It is believed that the name Tivat originates from the Illyrian queen Teuta. The legend says that the queen liked the Tivat area so much that she built there her summer residence. What better recommendation could there be to visit Tivat if the queen spent her summer holidays in Tivat.
Although behind Budva and Herceg Novi as far as tourism is concerned, Tivat is a small and charming Mediterranean town with a lot to offer. The Mediterranean climate causes that in Tivat flowers bloom all over the year and this is what makes it an ideal horticultural spot. When in Tivat make sure to visit the Town Park. You simply must see the exotic plants brought by the seamen from all over the World!
Accommodation in Tivat
You can find some nice hotels in Tivat like Hotel Palma and Mimosa, but make sure to book them well in advance. The Pine hotel is also good, small and intimate, situated in the centre of the city. If you wish a more comfortable stay book a room in Hotel Royal, the only Tivat hotel with 4 stars.
A good way to spend your holiday in Tivat is also private accomodation. It's the cheap and with very friendly, domestic atmosphere. Almost everybody is renting rooms or apartments to tourists in Tivat.
Things to see in Tivat
The tourist office of Tivat is in the center and in front of it there is a tourist map that shows all the places you should see in and around Tivat. In all any case here is a list of all tourist sites in Tivat:
Buca summer house - renaissance complex with a modern purpose in the centre of Tivat. Today it is a gallery and an open air theatre. Come and see a play in this beautiful setting! The summer cinema is also placed in the summer house. Lay back, drink cold beer and enjoy the movie. The Palace always houses a lot of events and exhibitions. Make sure to check what is going on there when you come, you will definitively find something to your taste.
Our lady of Grace island - the wooden statue of Our Lady of Grace situated on the island off the coast of Tivat is believed to be miraculous.
Church of St. Anthony of Padua – the church is located on the hill from where there is a beautiful view of the Boka Kotorska Bay. Its location alone makes it worth visiting.
Church of Our Lady of Angels – known by its popular name Our lady of Orizo (in Italian sorrizo – a smile) beacuse a smile would appear on the faces of sailors when they saw the Church. The Church is situated high on the rock and it was the first thing the sailors saw when they returned home.
Gornja Lastva – it is a village on the hill, accessible on foot an hour from the center of Tivat. In a few words it can be described as a village with a view (at an altitude of 300m). In the summer the village hosts different events.
Solila – near the airport from the seaside, it is the habitat of the flamingos, definitively a place for birdwatchers
Vrmac – the hill is a hiking paradise. Climb up to the highest point of the hill St Ilija. If on the way up you decide to give up think of the magnificient view from the top!
Because of its central position you can easily manage to visit almost any town on the Montenegrin coast. An eager tourist who wishes to see more can take an excursion to the cultural center of Montenegro Cetinje or to Lovcen, Jezerski vrh where Njegoš's mausoleum lies, the work of the famous sculptor Ivan Meštrovic, or you can simply get on board a cruise and enjoy the Boka Kotorska Bay.
Beaches in Tivat
If you’re staying in a hotel in Tivat, we assume that you will rest on one of the hotel beaches. But wherever you stay make sure to visit the Plavi horizont beach or also called the Przno Beach, as it is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Adriatic coast, known for its fine healing sand for rheumatic disorder. You can reach the Przno Beach by car, taxi, tourist boat or a barge, which are anchored in the Tivat port. Another beach worth visiting is the beach on the Island of Sveti Marko (St. Marco). This island was famous for its tourist settlement Club Mediterranee. The wooden cottages are unfortunately abandoned today. Also do not miss the beach at Prevlaka, the island of flowers. The whole island is a botanical garden. Come and take a swim surrounded by flower species you have never seen before!
Restaurants in Tivat
Wherever restaurant you go you will probably be offered domestic grape brandy, sweet liqueur, “frustula” (a sweet crunchy pastry) or olives. Food in Tivat is similar to food in other places of the Boka Kotorska Bay, however there is a typical dish from Tivat, a salad made from “Zucenica”. It is a green plant typical for this area. Besides Zucenica try grilled fish or other seafood together with a delicious Montenegrin wine. For desert you can try a 'krempita' it is a cake with vanilla filling.
Entertainment in Tivat
On the waterside you can find a lot of nice cafes and clubs which promise you a good time. A pleasant way to spend some time is surely the walk down the city Riva. It is a pedestrian zone in the centre full of people during the summer.
There are also couple of events you should participate if your holiday in Tivat collides with the dates:
Tivat Summer Fiestas – festivities in open spaces promoting local culture and food
Lawn Bowling Olympiad (Bocarska Olimpijada) – sport's event
Lastva festivities – taking place on the 1st Saturday in August in the village Gornja Lastva. This is a cultural event presenting the village traditions.