Tivat

Tivat today: Porto Montenegro and the Bay of Kotor

Tivat occupies 46 km2 in the central part of the Bay of Kotor, across the southwestern slopes of Vrmac. The town of Tivat stands at sea level, and the municipality recorded 16,338 inhabitants in the 2023 census. Its territory lies within the buffer zone of the UNESCO-listed "Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor", first inscribed in 1979.

The municipality's contemporary character centres on Porto Montenegro and Luštica Bay Marine Village, its two marinas for superyachts. Porto Montenegro occupies the former Arsenal, an Austro-Hungarian and Yugoslav naval base transformed from an industrial site to a luxury purpose. This pairing of maritime infrastructure and the older fabric of Boka gives Tivat a clearly defined identity.

What to see and do in Tivat

The Pine town promenade looks towards the masts of the ship "Jadran" and provides the principal waterfront setting in Tivat. Nearby, Buća Luković Palace is a fourteenth-century complex built in several phases, comprising a residential house, economic house, chapel and a 15-metre defensive tower from 1548. The tower now serves as a gallery, while a stone path of 130 decorated pillars leads to the sea and a summer stage.

The Naval Heritage Museum in Porto Montenegro occupies a restored nineteenth-century building of a former sawmill. Its collection contains more than 300 artefacts, including Austro-Hungarian naval equipment and authentic Yugoslav submarines. On the Vrmac ridge, Fort Vrmac combines an original fortification from 1860 with the present structure, built from 1894 to 1897.

The Vrmac ridge trail connects Kotor and Tivat across the ridge and through Fort Vrmac, with spring and autumn identified as its best seasons. Gornja Lastva, a hillside settlement above Tivat, offers views across the bay. On Ostrvo cvijeća, the Monastery of Saint Archangel Michael dates from the sixth century and was the seat of the Zeta diocese in the thirteenth century.

Where to stay and eat in Tivat

Sailing and yachting are centred on Porto Montenegro and Luštica Bay Marine Village. The principal season runs from May to October, while both marinas operate throughout the year. Porto Montenegro receives yachts from 6 to 250 m in length and holds Five Gold Anchor Platinum accreditation.

Regent Porto Montenegro is located within Porto Montenegro, while hotel Kamelija is in Donja Lastva. Restaurants are found along the Pine promenade and in Porto Montenegro. Krempita is the local dessert, commonly taken with coffee on Pine, and Zelena pijaca Tivat is located at Trg Magnolija bb, 85320 Tivat.

Getting to Tivat

Tivat Airport is within the municipality. By road, Tivat is connected with Kotor, around 10 km away, Herceg Novi, around 19 km away, and Budva, around 23 km away. There is no railway line or station in the municipality.

The Kamenari, Lepetane ferry links Herceg Novi at Kamenari with Tivat at Lepetane, with the densest timetable in the summer season. Lučica Kalimanj is Tivat's town marina at Palih Boraca 19, with 10 jetties with berths and a 45-metre quay.

When to visit Tivat

The main visitor season extends from May to October, reaching its peak in July and August. Beaches and seasonal hospitality venues are out of operation beyond the season, while the marinas continue year-round with winter and summer packages. Hotels in Porto Montenegro offer spa and wellness facilities throughout the year.

Tivat Street Art Festival takes place each July at Trg magnolija, Trg od kulture and Pine. Tivat Music Festival brings a programme of concerts each July. The annual calendar also includes Tivat World Music Festival in September and November Days of Culture in November.