Things to Do in Tivat, Crna Gora / Црна Гора

Tivat is a picturesque coastal town nestled in the heart of Montenegro's stunning Bay of Kotor, offering visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty, luxury, and authentic Balkan charm. This former naval base has transformed into one of the Adriatic's most sought-after destinations, largely thanks to the development of Porto Montenegro, a world-class superyacht marina that has attracted international attention and investment. The town serves as an excellent base for exploring the broader Bay of Kotor region while providing its own unique attractions. Beyond its glamorous marina, Tivat boasts beautiful beaches, historic sites, and easy access to some of Montenegro's most spectacular natural wonders. The town perfectly balances modern luxury amenities with traditional Mediterranean architecture and culture, making it appealing to both budget travelers and luxury seekers. Its compact size and strategic location make it an ideal starting point for day trips to nearby gems like Kotor, Perast, and the Blue Cave, while offering plenty of activities and relaxation opportunities within the town itself.

Top Things to Do in Tivat

Bay of Kotor Boat Tour

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Bay of Kotor by boat, visiting picturesque towns like Perast and the famous Our Lady of the Rocks island. These tours typically include swimming stops at secluded beaches and provide stunning views of the dramatic mountains surrounding the bay. Many tours also include visits to the famous Blue Cave, where sunlight creates an ethereal blue glow in the water.

Booking Tip: Tours cost €25-45 per person for group tours, €200-400 for private boats. Book morning tours for calmer waters and better photography light. Look for operators that include the Blue Cave and provide snorkeling equipment.

Porto Montenegro Marina Experience

Stroll through one of Europe's most luxurious superyacht marinas, featuring world-class restaurants, designer boutiques, and impressive mega-yachts. The marina offers a sophisticated atmosphere with waterfront dining and regular events throughout the summer season. Visitors can enjoy people-watching, shopping, or simply admiring the impressive vessels while sipping cocktails at upscale bars.

Booking Tip: Free to walk around, but restaurant reservations recommended in summer (€30-80 per person for dinner). Visit during sunset for the best atmosphere. Check their events calendar for yacht shows and cultural events.

Island of Flowers (Ostrvo Cvijeća) Visit

Take a short boat ride to this charming small island that once served as a military facility and has been transformed into a cultural and recreational space. The island features beautiful gardens, art installations, and hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year. It's perfect for a peaceful afternoon away from the mainland crowds.

Booking Tip: Water taxi costs €5-10 per person each way. Check the cultural calendar as entry fees vary (€5-15) depending on events. Best visited in late afternoon when temperatures are cooler.

Vrmac Peninsula Hiking

Hike the scenic trails of Vrmac Peninsula, which separates Tivat from Kotor Bay, offering spectacular panoramic views of both bays and the surrounding mountains. The trails range from easy coastal walks to more challenging mountain paths leading to viewpoints and abandoned Austro-Hungarian fortifications. The peninsula is rich in Mediterranean vegetation and offers excellent photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hikes are free, guided tours cost €20-35 per person. Start early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat. Wear good hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Some trails require moderate fitness levels.

Traditional Montenegrin Cooking Class

Learn to prepare authentic Montenegrin dishes using local ingredients and traditional cooking methods passed down through generations. Classes typically include making dishes like ćevapi, burek, or fresh seafood specialties, followed by enjoying the meal with local wines. Many classes also include visits to local markets to select fresh ingredients.

Booking Tip: Classes cost €40-70 per person including meal and wine. Book 2-3 days in advance, especially in summer. Look for classes that include market visits and offer vegetarian options if needed.

Getting There

Tivat Airport is Montenegro's main international gateway, located just 4km from the town center, with direct flights from major European cities during summer season and year-round connections through hubs like Belgrade and Istanbul. The airport is well-connected by taxi (€8-12), bus (€1), or rental car to the town center. Alternatively, visitors can fly into Dubrovnik Airport (1 hour drive) or Podgorica Airport (1.5 hours) and take a bus or rental car. By land, Tivat is accessible via well-maintained roads from Croatia, Bosnia, or other parts of Montenegro, with regular bus connections from major regional cities.

Getting Around

Tivat is a compact town that's easily walkable, with most attractions, restaurants, and accommodations within a 15-minute walk of each other. Local buses connect different neighborhoods and nearby towns for €1-2 per ride, while taxis are readily available and reasonably priced (€5-15 for most trips within town). Rental cars are popular for exploring the wider Bay of Kotor region, with several agencies at the airport and town center. Water taxis and boat transfers provide scenic transportation to nearby coastal towns, and many visitors rent bicycles or scooters for easy local transportation.

Where to Stay

Porto Montenegro

Tivat Center

Seljanovo

Kalimanj

Donj Lastva

Pine

Food & Dining

Tivat's dining scene ranges from upscale restaurants in Porto Montenegro serving international cuisine and fresh Adriatic seafood to traditional konobas (taverns) offering authentic Montenegrin dishes at reasonable prices. The marina area features sophisticated restaurants with waterfront terraces, perfect for romantic dinners, while the old town has family-run establishments serving hearty local specialties like grilled fish, lamb, and homemade pasta. Fresh seafood is excellent throughout the town, and many restaurants source ingredients from local farms and fishermen. Don't miss trying local wines, particularly Vranac red wine, and rakija (fruit brandy) as a digestif.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Tivat is from May through September, when temperatures are warm (20-30°C), the sea is perfect for swimming, and all tourist facilities are fully operational. July and August are the busiest and most expensive months but offer the liveliest atmosphere and warmest sea temperatures. Shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October) provide excellent weather with fewer crowds and better prices, making them ideal for those seeking a more relaxed experience. Winter months are mild but many tourist facilities close, though it's perfect for those seeking tranquility and significantly lower accommodation costs.

Insider Tips

Visit the Naval Heritage Collection museum early in the day to learn about Tivat's maritime history before it gets crowded with tour groups

Take the scenic coastal road to Lustica Peninsula for pristine beaches and authentic fishing villages away from tourist crowds

Book dinner reservations at Porto Montenegro restaurants well in advance during summer, or visit for lunch when it's easier to get tables with the same great views

Things to Do in Tivat