Discover everything about Tivat, a charming town on the shores of the Bay of Kotor. Find out where to stay, the best restaurants, beaches, and must-see attractions. This guide will feature a TOP 10 list—or even more—of the most exciting spots in Tivat and its surroundings. If you’re still deciding where to spend your holiday in Montenegro, this article is for you.
Table of Contents:
- Tivat, Montenegro: General Information & Brief History
- Where to Stay in Tivat
- Tivat’s Beaches
- Where to Dine: The Best Restaurants for Tourists
- TOP 10 Attractions in Tivat and Nearby
- Travel Tips
It will be difficult for you to plan your dream trip to Montenegro without these websites
Tivat, Montenegro: General Information
Tivat was founded in the 3rd century BC and, like many settlements in this region, has witnessed centuries of wars and conflicts. Over its more than 2,000-year history, it has been part of the Roman Empire, Byzantium, the Ottoman Empire, and Yugoslavia. In the Middle Ages, there were even unsuccessful attempts at independence.
Despite its long history, Tivat remained a small, unremarkable fishing village called Teodo until the Yugoslav era, when it began to grow and develop significantly.
- Coordinates: 42.43380087048614, 18.696671882966793
- Population: Just under 10,000 residents
- Tivat is a tiny town—stretching only about 3 km along the coast. You can easily walk from one end to the other in an hour, with a stop for a cup of Turkish coffee at a local café.
Important point:
Since Tivat developed very slowly until Yugoslavia’s formation, it lacks historical landmarks. It is the only town in the Bay of Kotor without an old town, fortress, or medieval streets like Kotor, Perast, or Herceg Novi. Additionally, Tivat has no proper beaches within the city limits.
In the late 19th century, Tivat served as a ship repair yard for the Austro-Hungarian Navy. Later, during the Yugoslav era, it became a naval base for the country’s military fleet.
For a detailed guide to the entire Bay of Kotor, including weather, sea temperatures, and the best vacation spots, check out this link (spoiler alert: it’s probably not Tivat).
Useful Information:
Tivat is frequently mentioned in Montenegrin travel guides for one key reason: it has one of the country’s two international airports (the other is in Podgorica). Direct flights connect Tivat to London, Paris, Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, and Istanbul, among others, bringing around 1 million tourists through its airport annually.
- Useful article: how to get to Montenegro, the best routes and ticket prices.
Where to Stay in Tivat
If fate brings you to Tivat, don’t worry—you won’t be left without a place to stay. While there aren’t many attractions, the town offers a variety of accommodations, from luxury five-star hotels to affordable apartments rented by locals.
Good to know:
It may seem odd that Tivat, a non-touristic town, has so many luxury hotels. But there’s a reason for that—about eight years ago, a Canadian billionaire built Porto Montenegro, a yacht marina for the world’s elite. It’s the only marina in Montenegro that can accommodate superyachts. Strolling along Tivat’s waterfront, you’ll see the extravagant yachts of some of the richest people on the planet.
Additionally, about 15 km from Tivat, a high-end private residential complex with a five-star hotel—Luštica Bay—was built for wealthy visitors.
Find accommodation in Tivat: Click the link for a dynamic list of hotels and apartments, from budget options to high-end stays. Browse photos, read reviews, and—most importantly—check prices for your travel dates.
Tivat’s Beaches
To put it simply, Tivat is not a beach town. There are no natural beaches within the city limits. Most of the coastline is occupied by Porto Montenegro Marina, while the rest consists of a pedestrian promenade. Like in many coastal towns in the region, makeshift beaches have been set up on concrete piers. Here’s what that looks like:
That said, there are some beaches on the outskirts of the town. And since Tivat is very small, the nearest pebble beach is only 1.5 km from the center.
Here are the coordinates of Tivat’s beaches and nearby options. They will also be marked on the city attractions map later in this guide:
Ponta Beach & Waikiki Beach
Two adjacent beaches in the northern part of the city.
- Ponta Beach – A wild, fine-pebble beach surrounding a lighthouse. No sun loungers or easy water access.
- Waikiki Beach – Located 100 meters from Ponta, this is essentially a 300-meter-long concrete platform, fully covered with sun loungers in peak season.
- 📍 Coordinates: 42.43919, 18.68471
Belane Beach
A pebble beach in the southernmost part of Tivat. By local standards, it’s the largest beach in the city, featuring a café, toilets, changing rooms, and showers. It’s family-friendly with easy water access, but gets very crowded in high season. The beach is only 200 meters long.
- 📍 Coordinates: 42.42648, 18.70068
These are the only three beaches within walking distance in Tivat. For all other options, you’ll need a car. Here are a few worth mentioning:
Beaches Outside Tivat
- Kalardovo Beach (4.5 km from Tivat)
- 📍 Coordinates: 42.40623, 18.71227
- A poorly maintained beach with murky water, but uncrowded and shallow, making it ideal for children.
- Large free parking lot.
- Solila Beach (9 km from Tivat)
- 📍 Coordinates: 42.39338, 18.70483
- Two sun loungers and an umbrella cost €25 in peak season.
- Free parking available.
- Žanjice Beach (26 km from Tivat)
- 📍 Coordinates: 42.39914, 18.5804
- The best beach in the area: pebble, long, sheltered from winds and waves, with excellent water access.
- Two sun loungers and an umbrella: €15.
- Nearby attractions: Boats depart from here for excursions to the Blue Cave via Mamula Fortress—highly recommended!
- Facilities: cafés, restaurants, parking (€5/day), showers (€0.50).
Of course, these aren’t all the beaches around Tivat—there are plenty more. But keep in mind:
- There are no real beaches in Tivat itself.
- For a beach holiday, you’ll need a car or should consider staying in a resort town with many beaches within walking distance—for example, Budva.
Where to Dine: The Best Restaurants in Tivat for Tourists
Food is never a problem in Montenegro. The country offers two main cuisines:
- Montenegrin – Hearty, meat-heavy dishes with lots of grilled vegetables.
- Mediterranean – Pasta, risotto, seafood, and pizza.
You’ll find plenty of restaurants serving both cuisines in every town.
Read more about Montenegrin cuisine, café culture, tipping, prices, and portion sizes.
You can also find delicious Montenegrin street food in Tivat. Be sure to try pljeskavica or ćevapi—they’re absolutely delicious!
Recommended Restaurants (Good Portions, Affordable Prices, Personally Tested!):
- Big Ben
- Tavern Sidro
- Ponta Veranda
If you’re willing to splurge, Tivat has plenty of fine-dining options where a meal can easily cost €100+. A great example is Mala Barka, an excellent restaurant for those who want a high-end experience.
All these restaurants can be found on the map below.
One thing is for sure—you won’t go hungry in Montenegro. Restaurants, cafés, taverns, and street food stalls are everywhere!
Top 10 Attractions in Tivat and Its Surroundings
As I mentioned earlier, there’s not much to see within the city of Tivat. You can walk through the entire town in just 1–2 hours, and there are only about 2–3 noteworthy attractions.
Below is an interactive map of Tivat’s beaches, restaurants, and attractions for your convenience. It includes opening hours, prices, visit tips, and my personal ratings.
Green markers – Beaches
Purple markers – Taverns and restaurants
Burgundy markers – Attractions
1. The Maritime Heritage Museum (Sea Museum) and Two Yugoslav Submarines
This is arguably the best attraction in Tivat. Although the museum is small and doesn’t have much to see, it is quite informative. For just €5, you can access both the museum and take a guided tour inside a real submarine. By the way, the submarines are free to view from the outside.
- Opening hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (low season: from 2:30 PM)
- Coordinates: 42.43763758366318, 18.693644626721767
- Time needed: 30–60 minutes if visiting the museum
- My rating: 7/10 – One of the coolest spots in Tivat.
2. Porto Montenegro and the Superyacht Marina
This is a major local attraction. The entire marina is visible from the promenade, allowing you to stroll right alongside luxurious yachts. If you’re lucky, you might spot superyachts worth hundreds of millions.
Many Montenegrins keep their smaller yachts here, and you can rent one for 1–7 days. It’s surprisingly affordable and not just for the ultra-rich.
- Access to the docks is restricted, but the marina and promenade are open to everyone 24/7 and free to visit.
- Coordinates: 42.43164680509823, 18.69090865788485
- My rating: 5/10 – Didn’t spot Abramovich’s or Elon Musk’s yacht. You’ll pass by this marina anyway, as it’s in the city center.
3. Bujović Mansion and Park (Bizanti Complex)
A park with walking paths and a medieval mansion. Many travel guides highlight it as one of Tivat’s main attractions.
- Coordinates: 42.423120812372986, 18.704346661742182
- Free entry, open 24/7
- My rating: 2/10 – Not worth your time. The mansion and park are neglected, with piles of garbage. Volunteers clean it only twice a year. Some beautiful spots exist, but the overall abandonment ruins the experience.
These were the main attractions within Tivat. Now, let’s move on to interesting places outside the city.
4. Blue Cave
A large cave accessible only by boat. Boat tours frequently depart from Žanjic Beach (which I mentioned earlier). On a sunny and calm day, the water turns a breathtaking shade of blue. You can also swim inside the cave.
- Boat tour from Žanjic Beach: ~€20
- Duration: 60–90 minutes
- Cave coordinates: 42.37415134272282, 18.59633860564452 (no access from land)
- My rating: 10/10 – One of the top attractions not only in Tivat but in all of Montenegro.
5. Mamula Island and Fortress
A small island at the entrance to Žanjic Bay, right across from Žanjic Beach. The fortress was built 200 years ago for defense and remains well-preserved today. However, the island has been turned into a hotel and is currently closed to the public. You can still see the fortress from a boat on the way to the Blue Cave.
- Coordinates: 42.395458170689366, 18.5579687427814
- My rating: Previously 8/10 when it was open to the public. It’s a shame they built a hotel instead of a museum.
6. Abandoned Yugoslav Submarine Base
No guards, free entry, and you can explore and even jump into the water. A unique and fascinating place, especially for urban explorers. Not many abandoned submarine bases like this remain.
- Coordinates: 42.4234, 18.54862
- Time needed: 1 hour
- Free entry
- My rating: 9/10 – A genuinely interesting and unusual site.
7. Gornja Lastva – A Medieval Stone Village
Located 3 km from Tivat and 500 meters uphill. Since Tivat lacks medieval architecture, this village is a great spot for those interested in historical structures. It’s a peaceful and serene place.
- Coordinates: 42.45455193861337, 18.70769018700166
- Accessible by car or on foot
- Has two churches from the 14th and 15th centuries and old stone houses
- Mostly abandoned
- Time needed: 30 minutes to walk through the entire village
- My rating: 6/10 – Beautiful and historic (500–700 years old), but not unique in Montenegro. Many similar villages exist.
8. Flowers Island
Many travel guides describe it as a beautiful location, but I’m not sure why. It’s a tiny island near Tivat Airport, connected to the mainland by a bridge. During the Yugoslav era, it was home to an elite military sanatorium and lush Mediterranean vegetation. Today, everything is abandoned, including the sanatorium. About 30 houses remain, inhabited by Bosnian refugees.
There are still two active medieval churches: the Church of the Holy Trinity and a monastery. However, not much remains of the island’s former grandeur.
- Coordinates: 42.406048892570674, 18.704000147961402
- Free entry, open 24/7
- Time needed: 30 minutes
- My rating: 2/10 – Not much to do. Worth visiting only for those interested in religious sites.
A detailed overview of the monasteries of Montenegro, for those who are interested.
9. Abandoned Austro-Hungarian Fortresses
These old forts once played a defensive role. There are about six of them within a 15 km radius of Tivat. They are all free to visit, long abandoned, and situated on hills with breathtaking views of Kotor Bay.
Don’t expect too much, and you’ll have a great time exploring them. You can drive up, explore for 15–30 minutes, and enjoy the scenery. Here are some of the most interesting ones:
- Vrmac Fortress: 42.42146246299776, 18.74897937360227
- Goražda Fortress: 42.39591733168053, 18.76411320590586
- Trojica Fortress: 42.403176340321764, 18.76253268771832
Travel Tips
If you’ve read the entire article, you probably have a clear understanding of Tivat. But for those who skipped parts of it, here’s a summary of everything you need to know:
Tivat is now an important tourist hub in Montenegro, with nearly a million visitors arriving annually through its airport.
However, Tivat does NOT have:
- A proper beach resort experience
- Any major landmarks or historical attractions
- An old town or medieval architecture
What it does have is the country’s only marina capable of accommodating billionaires’ superyachts. If that’s you, congratulations—you’ve found a place to dock your boat.
For those passing through Tivat, 1–2 hours is more than enough to see the entire city.
If you’re looking for a beach vacation, Budva (just 20 km away) is a much better option.
If you’re interested in a historic town with medieval architecture and fortifications, head to Kotor, which is only 11 km from Tivat.
Key Highlights
Two things you absolutely shouldn’t miss in Tivat:
- The Blue Cave – a stunning natural wonder
- The abandoned Yugoslav submarine base – a unique and fascinating site
Final Thoughts
There’s really no point in staying overnight in Tivat. If you have a car, you can visit all the attractions in the city and surrounding areas within 15–30 minutes from Budva or Kotor. Even if you’re relying on public transport, buses run between these cities every 30 minutes, from early morning until late at night.
The best way to experience Tivat? Come for half a day, stroll through Porto Montenegro, have a coffee on the waterfront, and enjoy the scenic views.
Resources to help you plan your dream trip to Montenegro
- WayAway: Cheap flights and best deals.
- Car rental in Montenegro:
- LocalRent – works with local rental companies. Leader in car rental in Montenegro.
- DiscoverCars – a large international platform.
- Budget-friendly vacation packages to Montenegro: CheapOair.
- Hotels and apartments all over the country:
- Trip.com – the most popular accommodation booking platform
- TripAdvisor compares the prices among dozens of other booking services and offer the best price
- Tours, excursions and activities (including extreme ones):
- GetYourGuide – more than 800 tours
- Viator – 1000+ excursions and activities throughout the country
- Comprehensive travel insurance: EKTA
- Internet and Calls:
- Airalo eSIM in Montenegro
- Drimsim – universal sim card for frequent traveler
- Taxi and airport transfers: Intui.Travel