Tivat

As Montenegro’s tourism industry continues to grow, Tivat and other cities are offering a wide range of accommodation – catering to both frugal backpackers and those looking for a little luxury during their visit. Tivat plays host to one of the nation’s top hotels, the Regent Porto Montenegro, which boasts fantastic views of the city and a unique Renaissance Venetian architecture - making it a great choice for those who are looking to splash out. Alternatively, you can stay at the Aman Sveti Stefan which offers incredible accommodation in the heart of the small island village and a rare glimpse into the local lifestyle.

Tivat and its coastal neighbours offer a wide range of shopping experiences, with many markets stocking a wealth of imported goods. However, if you’re looking for big-brands then you may want to consider visiting Podgorica and its four shopping malls; Delta City Podgorica, the Bazar, City Mall and the Mall of Montenegro. There are also regular coaches available to Croatia and the city of Dubrovnik, which has a large shopping district.

With a diverse geography, Montenegro’s cuisine is both rich and varied, fusing flavours from the East and West. If you’re a meat lover, a visit to the mountainous village of Njegusi should be on your to-do list. Njegusi is prized by locals and gourmets for its signature prosciutto, which is said to be the best in the world. For a completely different taste of Montenegro, black risotto is served in many ports and combines white wine with nutmeg and cuttlefish ink to create a distinctive flavour. There’s also a vibrant nightlife, for those who fancy something a little wilder, in most of the major cities including Tivat, Budva and Kotor.

Tivat and Montenegro have a strong Orthodox Christian tradition and a rich Ottoman history, lending the country many local festivities that are unique to the region:

Vrela Zima U Brdima

Running from late December till March and translating to ‘hot winter in the hills’, Vrela Zima U Brdima is a series of events that keep spirits high in Montenegro throughout the winter. There are near-daily events including performances from pop stars and celebrity guest appearances. If you’re visiting with kids around this time you can find many artistic and sports events to enjoy with just a little pre-planning.

Sea Dance

The Budva Music Festival, renamed to Sea Dance in recent years, is the biggest musical event in the southern Adriatic, with many performances from the top acts in the European music scene. As entry costs about the same as an evening meal, it’s an experience you can’t afford to miss.

Boka’s Night

Celebrating the history of the town of Kotor, Boka’s Night is held on the 3rd Saturday of August and is a highlight of the summer calendar. Boats in the bay of Kotor parade as the locals decide which deserves the prize for best decorated. After the prize is given, there is a celebration held in the Old Town with food and an incredible firework display.

With a varied history and geography, Tivat offers plenty to do and see.

Explore The Adriatic

Take an afternoon out in the Adriatic ocean by hiring a boat from Tivat or one of Montenegro’s other coastal towns. With the chance to stop at many smaller ports and beaches, it’s a great way to see the nation’s coastline.

Rafting The Tara River

The second deepest river in the world, the Tara River is known as ‘the wildest river in Montenegro’. Overcoming its riptides and rapids is a fantastic way to experience the beautiful landscape of the region, and a must for adrenaline junkies. Getting on the water is easy as there are many companies to book within the area.

Ostrog Monastery

An impressive piece of architecture and a sacred monastery of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Monastery of Ostrog is carved into the side of the large rock of Ostroška Greda. Well worth your time, it’s a popular place of pilgrimage in Montenegro and welcoming to all faiths. Regular coach services run between the monastery and the city of Podgorica 50km away.

The Kotor Lovcen Road

With 25 hairpins turns, the Kotor-Lovcen road is the perfect test of any driver’s skills. Around 17km from Kotor, the road runs through the mountainous Lovcen National Park to the peak of Lovcen and the reward for every daring driver that completes the route, a view across the entirety of Montenegro.

Stari Bar

One of the oldest settlements in the region, Stari Bar is a small village around 5.7km from the city of Bar that was founded just under a thousand years ago. Claimed by several countries over the centuries, Stari Bar showcases architecture from some of the most influential empires known to man. The village is the perfect place to explore as every inch is steeped in history, including several generations of old ruins and an ancient olive tree that some claim to be over 2000 years old.