The original settlement Kastel Lastva is mentioned already in the 12th century, in the annals of Father Dukljanin. Today's town originates from the 18th century.

The Illyric queen Teuta (3rd century BC) had a summer residence and a garden at the territory of today's Tivat. It is assumed that the town was named after her.

Risan belongs to the oldest Illyric settlements on the Montenegrin coast. Legend has it that queen, fleeing from the Roman invasion, was hiding here in 228 BC, and then, unable to resist them, threw herself into the sea.

The old town of Kotor is among the best preserved medieval towns in this part of the Mediterranean.