Sitting on the border between the east and the west, Montenegro is a destination that offers something for everyone from hiking, casinos, skiing and watersports as well as pristine beaches.
Must sees for free
The reason for Tivat’s rise in popularity, and indeed why it is now a playground for the ultra wealthy, is the investment in its port. Porto Montenegro is a 24 hectare town within a town that has countless restaurants, shops and even a maritime museum (complete with pirate ship park for children!). The area is very clean and a lovely place to stroll around and ogle at the super-yachts.
If you plan your visit around the third Saturday in August, Boka’s Night is the highlight of the summer calendar in the nearby town of Kotor.
Boats in the bay of Kotor participate in a procession as they compete for the prize of being the best decorated, then after the procession, there’s a celebration in the old town with incredible local food and fireworks.
Plavi Horizonti Beach is in a beautiful fine sandy bay with pine trees on both sides, from the rocky outcrops there are areas where you can jump/dive off the rocks into incredibly clear water. There are also beach bars and toilets so you can comfortably spend a day on the soft sand.
Top sees for a fee
One of the best ways you can spend a day is on a boat, soaking up the sun and gazing at the incredible coastline.
There are many sites to see along Montenegro’s coast and plenty even in Kotor Bay.
Hop aboard one of the many boat tours leaving from Tivat such as Yacht monty B which offers four guests a private tour on a beautiful sailing boat from only €125 per person.
Aristocratic families from the inner bay once built their summer residences at Tivat to take advantage of its sunnier outlook.
The Buća-Luković Museum and Gallery is one of the few survivors and is a 500-year-old fortified enclosure with its own Catholic chapel, which once belonged to Kotor's Buća family.
See Roman remains as well as a museum of modern sculpture at this interesting landmark.
Three islands can be seen from the shore of Tivat and are only accessible by boat.
They are: The Island of Flowers, known for the remains of the Holy Archangel Michael Monastery, founded in the 13th century, Saint Marco Island, a hugely popular Club Med resort in the 70s and Our Lady of Mercy, the island where hermit friars erected the Church of Immaculate Conception.
Rent a boat and spend an afternoon visiting them all.
Eating out and going out
Montenegro’s cuisine is as diverse as its geography, with influences taken from both the East and the West.
Being right next to a harbour you’d of course expect a lot of seafood on the menus and one of the best places to try this is The Red Lobster.
With a choice of dining spaces (right on the beach, outside terrace or inside) and a varied menu with daily specials you can go for breakfast of French toast or American pancakes and stay right through until a whole lobster dinner in the evening followed by a sumptuous glass of wine at night.
One of the best for reasonable prices as well as food with a wow factor is One, right on the marina with a great view of the passing yachts.
The burgers and steaks in particular are a real crowd pleaser but the cocktails are what customers seem to rave about.
There is also a vibrant nightlife in Tivat and nearby Kotor for those who fancy something a little wilder after a day at the beach. Go to the Clubhouse for a game of pool then head to Win Casino & Night Club to try your luck at winning enough to be able to afford a yatch then dance into the night to the sound of some of the regions best DJs.
Getting around
There is a highly reliable bus service and all are air conditioned and cheap, visit here for timetables.
By far the best way to get around is by car or motorbike and there are many local and international car hire companies that you can browse and book before you travel or you can book on the day if you fancy a day out.
The landscapes are breathtaking and a drive through the mountains is highly recommended.
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Hotels
Luxury:Regent Porto Montenegro is the absolute best when it comes to luxury hotels in Tivat. With views of the marina, mountains and a spectacular pool, every single detail is made to impress. Inspired by Renaissance Venetian style mixed with local architectural references the hotel is modern but with a classic flair that offers guests everything they need for a perfect stay.
Obala bb Porto Montenegro Village, from £104 - £361 per person per night.
Mid-range:Eco Hotel Carrubba is located in picturesque village Donja Lastva only 15 minutes from the harbour. This small hotel is elegant in design but also kind on the environment with solar panels and geothermal heating system. Each room has its own balcony where you can sit and enjoy the sunset over the water and mountains.
Donja Lastva, Tivat Municipality, from £62 - £146 pp per night.
Budget:Kamelija Hotel has a tennis court, basketball court and two swimming pools. Being only 30 meters from the beach and close to all major attractions you can enjoy your stay while saving your money for all Tivat has to offer.
Donja Lastva, from £23 - £42 pp per night.
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Fact file
Currency: Euros (€) £1=€1.20
Time zone: GMT +1
The flight: 3hrs with easyjet and Jet2, from May to October, from £154 return
Best time to visit: The country has slightly cooler summers than its neighbours making it the perfect place to getaway and see the sights during the Summer months but flights are cheaper in September and October when the weather is still nice and warm.
Visas, injections and precautions: None
