Tivat, Montenegro - Things to Do in Tivat

Things to Do in Tivat

Tivat, Montenegro - Complete Travel Guide

Tivat sits quietly along Montenegro's stunning Boka Bay, a town that's managed to transform itself from a sleepy naval base into one of the Adriatic's most intriguing destinations without losing its authentic charm. The town centers around Porto Montenegro, a superyacht marina that's brought international attention, but step away from the gleaming boats and you'll find tree-lined streets, local cafes, and a genuinely relaxed pace that feels refreshingly unhurried. What makes Tivat particularly appealing is how it balances its newfound sophistication with everyday Montenegrin life - you might spot a mega-yacht worth millions while locals still gather for morning coffee at neighborhood bakeries, creating an atmosphere that's both cosmopolitan and grounded.

Top Things to Do in Tivat

Porto Montenegro Marina

This world-class marina hosts some of the Mediterranean's most impressive superyachts alongside waterfront restaurants, boutiques, and the Naval Heritage Collection museum. The promenade makes for excellent people-watching, and even if you're not yacht-shopping, the sheer scale of some vessels is genuinely impressive. The marina also hosts regular events and exhibitions that give you a taste of the international yachting scene.

Booking Tip: The marina is free to walk around, though museum entry costs around €5. Visit in the evening when the restaurants are buzzing and the yachts are lit up - it's quite a sight.

Island of Flowers (Ostrvo Cvijeća)

This small island connected to Tivat by a causeway offers peaceful walking paths, beaches, and some of the best views across Boka Bay. The island has a mix of pine forests and Mediterranean vegetation, plus several quiet coves where you can swim away from crowds. It's the kind of place where you might plan to stay an hour and end up spending half the day.

Booking Tip: No booking needed - it's free to access. Bring water and snacks as facilities are limited. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best light for photos and fewer people.

Boka Bay Boat Trip

The bay's dramatic fjord-like landscape is best appreciated from the water, with trips typically including stops at Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks island, and sometimes Kotor. You'll pass medieval towns clinging to mountainsides and get perspectives of the bay that simply aren't possible from land. Most tours include swimming stops at secluded beaches accessible only by boat.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours run €25-40 per person, full-day trips €50-70. Book with local operators near the marina for better prices than hotel concierges. Check if lunch is included and whether stops allow enough time to actually see the sights.

Vrmac Peninsula Hiking

The peninsula separating Tivat from Kotor offers some excellent hiking trails with panoramic views over both sides of the bay. The trails wind through Mediterranean scrubland and pine forests, with several viewpoints that provide stunning photo opportunities. It's surprisingly peaceful up there, with just the sound of cicadas and distant boat engines drifting up from the water.

Booking Tip: Trails are free and well-marked, but bring plenty of water and start early in summer as there's limited shade. The main trail to Vrmac fortress takes about 2-3 hours round trip. Download offline maps as cell service can be spotty.

Plavi Horizonti Beach

This blue-flag beach about 7km from town center offers some of the clearest water on the Montenegrin coast, backed by pine forests and mountains. The beach has both organized sections with loungers and restaurants, plus wilder stretches where you can find your own spot. The water stays relatively calm thanks to the bay's protection, making it great for swimming and snorkeling.

Booking Tip: Beach access is free, but parking fills up quickly in summer (arrive before 10am). Lounger rental runs €10-15 per day. The beach restaurant is decent but pricey - consider bringing snacks and drinks.

Getting There

Tivat Airport sits just 4km from town center, making it incredibly convenient if you're flying in - many visitors actually prefer it to Dubrovnik airport for accessing the Montenegro coast. The airport handles flights from major European cities, particularly during summer months. If you're coming overland, buses connect Tivat to Kotor (20 minutes), Budva (45 minutes), and Podgorica (1.5 hours), with the coastal road offering spectacular scenery along the way. Driving gives you the most flexibility, though parking in the center can be challenging during peak season.

Getting Around

Tivat is compact enough to walk around the center, with most hotels, restaurants, and Porto Montenegro within easy walking distance of each other. Local buses run regularly to nearby beaches like Plavi Horizonti and connect to other bay towns, costing just €1-2 per trip. Taxis are readily available and reasonably priced for short distances, while bike rentals (around €10-15 per day) work well for reaching beaches and exploring the flatter areas around town. For day trips to Kotor or Budva, buses are frequent and reliable, though renting a car opens up more remote beaches and mountain villages.

Where to Stay

Porto Montenegro area
Tivat town center
Donja Lastva
Plavi Horizonti vicinity
Lepetane
Krasici

Food & Dining

Tivat's dining scene has evolved considerably, with Porto Montenegro hosting several upscale restaurants serving everything from fresh seafood to international cuisine, though prices reflect the yacht-crowd clientele. For more authentic and affordable meals, head to the old town where family-run konobas serve excellent grilled fish, octopus salad, and local wines at reasonable prices. The daily market near the bus station offers fresh produce and local specialties, while several bakeries throughout town serve burek and other Balkan pastries that make perfect breakfast or snacks. Don't miss trying the local Vranac wine and rakija, both of which pair excellently with the region's seafood-heavy cuisine.

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

May through September offers the warmest weather and calmest seas, with July and August bringing peak crowds and highest prices - though the atmosphere is undeniably lively during these months. June and September might be the sweet spot, offering warm swimming weather with fewer tourists and more reasonable accommodation rates. Spring (April-May) can be lovely for hiking and sightseeing, though some beach facilities may not be fully operational. Winter is quiet and many tourist-oriented businesses close, but it's surprisingly mild and you'll have the place largely to yourself - just don't expect much in terms of swimming or water activities.

Insider Tips

The best sunset views are from the causeway to Island of Flowers, not from the expensive marina restaurants
Local buses to other bay towns are much cheaper than tourist boats and offer great scenery along the coastal road
Many restaurants offer significantly better prices for lunch than dinner, with the same quality food and often better service

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