Tivat Saline

Tivat Salinas (Tivatska solila) are a coastal bird reserve in Tivat Bay, Montenegro, occupying the site of a historic saltworks between the Odoljenatica and Koločun rivers. The mosaic of shallow pans, canals and salt meadows is now a key stopover on the Adriatic Flyway.

• About 120 bird species recorded; 11 species listed in EU Birds Directive Annex I – evidence of Europe-wide importance.
• Roughly half the area are mudflats with embankments up to 15 cm – prime feeding grounds for waders and herons.
• Protection status: Special Nature Reserve since 2008; IBA and Emerald site since 2009; Ramsar Wetland of International Importance since 2013.
• Rare eastern-Adriatic mix of coastal lagoon and disused evaporation pans – vital for resting and breeding.
• Low disturbance and boardwalks/viewpoints – the site is tailored for responsible bird-watching.

• Lookouts over feeding flocks of waders, cormorants and divers in the shallows.
• Heritage of the saltworks: crystallisation fields, feeder canals, remnants of timber linings.
• Seasonal “mirror” pools with mountain reflections and adjacent salt-meadows.

The salinas are first mentioned in 1333 in Kotor notarial books as one of four lawful salt markets. In the 18th century Venice curtailed small saltworks; under Austria-Hungary the site fell idle. A brief “New Salina” restart in 1963–1964 ended as cheaper North-African salt flooded Europe.

Conservation followed in 2008; since 2009 it has been IBA/Emerald, and in 2013 Ramsar-listed. Hydrological upkeep and bird monitoring have continued since, with steady growth in species and counts.

Location: SE fringe of Tivat, between the Odoljenatica and Koločun rivers at the head of Tivat Bay.
Getting there: short drive/taxi from Tivat town/airport; parking near the entrance; short walking loops on dikes/boardwalks.
Access: daylight access on marked paths only; no drones; dogs on leash.
Visiting hours: year-round; peak birding in spring and autumn migration.
Visit duration: 1–2 hours for a standard loop; longer with photography and tide watching.
Best time: early morning and late afternoon, especially during migrations.
Notes: bring binoculars/scope and insect repellent; occasional sulphur smell in wind is normal for saltmarsh habitats.