- Address: Tivatska solila, Tivat Municipality, Montenegro
- Phone: +382 69 316 158
- Area: about 150 hectares
In Montenegro there is a unique nature reserve, which is considered one of the main attractions of the country and is called Tivatska Solila. Its area is about 150 hectares.
What is interesting about the reserve?
It is located 10 km from the center of the city of Tivat on the site, where in the Middle Ages there were salt mines. The extracted salt was then valued on a par with gold. Solilah was considered a tasty morsel for neighboring countries, who all the time tried to conquer this area.
When the salt fell in price, it stopped being mined, and this place was chosen by both local and migratory birds. Altogether there are 111 species of birds. True, this figure is approximate and may differ in different years.
In 2007, Tivat Salt was recognized as an environmental conservation area, which belongs to the International Organization for the Study and Observation of Birds (IBA). In 2013 the reserve was included in the international list of wetlands. The plans of the municipality administration for the development of tourism include the creation of an ornithological park here.
This territory still has an important archaeological significance. In these parts, scientists discovered Greek and Roman ceramic products. Their age dates back to the 6th century BC.
Inhabitants of the reserve
In Tivat Salt, a variety of mixed vegetation. In the swampy terrain, holophytes, coastal grasses and flowers grow, which so attract birds.
The Center for the Protection and Study of Birds in Montenegro found that 4 species of birds live permanently in these parts, 35 - only winter, 6 - nest. Very rare and even endangered specimens arrive here, for example, snipe, sea hawk, Javanese cormorant, sandaga, common flamingo and the gray crane.
Such a variety of birds makes the park an excellent place to observe them. There are also 14 species of reptiles and amphibians, 3 of which are on the verge of extinction.
When and how to visit?
The best time to visit is from December to May. In these months you can observe the maximum number of its feathered inhabitants.
Entrance to the territory of Tivat Salt is free. For travelers here are laid special tourist routes, from which it is recommended not to turn off. In the reserve it is impossible:
- picking plants;
- make noise;
- disturb the birds and their nests.
When going on a trip, do not forget to bring a strong pair of binoculars with you to better view the birds and their chicks. By the way, against the background of local salt marshes bright and beautiful photos are obtained.
How to get to the reserve?
The reserve is located between the peninsula of Lustica and the airport , from which you can walk to Tivat Salt. At the crossroads, choose the left direction and go to overgrown fields, the journey time will take up to half an hour.
You can also come to the reserve by buses of the company "Blue line" or on a rented car through Jadranska magistrala, the distance is about 10 km.