Things to do in Tivat
There is no shortage of things to do in Tivat, a picturesque coastal town that has all the right ingredients for a relaxing and family-friendly vacation by the sea. Boat cruises to faraway coves make the most of the crystal-clear Adriatic while there is lots of fun to be had with water sports at one of Tivat’s beaches.
And while the Lustica Peninsula delivers on sandy beaches, trendy beach clubs, and expanses of verdant greenery, Tivat’s scenic coastal promenade with its abundance of Adriatic and international gastronomy is what travelers daydream of as they conceptualize their holiday. Tivat borders Kotor to the east so they have many attractions in common.
Tivat
Tivat is considered one of Montenegro’s most beautiful coastal towns. It is famous for its laid-back Mediterranean and yachting lifestyle.
Porto Montenegro
Porto Montenegro is a popular superyacht marina and family-friendly nautical village in the heart of Tivat. It has a variety of restaurants, designer boutiques, and shops.
Relax at the Beach
The clean and glimmering sea is undoubtedly one of the biggest draws for visitors to the Montenegrin Riviera. Tivat has several beaches and beach clubs in close vicinity to its town center and Porto Montenegro. These beaches are connected by a lovely coastal promenade and have all the facilities you’ll ever need for a chill day at the beach.
If you want to escape from the crowds for more secluded coves, there are the beautiful beaches on the Lustica Peninsula such as Plavi Horizonti Beach, which is a favorite with families. Sunseekers will be able to enjoy the rugged coastal beauty, swim, snorkel, hire water sports equipment, and indulge in barefoot extravaganza at one of the beach clubs.
Tivat’s Top Beaches
Tivat’s beaches have all the facilities and services needed for a relaxing holiday. From family-friendly sandy stretches to intimate coves with sophisticated beach clubs.
Share a Meal on Tivat’s Waterfront
It’s no secret that the sea makes you healthier and happier, and just being close to it leads to a more relaxed state. Is there anything more tranquilizing than dining together at an oceanfront restaurant? The mild summer breeze, striking bay views, and the smell of healthy Mediterranean herbs and grilled seafood are the auspicious components at many of Tivat’s restaurants.
For fine dining, there’s Murano with its innovative takes on Adriatic and international specialties. Taste delicious Thai and Japanese fusion cuisine at MayaBay, eat authentic Italian dishes at Al Posto Giusto while overlooking yachts to both sides or opt for fresh and artfully-presented meals at One.
Best Restaurants in Tivat
Discover the best restaurants in Tivat, from funky fusion cuisine and relaxed beach far to modest taverns loved by locals and long-term residents.
Restaurants in Porto Montenegro
In the exclusive superyacht marina, Indian curry-like scents mix with Japanese and Mediterranean notes. Discover the best restaurants in Porto Montenegro.
Charter a Boat
Explore the northern Montenegrin coast with total freedom on a sailing yacht or motorboat. Relax in the Bay of Kotor and enjoy the day swimming or snorkeling, or continue south to view Lustica’s craggy shoreline. Anchor at Montenegro’s largest sea grotto, the Blue Cave, or at one of the beaches along the way.
Yachting in Montenegro
Yachting in Montenegro has a long tradition and there is a growing number of yacht charterers offering everything from skippered cruises to long-term rentals.
The Blue Cave
If you plan to visit the family-friendly holiday resort of Tivat, consider taking a trip to the Blue Cave, a fascinating sea grotto known for its blue glow.
Visit a Nature Reserve
The Solila Nature Reserve encompasses 150 hectares of saline marshlands, lies on the Adriatic Flyway, and is thus an important transit stop for over one hundred species of migrating birds. If you are lucky, you might glimpse at herons or cormorants as they stand serenely in the marshes. Wooden bird-watching towers and trails lead through the Solila which is less than a fifteen-minute car ride from Tivat.
The Solila Nature Reserve
The Solila Nature Reserve attracts thousands of birds and is a picturesque and serene environment for birdwatchers, walkers, and cyclists.
A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
The coastal wetlands around Tivat’s former saltpans are an important habitat for resident and migratory birds. Birdwatching in Montenegro is increasingly popular.
Go Designer Shopping
Small boutiques and designer stores line Porto Montenegro’s harborfront, selling exclusive apparel, beachwear, souvenirs, jewelry, and gifts. Shop for unique items from high-end designers such as Dior, Bvlgari, Max Mara, and Heidi Klein while soaking up the cosmopolitan yachting atmosphere.
Shopping in Porto Montenegro
Explore the boutique-lined streets and go shopping in Porto Montenegro, an upscale marina known for its charming small boutiques and shops.
Attend a Local Event or Festival
One of the most prominent events taking place in Tivat is the Wind Fest in April and May. Tivat dedicates three days in June to celebrating the Venice-style Summer Carnival. These ‘Feštas’ (pronounced “Feshta”) have plenty of local character, and there is a lot of singing and dancing, and sharing communal meals in the open air alongside sports events and live performances throughout the year.
A Busy Event Calendar
Tivat has a tradition of celebrating many festivals. As a visitor or fresh resident, it is difficult to know about them. Here is an overview of all major events in Tivat.
Enjoy a Round of Golf
The Lustica Peninsula, close to Tivat, is an idyllic destination for golf fans, and everyone interested in improving their game. The Lustica Bay Golf Course is Montenegro’s first 18-hole course, designed by South African legend Gary Player and offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic and the Bay of Kotor from every hole.
Have a Cocktail at a Beach Club
Unwind with a Daiquiri, Negroni, or Margarita at one of Tivat’s intimate beach clubs. Buddha-Bar is set directly on the dock at Porto Montenegro’s superyacht marina and transmits a lofty and chilled Mediterranean vibe with its iconic 64-meter-long infinity pool. The Ramla Beach Club boasts boho chic decor, sparkling champagne buckets, and unobstructed sea views.
Beach Clubs in Montenegro
Whether it’s a tasty sushi platter, a fruity signature cocktail, or a great DJ, Montenegro’s best beach bars offer the perfect ingredients for a relaxed beach day.
Stroll Along the Waterfront
Tivat’s seaside promenade stretches over two kilometers long from the Kalimanj harbor to the St. Roch Church on the northern tip of town. There are dozens of cafes and restaurants along the way, providing refreshments and striking views throughout the day. The atmosphere is particularly serene and romantic in the evening hours.
Explore a Submarine
Fill up on Yugoslav maritime history by taking a guided tour of the now-decommissioned P-821 submarine which stands drydocked in front of the Naval Heritage Museum. The small entrance fee to the modest two-story museum also buys you access to the submarine. It is interesting to experience the cramped space in which only the captain had his cabin.
Immerse Yourself in Tivat’s Nightlife
This family-friendly coastal resort doesn’t have the large nightclubs of Budva. Instead, it has vibrant bars and beach clubs, making it ideal for illustrious sundowners. Watch the sunset behind the docked super yachts with a glass of wine or a signature cocktail at The Clubhouse, Crush Winebar, or Buddha-Bar.
There’s also a small discotheque, House5, with enough space for 200 partygoers. Salon Prive is a private member club boasting a small casino and bar. Its rooftop terrace, aptly named Jardin Prive, is open to everyone and offers a creative cocktail list, shishas, and comfortable seating on heavenly cabanas.
Discover Lustica’s Submarine Tunnels
On the side of the Lustica Peninsula facing Herceg Novi, you’ll find a series of abandoned submarine tunnels, formerly used by the Yugoslav Navy. A mountain bike trip there is a fun activity, and you can explore five Austro-Hungarian fortresses (also abandoned) along the way. You don’t have to be a top athlete to enjoy the landscape – E-bike rentals are available for hire from one of the tour agencies.
Rose is a picturesque coastal village close to the submarine tunnels. It’s a great location for sunbathing and swimming in the open sea or just having a refreshing drink and a snack in one of the oceanfront restaurants on the harborfront.
Take an All Day Cruise
The vintage boat tours by Knez Lipovac set off from the Pine Promenade in Tivat, bringing visitors in touch with the beauty of the surrounding Boka Bay. Our Lady of the Rocks, the Island of Flowers, and Sveti Marko, Miriste Beach, and the coastal town of Herceg Novi make up the spectacular seascape during the nine-hour tour.
Visit a Traditional Village by Quad
If you visit Tivat, you should consider including a day trip to the Lustica Peninsula in your itinerary. The scenic peninsula is only sparsely populated and here you have the opportunity to see some traditional, authentic Montenegrin stone villages. Most tourists skip this old nucleus of Montenegrin culture but it’s worth it.
It is much calmer on the rolling hills of Lustica than in nearby Tivat and is home to many sacred monuments such as the Church of Saint Luke which traces its roots back to the 7th century. Lustica’s villages are famous for their olives and prosciutto which is naturally dried in the salty Adriatic breeze.
The ‘Moric Olive Farm‘ in Tici is known primarily for high-quality organic olive oil, which is cold-pressed by the stone slabs of a traditional olive mill, but they also grow a diverse set of fruits and vegetables and have dozens of freely roaming animals on their homestead. The farm is open to visitors wanting to experience first-hand how extra virgin olive oil is produced and how farm-fresh ingredients are turned into palatable dishes.
The Moric family is more than happy to show you around. The best way is to reserve a seat up front or just pass by their estate and ask for a tour yourself. Quad rentals are available from Agency UNA Montenegro who are located in the town center of Tivat. Views of secluded coves, isolated island monasteries, and medieval churches can be savored along the journey.
Take a Sailing Course
Sailing has a long tradition in Montenegro, a maritime nation playing host to several annual regattas. Taking a course at one of Tivat’s sailing schools is the first step allowing you to set off on your new adventure sailing the Mediterranean! Earn the Bareboat Skipper Sail IYT license with the help of Sail Band Sailing School or get certified by the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) at the Porto Montenegro Yacht Club.
Get an International Sailing License
Find out about the best ways to obtain a sailing boat license in Montenegro and start exploring the Adriatic Sea on your own or as a skipper on other yachts.
Try Coasteering
Choose a coasteering adventure for an uplifting change of perspective. If you and your family love the rough outdoors, coasteering on the Lustica Peninsula might tick all your boxes. It combines rock scrambling, abseiling, and cliff jumping into the crystal-clear Adriatic. The company Active Travels Montenegro offers two itineraries suited to different skill levels.
A New Way to Explore the Shoreline
Try coasteering in Montenegro, a new adventure sport similar to canyoning that allows you to go to remote stretches of shoreline and have lots of fun.
Hire a Jet Ski
While the most popular way to explore the Bay of Kotor is on a boat excursion, it pales in comparison with experiencing the thrilling adrenaline rush of a cool jet ski ride. Cruising out to the Island of Flowers, Sveti Marko Island, and Our Lady of Mercy offer an entirely new angle on Tivat and an unbound sense of freedom. Jet skis are available for hire south of Belane Beach at the Boka Surfing Beach. Advance booking is recommended.
Watersports in Montenegro
Watersports in Montenegro are increasingly popular in large parts thanks to the beautifully rugged coastline. Discover where you can find the best places for watersports.
Take a Speed Boat Trip to Blue Cave
There are also several tour operators such as Polar Star offering adventurous half-day outs to the other side of the Lustica Peninsula. It is a gorgeous and scenic way to catch the sun on the top deck and discover Miriste Beach, Zanjice Beach, and Blue Cave, Montenegro’s largest sea grotto which can be entered via speed boat.
Blue Cave Montenegro
Marvel at the glow in luminescent blue that illuminates the Blue Cave, a sea grotto close to Tivat. Swimming in the glowing pool is certainly a unique experience.
Have a Spa Day
Take some time off from all the summertime madness to unwind at one of Montenegro’s top spa centers. The Regent Spa at the 5-star Hotel Regent Porto Montenegro is located right at the harborfront of the super yacht marina. Experience a wide breadth of treatments with remarkably effective results. The spacious facilities include a Finnish sauna, a Turkish Hammam, a heated indoor pool, and an outdoor pool landscape.
Regent Hotel Tivat
The Hotel Regent Porto Montenegro is a genuine 5-star hotel, offering cordial hospitality in an incredible setting right at the super yacht marina.
Play a Game of Tennis
Rent your private tennis court by the hour at the Porto Montenegro Yacht Club (PMYC). The well-equipped club has 4 courts, including one indoors, equipment hire, and a practice wall. If you want to brush up on your skills, there are multi-lingual instructors welcoming players and groups of all age and skill brackets.
Watch the Sunset from Gornja Lastva
Tivat Riviera is a photogenic destination. One perfect location for watching spectacular sunsets is Gornja Lastva, an abandoned stone village, set in the hills above Tivat. It delivers breathtaking views of the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, and the views are a worthwhile reward for taking the effort to reach it by foot or bike – but it is also accessible by car.
You can hike up to Gornja Lastva, starting either from Lepetane or from Donja Lastva – from Lepetane it’s a rather brutal hike and not recommended for the unprepared. Starting in Donja Lastva, you can almost drive up to a base (caution: narrow road) from where it’s relatively easy to reach the top with the 15th-century St. Mary’s Church which is known for its colorful frescoes.
Embark on an Exciting Helicopter Journey
It is intimidating at first, it is loud, it is fast, and an exhilarating and unforgettable experience! There is nothing quite like seeing the picturesque Adriatic coastline ahead and the yachts of Porto Montenegro at your feet. There are a handful of helicopter charter and tour companies in Tivat: Salon Prive offers tailor-made helicopter flights and Discover Montenegro specializes in panoramic tours of the coast and beyond.
Visit a Contemporary Art Gallery
Gayo Gallery has swiftly become one of the leading contemporary art galleries in Montenegro, sitting right at the harborfront of Porto Montenegro. Emerging as a beacon of artistic innovation, this gallery has been exhibiting works of all major Montenegrin (and other international) artists such as Petar Lubarda, Dado Duric, and Voja Stanic in its 35 years of existence.
Shop for a Unique Glass Piece
The Venetian island of Murano has been Europe’s main center for handcrafted exclusive glassworks since the High Middle Ages. The Murano Art Gallery in Tivat has a nice selection of truly unique artisanal glassware of unrivaled quality, vibrant color palettes, and unparalleled craftsmanship.
Each piece is handcrafted and comes with a certificate of authenticity, warranting its origins in Murano, Italy. The stunning glass creations, from crimson-colored octopuses and artistic animal figurines to amazing shell-shaped jars, there is a unique masterpiece for every taste.