As is the norm for me, I went on a walk-a-bout this morning and discovered the most beautiful seaside village of Donja Lastva. Staying in Tivat, I have been surrounded by a fair amount of newness, in fact, the city is the fastest growing municipality in Montenegro. When I stumbled onto Donja, I was whisked back in time to a simpler more peaceful era.
How to Get There
I walked along the seaside all the way, heading North out of Tivat. The distance is about 4 kilometres and I was able to stay on the beach most of the way. It is easy walking, and so picturesque. If I don’t faff about too many taking photos, the walk takes me one hour at a leisurely pace.
Donja Lastva
Situated at the base of the Vrmac Mountain, you will know the village for the tall bell tower that you begin to see off in the distance. This tower and the accompanying church which was built in 1901, make up the central square of the town. Now when I say town, it is indeed just a small fishing village.
In the 16th century, the noble folks of Kotor made their summer residences here on this coast. Scattered around are ruins of renaissance mansions and there remains evidence of one here in Donja Lastva.
Punto Crudo
After walking for that long and wanting to sit and enjoy this utterly breathtaking location, I decided to have a seat at Punto Crudo. I was seated right at the waters edge, in the most comfortable little chair and had an unobstructed view of the church and surrounding mountains.
All I wanted was a cappuccino, a bottle of fizzy water and a small bite. Asking for a croissant, the server said they didn’t have any but she would speak with the cook.
About 10 minutes later, my lovely server returns with my drinks and a small platter of two warm miniature danishes and fresh fruit! I was so overjoyed at the attempt to make me a little snack I could have cried.
And guess what, they didn’t even charge me for it. Only the drinks for €6 total. The gesture touched my heart and made my day to be honest.
Exploring
I walked around this little village for a while and took about 200 photos’, every direction was just so incredibly lovely. The people are all warm and friendly, the mood is soft and gentle. The crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea were gently lapping at the shoreline. Small wooden fishing boats bobbed in the water. I mean, can you picture a more perfect European village? My goodness.
The town itself has a handful of restaurants. I didn’t notice any type of grocery or food store here. There is an Eco hotel and I think if you were looking for an escape from reality, this would be the perfect place.
The little beach offers a place to sunbathe. Walking further north towards Kotor only resulted in having to walk on the busy roadway with no shoulder on either side. It was quite hazardous and I turned around after 15 minutes or so.
Discovering Donja Lastva has been one of my fondest memories whilst visiting Tivat and Montenegro. Walking in the tiny village, through the ancient street and tall stone buildings, brought me back to a simpler time. A time when there was no technology, a time when people spoke face to face. I will remember this dear little town.
