European gem that’s ‘better than Monaco’ is 23°C in May with new BA flights

This gem in Montenegro is getting new BA flights (Picture: Getty Images)

Lavish superyachts, sun-soaked streets lined with glamorous boutiques, waiters serving bubbles by the water.

It sounds like summer on the French Riviera, but you don’t have to break the bank in the South of France to get a taste of how the other half live.

Luxury for less awaits in Tivat, a charming coastal town in Montenegro that you’d be forgiven for mistaking for Monaco.

The once dowdy spot near the iconic Bay of Kotor has received a multimillion-dollar makeover in recent years, transforming its naval pier into a swanky marina — and prompting budget airlines to launch new direct flights.

In 2024, Jet2 launched a twice-weekly route from London Stansted to Tivat, with planes taking off on Mondays and Thursdays. EasyJet also flies non-stop from Gatwick.

Now, British Airways is launching a new direct route from Heathrow, set to depart for the first time on May 14 – flying several times per week until September.

It’s a good time for Tivat to be on your radar.

Get to know Tivat – and best things to do

Montenegro is, in a technical sense, one of the youngest countries in the world.

Tivat is often hailed as an underrated destination (Picture: Getty Images/500px)

Following the demise of Yugoslavia in the early nineties, it formed a single country with Serbia until its citizens voted for independence in 2006.

It didn’t take long for the country’s leaders to start taking advantage of its blatant tourism potential. Already, Montenegro has a reputation as one of the top hiking destinations in Europe, and several major projects are under way to tempt more people over to discover the beauty of this area of the Balkans.

The focus of one of those projects was Tivat. For the uninitiated, TikTokers describe it as one of the ‘most underrated’ spots in Europe.

The town, which has a population of around 15,000, stretches 42km along the Bay of Kotor.

Tivat, a coastal town on the Bay of Kotor in ‘underrated’ Montenegro (Picture: Metro)

The main attraction is the revamped marina, known as Porto Montenegro, which is home to high-end boutiques, restaurants, bars and a yacht club.

Porto Montenegro also hosts dozens of annual 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 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 WWII, it was occupied by the Nazis.

Tivat’s landscape is one of its biggest drawcards; the area boasts stunning beaches and plenty of spots to sunbathe and swim.

Nearby Luštica 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’t want to travel. Belani Beach, a pebble beach near the marina, is another popular choice.

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.

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.

If you like to stay active on holiday, there are lots of hiking trails 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 usually takes place in September, and features ‘music events, street art, workshops and public debates’, all taking place on the city’s quaint streets.

When’s the best time to visit Tivat?

If you’re keen to bask in sunshine, the summer months are the perfect time to explore Tivat.

The average temperature right now is around 18°C with May’s average high hitting a pleasant 23°C – but by July and August the average high soars up to 31°C.

If you like to seek the sun, visit in summer (Picture: Getty Images)

In September, when the last of the new British Airways flights will depart for 2026, you can expect an average high of around 22°C.

If you prefer to go when the crowds have gone, early spring or late autumn might be a better time to consider. Things start to cool down by October.

Is Tivat expensive?

If you don’t have a South of France budget, Tivat might just be the place to go.

A range of restaurants have options in the €10-€15 price range, according to Google reviews – including Basta Sidro, which serves traditional cuisine and BBQ.

It looks luxurious, but there are budget-friendly options to be found in Tivat (Picture: Getty Images)

Big Ben tops the list of cheap eats on TripAdvisor, as does The Big Bite, where an April 2026 review cited spending ‘£20-£22 for a burger, wings and a pint’.

For popular excursions, like a boat trip around the bay, you don’t have to splash too much cash either. One option on Get Your Guide, leaving from Kotor, starts from £30 per person.

A tour of Tivat’s submarine tunnel and Blue Cave starts from £22 per person. Meanwhile, a guided hike from Tivat up Vrmac Hill with views over the bay starts from £51 per person.

This article was last published in April 2025 and has been updated.

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