Car & Van Hire in Tivat

It's easy to mistake Tivat for Monaco on your first visit. This once-lazy seaside town has attracted a wealthy contingent of land developers, so ritzy apartment blocks and a multimillion-dollar marina were sure to follow. These days, the town offers glamorous attractions for the ultra-wealthy, but that doesn't mean it's lost its charm. Its sacred monuments and unspoiled beaches still celebrate the spirit of Tivat's history, so this is not just a city for the jet set. Hiking on Sveti Marko Island, sipping coffee at Porto Montenegro and exploring the Renaissance Summer House Buca are all pocket-friendly ways to enjoy the area.

Much of Tivat's life encircles Porto Montenegro. The structure was built for super-yachts, but you needn't be uber-wealthy to experience it. There are surprisingly-affordable meals and drinks on offer. The peaceful atmosphere doesn't cost a cent, so head to the pine embankment to take in the mountain views or enjoy a hike in scenic surroundings. This section of coastline offers a less manufactured experience than the port itself, so it's the perfect way to experience Tivat's authentic side. The 2.3-mile hiking route near Veliki Gradski Park is well worth exploring.

The park itself is Tivat's largest. Many of its trees are over a century old and reach 25 metres into the sky. The botanical area is the product of ancient seafarers from the 1800s who used to bring back exotic plants from their adventures. It has its own fish pond and fountain, but history buffs will be more interested in the Second World War monument. It celebrates two heroes who withstood the assault of Italian forces and lost their lives in the process.

Every year in the summer, Tivat breaks out into a carnival that attracts international participants. It includes everything you might expect from such an event: carnival processions, street food and traditional clothing. It also features a masquerade ball on the water replete with diplomatic corp guests. Summer is undoubtedly the best season to visit, not just for the beaches, but the gastronomic evenings and sporting events, too.

You will, of course, want to spend plenty of time on the beach, and Tivat has plenty of options. Przno is regarded as its best. It has a 350-metre-long stretch lined with pine trees. Families gather on Kalardovo, which has its own sun loungers and restaurant.

Handling a van hire in Tivat is easier than you might think. While traffic is heavy between 13:00 and 18:00 every day, road conditions are exceptional. Its streets developed a bad reputation for potholes in the noughties, but these days, the roads are well-maintained. The region has many narrow mountain roads. The tight turns can be intimidating, so keep cool and take your time. Your safety is more important than the impatient drivers behind you.

Montenegro is known for its high crime rates, but Tivat is considerably safer than its outlying regions. Theft levels are moderate, and theft insurance is offered by most car rental companies. If you keep your doors locked and park in public areas, you shouldn't experience anything untoward. Tivat is crawling with secure commercial car parks. Magnolija Tivat Centre offers safe, covered parking within walking distance of most of the city. If you're heading to the town's eastern stretches, you'll find a car park conveniently placed on the corner of CPM4 and XMR.

Tivat's roads are prone to congestion, but most traffic is relegated to its northeastern coastline, continuing inward towards the south along Ferry Harbour. It's best to avoid this stretch of road entirely since traffic can grind to a halt in several places. You'll save plenty of time by parking on the detour just after Market Toni and walking the rest of the way. If you must use the main byway, head left at Park Doma Vojske before you hit any traffic jams. You'll find Parking Ponta a short drive ahead.

You won't need an International Driving Permit to drive in Montenegro if your local licence is printed in Roman script. An official translation may be more convenient than an IDP. Enterprise Rent-A-Car accepts valid licences from your state or home country.

Google Maps functions well in Tivat, so you needn't rent a GPS. Carry a hands-free mount, as mobile phone usage is strictly banned while driving. Seatbelts are mandatory, and city speed limits are typically 50 km/h. Police fine heavily for speeding violations and may even confiscate your passport, so watch the speed signs. Bear in mind that they're displayed in kilometres rather than miles.

All cars in Tivat are required to have dipped headlamps, even in the middle of the day. Make sure you know how to operate your headlamps before you leave the airport, and don't forget to turn them off when you leave your vehicle.