Lavish superyachts, sun-soaked streets lined with glamorous boutiques, waiters serving bubbles by the water.
It sounds like summer on the French Riviera, but you don’t have to break the bank in the South of France to get a taste of how the other half live.
Luxury for less awaits in Tivat, a charming coastal town in Montenegro that you’d be forgiven for mistaking for Monaco.
The once dowdy spot near the iconic Bay of Kotor recently received a multimillion-dollar makeover, transforming its naval pier into a swanky marina — and prompting budget airlines to launch new direct flights.
In 2024, Jet2 launched a twice-weekly route from London to Tivat, with planes taking off on Mondays and Thursdays. EasyJet also flies non-stop.
Getting to the Adriatic in the next few weeks is affordable, with one-way flights from £55. The cheapest seat Metro found is on the 6.45am flight from London Stansted, on Monday, May 5.
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Everything you need to know about Tivat
Montenegro is, in a technical sense, one of the youngest countries in the world.
Following the demise of Yugoslavia in the early nineties, it formed a single country with Serbia until its citizens voted for independence in 2006.
It didn’t take long for the country’s leaders to start taking advantage of its blatant tourism potential. Already, Montenegro has a reputation as one of the top hiking destinations in Europe, and several major projects are under way to tempt more people over to discover the beauty of this area of the Balkans.
The focus of one of those projects was Tivat. For the uninitiated, TikTokers describe it as one of the ‘most underrated’ spots in Europe.
The town, which has a population of around 15,000, stretches 42km along the Bay of Kotor.
The main attraction is the revamped marina, known as Porto Montenegro, which is home to high-end boutiques, restaurants, bars and a yacht club.
Porto Montenegro also hosts dozens of annual events. From catwalk shows, to cricket matches, jazz festivals, and regattas there’s likely to be something for everyone.
For history buffs, Tivat’s Maritime Heritage Museum is the perfect place to learn more about the region. Tivat has an ancient past, with evidence of settlements dating back before the Middle Ages. During WWII, it was occupied by the Nazis.
Tivat’s landscape is one of its biggest drawcards; the area boasts stunning beaches and plenty of spots to sunbathe and swim.
Nearby Luštica Peninsula is said to be the best place for a proper dip in the sea, but the town beach will also do the job if you don’t want to travel. Belani Beach, a pebble beach near the marina, is another popular choice.
Just like its de facto twin, Monaco, there are plenty of water sports on offer in Tivat, from speedboating to snorkeling and kayaking. You can also take cave boat tours.
Those who prefer to stay on land can head into the National Park for a hike, or head to Big City Park to admire what is said to be the greatest botanical garden in the southern Adriatic.
If you like to stay active on holiday, there are lots of hiking trails around Tivat, including the popular route to the village of Gornja Lastva, just above Tivat. It takes about 30-40 minutes to walk the well-marked trial, where you’ll be rewarded with impressive views of Tivat and the surrounding bay.
For music fans, Tivat World festival takes place from 6 to 8 of September. The festival features ‘music events, street art, workshops and public debates’, all taking place on the city’s quaint streets.
When is the best time to visit Tivat?
If you’re keen to bask in sunshine, the summer months are the perfect time to explore Montenegro.
The average temperature right now is around 18°C, but by July this will be tipping past 30°C.
If you prefer to go when the crowds have gone, late autumn or early spring might be a better time to consider. It’s cooler, with average temperatures in October of 21°C.
Where to stay in Tivat
Tivat has a wide range of hotels and Airbnbs to suit most budgets.
Travelling in May, rooms in standard four-star hotels start from £65 a night based on two adults sharing.
A night in the five-star Montenegro Lodge will set you back anywhere from £138 per night.
If you’re after real luxury, check out the Regent Porto Montenegro, a Renaissance Venetian-style hotel, which is 600 yards from the beach and offers ‘celebrity treatment’, with over 175 rooms featuring either a balcony or a terrace.
A stay here won’t come cheap, with current prices for two adults starting from £262 per night.
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Is Tivat expensive?
If you want the luxury of the South of France, but you don’t have the budget, Tivat is the place to go.
Big Ben is one of the town’s top rated eateries on TripAdvisor, where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner on their terrace, overlooking the bay. According to reviewers, they paid between £3 to £13 per person for a meal.
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Across the bay in Kotor, around 11 miles from Tivat, Resto Bar Taraca serves European dishes, just outside the Old Town. A burger here will set you back €10.50 and a glass of pinot is €6.50.
For popular excursions, like a boat trip around the bay, you don’t have to splash too much cash either.
Most tours start from Kotor. This three-hour excursion which takes in the Blue Cave, and an abandoned submarine tunnel is just £32 per person.
This story was originally published on 8 April 2024 and has been updated.
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