Tivat: a guide to the calm of the Bay and modern luxury

In recent years Tivat has gone through an incredible transformation: from a small, quiet seaside settlement and former naval centre it has grown into one of the most luxurious and attractive destinations on the Adriatic. Its special charm is that, despite modernisation, it has kept the typical Mediterranean ease, cleanliness and authentic spirit of the Bay of Kotor.

What to see and do in Tivat

The Pine waterfront and Porto Montenegro

A walk through Tivat naturally begins on the main waterfront, Pine. Locals and guests enjoy their first morning coffee right by the sea, with a view of the boats and Mount Vrmac. From the waterfront you walk straight into Porto Montenegro, a world-renowned luxury marina for superyachts. This modern complex brings an international spirit with its wide promenades, fountains, open-air galleries, top restaurants serving Mediterranean and international cuisine, and exclusive boutiques.

The Buća-Luković complex

In the very heart of town stands the Renaissance summer residence of the noble Buća family from the 16th century, with a characteristic stone defensive tower, a residential building and the chapel of Saint Michael. Today it is the cultural centre of Tivat, and in its courtyard theatre plays, concerts and literary evenings are held during the summer.

The Maritime Heritage Collection and the submarine “Heroj”

This museum preserves the memory of more than a century of history of the “Arsenal” naval shipyard. The biggest attraction is a real diesel-electric submarine, P-821 “Heroj”, of the Yugoslav navy, which visitors can enter to find out first-hand what everyday life and navigation were like for submariners.

The Great Town Park

Founded back in 1892 on the orders of Admiral Maximilian Daublebsky von Sterneck, this park is one of the largest and richest botanical oases on the eastern Adriatic coast. For decades the seamen of the Bay brought rare and exotic seedlings from all over the world, from Lebanese cedars and eucalyptus to various species of pine and palm.

Gornja Lastva

For lovers of authentic architecture and peace, the old village of Gornja Lastva, set at 300 metres above sea level on the slopes of Mount Vrmac, is a true gem. The village is full of stone houses, olive groves and narrow paths, and from up there you get a spectacular view of the whole Tivat bay. It is also home to an old olive mill driven by human power and the 15th-century church of the Nativity of the Mother of God.

Practical tips for staying in Tivat

• Getting around: Tivat is flat and very convenient for walking and cycling. Most things, from beaches and promenades to shops and restaurants, are easy to reach on foot.
• Parking: large public car parks are near the Pine waterfront (close to the park) and in Porto Montenegro itself (garages and open lots charged by the hour). At the height of the season it is best to use these central car parks, as street spaces are harder to find.
• Nearby beaches: from the town’s concrete beaches along the promenade towards Seljanovo, through well-kept beaches such as Ponta Seljanovo and Donja Lastva, to natural coves on the Luštica peninsula (Plavi Horizonti, Oblično/Almira, Nivice).

A one-day plan: “A relaxed day in Tivat”

• Morning: coffee on Pine, a walk in the shade of the Great Town Park and a visit to the submarine “Heroj”.
• Afternoon: lunch at the Porto Montenegro marina, then a swim at Plavi Horizonti (a sandy cove ideal for families) or relaxing at Ponta Seljanovo.
• Evening: a short drive to Gornja Lastva to watch the sunset over the bay, then back to town for dinner at a local konoba with fresh sea fish and homemade wine.