Tivatska Solila, salt marsh, is a shallow lagoon; once a salt extraction site, today it has been turned into an ornithological park.

Solila is located between Tivat airport and the Lustica peninsula. Currently, it is a vast area of 150 hectares.

Salt production in this region was booming during the Middle Ages. Salt was precious and the business was very profitable.

The natural lagoon in Tivat Bay has been closed off by ramparts. Day by day, the water evaporated and sea salt appeared on the surface.

When salt ceased to be an expensive commodity, its production in this area stopped.

The lagoon became swampy area, very attractive for birds.

In 2008, it received the status of the Bird Reserve, supervised by the International Ornithological Association.

According to the Center for Protection and Research of Birds of Montenegro, more than 100 species of birds can be seen in Tivatska Solila. Some of them live here permanently, but the majority of the birds only spend winter here.

The most valuable specimens found in this area are the gray crane, sea hawk, snipe, cormorant. There are several information tables in the Reserve with the wintering schedule of the most interesting groups.

The birds usually prefer to stay away from visitor’s paths, so it’s best to grab binoculars and observe the fauna from the special decks.

They are conveniently located near the entrances to the park.

Those decks are wooden towers with small windows, so the birds can be discreetly watched.

Even without binoculars, you can study large birds like cormorants and herons from afar.

The plants at the reserve are also amusing.

It is a unique mix, very unusual for the seaside region.

There are plants that grow on swamps and in dry saline areas.

And last but not least, Tivatska Solila offers picturesque views.

At the beginning of winter, the grass at the bottom of the lagoon is painted in bright shades of yellow and red.

Of course, there are many restrictions at the Reserve. For example, you can not pick plants or step outside the equipped walking paths.

At the moment, there are two long promenades fortified with stone.

Plus several shorter and narrower tracks.

And benches for tired visitors.

Entrance to the Reserve is free of charge.

It is open daily from 7am to 8pm.