Most visitors to the Bay of Kotor see Luštica from the water, on a boat trip out of the bay. Fewer see it from the inside. The peninsula closes the bay on its southern side: on one side lies the bay, on the other the open Adriatic, and across the entrance is Herceg Novi. Inland it is quiet, green and a little wild, which is exactly why we like riding there.
Where Luštica is
Luštica stretches from the Tivat side of the bay to the entrance of Boka, where it faces Herceg Novi. Its northern shore looks into the bay; its southern shore faces the open sea. Between them are hills covered in olive groves and low forest, crossed by small roads and tracks that connect old stone villages.
Forts at the entrance of the bay
Whoever controlled the entrance controlled the bay, so the tip of Luštica is lined with fortifications. In the 19th century the Austrian Empire, later Austria-Hungary, built a chain of forts here. The best known is Mamula, the round fortress on a small island off the tip of the peninsula, built in 1853 and named after the Austrian general Lazar Mamula; today it is a hotel. On the mainland, Fort Arza stands on the outer tip of Luštica, part of the same defence. Later, in Yugoslav times, the navy cut submarine tunnels into the coast, and traces of them can still be seen.
Villages and coast
On the bay side, the small fishing village of Rose looks across the water to Herceg Novi. Inland, olive groves surround old stone villages. Along the open-sea coast, the best known sight is the Blue Cave (Plava špilja), a sea cave reached only by boat or kayak. The coast here is known for clear water, small coves and caves.
Exploring Luštica by quad or buggy
Our Luštica Peninsula tour is our longest route, around 4 to 4.5 hours. It combines military history, such as Austro-Hungarian fortifications and traces of the submarine tunnels, with olive groves, old villages and views toward the entrance of the bay. You can drive a quad yourself, on a group tour at a set time or privately, or take a private buggy tour with our driver. Stops are flexible.
The Luštica tour is also bookable on GetYourGuide. For better prices, contact us directly.
Tips for a day on Luštica
- Plan half a day. With 4 to 4.5 hours on the trail, keep the rest of the day light.
- Sun and water. Large parts of the peninsula are open to the sun, so bring water, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- See the coast from the sea too. The Blue Cave and Mamula are best seen from a boat, so they make a good second day.
Not sure if Luštica or Vrmac suits you better? Read our guide to Vrmac or compare vehicles in ATV or buggy: how to choose.
