Tivat, Crna Gora / Црна Гора - Things to Do in Tivat

Things to Do in Tivat

Tivat, Crna Gora / Црна Гора - Complete Travel Guide

Tivat is a picturesque coastal town nestled along the shores of the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors but offering its own unique charm. This former naval town has transformed into an upscale destination, anchored by the luxurious Porto Montenegro marina complex, which attracts superyachts and international visitors seeking sophistication on the Adriatic coast. Beyond its glamorous marina, Tivat serves as an excellent base for exploring the Bay of Kotor region, with easy access to historic towns like Kotor and Perast. The town combines modern amenities with natural beauty, featuring pristine beaches, lush islands, and dramatic mountain backdrops. Its compact size makes it easily walkable, while its position offers stunning sunset views across the bay and convenient access to both cultural attractions and outdoor adventures.

Top Things to Do in Tivat

Explore Porto Montenegro Marina

Stroll through this world-class superyacht marina featuring luxury boutiques, waterfront restaurants, and impressive vessels from around the globe. The complex includes museums, art galleries, and beautifully landscaped promenades perfect for evening walks. Even if you're not staying at the luxury hotels, the marina is open to visitors and offers a taste of Mediterranean high life.

Booking Tip: Entry to the marina is free, but parking can cost €2-5 per hour during peak season. Visit in the evening for the best atmosphere and consider making dinner reservations at waterfront restaurants in advance during summer months.

Visit Our Lady of the Rocks Island

Take a boat trip to this artificial island topped with a beautiful baroque church and museum, one of the Bay of Kotor's most iconic sights. The island was created by local seamen over centuries by dropping stones into the sea, and the church houses an impressive collection of maritime artifacts and ex-voto paintings. The journey offers spectacular views of the bay and surrounding mountains.

Booking Tip: Boat trips cost €10-15 per person and run regularly from Tivat waterfront during summer. Book through local operators near the marina or combine with visits to other bay attractions. Early morning or late afternoon trips offer the best lighting for photography.

Relax at Plavi Horizonti Beach

Enjoy Montenegro's most beautiful sandy beach, located on the Lustica Peninsula just a short drive from Tivat center. This Blue Flag beach features crystal-clear waters, pine forests providing natural shade, and excellent facilities including restaurants and water sports rentals. The beach offers a perfect blend of relaxation and activities with stunning views across the bay.

Booking Tip: Beach access is free, but parking costs €2-3 per day in summer. Arrive early (before 10am) to secure good spots and avoid crowds. Sunbed and umbrella rental costs around €10-15 per day, or bring your own equipment.

Explore Gornja Lastva Village

Discover this charming hilltop village perched above Tivat, offering panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor and a glimpse into traditional Montenegrin mountain life. The village features stone houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and several small churches dating back centuries. Local restaurants serve authentic regional cuisine with ingredients sourced from village gardens and nearby farms.

Booking Tip: The village is accessible by car or taxi (€8-12 from Tivat center). Several restaurants require reservations, especially Catovica Mlini, which costs €25-40 per person. Visit during late afternoon for the best views and stay for sunset dinner.

Take a Bay of Kotor Boat Tour

Experience the full beauty of Europe's southernmost fjord on a comprehensive boat tour visiting multiple historic towns, islands, and hidden coves. Most tours include stops at Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks, and Kotor's old town, with swimming breaks at secluded beaches. The perspective from the water reveals the dramatic scale of the mountains rising directly from the sea.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost €25-40 per person including lunch, while half-day options run €15-25. Book with established operators who provide life jackets and have good safety records. Tours run April through October, with best weather May through September.

Getting There

Tivat is served by Tivat Airport (TIV), Montenegro's second-largest airport, located just 4km from the city center with regular flights from major European cities. The airport shuttle costs €2-3 or taxis charge around €8-12 to reach downtown or Porto Montenegro. By land, Tivat is easily accessible via the scenic coastal road from Dubrovnik (1 hour), Podgorica (1.5 hours), or other Montenegrin destinations, with regular bus services and good road connections throughout the region.

Getting Around

Tivat's compact center is easily walkable, with most attractions, restaurants, and the marina within a 15-minute stroll of each other. Local buses connect to nearby beaches and villages for €1-2 per ride, while taxis are readily available and reasonably priced for short distances (€3-8 for most trips within the area). For exploring the wider Bay of Kotor region, rental cars are recommended and available from €20-35 per day, or you can use the regular ferry services that connect bay towns during summer months.

Where to Stay

Porto Montenegro
Tivat Center
Donja Lastva
Seljanovo
Kalimanj
Airport Area

Food & Dining

Tivat's dining scene ranges from upscale marina restaurants serving international cuisine to traditional Montenegrin konobas (taverns) offering fresh seafood and local specialties. Porto Montenegro features several high-end establishments with waterfront terraces, while the town center offers more budget-friendly options including pizzerias, grilled meat restaurants, and cafes. Don't miss trying local dishes like grilled fish, black risotto, or lamb prepared under the traditional sač (metal bell), paired with excellent regional wines from the nearby Plantaže vineyards or local rakija (fruit brandy).

Top-Rated Restaurants in Montenegro

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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SPAGO

4.8 /5
(1489 reviews) 2

Restaurant TULIP

4.8 /5
(1067 reviews)

Macaroni Handmade Pasta Tivat

4.9 /5
(749 reviews)

Pera, Focaccia & Resto-Bar

4.9 /5
(695 reviews)

Restoran Protokol

4.9 /5
(542 reviews)

Two Captains

4.8 /5
(518 reviews) 2
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When to Visit

The best time to visit Tivat is from May through September when temperatures are warm (20-28°C), the sea is suitable for swimming, and all tourist facilities are fully operational. July and August are the busiest and most expensive months with the liveliest atmosphere, while May, June, and September offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds and better prices. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are ideal for hiking and sightseeing, though some seasonal restaurants and boat services may have limited schedules.

Insider Tips

Visit the Naval Heritage Collection museum at Porto Montenegro for fascinating insights into the area's maritime history and Yugoslav naval past
Take the short ferry ride to Lustica Peninsula for excellent hiking trails and secluded beaches away from the crowds
Time your visit to coincide with the Tivat Summer Festival (July-August) for outdoor concerts and cultural events in beautiful waterfront settings

Explore Activities in Tivat