{"id":46352,"date":"2025-04-24T10:26:11","date_gmt":"2025-04-24T10:26:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/46352\/"},"modified":"2025-04-24T10:26:11","modified_gmt":"2025-04-24T10:26:11","slug":"european-gem-thats-better-than-monaco-is-23c-in-may-with-55-flights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/46352\/","title":{"rendered":"European gem that\u2019s \u2018better than Monaco\u2019 is 23\u00b0C in May with \u00a355 flights"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"646\" height=\"431\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/GettyImages-1723461696.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-20589442\" alt=\"Luxury coastline of Town of Tivat\" decoding=\"sync\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tMove over Monaco, this coastal spot in Montenegro offers glamour on a budget (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>Lavish superyachts, sun-soaked streets lined with glamorous boutiques, waiters serving bubbles by the water.<\/p>\n<p>It sounds like <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/summer\/\" data-track=\"inline-tag-auto-link_article\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">summer<\/a> on the French Riviera, but you don\u2019t have to break the bank in the South of <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" data-track=\"inline-tag-auto-link_article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/france\/?ico=auto_link_lifestyle_P2_LNK1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">France<\/a> to get a taste of how the other half live.<\/p>\n<p>Luxury for less awaits in<strong> Tivat<\/strong>, a charming coastal town in <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/montenegro\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Montenegro<\/a> that you\u2019d be forgiven for mistaking for <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/monaco\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Monaco<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The once dowdy spot near the <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/05\/04\/hidden-gem-breathtaking-beaches-apt-slower-travel-20775176\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">iconic Bay of Kotor<\/a> recently received a multimillion-dollar makeover, transforming its naval pier into a swanky marina \u2014 and prompting budget airlines to launch new direct flights.<\/p>\n<p>In 2024, <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/jet2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jet2<\/a> launched a twice-weekly route from London to Tivat, with planes taking off on Mondays and Thursdays. <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/easyjet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">EasyJet<\/a> also flies non-stop.<\/p>\n<p>Getting to the Adriatic in the next few weeks is affordable, with one-way flights from \u00a355. The cheapest seat <strong>Metro<\/strong> found is on the 6.45am flight from <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/stansted-airport\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">London Stansted<\/a>, on Monday, May 5.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tSign up to The Getaway newsletter\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p>Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration.\u00a0<a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/newsletters\/the-getaway\/?ito=travel-article&amp;signup-source=travel-article-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Everything you need to know about Tivat<\/p>\n<p>For the uninitiated, TikTokers describe Tivat as <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/02\/04\/visited-montenegro-18th-birthday-discovered-19929621\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">one of the \u2018most underrated\u2019 spots in Europe<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The town, which has a population of around 15,000, stretches 42km along the Bay of Kotor.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img width=\"646\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/SEI_198502783-78b1.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-20589062\" alt=\"Tivat in Montenegro Map\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tTivat, a coastal town on the Bay of Kotor in \u2018underrated\u2019 Montenegro (Picture: Metro)<\/p>\n<p>The main attraction is the revamped marina, known as Porto <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/11\/10\/650-000-buys-around-world-including-a-european-beachfront-apartment-21951417\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Montenegro<\/a>, which is home to high-end boutiques, restaurants, bars and a yacht club.<\/p>\n<p>Porto Montenegro also hosts dozens of annual events. From catwalk shows, to cricket matches, jazz festivals, and regattas there\u2019s likely to be something for everyone.<\/p>\n<p>For history buffs, Tivat\u2019s Maritime Heritage Museum is the perfect place to learn more about the region. Tivat has an ancient past, with evidence of settlements dating back before the Middle Ages. During <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/world-war-two\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WWII<\/a>, it was occupied by the <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/nazi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Nazis<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Tivat\u2019s landscape is one of its biggest drawcards; the area boasts stunning beaches and plenty of spots to sunbathe and swim.<\/p>\n<p>Nearby Lu\u0161tica Peninsula is said to be the best place for a proper dip in the sea, but the town beach will also do the job if you don\u2019t want to travel. Belani Beach, a pebble beach near the marina, is another popular choice.<\/p>\n<p>Just like its de facto twin, Monaco, there are plenty of water sports on offer in Tivat, from speedboating to snorkeling and kayaking. You can also take cave boat tours.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img width=\"508\" height=\"339\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/GettyImages-1222024013_b7f536.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-20594145\" alt=\"Beautiful sea promenade in Tivat, Montenegro. Kotor bay, Adriatic sea\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tMonaco or Montenegro? (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>If you like to stay active on holiday, there are lots of hiking trails around Tivat, including the popular route to the village of\u00a0Gornja Lastva, just above Tivat. It takes about 30-40 minutes to walk the well-marked trial, where you\u2019ll be rewarded with impressive views of Tivat and the surrounding bay.<\/p>\n<p>For music fans, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tivatworld\/?paipv=0&amp;eav=AfattS88V6HwI0DGmnyzYUEE09QPn5Zw-wNSqXnXTut_k2c1ZAhHrXxjK2PWHmJT6_4&amp;_rdr\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tivatworld\/?paipv=0&amp;eav=AfattS88V6HwI0DGmnyzYUEE09QPn5Zw-wNSqXnXTut_k2c1ZAhHrXxjK2PWHmJT6_4&amp;_rdr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tivat World<\/a> festival takes place from 6 to 8 of September. The festival features \u2018music events, street art, workshops and public debates\u2019, all taking place on the city\u2019s quaint streets.<\/p>\n<p><strong>When is the best time to visit Tivat<\/strong>?<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re keen to bask in sunshine, the summer months are the perfect time to explore Montenegro.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The average temperature right now is around 18\u00b0C, but by July this will be tipping past 30\u00b0C.<\/p>\n<p>If you prefer to go when the crowds have gone, late autumn or early spring might be a better time to consider. It\u2019s cooler, with average temperatures in October of 21\u00b0C.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img width=\"646\" height=\"431\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/GettyImages-1447470021.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-20589440\" alt=\"Scenic view of lake and mountains against sky,Tivat,Montenegro\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tSummers are hot and sunny in Montenegro (Picture: Getty Images\/500px)<br \/>\nWhere to stay in Tivat<\/p>\n<p>Tivat has a wide range of hotels and Airbnbs to suit most budgets. <\/p>\n<p>Travelling in May, rooms in standard four-star hotels start from \u00a365 a night based on two adults sharing.<\/p>\n<p>A night in the five-star Montenegro Lodge will set you back anywhere from \u00a3138 per night.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re after real luxury, check out the Regent Porto Montenegro, a Renaissance Venetian-style hotel, which is 600 yards from the beach and offers \u2018celebrity treatment\u2019, with over 175 rooms featuring either a balcony or a terrace.<\/p>\n<p>A stay here won\u2019t come cheap, with current prices for two adults starting from \u00a3262 per night.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Is Tivat expensive?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you want the luxury of the South of France, but you don\u2019t have the budget, Tivat is the place to go.<\/p>\n<p>Big Ben is one of the town\u2019s 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 \u00a33 to \u00a313 per person for a meal.<\/p>\n<p>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 \u20ac10.50 and a glass of pinot is \u20ac6.50.<\/p>\n<p>For popular excursions, like a boat trip around the bay, you don\u2019t have to splash too much cash either. <\/p>\n<p>Most tours start from Kotor. This three-hour excursion which takes in the Blue Cave, and an abandoned submarine tunnel is just \u00a332 per person.<\/p>\n<p>This story was originally published on 8 April 2024 and has been updated.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Do you have a story to share?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Get in touch by emailing <a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2025\/04\/24\/european-gem-better-monaco-23-c-may-55-flights-22964565\/mailto:MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"metro-more-link\">Arrow<br \/>\nMORE: <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2025\/04\/23\/bucketlist-uk-town-starring-role-iconic-00s-tv-show-22957039\/?ico=more_text_links\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The \u2018bucketlist\u2019 UK town that had starring role in iconic 00s TV show<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"metro-more-link\">Arrow<br \/>\nMORE: <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2025\/04\/23\/uks-walkable-city-a-creative-seaside-hub-one-hour-london-22953838\/?ico=more_text_links\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">UK\u2019s most \u2018walkable\u2019 city is a creative seaside hub one hour from London<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"metro-more-link\">Arrow<br \/>\nMORE: <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2025\/04\/23\/blackpool-a-kiss-quick-dump-defend-end-22919311\/?ico=more_text_links\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">I adore this UK seaside town \u2013 despite people calling it a \u2018dump\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tThe Getaway<\/p>\n<p>Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Move over Monaco, this coastal spot in Montenegro offers glamour on a budget (Picture: Getty Images) Lavish superyachts,&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":46353,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5174],"tags":[2000,299,5510,5187,388,25482,183,2510],"class_list":{"0":"post-46352","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-eu","8":"tag-eu","9":"tag-europe","10":"tag-europe-travel","11":"tag-european","12":"tag-lifestyle","13":"tag-montenegro","14":"tag-travel","15":"tag-travel-inspiration"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46352","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=46352"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46352\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/46353"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=46352"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=46352"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=46352"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}