On the one hand, fashionable resort-like Tivat attracts foreign tourists with racy bars and nightclubs for youngsters, snazzy noisy parties, and unforgettable open-air music festivals. On the other hand, it is a quiet and peaceful town, where there are many historical landmarks of the Middle Ages. The main attraction is its lovely botanical garden, Large Town Park, or, as the locals call it, Captain’s Park.
The botanical garden is located in the historical downtown of Tivat. It is the most favorite walking spot for both townspeople and guests of the town. It was named Captain’s Park after its founder, Admiral of the Austro-Hungarian Navy Maximilian von Sterneck. In 1892, the admiral ordered all captains to bring plant seeds and seedlings from all over the world, wherever winds took them. So, unique trees such as eucalyptus and monkey puzzle tree appeared in the park, and the delightful exotic beauty of magnolia complemented that of pines and cedars. In the early days, on the site of the park, there had been an old shipyard. Today, the area of more than 4 hectares is occupied by the most extensive botanical garden of the Adriatic, the only green area of Tivat protected by the government.
Favorable climatic conditions and the annual prevalence of sunny days allowed exotic plants and flowers to spire far away from their native habitats. Today, you can see old olives and palms, sensitive plants, and oleanders here. And nothing beats a walk in the garden in the evening, when a cool sea breeze reaches you from the seafront and the air is filled with exotic aromas. And if the silence and tranquility of the park aren’t enough for you, you can always go down to the seafront and immerse yourself in the magical ambiance of modern, lively Tivat to the upbeat rhythms of traditional Montenegrin music or sets of trending local DJs.