TIVAT - THE JEWEL OF MONTENEGRIN YACHTING TOURISM

GPS Coordinates:42.4350° N, 18.7066° E

Tivat is located in the central part of Boka Bay and represents a modern tourist destination interesting to tourists.

Tivat is one of the recent and most modern towns in Boka Bay. The town has a lot of interesting and attractive sights.

Marina Porto Montenegro

The biggest attraction of Tivat and the whole Montenegrin coast is surely the Marina Porto Montenegro, which is considered the most exclusive marina on the Adriatic. The combination of a spectacular destination and a modern marina will offer you a service on a world level.

Tivat is up to a three-hour flight from major European cities. Tivat is located internationally airport – Airport Tivat. There are two airports nearby: airport Dubrovnik (46 km) and Podgorica airport (90 km). All three airports are well connected by regular charter flights.

WHAT TO SEE

Naval Heritage Museum 

🟊 The Naval Heritage Museum is hidden out of the main village in Porto Montenegro, but it's well worth visiting. Porto Montenegro used to be called the Arsenal, one of the largest naval bases on the Adriatic, founded by the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1889. The museum now houses over 300 exhibits of the area's naval history. There is even a restored Yugoslav submarine on site.

View on "Holy Archipelago"

🟊 “Holy Archipelago” near Tivat consists of three islands – Sveti Marko island (Stradioti), the Island of Flowers and Our Lady of Mercy. All three of these islands are famous for numerous legends, rich history as well as holy places of pilgrimage.

🟊 Beaches around the Island of Sveti Marko and Ostrvo Cvijeca (Island of flowers), perfect for morning swimming.

🟊 Ljetnjikovac Buca (Mansion Buća) in the center of Tivat, a revitalized monument with gallery space and open air theatre where exhibitions concerts took place.

Solila - Tivat

🟊 Solila is a special floristic-faunal reserve. They are located in the swampy part of the coastal zone of the Gulf of Tivat. It is interesting from the tourist point of view for birdwatchers that the flamingos or pennant bird, which is a very rare bird, lives in the area of ​​Solil. With their development in the future, 

Solila acquires the potential to become an ornithological park.

🟊 If you are a fan of beautiful views, we suggest a hiking tour to Gornja Lastva. Gornja Lastva is located in the hinterland of Tivat, at an altitude of about 300 m, on the slopes of the hill Vrmac. This village is mentioned in the XIV century and is one of the few preserved rural areas and as such attracts many tourists and tourists.

WHERE TO EAT

In Tivat are located numerous elite restaurants with international and local specialties.

Nikki Beach Restaurant
Source: montenegro.nikkibeach.com

🟊 Forza Porto - A spectacular restaurant, located in the Ksenija building offering an exquisite menu and uninterrupted views of the marina Porto Montenegro from a beautiful garden terrace.

🟊 Gallardo restaurant - the first traditional steakhouse in the area of Boka Bay. This restaurant is number one for tasty and contemporary meat dishes.

🟊 Murano - Located on the seafront, "Murano" restaurant brings a breeze of azure blue color and a flawless style of unobtrusive luxury. The menu centers around Mediterranean cuisine, fresh seafood, prepared with locally sourced and organic herbs.

🟊 Nikki Beach Restaurant is an urban bistro, well known for delectable dishes inspired by Nikki Beach locations worldwide. This restaurant offers amazing combinations of food and unforgettable tastes of Mediterranean and international cuisine.

INFO FOR CAPTAINS:

⚓ GPS coordinates of marina Porto Montenegro - Tivat:

N 42 25.992

E 18 41.454

⚓ Position of the marina Porto Montenegro - Tivat on Google Maps

⚓VHF 71

⚓ Max length – up to 250m

⚓ Customs formalities in the marina

⚓ Short and long term berthing options

⚓ Tax-free diesel

⚓ Free Wi-Fi

⚓Anchorage:

In front of port Tivat there is a possibility for anchorage even of big ships, due to depth of 18-20 m. On the east part of Tivat Bay (Podpolje beach) there are basins for breathing seashells and anchorage is strictly prohibited.

In Donja Lastva, on the east shore of Tivat Bay, between cape Seljanovo and the strait of Verige anchorage is recommended in front of the beach on a depth of 30m. Sea bottom is sandy and muddy and holds anchor well.

PERFECT COMBINATION OF STONE AND SEA - PERAST

GPS Coordinates: 42°29'14.8"N 18°41'47.5"E

Opposite the narrow Verige strait, at the foot of the hill of St. Elijah and at the place where the Bay of Kotor and Risan separate, you must see and experience the town of Perast. As far as is known, it is the oldest human habitat on the shores of the Bay of Kotor. Remains of Neolithic culture (3500 BC), as well as numerous archaeological finds, testify to a continuous settlement from Illyrian, Roman and early Christian times to the present day.

Perast

Perast, we observe through a unique whole of the city, islands and sea. These elements are united in both the physical and the spiritual dimension of the city. The UNESCO-protected town with its impeccably preserved Venetian Gothic waterfront buildings has a magnificent past. Iconic postcard images of Perast and the two famous nearby isles of Our Lady of the Rocks and St George are amongst the best know tourism images of Montenegro.

Lady of the Rock and St. George
 Photo: Iva Radic

The artificial island of Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Škrpjela) was created by throwing stones and sinking ships on an underwater rock. The people of Perast chose this place to build a church on it because sailors saw an icon with the image of Mary, mother of Jesus on July 22, 1452. Every year on this date a memorial is held and sails to the island on boats where new stones are thrown from ritual and for practical reasons, to compensate for the stones carried away by sea. The church was built in 1630, and it was painted by the famous Baroque painter Tripo Kokolja from Perast. In addition to his frescoes, the church is adorned with 2,000 silver plaques donated by sailors as a token of gratitude that God kept them on their voyages.

Another island not far from Our Lady is called Saint George (Sveti Đorđe). There is also a church on this island. Originally, there was a city cemetery, which was moved to the northern part of the city in 1866, as well as a church from the 12th century, destroyed during the earthquake in 1667. Today, there is a new church built on the site of the old one. Throughout history, this island has had a military defense function, because it is located in the heart of Boka and near the narrowest part of the bay - Verige, so it protected Perast and Risan from external attacks from the sea.

Perast prospered in the Venetian period when its defensive towers and the Fortress of St. Cross were built above the town. The city grew to include over 20 baroque palazzi (palaces), 18 churches, and an important maritime school. This explains why the village has a distinctly Venetian feel to it even today, and an unusually high concentration of churches for what is now a much smaller village than it used to be.

What to do:

⚓ Exploring the narrow streets and alleyways that stretch back from the water.

⚓ St Nicholas' church dominates the central town square. It is a Catholic church with a 55-meter-high bell tower. The entrance fee for the tower is 1 Euro and the views from the top overlooking the bay and towards the two islands are magnificent.

⚓ A visit to the Nautical Museum will bring you closer to the history and culture of the place. The museum itself is located in a beautiful, well-preserved old house by the bay with a marvelous view of the sea.

⚓ Visiting the church and museum located on Our Lady of the Rocks.

Where to eat:

Restaurant Catovica Mlini

⚓Restaurant Conte - with authentically Boka interior, stone and wood offering traditional meals and has access from the sea with the possibility of berthing (buoys and moorings) in front of restaurant terrace for smaller yachts but for bigger yachts and sailboats the restaurant has a tender (10 seats) to offer your guests free transfer from the anchorage.

⚓ Ćatovića Mlini - about 5 nautical miles from Perast, with our assistance, restaurant tender is at your disposal to pick up guests from your yacht directly from anchorage in Morinj to the restaurant.

Fun facts about Perast:

⚓ At its peak, in the middle of the 18th century, the Perast fleet consisted of about 100 larger ships. At that time, Perast was the main maritime city in the Bay of Kotor, celebrated on all seas. Perast ships sailed all over the Mediterranean, entering the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, all the way to England and the Netherlands.

Perast
Photo by Jovan Skakic

 ⚓On one occasion, a "rumor" reached Perast about a large number of pirates coming to plunder the city. The captains of Perast came up with a plan for the defense. In the narrowest place, they make an obstacle from chains (chains), from one side of the shore to the other. Chains were gathered around Perast and the surrounding places, from which a long defensive chain was made. Perast and the rest of Boka were defended. And so, the narrow passage in front of Perast was named Chains. People from Perast and the rest of Boka, chains and padlocks are not associated with slavery, but with great freedom.

 ⚓ Keeping the war flag called "Serenissima", for the full 377 years that the Venetian Republic ruled in this area, eight of its guards gave their lives, defending it! After the fall of the Veneto Republic, after Napoleon conquered Perast and Boka, the war flag was buried with a ceremony in Perast. To date, it has not been found.

The last of the three guards who buried the flag in secret, when asked to say where it was buried, answered - that the dead should not be disturbed.

Info for captains: 

The main docks in Perast are located under the church bell tower. These docks, just like the two smaller docks to the west and east of this one, are full of boats, most of them transporting passengers to Our Lady of the Rocks (there is a small dock on the island too). In the summer, you can only find a place to berth on the ‘main’ dock in the evening, when those boats stop sailing to the island. During bura winds, anchor closer to the eastern end of the town, and in sirocco, anchor at the beginning of the Bay of Risan.

 Fasinada Cup

Today, Perast is an extremely peaceful town, and the turbulent life, wealth and glory of Perast and the people of Perast are history. However, with its beauty, Perast attracts modern sailors, travelers, artists, dreamers, eager for beauty and peace.

ROSE - SIMPLICITY OF LIVING BY SEA

GPS Coordinates: 42° 25' 38" N, 18° 33' 24" E

Moor at one of the two jetties, the floating pontoon belongs to Forte Rose restaurant. Guests arriving by yacht can moor here at a depth of 4-12 meters.

Pontoon: length up to 20m, width 4m. Large buoys away from the mule.

View on Rose - Montenegro, Source: Ranko Maraš

Rose, small captain’s village is cuddled with mountains and Mediterranean forests, located right on entering the Bay of Kotor, on the North-Western shore of the peninsula Luštica, just opposite Herceg Novi, 1.7 nautical miles away.

Beautiful Rose promenade,
Source: Milos Samardzic 

It has the appearance of a typical Mediterranean place with a row of houses upstairs by the sea in the style of Boka architecture. The farewell of fishermen who go fishing at night with lanterns introduces visitors to the Mediterranean spirit and reminds them of the simplicity of life by the sea.

And before they became a reservoir of the most beautiful memories for those who found their summer refuge here, Rose was shaped by history. This used to be the ancient Greek settlement of Punto Rosa, which was destroyed by the Saracens (as Europeans called the Arabs in the Middle Ages) in 867. Since then, Rose has failed to regain her former glory. Rose in the past often served as a shelter for sailing ships, and at one time there was customs and the Port Authority, as well as a quarantine for sailors entering Boka.

There is an Orthodox church of the Holy Trinity in Rose, surrounded by the cemetery, where many well-known Maritime captains were buried. Also, the Church of Holy Mother, built in 1783. by the Venetian general Antonio Alberto.

Walk through resort Forte Rose, Source: Forte Rose

Forte Rose’s famous Mediterranean restaurant used to be the lighthouse for the bay and boasts views of Rose, Herceg Novi and the Bay of Kotor. A luxurious and private dining experience best known for its freshly caught seafood cuisine, meat, vegetarian dishes, breathtaking sunsets and exceptional wine list.

Note: The floating pontoon belongs to Forte Rose. Guests arriving by yacht can moor here at a depth of 4-12 meters. Mooring lines are available, but water is not. One or two yachts can get electricity on request. In addition to the docking facilities at the floating dock, the Forte Rose restaurant has deployed some large buoys with a very solid concrete block.

During the dive on dive site "Rose" you can see ancient chains, anchors, cannonballs and as well fragments of ancient pottery - jugs, amphorae, plates, etc. This dive site is a very popular site for scuba diving in Montenegro because of its history. A large number of divers come to this area to engage in underwater archaeological research and to see the old wrecks of ships and planes from times long past that lie on the bottom.

And everyone who stepped in there, and as soon as he stepped in had to stay or come back and will tell you the same thing - Rose is a hidden place for sunbathing your soul.

Dining out in Montenegro 2019

Montenegro is ready to surprise you with national cuisine and dishes that until now you maybe haven’t had the opportunity to taste. There is a rich selection of exclusive restaurants along the Montenegrin coast, offering a wide variety of gastronomic treasure. Whether you are a gourmet or not, if you choose seafood specialties or some of the traditional Montenegrin dishes, you will certainly not remain indifferent.

Visit and enjoy!

Aman - Sveti Stefan

Wonderful romantic location for watching the sunset, situated in the heart of charming isle Sveti Stefan. This restaurant offers amazing combinations of food and unforgettable tastes of Montenegrin domestic products.

Address: Sveti Stefan 85315, Montenegro
Phone number: +382 33 420 184
Email: amansvetistefan@aman.com

Nobu - Sveti Stefan

Nobu Montenegro is the part of world famous franchise of restaurants, owned by even more famous actor Robert De Niro. With perfect tastes of Japanese cuisine and beautiful ambient, the atmosphere will be completed by special Nobu cocktails which, like Nobu Sake, are produced exclusively for Nobu restaurants.

Address: Sveti Stefan 85315, Montenegro

Phone number: +382 69 133 158

Email: montenegro@noburestaurants.com

Club A – Budva

A paradise for hedonists situated in the heart of Budva, under the shelter of a carefully groomed garden and shade of magnolia and palm trees. Guests will enjoy all the delights of the cuisine that combines continental fullness of taste and Mediterranean charm, based on authenticity and proven quality.

Address: Jadranski put 85310, Budva
Phone number: +382 68 111 122
Email: info@a-club.me

Murano – Porto Montenegro

Located on the seafront, "Murano" restaurant brings a breeze of azure blue color and a flawless style of the unobtrusive luxury. Taking inspiration from its position next to the glittering superyacht marina and Boka Bay, the menu centers around Mediterranean cuisine, fresh seafood, prepared with locally sourced and organic herbs.

Address: Regent Porto Montenegro, Tivat

Phone number: +382 32 660 682

Email: murano@regenthotels.com

Ćatovića mlini – Boka bay

A secluded place in the privacy of the old house with a mill, where the fish restaurant is located. Offers fresh, homemade Mediterranean cuisine and a cozy ambiance. Friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere keeps diners coming back.

Address: Morinj, Boka Kotorska

Phone number: +382 32 373 030

Email: catovicamlini@t-com.me

Conte – Perast

Restaurant Conte is ideally located right on the seaside with a stunning view of the two island churches that Perast is famous for. The restaurant specializes in fine traditional cuisine with a focus on food quality and impeccable service.

Address: Obala Kapetana Marka Martinovića bb, Perast

Phone number: +382 67 257 387

Email: hotel-conte@t-com.me

Forza Marre – Dobrota, Kotor

Unique view over the Bay of Kotor. You’ll enjoy national and international dishes created with locally sourced fresh produces, all complemented by great Old and New World–style wine selections.

Address: Dobrota, Kotor

Phone number: +382 69 367 072 

Email: hotelforzamare@t-com.me

Galion – Kotor

The terrace of the restaurant is located on a platform along the coast, with a beautiful view of the marina and the Old town walls. Carefully selected specialties of international cuisine are a unique experience for the most refined palate.

Address: Šuranj bb, Kotor
Phone number: +382 67 263 420
Email: book@galion.me

Gastronomic journey around Montenegro

Hidden in the heart of Europe, Montenegro is a small country, which is ready to surprise you with a national cuisine and dishes that until now you maybe haven’t had the opportunity to taste. Whether you are a gourmet or not, if you choose sea specialties or some of the traditional Montenegrin dishes, you will definitely not remain indifferent. You can feel the taste in one day - in three meals.

Traditional Montenegrin dishes that we recommend you to try:

1. Njeguska prsuta and dried cheese

The most famous traditional Montenegrin appetizer is certainly a Njeguska prsuta, served with Njeguski sir (dried cheese), olives and homemade brandy or wine (Crnogorski Vranac, Vranac Procorde, Crnogorski Cabarnet, Crnogorski Merlot, Vranac Barik, Premijer, Medun). 

The secret of a unique and recognizable taste lies in good preparation, drying high-quality meat for several months.

2. Priganice

The simplicity of taste and ease of combining with different foodstuffs are the characteristics of one of the most favorite specialties that resist the time - priganice. These soft ˝balls˝ are prepared from dough, fried in deep oil. It is traditionally served with homemade honey or jam, and can also be served as a salty dish, along with cheese.

3. Kacamak

Kacamak is a creamy, high-calorie dish made of potato and wheat or corn flour, whose taste is complemented by cheese and cream added in the end. The ideal combination with kacamak is homemade sour milk.

4. Meat under the ˝sac˝

The ˝sac˝ is the oldest method for preparing traditional food, where meat (veal, lamb, octopus, fish) and vegetables are placed under the metal cover. All this is covered with charcoal and ash, so that the meal is baked evenly and saves the flavor.

5. Japraci

The japraci are a Montenegrin variant of ˝sarma˝ prepared with meat and rice filling, wrapped in rastan (vegetable with hard green leaves) or vine leaves. This extraordinarily nutritious meal is cooked with dried meat, so it gets a fantastic flavor.

6. Black risotto

If you’re a lover of seafood and risotto, this dish is the right choice for you. The risotto is a specific black color obtained from the octopus ink. This delicious specialty can be enriched with a glass of white wine (Crnogorski Krstač, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Podgoričko bijelo).

7. Octopus salad

Octopus salad is also a popular dish in Montenegrin coastal restaurants. The availability of fresh octopus in Montenegro is what makes this salad special. Cooked meat of octopus is cut into pieces and seasoned, and usually combined with boiled potatoes, onion, tomatoes and olives.

8.Barbun

White fish with the unique taste is one of the most famous fish of the Adriatic. Although it is rather forgotten, its exceptional aroma and taste will satisfy all your senses.

9. Fish soup

If you’re a soup-lover, we recommend you to try the traditional fish soup. This thick and spicy soup is prepared with several types of fish, with the addition of tomato sauce and paprika.

10. Dried carp

The traditional meal of the Skadar Lake residents is smoked dry carp, which is served as the main dish with various additions like a boiled potato, onion and parsley. You must try this dish if you find yourself in Montenegro.