Explore the best things to do in the charming Bay of Kotor, Montenegro a hidden gem destination that should be on your radar. Discover historical towns, charming villages, viewpoints and a rocky coastline surrounded by some of the most magnificent mountains around – Kotor is not to be missed!
The Bay Of Kotor is the star attraction of Montenegro and Kotor Town makes the perfect base to explore the highlights. In 30 minutes you could visit any one of the charming villages and towns that surround the enormous bay and in a week-long stay you could see much more of this stunning region including beautiful waterfront hang outs, viewpoints, hikes and more!
THINGS TO DO IN KOTOR
Kotor is still one of Europe’s hidden gems, I stopped for three nights in early July, but could have easily turned it into a 5 nights or more with all the pretty lake side towns, pebble beaches and gorgeous national parks to explore! Here’s why you should make the Bay of Kotor your Montenegro go-to destination!
ADMIRE THE EPIC SCENERY
This may be obvious, but the first thing that has to be mentioned is the scenery! Kotor has some of the best and most spectacular landscape I have ever witnessed, the whole area is truly breathtaking and it takes a bit of getting used to!
In every direction from Kotor’s old town there’s imposing mountains and in the centre a huge expanse of serenely still water. You will find yourself endlessly sitting on terraces and staring into the far distance, not to mention taking dozens of pictures!
HIKING TO THE FORTRESS VIEWPOINT
THE view point of dreams! If you only do one activity in Kotor make sure it’s this hike to the Castle Fortress with sweeping views high above the old town – and it’s not over-run with tourists either! You can expect a rough terrain underfoot followed by 1400 crumbly stone steps, it’s an adventure for sure, but as there’s only one path it’s super easy to follow self-guided.
TIP! For the best *summertime experience I recommend either starting the walk very early (it will take you a couple of hours) in the cooler mornings or just before sunset to see the skyline turn pink over the mountain peaks!
THE DETAILS
- Access from the old town
- Open hours 8am-8pm
- Entrance 8 Euro
- Expect 2-3 hours
Want to see more villages and National Parks? This full day tour to Lovcen National Park might just be what you’re looking for! You’ll see some spectacular sights and historic monuments along the 12 hour complete journey, including; Njegusi Village, Lovcen National Park with it’s Mausoleum, Cetinje walking tour, lunch by river Crnojevic followed by a boatride and swim a photo opportunity at St. Stefan! Phew! A fantastic day our for less than £50! Here’s where to book!
WANDER KOTOR’S OLD TOWN
Kotor’s old town is delightful, it’s one of the best preserved medieval towns in the entire region if not Europe and the easiest to get lost in! I loved being amongst it all and wandering around the narrow cobbled streets and squares – even though the area’s small it’s zigzag structure makes it feel much larger.
You can draw some similarities to the heritage towns of Croatia – unsurprisingly given the short distance, just a slightly less discovered and polished version. Having said that you will find an array of shops, bars, restaurants, churches, cathedrals and some secret roof terraces, there’s also a number of squares to chill and cool gates to explore that previously belonged to wealthy palaces.
Did you know? Kotor town is protected by walls fortified by bastions, they are a prominent feature and there’s only three doors allowing people to enter the town, it really feels like a step back into the olden days!
DISCOVER PRETTY PERAST VILLAGE
My hottest tip is to visit the pretty bay of Perast, a tranquil little town next to the waters edge with sandstone buildings, church spires, swaying palm trees and no less than 16 palaces!
It’s very easy to get to from the old town of Kotor and is the perfect place to spend the day relaxing. Perast has an even slower pace than Kotor and is just as charming if not more so, there’s a hand full of sea facing restaurants and an area for sunbathing and swimming. At the far end I discovered a little beach bar with sunbeds, inexpensive drinks and a good view of ‘Our Lady of the Rocks’, a popular island in the middle of the sea!
What is Our Lady of the Rocks? The story behind the island is of two sailors who saw an icon of the Madonna and child resting on the rock. They thought it was a good luck miracle and afterwards left stones where the icon was found, which in time evolved into a tradition and an island and small chapel were formed.
THE DETAILS
There are three ways to reach Perast (below) on this occasion I took an taxi for quickness!
- 20 minute taxi from Kotor Gate
- Blue line bus 1 Euro
- Boat taxi from Kotor Bay (town)
DAY TRIP
Want to add an 3 hour excursion that covers history, coastal views and adventure on the water ? See Kotor’s most popular attractions by boat to Our Lady of the Rocks, Mamula and Blue Cave you’ll experience stunning scenery, enjoy a swim in the crystal clear water of the cave and learn a few historic secrets of WWII. This is one of the best things to do in Kotor and should be factored into any good Montenegro itinerary!
BOOK OUR LADY OF THE ROCKS, MAMULA AND BLUE CAVE HERE
Short on time? How about a 2hr boat trip to Lady of the Rocks and Perast? Book HERE
LUNCH WITH A VIEW ALONG THE HARBOUR FRONT
As charming as the old town is, a nice lunch along the harbour front with sweeping views across the bay is also a pretty good idea! Escape the enclosed walls and looming buildings for a couple of hours and enjoy the breeze at the waters edge!
TIP! Galion is a nice Mediterranean restaurant to try, just a ten minute walk away.
DAY TRIP: TARA RIVER WHITE WATER RAFTING
The majestic turquoise Tara River was another reason that prompted me to visit Kotor. It’s pretty full-on with the dramatic scenery as this location is also home to the deepest canyon in Europe! If you have a whole spare day you don’t want to miss this trip!
You can visit the area and national park without rafting, but where’s the fun in that? I booked onto a day’s excursion with rafting, hiking and lunch included, all of it impressive, even the scenery from the jeep windows driving through the winding steep roads was unbelievable – and there’s virtually no traffic!
BOOK YOUR TARA RIVER CANYON RAFTING EXPERIENCE
Want to see Tara River, The Black Lake, Durmitor Mountain and Ostrog Monastery? Go by small group tour where everything is taken care of and enjoy the best scenic highlights of Montenegro – without the rafting. Book HERE
Heading to Croatia next? Take a look at my detailed guides HERE
WHERE TO STAY IN KOTOR
Staying in the old town of Kotor – known as Stari Grad is a wonderful and very affordable experience; be in the heart of all the action, surrounded by cute cafe’s, lively restaurants and gorgeous ancient buildings. As a solo traveller I really enjoyed the central location and ambience here!
Looking for a tranquil spot? You might want to consider the little villages around the bay such as Dobrota, Perast and Prcanj. Attractive Perast sits further along the narrowest part were the scenery is most dramatic and there’s lots of luxury boutiques to choose from – a few days in Kotor old town then a couple of nights in a beauty spot with sun loungers is the perfect combination!
Here’s my top recommendations.
BEST ACCOMMODATION IN KOTOR
HIVE LUXURY SUITES COLLECTION | Brand new spacious apartments situated in an excellent old town location over-looking the square. Amenities, decor and facilities are top quality.
PORTA DEL MARE | Stylish rooms with a view! and high end fixtures and fittings. Just 4 miles from town but with a entirely different feel – I stopped here for two nights after a three night stay in the heart of town and I highly recommend!
APARTMANU ART KARAPANA | Attractive stone walled studios and apartments in the heart of the old town, just minutes away from the clock tower. Modern, stylish and clean, perfect base for a few days stay, there’s also a balcony and little terrace outside.
OLD TOWN CASA DAMEO APARTMENTS | Located in the centre of Old Town Kotor, chic Casa Dameo Apartments are renovated to a high spec and have everything to need for an amazing stay.
APARTMENT NOA WITH SEAVIEW | A perfect luxurious apartment featuring wonderful sea and mountain views. Located just outside of the old town walls with parking available, if its available book it!
KOTOR Q & A
WHEN TO VISIT KOTOR?
Kotor has very cold winters and hot summers. The sweet spot is late May and June to the beginning of July, when the temperatures are hot, but not overbearing, fewer tourists and really long daylight hours! I would avoid the summer peak as the old town sees a high number of day trippers and in general the area is noisier (if you want to sleep).
HOW LONG TO STAY IN KOTOR?
Kotor is a popular day trip for Dubrovnik and cruise visitors, which allows just enough time to explore the old town and walk up to the fortress viewpoint, but if you spend four or more days here you will have a better experience and see more of the beautiful surrounds.
I spent three nights in Kotor old town – a spontaneous add on to a Dubrovnik trip and I regretted not staying longer. The bay of Kotor is an amazing place and is well located for seeing other attractions in Montenegro such as stunning national parks, lakes, canyons, beaches and other picture-postcard towns.
HOW TO GET TO KOTOR, MONTENEGRO
Getting to Kotor is easy if you’re travelling overland either by car or bus. It connects well with other popular destinations such as Croatia and Bosnia.
Kotor is just a 2 hour drive from Dubrovnik and travelling by bus is very easy! I jumped on the earliest bus to avoid traffic and arrived with plenty of afternoon time to orientate myself. I have to say having travelled on lots of buses in the region this one was probably the most scenic of them all, winding along the coast of Croatia before hitting the lakes and mountains of Montenegro – what an entrance!
FLIGHTS: Flights are now operating directly to Tivat (20 minute’s to the Bay of Kotor).
READ NEXT
- TOP 8 HIGHLIGHTS OF DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN
- 5 MUST SEE ISLANDS OF CROATIA
- THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HVAR TOWN
- SLOVENIA: A SCENIC RAIL JOURNEY
I was so happy to discover Kotor, it’s a great destination to spend a few days in. I hope this post has inspired you to visit! Please leave me a comment below.
Booking a trip soon? Here is my go to list of resources for booking everything from flights to accommodation, tours and more:
- Booking.com for the best hotel rates
- Airbnb find the best apartments
- Get Your Guide for great day trips
- Holiday Extras for airport lounges, hotels & parking deals
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