San Giovanni Fortress: Visitor Guide, Kotor

The hike to San Giovanni is the #1 thing to do in Kotor and one of the best viewpoints in the entire Balkans. The ruined fortress sits at 280 metres above the old town, and the views get more dramatic with every step.

The hike

1,350 stone steps from the old town to the fortress ruins at the top. The path follows the old defensive walls up the mountainside. Allow 45–60 minutes up and 30 minutes down. The first half is the steepest. There are several viewpoint plateaus where you can stop and catch your breath — each one better than the last.

When to go

Early morning or late afternoon. The upper section has zero shade and in summer heat (35°C+) it becomes dangerously hot by midday. Start at 8am when the gates open, or go after 5pm when the sun drops behind the mountain. The sunset from the top is exceptional but you need to descend before it gets dark — there’s no lighting on the path.

What to bring

At least 1 litre of water per person — there are no water points on the hike. Decent shoes (the stone steps are uneven and can be slippery). A hat and sunscreen. A small backpack is easier than carrying a bag.

The fortress

The ruins at the top are from the Venetian and Austro-Hungarian periods, built on much older fortifications. There’s not much to “see” in terms of exhibits — it’s all about the view. The Bay of Kotor spreads out below, with the cruise ships looking tiny and the mountains framing everything.

The view

The panorama from the top covers the entire inner bay — Kotor’s old town directly below, the bay stretching towards Perast and Risan, and mountains on all sides. On a clear day you can see the open Adriatic beyond the bay’s entrance. This is the photo that represents Montenegro.

Tips

The lower sections of the wall are free to access via a side entrance — but the upper fortress area requires the €8 ticket (collected at the main entrance near the old town). In winter the fortress is free and uncrowded. Avoid the hike entirely on rainy days — the steps become dangerously slippery.

Nearby

Kotor Old Town — directly below. Cool down with a cold beer in one of the squares after your descent.

Our Lady of the Rocks — boat trip from Perast, 15 minutes north.

Getting to Kotor

Kotor connects to Dubrovnik (2h), Tivat Airport (10 min), and Mostar (4h) by private transfer.