While most travelers head to Montenegro’s popular coastal town of Kotor, get off the beaten path and spend some time in Tivat, a small quaint town that offers plenty of exciting adventures. With Tivat’s rich history and scenic location, it’s a must-see destination for those who are traveling through the Balkan Peninsula. To make trip planning easier for you, here is a list of the best things to see and do in Tivat, Montenegro:
As one of Montenegro’s premier coastal towns, Tivat is definitely worth visiting. Whether you’re looking for luxury, exciting outdoor activities, or just to lounge on the beach, Tivat, Montenegro offers it all.
Most tourists skip Tivat, but with its authentic European experience, it is unmatched by other popular destinations in the area.
After spending significant time exploring Tivat, we’ve created a list of the best things to do and see in this small town. Add these activities to your itinerary for an unforgettable Montenegro experience:
You simply cannot go to Tivat without visiting Porto, home to one of the largest marinas in Europe. Here, you’ll discover a lively area full of Montenegrin charm, large superyachts, and fancy shops.
If you’re willing to splurge, Porto has plenty of upscale stores, from boutiques to galleries and everything in between. Hop from shop to shop along the promenade before sitting down for dinner or going to the beach.
Our favorite thing to do in Porto is to gawk at the superyachts that are docked in the marina.
These megayachts, some that are likely worth over 100 million dollars, are so impressive that you don’t even need to take a tour of them to appreciate their beauty and power.
With hundreds of yachts docked at the Porto Marina, expect to spend a few hours looking at them all.
In addition to its marina, Porto is also known for its luxury. You’ll find many fancy restaurants lining the promenade of this coastal area in Tivat.
And although most of these restaurants are highly rated, be prepared to shell out a lot of money for a meal. If you’re on a budget, you may want to eat outside of the marina in one of the more affordable restaurants.
By far our favorite thing to do in Tivat bay is hiking. The Bay of Kotor and its surrounding area offer incredible hiking trails with views that are truly out of this world. Some of these trails include the Lady of the Rocks and more!
One of the more popular hikes in Tivat is the trail that leads you up and over the Vrmac Ridge to the town of Kotor.
Hiking from Tivat to Kotor is not for the faint of heart. Clocking in at 11 miles, this trek is for experienced adventurers and avid hikers. Expect to gain at least 2,500 feet throughout the day.
Thanks to the ridge’s exposure and few trees lining the trail, we recommend bringing plenty of water to stay hydrated on this hike.
Once you reach Kotor, you’ll want to take the bus or taxi back to your starting location in Tivat. Buses and taxis are both affordable and easy to use, so you won’t have an issue finding your way back to Tivat.
For panoramic views of the bay in Tivat and the Bay of Kotor, you can’t miss out on the Donja Lastva hike.
This hike will take you to the very top of Vrmac (Sveti Ilija), where you will soon realize why this is the best things to do in Tivat, Montenegro.
You’ll notice that Donja Lastva and the hike from Tivat to Kotor start in the same location. Both of these trails will lead you to the top of Sveti Ilija, but Donja Lastva will take you back down to Tivat rather than descending toward Kotor.
Note: Wherever you decide to hike in the Bay of Kotor, expect to see very few people on the trail with you. This was a pretty neat way to explore the area because you can do so without getting lost in the crowds.
Situated on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, hitting the beach is a popular activity and the best things to do in Tivat. And although its beaches can’t compare to those in Budva, they are still worth your time.
Plaza Ponta is one of the best beaches near Tivat, but I must warn you… This beach isn’t as sandy as the ones you’re probably used to. However, this beach is an ideal place for swimming and even sunbathing.
Note: Bring a towel to put down; as mentioned, this beach isn’t very sandy, but a towel will make it more comfortable.
Similar to Plaza Ponta, Belane Beach is another not-so-sandy beach in Tivat that is best to visit in the morning. Due to its size, the beach can become busy during the day, especially at the peak of summer when everyone wants to go swimming.
If you arrive in the morning, you’ll be able to have the beach all to yourself.
In essence, Tivat is all about sitting back and relaxing. And what’s more relaxing than your favorite cocktail on a hot summer day?
Luckily, you don’t have to go to Porto to get a refreshing cocktail. If you’re on a budget but you still want to indulge in a delicious tropical drink, there are plenty of places in Tivat that serve affordable cocktails.
Konoba Bacchus is one of Tivat’s best restaurants. With traditional Montenegrin food, affordable drinks, and an awesome atmosphere, you’ll quickly see why this restaurant is so popular among locals.
Choose to enjoy your drinks and food inside or outside on their picturesque patio. We recommend one of their many seafood dishes – you can’t go wrong!
Big Ben was our favorite restaurant in Tivat, not only for its affordable top-shelf cocktails but because it is perched over the Adriatic Sea. Sip on a tropical drink, eat some pizza or seafood, and relax as the ocean breeze washes over you.
We highly suggest sitting on the rooftop and waiting for sunset.
Speaking of sunsets, Tivat is well-known for its golden hour and it is one of the best things to do in this small town. Apart from watching the sunset at Big Ben, there are several other places to capture this awesome moment.
You’ll find Sveti Roko just down the road from Porto and the city center. This church offers some of the most magnificent views on the entire island.
Not only will you be able to watch the sunset, but you’ll enjoy peace and quiet, something that is hard to find in Porto.
Once you reach the end of the pier after looking at all of the superyachts, take a seat on a bench and watch as the sun dips below the horizon.
As you walk back, the sidewalk will be lit by street lanterns. This makes it easy to find your way back to your hotel or Airbnb.
Stop by the grocery store on your way to the beach to pick up some snacks and wine. Set up a place on the beach to enjoy your picnic and watch the sunset over the Adriatic. The sunsets in Tivat are magical. Kicking back and enjoying one is one of the best things any visitor can do in Tivat, Montenegro.
For anyone with a sweet tooth out there, you can’t miss Tivat’s famous ice cream shop, Moritz Eis.
I’m sure you’ve tasted plenty of ice cream in your life, but there is just something so satisfying about the natural flavors that Moritz Eis creates. And all of their options are vegan, another bonus for anyone with dietary restrictions.
My favorite was their dark chocolate ice cream. I’m not sure how they do it, but Mortiz Eis has some of the richest chocolate ice cream I’ve ever tasted.
Grab a cup or a cone to sit on the patio or walk along the promenade. We especially enjoyed eating our ice cream while looking at all of the superyachts that are docked right outside of the shop.
Note: Mortiz Eis has locations all over the world. You’ll find that the staff at each location is phenomenal and well-informed.
Tivat is often overlooked thanks to Budva and Kotor, two nearby towns that are popular for excursions and beaches. And although I think Tivat deserves some of your time, I also believe you shouldn’t miss out on Budva or Kotor.
Here are some day trip ideas from Tivat:
Spend a day relaxing on Budva’s pristine beaches or exploring the Old Town. You’ll be fascinated by the medieval relics, affordable food, and friendly locals.
And for even more fun during your day trip, be sure to read our extensive Budva guide here.
To reach Budva, you can take the bus or a taxi. Since Budva is only 30 minutes down the coast from Tivat, it’s a really easy journey.
Perhaps the most popular tourist destination in all of Montenegro, Kotor is truly a can’t-miss spot in Boka Bay. In Kotor, you’ll find some of the most scenic views in all of the Balkans.
To get the most out of your day trip to Kotor, I recommend hiking up the Ladder of Kotor, exploring the San Giovanni Fortress, and walking through the Old Town. Or, for even more fun activities, check out our full Kotor, Montenegro guide here.
Getting to Kotor from Tivat will also be a quick trip. The easiest and fastest way to move between cities is by taxi. Since they are only 16 minutes apart, the taxi should be cheap and fast.
On the other hand, you can also take the bus to Kotor from Tivat. We regularly took the bus between these towns and not only was it easy, but it was really affordable, too.
Note: To catch the bus, simply stand next to the main road and wait. When a bus approaches, wave your hand and they will stop. This will cost two euros.
While staying in Tivat, one of the most exciting things you can do is set sail on the Adriatic. Taking a boat tours will not only allow you to see more of the coastline (including places like Kotor and Budva), but you’ll get the most incredible view of Tivat from the sea.
With all of its prominent churches, beaches, and superyachts, seeing Tivat from the water will blow you away. One of the best tours to book is run by MiS Travel Agency and they will pick you up for your boat trip from the pier in Porto.
For any history buffs out there, the Naval Heritage Collection will be an amazing stop for you during your trip to Tivat. In fact, this is one of the best things to do in Tivat, Montenegro for any traveler, regardless of your knowledge of history.
Formerly a major naval base, Tivat tells its story through the Naval Heritage Collection near Porto. This museum is best known for its submarines, which you can learn about and tour with a submarine expert.
This stop might be particularly interesting for families with small children. Getting to explore the inside of a submarine? Does it get any cooler than that?
Tivat is an incredibly underrated Montenegrin town. We were pleasantly surprised by how much we loved visiting Tivat.
Most of the time, we had activities planned for our time in Tivat, but one of our favorite things to do was just walk along the promenade.
The promenade weaves in and out of the pier in Porto and all the way down toward the airport. You’ll walk by shops, bars, restaurants, beaches, and national park along the way. It is truly one of the best ways to explore the coast.
Tivat and Kotor are both towns in Montenegro, but they radiate completely different vibes. Sitting on the edge of Boka Bay, you’ll be completely surrounded by fjords, elegant churches, and medieval fortresses in Kotor.
Tivat, on the other hand, faces the open sea and has far fewer medieval monuments than Kotor. Instead, you’ll find upscale restaurants, fancy yachts, and amazing sunsets.
So, which town should you visit in Montenegro: Tivat or Kotor?
After spending a lot of time in both towns, I can confidently say that these two towns are so different that it’s difficult to compare them. If you can fit both towns into your itinerary, I highly recommend it.
Keep in mind, it is possible to visit both Tivat and Kotor on the same day. Although you won’t be able to do all that each town has to offer, you will get a good feel for these destinations.
If you decide to fit both Tivat and Kotor in one day, I suggest starting in Kotor. Walk up the San Giovanni Fortress in the morning (it’s best to go before 10am to avoid crowds) and head down for a stroll and some lunch in Kotor’s Old Town.
Next, take the bus or a taxi over to Tivat. Hang out on the beach in the afternoon before strolling along the promenade. Sit down at one of the waterfront restaurants for a cocktail and dinner before sunsets.
And finally, end your day at Moritz Eis with some of the best ice cream you’ll ever have. It’s certainly one of the tastiest things you can do in Tivat, Montenegro.
One of the best things about Tivat, Montenegro is that they have an international airport. This is by far the easiest way to get to Tivat.
The international airport in Tivat offers services from many different cities throughout Europe and Russia. Most travelers choose to fly into Tivat rather than the other international airport in the country, which is located in the capital city of Podgorica.
You can also reach Tivat from Dubrovnik. Since these two destinations are an hour and forty-five minutes apart, it’s easy to cross the border and drive into Tivat. Rental cars are ridiculously affordable in the Balkans, so consider this when planning your trip.
If you don’t want to drive yourself from Dubrovnik to Tivat, you can also take a taxi or the bus. Again, prices are very reasonable in this region, so neither of these options will break the bank. Expect to pay 5-10€ for a one-way bus ticket or 20-40€ for a private transfer.
To be clear, Porto is a small area located inside the town of Tivat. However, you should note that there is a clear price difference between accommodation options in Porto and the rest of Tivat. If you’re on a budget, Porto is likely not the area of Tivat you want to stay in.
But, if you’re looking to splurge and treat yourself during your Montenegro holiday, then we highly suggest booking a room at the Regent Porto Montenegro.
Budget-travelers, you’re in luck! Not only does Tivat have affordable accommodation options, but most of these “budget” hotels and Airbnbs are beautiful.
We stayed in this luxury apartment through Airbnb and loved it. And for only $50 per night, how can you say no? It’s centrally located, making it easy to walk to Porto and other areas of Tivat.
Another great place to check out is Apartment Ralux Tivat. These modern apartments are affordably priced and well-equipped so that you have everything you need for your Montenegro holiday.
If you want to see a small town that offers plenty of activities and adventures, Tivat is the place for you. With its rich history and scenic location, it’s a must-see destination for those visiting the Balkan Peninsula. Book a trip to Tivat to experience this magical town for yourself and use our guide to plan the ultimate itinerary.
I’m Laura and I am the storyteller behind Mike & Laura Travel. As full-time travelers, we know the importance of freedom. Through our travel blog, we aim to help others work more strategically so they can free up time and travel the world as often as they’d like.
Counter
101 Countries • 1432 Cities
