At the entrance of the Bay of Kotor, on the way toward the open Adriatic, there are two places most yachts pass far too quickly.
The first is a series of abandoned submarine tunnels carved directly into the cliffs of the Luštica Peninsula. The second is Mamula Fortress, standing on a small island at the entrance to the bay.
Today, both are part of the route to the Blue Cave. But only a few decades ago, this coastline was filled with military bases, fortifications, and restricted areas known mainly to soldiers and locals.
"For a long time, the Bay of Kotor was not a resort destination but a strategic military zone. And when you pass these places from the water, the bay starts to feel completely different." — Captain Alexey
The Submarine Tunnels of Luštica
On the southern side of the Luštica Peninsula, the old tunnels of a former Yugoslav naval base still remain hidden inside the cliffs.
They were built in the 1960s for the Yugoslav submarine fleet. The tunnels were carved directly into the mountain so submarines could disappear entirely inside the rock.
From the water, it looks almost unreal: massive dark arches opening deep into the mountain.
On the way to the Blue Cave, we usually slow down along this stretch of coastline so guests can see the tunnel entrances and take photos.
This is not a museum or a tourist attraction with guided tours. Without context, it's simply concrete and stone. But once you understand why these tunnels were built and how they were used, the place feels entirely different.
Mamula Fortress
Mamula sits on a small island at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor.
The fortress was built by the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the 19th century to defend the entrance to the bay. Later, during World War II, the island was used as a prison and concentration camp.
After the war, the site remained abandoned and closed off for many years.
Today, the fortress has been transformed into a luxury hotel, while the historic structure itself has been carefully restored. From the sea, you can still clearly see the old stone walls, bastions, and the shape of the original fortress — now surrounded by yachts and transfer boats bringing hotel guests ashore.
That contrast is what usually leaves the strongest impression: old military walls standing in the middle of an incredibly calm and beautiful sea.
Why It Feels Different from the Water
From land, these places are almost impossible to fully experience.
The submarine tunnels are hidden inside the cliffs, and Mamula is most impressive when seen from the sea — exactly as military ships once saw it while entering the bay.
That's why history here feels much more powerful during a yacht route than on a regular land tour.
How It Fits into the Route
A typical Blue Cave route usually looks like this:
morning departure from Tivat
cruising along the Luštica coastline past the old tunnels
a short circle around Mamula
then the Blue Cave
a swimming or lunch stop
and return through the bay
These historical stops usually don't take much time, but they completely change the feeling of the route itself.
What People Usually Don't Mention
Locals still have mixed feelings about Mamula.
For some, it's a beautifully restored historic site. For others, its history feels too heavy for a luxury hotel. That's why people here rarely speak about it as simply "a beautiful fortress" — the place carries another side to its story as well.
And one more thing: not every guest is interested in history. Some people come only for the sea, swimming, and quiet bays — and that's perfectly fine too. In that case, we simply pass these places without long stops or detailed stories.
The Best Time to Pass Mamula
The best light for photographs is usually:
in the morning around 9:30–10:30
or in the evening closer to sunset
At that time, the old fortress walls become especially beautiful against the golden light and calm water.
