You've landed at Tivat Airport. Outside, the sun, the Bay of Kotor, and a country that can be explored from top to bottom in a few hours' drive await you. The only question is—where to first?
If you've rented a car—and that's by far the smartest thing you can do on your first day—you have a freedom that no transfer or bus can provide. Below are destinations worth considering, depending on what you're looking for in a vacation.
Kotor — a 15-minute drive, and you feel like you're in another century.
Kotor is just about a 15-minute drive from the airport along the Bay of Kotor coast. If you've never been to Montenegro, Kotor is an almost mandatory first stop—an old town inscribed on the UNESCO list, walls that climb the mountain above it, and the Adriatic Sea that here becomes a bay surrounded by mountains.
On the first day, we recommend arriving in the morning while it's still relatively cool and before the tour buses fill the narrow streets. The parking lot is right next to the entrance to the old town. A one- or two-hour stroll through Kotor and a coffee by the water—a perfect introduction to Montenegro.
What not to miss: Climbing the walls (about 1,500 steps to the top, but the view is priceless), the Weapons Square in the heart of the old town, and the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon.
Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks — the most photographed spot in the Bay of Kotor
If you continue along the coast from Kotor toward Herceg Novi, you'll reach Perast in about twenty minutes—perhaps the most beautiful small town in all of Montenegro. There aren't many streets, no crowds, just stone houses, churches, and two islets in the middle of the bay.
One of those islets is Gospa od Škrpjela—a church on an artificial island, built over centuries. You can get there by boat in five minutes, and it's the kind of experience that's hard to forget.
Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks together easily fill half a day.
Budva — 35 minutes, the sea and Montenegro's first beach
If the sea and beach are the priority, Budva is the logical choice for the first day. It's about a 35-minute drive from the airport, heading south on the highway toward Bar.
Budva is the tourist hub of Montenegro's Riviera—lively, loud, and full of things to do. The old town is small but charming, and the beaches are close to the center and within walking distance. For those seeking nightlife and atmosphere, Budva is the place to be.
Note: Budva is extremely crowded in July and August. If you're visiting during that period and appreciate peace and quiet, a better option might be…
Petrovac — 50 minutes, a quieter alternative for families and those escaping the crowds
Petrovac na Moru is a 50-minute drive from the airport, a bit further from Budva, but for many tourists—a far better option. Smaller, quieter, with clearer water and less aggressive tourism.
We especially recommend it to families with children and to anyone who prefers a morning coffee by the sea without any noise. Petrovac has everything you need for a vacation—beaches, restaurants, accommodations—without mass touristification.
If you're not sure between Budva and Petrovac as a vacation base, read our article about the differences between these two destinations.
Combined first-day route — for those who want to get the most out of it
If you have the energy and a car, you can see a lot on the first day:
Morning: Tivat Airport → Kotor (walking, coffee, city walls) Noon: Kotor → Perast → Our Lady of the Rocks (boat) Afternoon: Perast → Budva or Petrovac (beach, accommodation, dinner)
Total: about 80 km of driving, but spread out over the day with no rushing. This route offers a good look at two sides of Montenegro — historic Montenegro and the sunny Riviera.
Why a car is crucial for the first day
Getting from the airport to the hotel is easy. But on your first day in a new country, the ability to stop wherever you want, make spontaneous detours, and follow your own rhythm—that's the difference between a vacation and an experience.
With Tivat Airport as a starting point, Rent a car upon arrival and get started. Vehicles are available for pickup immediately, with no wait — your adventure begins as soon as you leave the terminal.
Parking tip: Kotor and Budva have paid parking right by the beach and the old town. We recommend arriving early (by 9 AM) or using the parking lots a bit further away and taking a short walk.
Planning to come to Montenegro? Check out our selection of vehicles available for pickup at airport Tivat — from economical to more spacious SUV models, for every type of trip.
