giving insight into the traditional techniques of producing pristine, cold-pressed olive oil.
The Moric Farm is an authentic olive grove and farm stay where you can get a real taste of local culture and cuisine. If you want to visit, you need to make an appointment beforehand or book a tour that usually includes olive oil tasting and food served in the on-site restaurant. You will learn everything about oil extraction methods.
Diving
Lustica offers very attractive and unique diving sites both for beginner and expert scuba divers, including submarine tunnels, sea caves, and shipwrecks. Admire the eye-catching underwater panoramas, made up of a wide variety of sea animals and corals, and take underwater pictures. Try a beginner’s course or join a freedive boot camp.
Fun and Exciting Quad Safaris
If you’re eager to explore the diverse, gorgeous scenery of the Lustica Peninsula, it is best to leave your rental car at home and go on an ATV/Quad safari tour. Tours range from relaxed cruises along country roads and small villages to off-road routes down to the shore and back up to the best vantage points.
Visit the Lustica Bay Marina
Even when not hosting one of its major events throughout the year, Lustica Bay remains an epicenter of social activity and people-watching, particularly on summer evenings. The harborfront is lined with refined restaurants and cafes, and beautiful people take pleasure in sauntering past the glimmering white yachts docked in the marina.
Lustica Bay
A new development south of Tivat, Lustica Bay is a yacht marina and up-and-coming luxury destination drawing lifestyle-centric visitors and boaters.
Unwind at a Beach Club
Resting in sheltered little coves, to the beach clubs on Lustica is where the beautiful people go, lured by upmarket amenities, crystal-clear waters, and cheerful vibes. On the southern coast of the peninsula, you’ll find the following beach clubs which are all under the Lustica Bay brand and in close distance to one another:
- Ramla Beach Club
- Almara Beach Club
- Marina Beach Club
- Chedi Beach Club
On the northern coast of Lustica, the sunbeds and umbrellas are in prime position at Nikki Beach Montenegro and the Movida Beach Club. Luxuriate in the warm Mediterranean sun and cool off in the refreshing Adriatic while DJs put on throbbing beats and other guests browse the creative cocktail menus.
Party in style at Nikki Beach
Known globally as the go-to franchise to party for the rich and famous, you can now join in the fun here at Nikki Beach Montenegro.
Almara Beach
Discover one of the best beach clubs in Montenegro, Almara Beach is tucked away in the sheltered Traste Bay, with brand new amenities and good culinary offerings.
Marina Beach
Within footwalk distance to the Lustica Bay sits the family-friendly Marina Beach. Hire some water sports equipment and explore the beautiful coastline.
Restaurant Recommendations
Blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate year-round, the restaurants on the Lustica Peninsula are in a favorable position to offer you only the freshest of ingredients. A series of tempting and glitzy eateries await the foodie visitor in Lustica Bay while there are also many less pricier options dotted around the peninsula.
The Spot restaurant in Lustica Bay has already found plenty of loyal guests, and it is easy to see why. The first-line harborfront eatery sits within the Chedi Hotel and is equally dedicated to excellence in gastronomy. Its menu is condensed to only a few dishes, with a strong focus on quality cooking.
The Luca Lustica Bay sits further up in the Centrale neighborhood, serving authentic Montenegrin specialties in a nice environment. If panoramic views of Tivat Bay are what you’re after, the popular fish restaurant Vino Santo in Durasevici serves local seafood specialties at good value. The grilled octopus has to be one of the best in Montenegro.
Best Restaurants in Tivat
The Pine Promenade offers a wide selection of bars, cafes, and restaurants – most of which have several tables set close to the water. Discover the best restaurants in Tivat.
Where to stay?
The Lustica Peninsula has gone upmarket with the arrival of two full-blown luxury hotels – the Chedi which sits right at the marina and the Nikki Beach Montenegro which is built on a small cliff overlooking Tivat. There is also the Mamula Island Hotel which fuses Mediterranean charm with Swiss hospitality and has given the area a huge facelift.
Creative types and nature enthusiasts tend to be drawn to the authentic loveliness of one of Lustica’s stone villages where villa and vacation rentals dominate the supply. There a good options along the peninsula’s western tip around Rose and Klinci as well: Forte Rose is an intimate, oceanfront 4-star hotel with good beaches while the Klinci Village Resort is a rustic yet refined farmstay.
The Chedi
The 5-star Chedi Lustica Bay does not disappoint and has lots to offer, including quality cuisine, relaxing Spa facilities, and superb beaches within walking distance.