Not long ago, Tivat was a quiet former naval town that most travellers passed straight through on their way around the Bay of Kotor. Then came Porto Montenegro, a glossy superyacht marina that turned it into the coast’s most fashionable address. The change has been dramatic, and it divides opinion. So has it improved Tivat, or spoiled it? I’ll give you my honest verdict, and I’m rarely shy with one: it’s genuinely a bit of both.

This guide weighs up Tivat’s transformation and how to make the most of the town today.

The Case That It Helped

Porto Montenegro, now the only platinum-rated marina in the world, brought life, money, and a genuinely pleasant waterfront to a town that had little to show visitors. Built on the site of a former Yugoslav shipyard, its jetties, lined with some of the most expensive yachts afloat, are backed by a promenade of restaurants, boutiques, bars, and a small Maritime Heritage Museum in an old naval building. I have a serious weakness for beautiful machines, so I’ll admit an hour spent wandering the jetties gawping at the hardware was time well spent. The result is a comfortable, walkable base for exploring the whole Bay of Kotor, with Tivat’s own airport making arrivals easy, always a plus in my book.

The Case That It Hurt

Critics argue the marina feels imported, a bubble of superyachts and designer shops with little connection to old Montenegro. Prices have climbed, and some of the town’s original character has been polished away in the process. If you come looking for gritty authenticity, Porto Montenegro is not it.

The Balance: Use It as a Base

In truth, both things are true at once. Tivat is more comfortable and more generic than it was. But step beyond the marina and the older, quieter coast is still there:

• Seljanovo Beach, a short stroll from the marina, is a low-key local swimming spot.
• The Luštica peninsula nearby hides wilder coves, quiet villages, and a clifftop golf course, and the winding coastal drive out there was exactly the kind of afternoon I travel for.
• Boat trips run to the Blue Cave and, of course, to Kotor and Perast around the bay.

A local guide like Montenegro Pulse and travel write-ups such as Adriatic Ways cover both the glamour and the quieter corners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tivat worth visiting? Yes, especially as a comfortable, well-connected base for the Bay of Kotor. The Porto Montenegro marina is pleasant, and the nearby Luštica peninsula and beaches offer quieter escapes.

What is Porto Montenegro? A luxury superyacht marina in Tivat, built on a former naval shipyard, lined with yachts, restaurants, shops, and a maritime museum. It is the centrepiece of modern Tivat.

Is Tivat or Kotor better to stay in? Kotor is more historic and dramatic but busier; Tivat is more modern, comfortable, and central to the bay, with an airport. Many travellers use Tivat as a base and day-trip to Kotor.

Final Thoughts

Porto Montenegro made Tivat prosperous and pretty, if a little less distinctive. Whether that counts as progress depends on what you came for, but as a base for exploring the bay, it undeniably works. Pair it with a visit to nearby Kotor and, inland, the capital Podgorica.