Old wooden boats, fishing nets, oars, anchors and hooks offer a tangible insight into Bjelila’s character as a fishing village. Traditional fishing equipment from the Bay of Kotor is also part of this picture. It is not just the boat that takes centre stage, but also the craft that has shaped the fishing tradition. Those interested in life by the water and traditional working tools will find a special way to appreciate the character of the village here.

Frutak and the tradition behind the name Bjelila

Another local tradition centres on the Frutak freshwater spring. Traditional clothes washing is associated with it, and this tradition is also linked to the origin of the name Bjelila. The story thus connects an everyday custom with an explanation of a place name. It adds another perspective on local history to the fishing tradition, without requiring the two themes to be treated as one and the same.

Views of three islands

Bjelila looks out towards the Island of Flowers, Sveti Marko and Gospa od Milosti. These three named islands provide a distinctive point of reference in the landscape around the village. Together with the fishing motifs and the Frutak tradition, they offer different perspectives on Bjelila: its maritime tradition, the history of its name and the views of the islands. Each of these aspects tells a different story about the village.

More to explore in the wider destination of Tivat

The wider destination of Tivat also has its own natural and cultural highlights. Tivat City Park has been a protected area since 1968 and was declared a natural monument in 2015. Visitors can stroll in the shade of mature, partly exotic trees; some are up to 130 years old and 25 metres tall. Solila is a different kind of natural environment: this coastal wetland covers about 150 hectares and lies opposite Tivat’s city centre in Krtole Bay. Since 2013, it has been listed as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention and designated an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA). Solila is also a candidate for Emerald Area status under the Bern Convention. The city park and the wetland thus represent different connections with nature within Tivat.

Maritime heritage and art in Tivat

The Maritime Heritage Collection in Porto Montenegro is a museum dedicated to Tivat’s maritime traditions and the Adriatic’s nautical past. Also in Porto Montenegro, the Submarine Museum features the P-821 Hero submarine, described as a former showpiece of the Yugoslav Navy. In the medieval Buća complex, the “Ethnographic Heritage of Tivat” collection presents exhibitions on art, ethnology, archaeology and documentary subjects. The fortified, 15-metre-high tower of Buća Luković dates back to 1548 and is now used as an art gallery. These places and collections offer different ways to explore Tivat’s maritime, historical and artistic sides.

Activities and events in the wider destination of Tivat

Kayaking is offered as a leisure activity in the calm waters of Tivat Bay. The “Neptun-Mimoza” diving club offers diving courses, organised dives and the rental of complete diving equipment in Tivat; the club was founded in 1993. Kalardovo offers a different kind of attraction: this natural sandy beach in the municipality of Tivat is considered especially appealing to families with children. The Tivat Bowling Olympics is a traditional summer event, usually held in July or August. The game is played according to old folk rules, and participants also include people from other towns in Montenegro and from abroad.

PURGATORY is also part of Tivat’s seasonal cultural programme. The festival takes place in summer, from mid-June to the end of August; most performances are held on the summer stage at Buća Summer House. As dates and venues may change in future editions, it is worth checking the details for the relevant edition before making plans. Tivat’s cycle paths are also useful for getting around the city. Nature, culture and activities can thus be explored as distinct themes of the wider destination, without attributing them to Bjelila.

Discover more destinations: Lepetane, Donja Lastva, Mrčevac, Krašići, Radovici, Gošići, Prčanj, Tivat.

Back to the wider travel guide: Tivat.