Lesser-known seaside town is 'one of Europe's coolest' just 3 hours from the UK

A beautiful seaside town that boasts a palm-fringed promenade and azure waters has been named as one of 'Europe's coolest', with insiders saying it rivals hotspots in the likes of Majorca and Ibiza.

Tivat in Montenegro is being hailed as an alternative summer destination for Brits, thanks to its balmy temperatures, gorgeous coastal views and lack of huge tourist crowds to be found in other European destinations.

The good news for Brits is that you don't need to break the bank if you want to see it for yourself. easyJet and Jet2 both offer direct flights to Tivat from London, and the cheapest fares tend to be in October according to Skyscanner, which shows return flights from £59 to the gorgeous seaside town, with a flight time of just under three hours.

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As for accommodation, Tivat has a reputation of being all about luxury hotels and chic stays, but there are actually a number of budget-friendly options too. For example, you can find hotel stays from £34 a night with Kayak.

There's plenty to see and do in town too. One of the highlights has to be Porto Montenegro which is home to plenty of harbour-front restaurants and shops with views out to the boats as well as some of the area's rocky beaches. Adventure seekers may also want to consider a boat trip to explore the region.

The Pine Embankment tends to be a hit with visitors because it boasts a wide promenade lined with shops and restaurants as well as attractions such as the historic Jadran Ship. It's worth noting that this area can be a little pricey - think the sort of vibes you'd get at Mykonos but with less of a party scene.

For those who want to explore some of the beautiful scenery that Montenegro has to offer, Tivat can be a great base from which to head into the mountains and take on the breathtaking hiking trails. Mount Vrmac tends to be a popular spot for those who want everything from an easy stroll to challenging hikes.

In recent months Tivat has been capturing the attention of intrepid explorers. Insiders at travel firm Welcome Pickups, which organises airport and port transfers, described it as "one of Europe's most exciting summer alternatives" after seeing a 200% increase in bookings to the hotspot just this year.

Dimitris Floros, the company's CCO, added: "Tivat is capturing the attention of holidaymakers who are looking for the luxury and scenery of the Mediterranean without the premium price tag. We’ve seen a remarkable 200% increase in airport transfers in Tivat since 2024, reflecting how quickly this destination is climbing the ranks with British travellers.

"Its sleek infrastructure, combined with the charm of Porto Montenegro and seamless connectivity from the UK, make it a standout alternative to more saturated spots like Dubrovnik or Ibiza. The surge in demand shows that British travellers are not just looking for new destinations, they’re looking for ease, value, and a touch of indulgence, all of which Tivat delivers beautifully."

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