Things to do in Tivat – A Complete Guide for 2025

Tivat is located in the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro and offers an unique blend of Montenegrin charm and modern luxury, only a few minutes drive from Tivat airport. 

In the last decade, Tivat has undergone a considerable transformation. Once a naval base town with little to offer, it is now plays host to a variety of restaurants, luxury accommodations, and boutique shops. It’s not uncommon to see yachts and superyachts of all sizes along the waterfront!

There is a lot to do and see in Tivat and the surrounding area that you won’t be bored if you decide to make it your base for a Montenegro trip. Is it slightly more expensive destination in Montenegro but still affordable compared to many other Mediterranean towns.

We personally stopped in Tivat on our way to Kotor to see if the town is worth spending more than a day. After a few hours we felt we had seen and done enough, as the luxury vibe wasn’t really our thing. However, we enjoyed our time here and are glad we stopped over.

Best time to visit Tivat?

High Season (June-August)

Like with most Mediterranean coastal towns, the high season in Tivat is between June and August. During this time, the sea is nice and warm with ideal conditions for swimming. The temperatures reach 25-30°C, perfect for water activities and enjoying beautiful beaches nearby. 

Unfortunately, it is also the time when the accommodation and flight prices are the most expensive. The town and roads get busy and crowded, making it a less enjoyable experience.

Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October)

Shoulder season is the best time for us to travel. Accommodation prices are lower (at least 30%), and the flights are much cheaper. The town is quieter, and you get to experience it fully and take it all in.

The temperatures are a bit lower, around 18-24°C, making it ideal for any hikes and walks in the area. The sea temperature is not as warm, and in spring, it’s not great for swimming, but in September, it’s still warm after the summer.

Winter Season (November-March)

Winter is the quietest and cheapest time to visit Tival. The temperatures during this time are between 6°C and 16°C in March and November, dropping to 2°C-12°C in December and January.

The town becomes more peaceful, and you get to see beautiful views over the mountains with snow-capped peaks towering above it.

How to get to Tivat?

Tivat Airport (TIV) is just 3.5 km from the town center. However, please note that the seasonal airport operates only between April and October. If you want to visit Tivat in the winter, the nearest airport is in Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro.

Tivat airport is very small and gets busy during peak season. Ensure you allow plenty of time to go through security with the number of people flying from here.

If you rent a car, the drive should only take 5 minutes. However, there is a lot of traffic in this area in general. In 2025, the road between Budva and Tivat is undergoing serious construction works, so this short journey can take much longer. 

If you’re not renting a car, there are plenty of taxis available outside the airport. The price should be around €10, but we heard that drivers often charge more. Make sure you agree on a price before you get into the taxi, so there are no surprises. Alternatively, you can pre-arrange hotel transfers or ask your host to arrange one for your convenience.

Where to stay in Tivat?

As we mentioned initially, Tivat is the most luxurious town in Montenegro. Despite that, when it comes to accommodation, there is something for every budget.

Luxury Accommodations

Mid-range Options

Budget-friendly Stays

Things to do in Tivat 

Porto Montenegro and the marina

Porto Montenegro used to be a naval shipyard. However, over the recent years, it has transformed into a most luxurious marina village. The development is inspired by Venetian aesthetics, making it blend and look like local architecture despite being very modern.

The palm-lined main promenade and waterfront give the French Riviera an atmosphere, but with a much more affordable price tag. 

The marina houses some of the most luxurious yachts, including the world’s largest superyachts (up to 250m). We actually enjoyed our stroll along the marina to admire those incredible boats.

Shopping and Dining

If there is one thing you’re not going to be short of in Tivat, apart from Yachts, it’s luxurious boutiques and great restaurants. Porto Montenegro houses a retail village with many international and local brands. 

From the most luxurious, like Rolex, Dior, and Bvlgari, to more affordable ones like Furla or The Body Shop. You can come here for some retail therapy, or just window shopping, and enjoy the walk along this well-designed development.

When it comes to restaurants, Tival has a fantastic selection. Again, similar to boutiques, you can find the most refined dining experiences or more affordable but authentic and tasty spots here. 

We decided to try Pescatore for lunch. The restaurant caught our attention with its excellent reviews and wallet-friendly prices – exactly what we were looking for!

We ordered a tuna burger and fried calamari; both dishes were fresh and tasty. Great place if you want to have delicious food in Tivat without breaking the bank.

Naval Heritage Collection in Tivat

Tivat has a significant naval history linked to the former Yugoslav Navy. The Naval Heritage Museum houses incredible artifacts from that time, including submarines, torpedoes (not just shells), and various maritime equipment. 

The museum’s main and most popular attraction is the fully restored P-821 Hero submarine. The guided tour of it was the highlight and favourite of all the things we did in Tivat. The tour cost us €5 each, and we thought it was worth it.

We got to enter the submarine and learn about its history, but more interestingly, we got a glimpse into its life. Once the tour was over, we could explore it, test the periscope (still working), and try to steer it. We also took a lot of pictures there 🙂

Enjoy nature

Nature lovers will find two beautiful sports close to Tivat. The first one is the Island of Flowers, a small island considered the birthplace of various palm trees, flowers, and plants. Whether that is true or not, you can still enjoy the beautiful greenery here. It is also much quieter than other places nearby.

Hiking around Tivat

For outdoor enthusiasts, there are many great hiking trails near Tivat. The most famous and challenging one is the Vrmac Ridge trail. This stunning hike offers panoramic views over the Bay of Kotor and Tivat. The hike is approximately 14 km long and takes around 6 hours.

There are a few other great hikes in the area worth checking out and exploring, like hiking up to the Kotor Fortress or the Ladder of Kotor. Both would need a drive or taxi ride to Kotor, but are worth exploring.

Hire a Yacht in Tivat

You don’t have to own a yacht; you can rent one in Tivat. From day rentals to a few days sailing around the bay. It sounds extravagant, but actually it doesn’t have to be expensive. If you come with friends, you can spread the cost, and you will have a great time.

Things to do around Tivat

Tivat is ideally located for exploring other towns around Kotor Bay as well as some great spots further down along the coast. If you’re making Tivat your base, those day trips are a perfect way to explore and see more of Montenegro’s charming towns and nature.

Kotor Old Town

In less than a 15-minute drive from Tivat (maybe longer with those construction works in 2025), you will find Kotor. A charming, coastal medieval town that ranks among Europe’s best-preserved Old Towns from the Middle Ages. 

Surrounded by impressive and barely intact defensive walls, the old town’s labyrinthine of charming streets. You will find architectural influences from the Venetian, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods here. 

Kotor was our favorite town in Montenegro, offering a perfect combination of city exploring and adventure.

City Walls and Fortress

Kotor’s most iconic feature is the defensive walls. They not only surround the city, as you usually see in many other towns. No, they climb the steep mountain behind the town all the way up to the Fortress, also known as the Castle of San Giovanni. 

The fortifications stretch for nearly 4.5 km, incorporating ramparts, gates, churches, and military structures built between the 9th and 19th centuries. The climb to the Castle of San Giovanni at the top involves climbing 1,350 steps, but you will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views over the bay.

Religious Heritage

If you’re interested in churches and religious heritage, Kotor is a perfect town to explore. Despite its small size, it contains an extraordinary number of historic churches. 

The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, built in 1166, showcases Romanesque architecture with Gothic additions following earthquakes. Its treasury houses an impressive collection of gold and silver work, including the bejeweled head reliquary of the town’s patron saint. 

The Church of St. Luke, dating from 1195, has the unusual distinction of having served both Orthodox and Catholic congregations simultaneously during certain historical periods. 

The Church of St. Nicholas features impressive iconostasis work, while the tiny Church of St. Mary of the River contains frescoes dating from the 13th century. Like we said, there are a lot of churches here.

Perast

Perast is a bit further from Tivat than Kotor, and it takes around a 35-minute drive to get there. This cute town is a little hidden gem and a perfect half-day excursion from Tivat or a full day one when you combine it with exploring Kotor’s Old Town.

Unlike other towns along the bay, Perast maintains a tranquil atmosphere even during peak season. The single main street runs parallel to the waterfront, lined with the grand homes of sea captains who brought wealth and architectural influences back home from their travels.

The town has implemented strict development controls, banning cars from the center and any developments to protect its historic architecture. With virtually no modern construction in sight, walking through Perat feels like you’ve been transported in time. 

You can find several exceptional seafood restaurants along the waterfront. We chose Riva Patisserie & Brasserie and loved the food and service there. Not to mention the beautiful view over the bay.

For the best experience, come to Perast in the afternoon when the crowds leave, have dinner, and stay for sunset. The golden hour light on the bay and the historic buildings make it even more special.

Our Lady of the Rocks

Our Lady of the Rocks was built on an artificial island just offshore from Perast and is one of Montenegro’s most photographed spots. According to legend, an icon of the Madonna was discovered on a rock, and over the centuries, local sailors have been dropping stones in that spot.

The tradition continues today with the annual Fašinada festival (July 22), when local boats decorated with flowers transport stones to reinforce the island. The 17th-century church contains an impressive collection of silver tablets left by sailors and their families, an amagnificent marble altar and valuable paintings by Tripo Kokolja.

You can get here directly from Perast as boat trips to the island run from there. The cost is approximately €5. The journey takes around 5 minutes each way, and you can also arrange to see the other island, St. George Island, from Perast.

If you won’t be visiting Perast, you can visit it from Kotor on a 3-hour boat tour of the Kotor Bay. The tour also includes the submarine tunnels, Mamula Island, and the Blue Cave. We have done this tour, but unfortunately, the sea was too rough on the day, so that we couldn’t visit Blue Cave or Mamula Island. Please note that those boat tours are pretty busy and crowded.

If you prefer a more private experience, you can book a private boat tour directly from Tivat. The boat will pick you up from Regent Porto Montenegro to spend a day exploring Kotor Bay, Mamula Island, and Blue Cave.

Budva 

Budva is only 23 km from Tivat and is most known for its beach resorts and nightlife. Mogren Beach is the most popular spot, a well-maintained sandy beach. Due to it’s popularity you will have to pay between €15 and €20 for a lounger here.

During high season, Budva pulses with energy until sunrise, providing a stark contrast to Tivat’s more refined ambiance. There are many DJ parties, concerts and festivals so if this is your vibe Budva is a town for you.

Despite its reputation for beaches and parties, Budva also has 2,500 years of history, with a charming walled old town situated on a small peninsula. The narrow streets contain buildings from the Venetian period, including the citadel fortress, which now serves as a viewpoint and cultural venue for summer performances. 

While considerably more touristy than Kotor, Budva’s old town retains authentic charm, particularly in early morning or off-season visits.

Sveti Stefan

If you’re looking for a quieter but picturesque place, visit Sveti Stefan. Located about a 15 to 20 minute drive from Budva, originally a 15th-century fortified fishing village, the island has been transformed into an ultra-luxury resort. 

While you can’t access the island, it can be admired from many viewpoints. The best one by far is a viewpoint from the St Sava Church towering above it. Another popular viewpoint is just off the main road, where you can park and admire the views.

There are also a few public beaches with crystal clear water and golden sand. Take a walk from Sveti Stefan Beach to Milocer Beach. The walk is very picturesque and provides different vistas of the Sveti Stefan Island.

Skadar Lake

Skadar Lake is one of Montenegro’s hidden treasures that deserves a spot on your travel itinerary. It can be easily combined as a day trip with Budva and Sveti Stefan. This beautiful natural lake will take your breath away, especially if you get to see it at sunset.

When we visited, we were utterly blown away by the untamed beauty of this place. The lake is massive – the largest in Southern Europe, and it straddles the border between Montenegro and Albania.

No visit to Skadar Lake is complete without a boat trip on the lake. There are multiple options for the boat trip, as the lake is vast and has many things to see. The cost is not time-dependent but location-dependent. The more you want to see, the more it will cost. After checking the map we went to the edge of the Skadar lake, and then saw the ‘Amazon’, both of which were really pretty and unique.

If you’re visiting Montenegro, definitely add this to your itinerary – we actually thought the views here were even better than those along the coast. The lake is teeming with wildlife (we spotted so many different birds!) and has these amazing trees growing right out of the water.

We visited in April, but the most fantastic time is when the lily pads covering the lake are in bloom. So if you want to see that, we recommend planning your trip in the summer. It was still beautiful without them, though!

How many days to spend in Tivat?

Tivat is a very small town, and all the things to do in here would take a day at most. However, if you want to explore other places mentioned above, making it a base for  4 to 5 days is perfect.

Things to do in Tivat itinerary

The Perfect  5-day Itinerary

We created this 5-day Itinerary for you. It was designed so that no matter how many days you have, you can easily choose your favourite and must-do things in and around Tivat.

Day 1: Discover Tivat

Begin your adventure exploring the best things to do in Tivat, starting with the glamorous Porto Montenegro marina. Wander among luxury yachts, enjoy brunch at a waterfront café, and browse the upscale boutiques. In the afternoon, visit the Naval Heritage Collection museum and explore Tivat’s charming town center, including the Renaissance Summer House Buća. End your day with dinner overlooking the bay as the sun sets.

Day 2: Kotor Old Town & Fortress

Drive to Kotor early in the morning to beat the crowds. Spend the morning hiking to Kotor Fortress (St. John’s Fortress). The climb involves 1,350 steps but rewards you with breathtaking views over the Bay of Kotor.

In the afternoon, get lost in Kotor Old Town’s enchanting narrow streets, medieval squares, and historic churches. The ancient architecture makes you feel like stepping back in time. Return to Tivat for the evening.

Day 3: Vrmac Ridge Trail and Perast

Begin your day with the spectacular Vrmac Ridge hike, which offers stunning panoramic views of both Kotor and Tivat bays. The trail follows an old Austrian military road and provides unique perspectives of the entire region that you simply can’t get anywhere else.

Spend the afternoon in the picturesque town of Perast, which has beautiful baroque architecture and a peaceful waterfront promenade. Have dinner with a view in one of the restaurants, and if you can, stay for sunset. 

Day 4: Budva, Sveti Stefan & Skadar Lake – day trip from Tivat

Start early for this full but rewarding day. Begin with a morning visit to Budva’s walled Old Town (about 30 minutes from Tivat). After exploring the historic center, continue to the iconic Sveti Stefan for stunning views of this fortified island village connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway.

In the afternoon, continue to Skadar Lake (about 1 hour from Sveti Stefan). Take a boat trip through the “Montenegrin Amazon” section, which has incredible bird life and lush vegetation. Remember to bring a jacket for the boat ride! Return to Tivat in the evening.

Summary

What makes Tivat an interesting destination is its perfect balance. It is luxurious to satisfy sophisticated travelers, yet authentic enough to still provide genuine cultural experiences. The combination of natural beauty that surrounds it with historical significance makes it a town for every type of traveler.

Tivat is becoming more and more popular as an alternative to the overly busy and expensive French Riviera or resorts along the Italian coast. The town itself doesn’t have as much to offer as Kotor, but is a perfect base for exploring the Kotor Bay and Budva Riviera.