Bobbing yachts, strolling along boutique-lined streets in the sunshine, before sipping a glass of something fizzy by the waterside.
Sound like heaven? Well, you don’t have to head to the expensive Monaco or the South of France to experience the luxe-life.
Jet2 has just launched new flights from London to Tivat, a charming town in Montenegro, flying twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays.
The flights are planned to continue throughout the summer months and into October, meaning tourists can go to experience the harbour town’s best weather.
And according to Lonely Planet, ‘visitors to Tivat could be forgiven for wondering if they’re in Monaco or Montenegro’.
They also describe the town as incredibly ‘swanky’ and ‘posh’, citing a major makeover which transformed the old naval base into a ‘surreal’ multimillion-dollar marina.
Jet2 will also be launching flights from Birmingham to Tivat from May, with return flights starting from £69.
For those who haven’t heard of Tivat, the coastal town has been hailed on TikTok by travellers as one of the ‘most underrated’ spots in Europe.
The town has a population of around 15,000 people and stretches 42kms along the Bay of Kotor. There’s plenty to see and do, designer shops to enjoy a spot of luxury retail therapy, and some culinary delights on offer.
Here’s everything you need to know about Tivat…
When is the best time to visit Tivat?
If you’re keen to bask in the sunshine and warm weather, then the summer months are the perfect time to go as the coastal spots of Montenegro have hot summers. The average temperature right now is around 18C, but by July this will be reaching 30C.
If you prefer to go when it’s a little less busy, then late autumn or early spring might be a better time to consider. It’s also cooler, with average temperatures in October of 21C.
If you like to get your walking boots on, you also may want to avoid the hot summers. There are lots of hikes and trials 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 boast ‘music events, street art, workshops and public debates’ taking place on the city’s beautiful streets.
What is there to do in Tivat?
The main attraction in Tivat has to be the incredible revamped marina, known as Porto Montenegro, which is home to a number of high end shops and boutiques, restaurants, bars and a yacht club.
Porto Montenegro also hosts a number of 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 for those who want to learn a little more about the area, and there’s also a Cultural Centre with a library, stage, museum and gallery space.
There are great beaches in the area to sunbathe and swim, you can also go on boat trips. Nearby Luštica Peninsula is said to be the best place in the area for a proper dip in the sea, but the town beach will also do the job if you don’t want to travel there. There’s also Belani Beach near the marina which is a pebble beach, so you might want to take shoes.
And with so much water around it shouldn’t surprise anyone that 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.
Where is there to stay in Tivat?
Prices for hotels on Booking.com in September start from £60 for two adults for two nights.
The top hotel picks on Booking.com include Hotel Palma, which has a four star rating, is on the beach front and is 150 yards from the centre of Tivat. Prices start from £271 for two adults for two nights (September 1-3).
The five star Montenegro Lodge currently has reduced prices with a King studio with a sea view costing £208 for the same duration.
Those looking for a luxury stay might want to check out the Regent Porto Montonegro, a Renaissance Venetian-style hotel, which is 600 yards from the beach and offers ‘celebrity treatment’ for its guests, with over 175 rooms featuring either a balcony or a terrace.
A stay here won’t come cheap though, with current prices for two adults for two nights (September 1-3) costing £730.
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.
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.
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