Lustica Bay
The Lustica Bay marina is one of the most vibrant yacht marinas in Montenegro and includes an enticing mix of international and local restaurants, high-end fashion boutiques, and marine services running parallel to the docks. It is located in the sheltered Traste Bay on the Lustica Peninsula, close to Tivat and Kotor.
Lustica Bay is a relatively new development with extensive expansion plans – a golf course is being added currently, and the accompanying golf residences will follow shortly. Lustica Bay offers an elegant, upscale community and living environment, geared toward international primary and secondary residents.
Tivat
Discover Tivat, a charming coastal town known for its beautiful coastal promenade dotted with delicious oceanfront restaurants and cafes.
The marina has 115 berths for boats up to 45 meters in length and features two breakwaters, and there is even a heliport on the compound. Sailing yachts and motor boats fill the harbor, some of which are available for hire from one of the residing yacht charter companies.
Lustica Bay is forthrightly dedicated to luxury and is currently one of the most state-of-the-art marinas in the Adriatic, blending perfectly with its surroundings. The resort architecture is heavily inspired by classic Mediterranean stone buildings; with arched doorways that feel ancient and opulent.
Little design touches such as potted olive trees, stone parapets, and soft lighting create an overall charming and sophisticated atmosphere, rarely seen anywhere in the world. This is an inclusive marina, allowing visitors to get a glimpse into the lifestyle of boaters and high-rolling pleasure seekers.
The Surrounding Area
One of the things that many Lustica Bay residents realize once they have lived there for a while is that the whole region is easily available to you. All Montenegrin coastal towns are close to one another, so you rarely have to travel for more than half an hour to reach your destination.
The Montenegrin Adriatic Coast is incredibly diverse when it comes to lifestyles, and each town has its character and caters to different types of people, so there is much to enjoy in a relatively small space.
Bay of Kotor
Covering more than 100 kilometers of prime Montenegrin coastline, the Bay of Kotor is a fjord-like inlet known for its picturesque coastal settlements.
Living in Lustica Bay
Like everywhere else in the Mediterranean, Lustica Bay is fairly vibrant in summer but very quiet in winter. Apart from the culinary and grocery offerings in the port itself, you will have to rely on nearby coastal towns – Tivat or Kotor particularly – for a wider range of services and produce.
Lustica Bay Properties
Real estate in Lustica Bay means being close to a luxury marina, great beaches, and a prestigious golf course. Perfect as a 1st or 2nd residency.
When buying properties on the Lustica Peninsula, it is important to ensure you understand the differences in character between Lustica Bay, its neighborhoods, and the other settlements outside of this development. Radovici, Gosici, and Durasevici are small, authentic villages that are less than 3 kilometers away from the marina.
These localities all overlap, and Radovici is the primary village with many locals still residing here and boasting an elementary school, grocery stores, and a couple of restaurants. Property prices here are still relatively low and detached homes can be had for as little as 200,000 Euros.
And even though the area is quickly developing and a golf course is currently under construction nearby, it does not have the prestige of one of the Lustica Bay neighborhoods – Centrale, Marina Village, and The Peaks (currently under construction), and predominantly owned by foreign residents or as vacation homes.
These apartments and penthouses range in price depending on location, property type, and orientation. The highest-priced units (933,000 € to 3,977,000 €) are found in the exclusive Golf complex known as The Peaks. Expect to pay from 300,000 € up to 1,300,000 € for properties in the Marina Village, and 200,000 € for the smallest unit in the Centrale neighborhood.
Things to do in Lustica Bay
Let’s start with the obvious: swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the area by kayak, SUP, or jet-ski are some of the most rewarding activities in Lustica Bay. Water sports equipment is available for hire in the marina and on one of the four resort beaches:
- Ramla Beach: a boho-chic refuge two kilometers south of the marina
- Almara Beach: gentle entry and sandy grounds with a good beach club
- Marina Beach: family-friendly and just a short walk along the scenic promenade
- Chedi Beach: managed by the 5-star Chedi Hotel Lustica Bay
A popular destination nearby is the Blue Cave, Montenegro’s largest sea grotto known for its bright blue glowing. This enchanting natural attraction is only accessible by small boats (during good weather conditions) or kayaks/ SUPs. Rose, a picturesque fishing village on the outermost tip of the peninsula, is worth visiting as well.
Due to its low population density and untouched nature, hiking and biking are also popular here. The roads are well-paved and there are many quaint wine villages dotted with centuries-old churches, stone cottages, and olive orchards to explore; the Lustica Peninsula is famous for its olive oil production.
Just a short drive from Lustica Bay towards Tivat lies the Solila, a former sea salt farm turned into a protected Natural Reserve which is very popular with birdwatchers. Many migratory birds pass here on their way between their breeding and wintering grounds.
Restaurants in Lustica Bay
Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are a gratifying experience at the charming port. The three-storey harbor-front buildings accommodate buoyant cafes, artisan bakeries, and a smattering of decent restaurants and lounge bars. As with other upscale hotspots in Montenegro, prices tend to be on the higher side but are not excessive.
The menus are carefully crafted and strive to satisfy the palates of its sophisticated and demanding clientele: there is a wide range of cuisines with local Mediterranean, seafood dishes, and Asian fusion cuisine domineering. Think shrimp carpaccio, tuna steak, and the like.
This however does not imply that the atmosphere is stiff; Mediterranean Dolce Vita prevails instead. Most restaurants, such as the Spilja, the 21 Bistro, and the Spot at the Chedi Lustica Bay, sit right at the waterfront – perfect for soaking up the afternoon sun for lunch or a dinner by candlelight.
If sparkling yacht views are not essential to you, another good option is the Luca which sits further up within the Centrale neighborhood. Here, you can unwind alongside gourmet Montenegrin cuisine in total serenity. Their delicacies pair well with a good local wine from their enticing list.
Hotels in Lustica Bay
There really only is one hotel in the marina village – the luxurious 5-star Chedi Lustica Bay. This was one of the few pioneers in Montenegro, one of the first stylish, ultra-luxury hotels on this stretch of the Adriatic coast, and yet it remains a leader in the local hospitality scene, offering guests exceptional comfort, services, and amenities.
The Chedi Hotel
Indulge in 5-star seaside luxury at The Chedi Hotel Lustica Bay. A unique experience with stunning views and exceptional hospitality.
Events in Lustica Bay
Lustica Bay has also become one of the social hotspots of Montenegrin summers, boasting a calendar filled with fascinating events, including live music and theatre performances. It’s not unusual to find a local street food or art festival taking place in the heart of the marina.
In the evening, psychedelic and starlit skies form the backdrop for drumming sessions, jazz gigs, and bonfires on Marina Beach. Residents and visitors come here to be immersed in a diverse fusion of artistic endeavors, and is no wonder then to see salsa dancers performing alongside local a capella singers.
Lustica Bay also organizes sailing regattas and sports events, like the annual Aquatlon where everyone can compete in swimming and running. The Amphitheatre next to the Chedi Hotel is a summer stage for unique outdoor cinema and opera experiences.
Winter boredom is not a thing either and there are many events not only during the busy summer season. The Lustica Bay Christmas Market is magical with its pastiche of winter scents: cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, you name it, and for the little ones there is, of course, the fun and nostalgic fairytale carousel!