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Tivat
Tivat enjoys a picturesque setting on the sunny side of the Bay of Kotor and is home to one of the most modern superyacht marinas in the Mediterranean. Thanks to strict zoning ordinances, there is rarely a high-rise block – just an eclectic mix of restaurants, shops, and excellent hotels dotted around its beautiful coastline.
A long coastal promenade stretches the length of Tivat and beyond, connecting Porto Montenegro to Donja Lastva and Kalimanj neighborhoods. Once an Austrian military base and later a shipyard, the town is now an upscale, beautiful, family-friendly resort with much more to offer than just sea and sun.
Bay of Kotor
Discover Europe’s southernmost fjord – the UNESCO-protected Bay of Kotor. Awash with picturesque coastal villages and natural beauty, it’s a must-visit.
Much attention to detail went into the design of Porto Montenegro and the Mediterranean-inspired nautical village which blends seamlessly with its beautiful surroundings. Little touches such as outdoor water walls and scenic lighting accomplish an outcome that portrays style and sophistication.
We’ll be sure to provide all the information you need before visiting this fancy port town. Witness the dramatic transformation that turned Tivat from a previously overlooked resort to one of the most sought-after destinations in the Mediterranean, offering a pristine lifestyle of superyachts, international gastronomy, and designer shopping.
History and Culture
Little is known of the history of Tivat before the beginning of the 13th century when the first religious sites appeared on its shores, most notably the monastery dedicated to Archangel Michael on the Island of Flowers. But like Kotor and other bay area towns, Tivat was probably settled since Illyrian times, when Queen Teuta ruled from neighboring Risan.
Remains of Roman gravestones indicate that Tivat fell under the reign of Rome in 168 AD before being integrated into the Serbian Empire in the High Middle Ages. During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, Tivat was allied to the Venetian Republic and was later integrated into the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
At the end of the 19th century, Tivat was turned into a military base and shipyard by the Imperial and Royal War Navy, and would remain an important military arsenal for the century to come – but later under Yugoslav control. Situated at the foot of Mount Vrmac, the resort of Tivat was mostly built in the mid-20th century around the existing naval infrastructure.
Porto Montenegro
Porto Montenegro is a superyacht marina and nautical village in the heart of Tivat. Many visit for its renowned international culinary scene and designer shopping.
Tivat has been up-and-coming for over a decade now, the area has been dramatically facelifted with the development of Porto Montenegro in 2009, with its abundance of luxury apartments, ritzy boutiques, and fancy restaurants. The opening of the marina was highly anticipated due to a growing demand for larger berths on the Eastern Adriatic.
The inflow of affluent yacht owners and property buyers created an entirely new community. Porto Montenegro has its own refined, cosmopolitan vibe with an eclectic mix of yachties, entrepreneurs, visitors, and locals. There is a sea facing boardwalk filled with boutiques and restaurants and an increasing number of cafes, shops, and eateries in the calmer sidestreets.
Things to do in Tivat
Let’s start with the obvious: take a saunter along the enchanting Pine Promenade for breathtaking views of the Bay of Kotor, then choose from the amazing range of oceanfront restaurants and cafes, and finally, take your time browsing through the boutiques and shops of Porto Montenegro.
If you fancy beating the scorching summer heat, consider chartering a boat or yacht and exploring faraway bays and beaches. From the marina, you can also take a boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks Island or the Lustica Peninsula or embark on a day or night cruise around the bay. Alternatively, the Buddha-Bar Beach Club is popular with locals and visitors alike due to its 64-meter-long infinity pool and plenty of positive vibes.
If a good hike is more your thing, the ascend from Donja to Gornja Lastva is hard to beat. The one-hour hike will take you through extraordinary scenery to an almost abandoned, traditional stone village with the 14th-century Saint Mary Church. From there, panoramic views unfold over Tivat Bay and beyond.
Things to do in Tivat
Tivat is one of the best destinations in Montenegro for a family-friendly vacation. Discover the best things to do in Tivat, from water sports to designer shopping.
Yachting in Montenegro
Yachting in Montenegro has a long tradition and there is a growing number of yacht charterers offering everything from day cruises to long-term rentals.
The Top Beaches in Tivat
While the beaches on the Tivat Riviera are all different, they all enjoy magnificent views of the bay or open sea. In the resort itself, the pebbly Belane Beach offers a variety of watersports and is just a short walk from the marina. Further north is Verige Beach where you’ll find a tree to shelter beneath and a narrow stretch of coast to call your own, and views are some of the best from there.
On the other side of the Lustica Peninsula is where you’ll find the truly great beaches. The sandy Plavi Horizonti Beach, Marina Beach, Ramla Beach, Almara Beach are more challenging to reach – you will need a car for that – but reward you with serenity and beach vibes and at their beach clubs.
Tivat’s Top Beaches
Relax and unwind in a peaceful cove, at a beach club, or a remote sandy beach. Tivat’s Beaches are known for their good facilities and laid-back atmosphere.
Belane Beach
A local’s favorite, Belane Beach is close to the town center and Porto Montenegro and boasts a good offering of water sports and panoramic bay views.
Events in Tivat
Tivat is one of the social hubs of Montenegrin summers (and winters) boasting an event-filled calendar for the whole family. A whole month is in December and January is dedicated to the festivities around Christmas and New Year and includes many live concerts. The summer and winter carnival celebrations are legendary with colorful parades and vibrant dress parties.
Tivat is also renowned for various international nautical events and regattas such as the Superyacht Rendevous, the Match Race, and the Thousand Island Race. The Wind Festival is a 5-week-long event during spring featuring world-class entertainment free to the public. It is not unusual to find a fair, exhibition, or street food festival, and there are also regular sports events. The closing party of the International Fashion Festival is not to be missed.
Events in Tivat
We have selected the best events in Tivat for you to enjoy and appreciate, from the Christmas market during winter to sailing regattas and parties in the summer.
Restaurants in Tivat
There is a wide selection of restaurants, cafes, and taverns in Tivat, covering every taste and budget, and some of them offer the perfect setting to unwind and admire the stunning superyachts come in and out of the marina whilst enjoying a refined meal or a signature cocktail – a memorable dining experience guaranteed.
At the water’s edge anchoring a small boat harbour to one side and the larger berths to the other, you’ll find Al Posto Giusto, an Italian restaurant that is open year-round and also very popular with the local population. Stroll around the harborfront and take in the mouth-watering smells of delicious meals, from Indian, Thai, and Japanese flavors to local Adriatic cuisine, there is something to please everyone.
Marea is a modern restaurant where you can enjoy tasty fish, seafood, and also premium meat specialties. For smooth music, smart service, and lounging on a beautiful outdoor terrace, head over to Murano which sits within the premises of the Regent Porto Montenegro and serves some of the finest dishes.
Best Restaurants in Tivat
Some of the best restaurants in Tivat can be found along its picturesque harborfront promenade. There is a wide range of choices, extending from local to international cuisine.
Restaurants in Porto Montenegro
Enjoy striking views of the marina and the docked superyachts while indulging in the art of refined dining in one of the best restaurants in Porto Montenegro.
Hotels in Tivat
This is such a popular part of Montenegro that there are numerous quite impressive hotels within easy reach of the marina and the broader town center. One of the oldest hotels in operation is Hotel Pine on the main coastal promenade, and it is something of an icon in Tivat. During the Yugoslav era in the 1980s, it was popular with the artistic and political elite of the day, and many aviation companies housed their staff here. The hotel remains a fine place to make a stay.
The 5-star Regent Porto Montenegro followed in its footsteps when it opened its door to first guests in 2014 and quickly gained a reputation as the best luxury hotel in that area. It is the accommodation of choice for many first-time visitors to Tivat who can safely rely on the brand’s international experience in Cannes, Hong Kong, and Berlin.
The new 5-star La Fleur Hotel, situated behind the Pine Promenade, is the latest in a series of boutique hotel offerings. The hotel lobby and rooms display charming interiors, accentuated by touches of marble and verdant greenery. Its striking checkerboard floors pay hommage to the Midcentury Modern aesthetics.
For something more simple, Hotel Palma is a cheery 4-star hotel sitting right at the coastal promenade, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and private beach access. Its patios are surrounded by beautiful palm and olive trees, a very pleasant setting to spend a couple of relaxing days in Tivat.
Best Hotels in Tivat
The Regent is a good choice and is located right in the heart of Porto Montenegro with spectacular sea and marina views. Our guide will help you find the best hotels in Tivat.
Living in Tivat
With its mild climate, stunning coastal scape, and laid-back Mediterranean vibe, Tivat is the sort of place couples and families return to devotedly, year after year. As a matter of fact, many like it so much that they buy a vacation home here or even make it their primary residence. There is a sense of community and security here which makes Tivat an ideal environment for raising children.
The area around Porto Montenegro undoubtedly tops the list of desirable locations close to the water, with real estate prices reflecting this. The Knightsbridge International School is within footwalk distance to the marina and students come from all over the world, reflecting the wide variety of ethnicities of residents in town.
There are plenty of after-school activities in Tivat to keep your kids busy outside of school covering all sorts of sports, theatre, arts, dance, and even computer programming. The contrast between the vibrant summer months and the unhurried winter season is huge in Tivat as everywhere else on the Adriatic.
Lustica Peninsula
Find out more about the Lustica Peninsula, a peaceful part of Montenegro that is dotted with authentic stone villages and refined coastal resorts.
Nevertheless, many long-term residents and locals prefer the quieter off-season when they have the streets and beaches of Tivat finally back to themselves. The last decade has seen a slow and steady increase in property prices, especially in contemporary condos close to the sea and beachfront vacation homes, and agents are also seeing an increased demand for rural properties.
Lustica Bay
Discover Lustica Bay, a luxury marina on the southern side of the Lustica Peninsula that is popular with second-home buyers and lifestyle enthusiasts.
Surrounding areas of Tivat
While visiting Tivat, it’s worth going to see the Lustica Peninsula, the ancient walled city of Kotor, the attractive resort of Herceg Novi, and of course, Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks. Visit the small resort of Prcanj which boasts amazing sea views and seafood, or the small village of Gornji Stoliv which is of historical interest and sits in the mountains above Tivat; there is lots to see and do within a 30-minute drive.
Built by Croatian engineer Josip Slade-Silovic, the 8.5 km winding Kotor Serpentine Road that runs between Kotor and Cetinje commands stupefying views at every 180-degree bend. Away from Kotor’s Old Town towards the Lovcen National Park, you’ll discover a rugged wilderness of astonishing natural beauty and some of the greatest vistas in the country.
Perast
Perast is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Montenegro, boasting beautiful Baroque architecture amidst stunning natural scenery.
Prcanj
A beautiful coastal town between Tivat and Kotor, Prcanj is known for its beautiful Baroque architecture, good seafood restaurants, and striking views.
Kotor Serpentine Road
Every motorist’s dream, the narrow Kotor Serpentine zig-zags up from Kotor towards Cetinje, gaining 1,000 meters in elevation along the way.
Set high up in the Lovcen mountains, the Njegos Mausoleum is a worthwhile excursion that is usually combined with a visit to the Lovcen National Park. On arrival, you’ll find a stunning observation deck offering incredible mountain views and two caryatids guarding the entrance to the sarcophagus of Njegos, Montenegro’s 19th-century ruler. On a clear day, you might even see as far as Croatia and Skadar Lake, some 50 kilometers in the distance.
The salt pans south of Tivat are a dream for birdwatchers. If you’re fortunate enough, you’ll get a glimpse of some amazing birds overhead such as herons, cormorants, and grebes which are rare in the rest of Europe. The Saline wetland area measures 150 hectares and is one of the few remaining habitats on the Adriatic migratory corridor.
Lovcen National Park
The Lovcen National Park is the closest nature reserve close to Tivat and offers a picturesque landscape of craggy mountain tops and green pastures.
Njegos Mausoleum
Discover the burial site of Montenegro’s national hero atop Mount Lovcen. The Njegos Mausoleum is a must-visit during your trip to Tivat.