Jet2 launches flights to European seaside resort known as the ‘cheaper alternative to Croatia’
THIS week. Jet2 has launched brand new flights to a lesser-known holiday destination in Europe.
On April 1, the first passengers landed on the new twice-weekly route, transporting people to a small city, that is often compared to chic Monaco... but without the huge price tag.
The new flights link London Stansted to Tivat in Montenegro on both Mondays and Thursdays.
The flights will continue throughout the summer and will last until October.
What's more, the airline will also fly to Tivat from Birmingham from May this year.
Those flights will initially be weekly until July, when two will be available until October.
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The small city is home to sandy beaches, with surprisingly refreshing water, making it one of the locals' favourite spots to visit during the hot summer months.
According to Tivat Travel there are "several natural fresh water streams flowing into the sea" which make the water colder than on other parts of the coast.
They add: "The water is pleasant and very refreshing, which is why this beach is a favourite among the local population."
The sea also plays a big part in the city's main feature, its marina which has been described as "first-class" following recent renovation projects to turn it into a tourist destination.
Travel experts Lonely Planet wrote: "The erstwhile-mediocre seaside town has undergone a major makeover – courtesy of the multimillion-dollar redevelopment of its old naval base into a first-class marina.
"[With] bobbing super yachts, a posh promenade and rows of swanky apartment blocks: visitors to Tivat could be forgiven for wondering if they're in Monaco or Montenegro."
Tivat also opens up Brits to the rest of Montenegro, with places like the picturesque Kotor Bay and the beach resort of Budva, as well as stunning hiking opportunities through the mountains.
Travel book writers Rough Guide listed the country as one of the most underrated in the world last year.
They wrote: "With gorgeous beaches, medieval villages that exude fairy-tale charm, and spectacular natural attractions – think towering mountains and lily-speckled lakes – it’s fair to say Montenegro won’t stay underrated for long."
Adding to the reasons to visit are the surprisingly cheap drinks and hotels, with beer available for an average of £2.14.
Affordable package deals to Tivat with Jet2
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Package Holidays with Jet2 from £566pp for 7 nights
- Palmon Bay Hotel & Spa from £566pp for 7 nights B&B, with return flights from Stansted
- Hotel Ami Petrovac from £570pp for 7 nights B&B, with return flights from Stansted
- Vivid Blue Serenity Resort from £572pp for 7 nights B&B, with return flights from Stansted
Package Holidays with Jet2 from £412pp for 4 nights
- Palma Hotel Tivat from £412pp for 4 nights B&B, with return flights from Stansted
- Hotel Avala Resort and Villas from £445pp for 4 nights B&B, with return flights from Stansted
- Iberostar Herceg Novi from £458pp for 4 nights All Inclusive, with return flights from Stansted
Meanwhile, a night for two in Tivat can be booked from as little as £19.
It's for reasons like that, that Montenegro is hailed as a more affordable alternative to Croatia.
Among those drawing the comparison are Love Exploring, who wrote: "Montenegro is a couple of decades behind many areas of Europe when it comes to price.
"Whether you’re looking at accommodation, transport, restaurants or bars, it's consistently considerably cheaper than Croatia and other hotspots."
The National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro are delighted at having the new flights, having previously linked the city to Manchester with Jet2 last year.
The director of NTO Montenegro, Dr. Ana Tripković Marković told Vijesti: "This year we were pleased with the news of the introduction of connections to Tivat from two more British cities, London and Birmingham.
"Through this company, Montenegro will be connected to the three largest cities in Great Britain during 2024."
Return flights to Tivat can be booked from £69 with the airline.
Tivat isn't the only destination set to get new Jet2 flights.
Holidaymakers in Bournemouth will have 16 new places to fly to starting April next year, after the airline launched the routes.
Popular spots including Spain, Turkey, Greece and Portugal are among the new destinations to be served.
Spain is going to get the majority of the new flights, with Alicante, Ibiza, Menorca, Mallorca, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Tenerife all on the list.
Meanwhile, four Greek locations will also be included, with new Corfu, Heraklion, Rhodes and Zakynthos flights to set off.
Elsewhere, two destinations in both Turkey and Portugal will be available as well, including Antalya, Dalaman, Faro and Funchal.
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Meanwhile, these new Ryanair flights have been launched this month from a small UK airport.
And the UK's biggest airport has launched six new routes.