Tivat

A picturesque coastal town, Tivat is located in the southwest of Montenegro, in the beautiful Bay of Kotor. It is famous for its stunning beaches and vibrant marina. The town is pretty old and is renowned for its Renaissance architecture, including the famous House of Buca in the centre of the city. Tivat is relatively small, with a population of around 15,000, making it perfect for those who want a peaceful city break holiday close to stunning natural scenery.

Tivat has a pleasant central European climate, characterised by hot summers, mild springs, and early autumns, as well as wet autumns and winters. The hottest months of the year are June, July and August, when temperatures average above 25 degrees and the seas are warm, while the late spring and early autumn are also warm, making it a good place to visit during the majority of the year. Those visiting between November and February should expect a cooler and wetter climate.

Initially, a small Illyrian town in ancient times, it fell under Roman dominion around 200 BC. Roman rule was benevolent to the city, with the economy booming during this period. It fell under Serbian influence following the retreat of the Romans, a period when many of the churches in the town were built. By 1420, the area, like much of the Adriatic Coast, had come under Venice’s influence, and the city owes much of its Renaissance architecture to this period. Upon the fall of the Venetian Republic, power was transferred to the mighty Austro-Hungarian Empire, which lasted until the foundation of the new Yugoslavian state after the Second World War.

For families seeking a relaxing beach holiday in a beautiful, quiet, and rustic town, Tivat is ideal. The city is renowned for the quality of the watersports on offer, with things like jet-skiing, kayaking and snorkelling all available in the town. Another great option is the chance to visit the historic city of Kotor, famed for its incredible architecture and vibrant atmosphere.

Adventure-seekers who want to have some heart-pumping fun in Montenegro should visit the deepest river canyon in Europe (the second deepest in the world), where brave visitors can zip-line across its terrifying depths. Several companies also offer the chance to go rafting along the Tara River, where visitors can bounce along the pulsating rapids, get soaking wet, and have fun at the same time. For those seeking a more relaxing time, the bustling, newly built Porto Montenegro Marina has a plethora of restaurants and shops, where you can enjoy a quiet drink close to fluttering sails and fantastic scenery.

Thanks to its small size, it is the ideal place to enjoy a night out with friends: everywhere is easily accessible on foot and there are plenty of pubs and clubs, thanks to its status as a tourist hub. For those seeking a party, the place to head is the town centre, where you will find a large number of clubs, including: Madame Coco, My Club and The Clubhouse. Slightly further afield is the Platinum, which is in Porto Montenegro. The town also plays host to numerous trendy cocktail bars, where visitors can enjoy a quiet drink with a magnificent view.

The town has various shops offering fashion items from Montenegro or around the world. Most of the shops are centred in downtown Tivat, where visitors will find boutique outlets or more famous names. There is also a bazaar in Tivat, where visitors can purchase a variety of local items, including purses, leather goods, and much more. Suffice it to say, Tivat has enough shopping to cater to every taste.