Kotor is Montenegro’s standout. The Bay of Kotor looks like a Norwegian fjord transplanted to the Mediterranean, and the old town is one of the best-preserved medieval cores in the Adriatic. It gets crowded when cruise ships dock (sometimes 3–4 a day in summer) but empties out beautifully in the evening.
Hike to San Giovanni fortress
The #1 thing to do in Kotor. 1,350 steps up the mountainside behind the old town to a ruined fortress at 280m. The views over the bay are extraordinary — the higher you go, the more dramatic it gets. Allow 45–60 minutes up, 30 down. Entry €8 (free in off-season). Start early morning or late afternoon — there’s no shade and it’s brutal in midday summer heat. Bring water.
Explore Kotor old town
The old town is compact — you can walk end to end in 10 minutes — but packed with atmosphere. Narrow stone lanes, small squares with café tables, the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (12th century, €4), and the Maritime Museum. The best approach is to get lost. Enter through the main Sea Gate, but also find the smaller River Gate on the north side for a quieter entrance.
Boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks
From the village of Perast (15 minutes north of Kotor), small boats take you to an artificial island with a tiny church filled with centuries of silver votive offerings from local sailors. €5 for the boat, €2 church entry. The whole trip takes about 30 minutes. Perast itself is gorgeous — a single-street baroque village facing two islands. Worth 1–2 hours.
Drive the serpentine viewpoint
The road climbing above Kotor (P1 towards Cetinje) has 25 hairpin bends and the most photographed viewpoint in Montenegro. The lookout at the top gives you the entire bay framed by mountains. Best done by car — the views from each turn are incredible. On any private transfer heading to Podgorica or inland, we take this road.
Swim in the bay
Kotor itself doesn’t have a proper beach, but the bay does. Dobrota (walking distance north) has concrete swimming platforms. Morinj, Stoliv, and Prčanj on the other side of the bay have quieter spots. The water in the bay is calm, warm, and sheltered — ideal for swimming from May to October.
Cat Museum & Kotor’s cats
Kotor is famous for its cats. They’re everywhere — on walls, in doorways, sleeping on restaurant chairs. The Cats Museum near the north gate is small and quirky (€1). The cats themselves are free entertainment.
Day trip to Budva
30 minutes south, Budva has the beaches Kotor lacks. The old town is small but pretty, and the long Slovenska Plaža beach is the Montenegrin Riviera’s main draw. Busy in summer, relaxed in shoulder season.
Day trip to Dubrovnik
2 hours north along the coast through Herceg Novi and the Croatian border. Combine Kotor and Dubrovnik in one trip — our private transfer can stop at Perast and the serpentine viewpoint on the way.
Where to eat
Kotor is cheaper than Dubrovnik but pricier than Bosnia. Budget €15–25/person for a restaurant meal. Fresh fish and seafood are the highlights — black risotto (crni rižot) is a local speciality. The old town has good options, but the waterfront restaurants in Dobrota and Muo are often better value.
How long to stay
One night is the minimum — see the old town and hike the fortress. Two nights is ideal — add Perast/Our Lady of the Rocks, the serpentine viewpoint, and a proper evening in the old town after cruise passengers leave. Three nights if you want beach time or a Budva day trip.
Getting there
Kotor connects to Dubrovnik (2h) and Mostar (4h) by private transfer. Tivat Airport is 10 minutes away. The drive from Dubrovnik along the coast is one of the most scenic in the Balkans.
Getting to Kotor
Private transfer with scenic stops along the way. Fixed prices, local drivers.
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