Montenegro is a special, tiny country in the Balkans. Despite its size, Montenegro has a lot to offer to a
tourist. It offers stunning views of tall, harsh mountains and the sea, a beautiful, unique contrast.
Kotor, in particular, has a beautiful bay. Even just getting to Kotor from the sea is a breathtaking experience.
The small town, almost hidden by the cliffs above it, is enclosed by the blue colours of the Adriatic sea,
creating a beautiful view. Kotor is a popular stop for cruise ships and in the summer months, it can get quite
crowded.
Despite being a little town, Kotor has many things to do.
Despite being a little town, Kotor has many things to do.
- Hike up Castle San Giovanni
This is probably one of the most common things to do in Kotor. The climb to the top will take approximately
45 minutes at a good pace, but you might want to take your time and admire the many different views of
Kotor and its cliff from above. The hike is pretty easy and it has steps or flat paths. In total, there are 1355
steps to the top. The temperature during the summertime can get quite warm, so it is recommended to take
the hike in the morning or later in the day since there is little shade along the path. The path to the top is now
charged at a small fee, which you can see as a little “donation” to the local economy.
- Wander About Kotor’s Old Town
Kotor’s dock where cruises stop is next to its Old Town. It is very popular among tourists to walk around and
admire the fortified city, now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are many ancient
churches that you can visit and cute restaurants to enjoy yummy food. One of the best restaurants is familyrun
Tanjga. It has delicious local food at very affordable prices.
- Take a Boat Cruise Through the Bay
As mentioned before, there are many cruises around Kotor. You can decide to take a day trip or half-day trip
and enjoy the Adriatic sea and the stunning views this part of the Balkans offer. Scattered around there are
some stunning caves where you can swim and look at the clear, sandy bottom. Some cruises include a stop
to Dobrec Beach. It a small beach only reachable by boat, where you can relax, swim a bit and enjoy a drink
at the bar. - Go visit Perast
Perast is a small village some 20 minutes drive away from Kotor but well worth a visit. It has an ancient
history made of a mixture of cultures and its beauty and uniqueness attract many tourists. The atmosphere is
of a Medieval village, with many churches and narrow streets with cobblestones.
- Don’t miss our Lady of the Rocks Island
In Kotor’s bay, there are two smaller islands: Sveti Dorde and Our Lady of the Rocks. The latter takes its
name from the stunning Roman church built on a pile of rocks. It is a beautiful stop that you don’t want to
miss!
