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Kotor is positioned within the Bay of Kotor (aka Boka Kotorska) on the Adriatic Coast of Montenegro.
Surrounded by steep limestone mountains on one aspect and a fjord-shaped bay on the opposite, Kotor is likely one of the most scenic locations on this planet.
The UNESCO-listed Kotor Outdated City (aka Kotor Metropolis) is enclosed in an extravagant fortification system, courting again to medieval instances. The Outdated City of Kotor is the beating coronary heart of Kotor Bay and the most well-liked attraction in Montenegro.
This Could, we deliberate a gradual and unhurried 7-day journey to Kotor and Perast. We flew to the Dubrovnik Airport, rented a automotive, and drove round Boka Bay to Kotor, the place we stayed 5 nights.
It was an ideal journey, filled with scrumptious meals and mesmerizing surroundings. On this no-bullshit information to finest issues to do in Kotor, we’ll share our prime suggestions and insights.
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Kotor Map
The right way to use this map | Click on on every icon, or path to show extra data.
When to Go to Kotor
We’ve visited Kotor in each Could and in September, purposefully avoiding high-season (June – August).
Throughout the primary season, cruise ships dock in Kotor’s harbor and anchor in Kotor Bay day by day, unloading a whole bunch of individuals into the Outdated City. Yow will discover out what the cruise schedule is at cruisedig.com.
Kotor metropolis can really feel overwhelming packed in the course of the day.
It’s finest to go to Kotor throughout shoulder-season: Could, September, October.
In early Could, there have been many cruise ships in Boka Bay, nevertheless it didn’t affect our journey. We strategically explored the Outdated City through the early mornings and evenings.
1. Hike the Vrmac Ridge Path
The Bay of Kotor is exceptionally stunning, as a result of it’s bordered by vertical limestone mountains. These mountains are a part of the Lovćen mountain vary, a sub-range of the Dinaric Alps.
You’ll be able to finest recognize this impenetrable stony wall from Vrmac.
Vrmac is the lengthy mountain that divides Kotor Bay right into a fjord-shaped inside bay and a triangle-shaped outer bay. It’s the backbone of the peninsula that rises between Tivat and Kotor.
From the Vrmac Ridge, there are sweeping views of Kotor Bay and its magnificent mountainous backdrop.
The Vrmac Ridge Path begins at Fort Vrmac, a former fortification of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, constructed within the nineteenth century. This fort is now a spoil, stuffed with particles and previous artifacts.
The simplest technique to hike this path is by driving as much as Fort Vrmac, a 22 minute drive from Kotor. You can too hike as much as Fort Vrmac from Muo, the seaside settlement to the west of Kotor.
The Vrmac Ridge Path follows the previous navy highway, constructed by the Austro-Hungarians. It’s broad, largely stage, and easy-to-follow. Merely observe the forest highway north to the best level of the ridge, Sveti Ilija (765 m).
It takes 3 hours to hike this 8.5 km out-and-back path.
Be taught Extra: Vrmac Ridge Path
2. Watch the Sundown on the Kotor Outdated City Viewpoint on Vrmac
Tucked away on the fringe of Vrmac’s forested slope, there’s a jaw-dropping viewpoint of Kotor metropolis.
The point of view is a mere 10-minute stroll away from Fort Vrmac.
From the Fort Vrmac parking space, observe the forest path within the route of Muo and Kotor. When the path divides, bear proper. Comply with this forest path till it ends after which flip left to find the point of view.
Watching the sundown right here is pure magic. The mountains behind Kotor gentle up in fiery shades of coral and purple.
Be taught extra about this viewpoint in our Vmrac mountaineering information.
3. Go to the Outdated City of Kotor
The Outdated City of Kotor is enclosed in a fortification system consisting of defensive partitions, bastions, towers, and gates, courting again to medieval instances.
You’ll be able to enter the fortified metropolis on foot by way of the North Gate (aka River Gate), the Sea Gate, or the South Gate (aka Gurdić Gate).
Contained in the partitions, you’ll discover a labyrinth of streets and squares, lined with historic Venetian buildings and crawling with cats.
The triangle-shaped city is full of church buildings, retailers, lodges, museums, eating places, wine bars, pubs, and gelaterias.
In the course of the day, the Outdated City is teeming with guests. It could actually really feel like a zoo. We extremely advocate staying in Kotor a minimum of 1-2 nights, so that you simply expertise the Outdated City within the early morning and night.
We stayed 5 nights in Kotor and had a stunning time exploring the city outdoors of the noon rush.
In case your time is restricted, we advocate mountaineering as much as the Kotor Fortress, strolling the Metropolis Partitions, visiting St. Tryphon’s Cathedral (4 EUR entrance charge), consuming lunch at Konoba Scala Santa, or venturing outdoors the Metropolis Partitions to eat lunch at BBQ Tanjga (informal eatery), or Restaurant Galion (high-quality eating restaurant).
4. Hike as much as the Kotor Fortress and Church of Our Girl of Treatment
The preferred factor to do in Kotor is hike up the hilltop Kotor Fortress (aka San Giovanni Fortress, St. John’s Fort).
The Kotor Fortress stands on the San Giovanni Hill (St. John Hill), above the Outdated City of Kotor. It’s a part of the fortification system, which wraps across the Outdated City and surrounding hillside.
The Kotor fortifications have a protracted and turbulent historical past, involving a number of occupations, sieges, earthquakes, and constructions. Kotor was secured, or in any other case occupied, by the Illyrians, Romans, Byzantines, Serbs, Venetians, Austro-Hungarians, French, and Russians, and Axis Powers of WWII.
At present, you may hike up 1350 stone steps to achieve the Kotor Fortress, positioned 260 meters above sea stage.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll go the Church of Our Girl of Treatment, Kotor’s most photographed church.
The hilltop fortress is a spoil. The principle motive to deal with the 1350 steps is to get a chook’s eye view of the Outdated City and the Bay of Kotor. It’s effectively well worth the 8 EUR entrance charge.
Be taught Extra: Kotor Fortress Climbing Information
5. Stroll the Kotor Metropolis Partitions: North Gate to South Gate
As we’ve already established, Kotor is encircled by defensive partitions, constructed within the Venetian Interval.
A part of the Kotor Metropolis Partitions are accessible to the general public freed from cost.
The Kotor Metropolis Partitions path runs alongside the western and northern perimeter of the Outdated City: the half that borders the Scurda River and Kotor Bay.
The trail doesn’t fully circuit town.
You’ll be able to entry the Metropolis Partitions from the small park contained in the North Gate. That is the park with the fountain and a row of cat homes. Stroll up the staircase to achieve the partitions and observe the extent path all the way in which to the South Gate.
Alongside the way in which, there are stellar views of the Outdated City, the harbor, and the mountains.
6. Eat Breakfast on the Rooftop of Lodge Hippocampus
Kotor is brimming with cafés, every providing a light-weight breakfast tray of espresso, orange juice, and croissants.
For a extra satisfying expertise, find Lodge Hippocampus within the Outdated City of Kotor. They serve a set menu breakfast on their rooftop terrace. The set menu options native specialities and it’s completely fabulous!!
The breakfast begins with a plate of chilly cuts and cheeses, garnished with olives and cherry tomatoes, and served with freshly-made pastries (corn muffin and cheese Börek-like pastry). Espresso and orange juice are served as effectively. After this primary course, you’ll have the ability to request a made-to-order egg dish (we ordered omelets).
The service was pleasant, however gradual. We liked our expertise, however we wouldn’t advocate consuming breakfast right here should you’re in a rush.
7. Take a Stroll on the Dobrota Promenade
Dobrota is the settlement to the north of Kotor.
The Dobrota Promenade is a pedestrian walkway alongside the Bay of Kotor. That is one of the best place to stroll alongside the Bay, close to Kotor Outdated City.
There are a string of informal al-fresco bars and cafés alongside the promenade. We loved dinner at Little Bay, a espresso at Bonita 99, and lunch at Platanus Kotor.
On the southern finish, the promenade runs parallel to the Kotor Seashore. Once we visited, this pebbly seaside appeared like a cat litter field. Evidently, we don’t advocate swimming right here. The truth is, we don’t advocate swimming in Kotor Bay. There’s lots of algae and the water isn’t as clear because the open sea.
It’s much better to take a day journey to the Budva Riviera and benefit from the unbelievably clear waters alongside the open sea. For instance, Mogren Seashore is a beautiful seaside backed by cliffs, strolling distance from the Budva Outdated City.
8. Summit Pestingrad Peak
Pestingrad is the distinguished crescent-shaped summit towering above Kotor.
You’ll be able to admire Pestingrad, and its summit Montenegrin flag, from many alternative areas of Kotor.
The hike to Pestingrad begins on the Krstac Cross at Etno Selo Sveti Georgije (Sveti Đorđe), positioned close to the village of Njeguši.
It takes 1:15 hrs to hike to the rocky summit, which overlooks the Outdated City of Kotor and the Bay of Kotor. Pestingrad is commonly lauded as one of the best Kotor viewpoint.
Learn our detailed Pestingrad mountaineering information for data on path issue and path instructions.
9. Drive the Kotor Serpentine Street
The Kotor Serpentine Street connects Kotor with Njeguši. It’s a slender, paved highway, outlined by 16 hairpin turns.
Alongside the way in which, drivers and passengers are handled to sweeping views of Kotor Bay.
The roadside Horizont Bar (Google Maps) affords the most effective vistas. Purchase a non-alcoholic drink and descend the terraced ranges of the out of doors stone patio to the platform viewpoint.
Throughout our first journey to Montenegro, we drove right down to Kotor by way of this serpentine highway. Throughout our final journey, we determined to drive up (and down) this highway, with the intention to hike to Pestingrad, eat lunch in Njeguši, and go to the Mausoleum of Njegoš in Lovćen Nationwide Park.
10. Eat Montenegrin Delicacies in Kotor
Kotor’s delicacies is predominantly Mediterranean, with an emphasis on seafood. The most effective issues to do in Kotor is to eat. Elements are contemporary and bursting with taste (much better than what we get in Central Europe).
The best fish and seafood restaurant in Kotor is Restaurant Galion (Google Maps), positioned on the harbor. This upmarket restaurant is housed in a glass constructing that juts out to the ocean on stilts. The meals is great and priced accordingly.
We additionally ate fish and seafood at Konoba Scala Santa (Google Maps) within the Outdated City. Set in an exquisite sq., this charming restaurant exudes summer time romance. The meals was superb.
Njeguški pršut, a smokey dry-cured ham, is a specialty of Njeguši village. Nearly each eating institution in and round Kotor affords a platter with Njeguški pršut and Njeguški sir (cheese from Njeguši). We ate a scrumptious “Montenegro platter” at Platanus Kotor (Google Maps) in Dobrota.
For Balkan-style barbeque, we advocate consuming at BBQ Tanjga (Google Maps), positioned outdoors the Outdated City, close to the South Gate. This informal, order-at-the-counter, eatery serves platters of grilled meats and greens, garnished with salads. If you happen to’re going to eat one meal in Kotor, eat right here.
For ice cream, head to Moritz Eis (Google Maps).They’ve two places within the fortified metropolis, in addition to in Perast and Tivat.
The Nitrox Pub & Eatery (Google Maps), positioned close to the south gate, serves native and regional craft beer in addition to over 230 sorts of cocktails.
We additionally ate at Little Bay (Google Maps), positioned close to Kotor Seashore. We will’t vouch for the entire menu, however the salads had been contemporary and scrumptious.
11. Hike the Ladder of Kotor
The Ladder of Kotor is a mountaineering path that connects Kotor with Krstac Cross, close to Njeguši. It’s a well-graded rocky path, which climbs up the mountainside in a collection of switchbacks.
The trailhead is positioned on Tabačina highway, near the River Gate (North Gate), outdoors Kotor Outdated City.
Relying on the place you turn-around, the Kotor Ladder hike can take anyplace between 4 and 6 hours.
Learn our information to mountaineering the Ladder of Kotor for an in depth path description and ideas.
12. Take a Day Journey to Perast
Perast is an idyllic waterfront city within the Bay of Kotor.
The city is located throughout from the Verige Strait, the slender waterway that connects Kotor Bay’s inside and outer bays.
In contrast to Kotor, this pretty village just isn’t fortified. There’s no barrier between the city and the water.
Perast prospered through the Venetian Interval. That is when all of the palaces and church buildings had been constructed, giving Perast its refined and stylish character.
The Outdated City of Perast is a pedestrian zone. You’ll be able to park at both finish of the village after which stroll into Perast. Many individuals select to go to Perast on a ship tour from Kotor:
The village’s essential thoroughfare is the seaside promenade, lined by a procession of Venetian palaces and stone villas, which home lodges and eating places. We significantly liked consuming pizza at Bocalibre (Google Maps) and seafood at Konoba Otok Bronza (Google Maps).
It takes solely 25 minutes to stroll from one finish of the city to the opposite finish.
We stayed two nights in Perast at Conte Lodge & Restaurant. One night time is ample. If you happen to can splurge, the seafront Heritage Grand Perast is the best lodging in Perast.
The right way to Go to Our Girl of the Rocks
There are two islands close to Perast: Our Girl of the Rocks and St. George Island (Sveti Đorđe).
The principle factor to do in Perast is to hop on a ship to the bogus island of Our Girl of the Rocks. The Dado taxi boat prices 5 EUR out-and-back. It departs on the pier (Google Maps).
Within the fifteenth century, native fishermen allegedly noticed a picture of Madonna and Youngster on a rock within the sea. For the next many years and centuries, seamen would toss a rock on the location of the unique sighting, upon coming back from every profitable sea voyage.
Over time, a small island emerged from the ocean. They constructed a tiny Orthodox chapel to commemorate the apparition. In 1630, the Venetians changed the Orthodox chapel with a Catholic chapel, which you’ll be able to go to at no cost.
The chapel is related to a museum, which is accessed by way of the chapel. The doorway charge was 2 EUR after we visited.
13. Day Journey to the Budva Riviera
The Budva Riviera is a 35-km part of the Adriatic Coast, stretching between Budva and Buljarica.
The Budva Riviera encompasses many seaside settlements, together with Budva, Becici, Rafailovici, Kamenovo, Przno, Sveti Stefan, Drobni Pijesak, Rezevici, Petrovac and Buljarica.
This stretch of coast boasts a excessive focus of gorgeous seashores, some sandy, some rocky.
Sadly, crude and tasteless developments have mushroomed throughout Budva. In line with our Kotor strolling tour information, the previous Mayor of Budva (now in jail) illegally distributed permits to Russian builders.
With all that being mentioned, the Budva Riviera continues to be stunning, south of Rafailovici. The water is crystal-clear and bluer than blue. It’s beautiful.
Our favourite spots alongside the coast are Mogren seaside, a brief stroll away from the Budva Outdated City, Przno seaside (tiny, however pretty), Sveti Stefan, Rijeka Reževići Seashore (rocky, however a secret), and Katio Fort, the Outdated Venetian fortress constructed on a rocky promontory in Petrovac.
The place to Keep in Kotor
Learn our information to The place to Keep in Kotor to search out out the place it is best to base your self throughout your journey to Kotor.
Outdated City of Kotor (Inside Metropolis Partitions)
There’s one thing so romantic about staying throughout the walled metropolis of Kotor, a tangle of slender streets lined with historic buildings, which home buzzing eating places and bars.
Your entire UNESCO-protected Outdated City is a pedestrian zone, so naturally, lodging don’t supply on-site parking. If you happen to’re touring with no automotive, undoubtedly think about staying within the Outdated City.
If you happen to’re touring with a automotive, I wouldn’t write it off altogether. Simply ask your lodging for clear parking directions upfront of your keep.
Needless to say you’ll have to hold your baggage to your lodging, as lodging hardly ever supply a bellhop service.
If you happen to’re delicate to noise and loud music, don’t keep within the Outdated City on Friday, or Saturday nights. There’s a midnight curfew on music, nevertheless it’s not strictly enforced.
Price range | Outdated City Youth Hostel is a social hostel for the younger get together sorts with raving critiques.
Condo | Palazzo Sindik is a stunning one-bedroom residence within the previous city of Kotor.
Condo | Katareo Residences affords newly renovated and spotless flats with kitchenettes. Attempt to guide the residence with the terrace, if it’s obtainable.
Luxurious | Lodge Hippocampus is a trendy boutique lodge set in a seventeenth century constructing with a roof terrace and restaurant. A gradual, mouthwatering breakfast is served on the rooftop, that includes native chilly cuts and cheeses, freshly baked Montenegrin pastries, eggs-to-order, espresso, and orange juice. All rooms are air-conditioned.
Luxurious | Boutique Lodge Astoria is a luxurious lodge, housed within the UNESCO-protected Thirteenth-century Buca Palace. The lodge’s restaurant spills outdoors onto the sq.. Rooms are spacious and have funky, love-it-or-hate-it decor.
Luxurious | Lodge Vardar is a 4-star lodge with traditional rooms located on the primary sq. within the Outdated City of Kotor, a stone’s throw from the Sea Gate. Visitors have entry to a gymnasium, sauna, and steam bathtub.
Kotor (Exterior Metropolis Partitions)
Price range | Residences Ana is positioned simply steps away from the River Gate (North Gate) of the Outdated City on the Kotor Ladder trailhead. This can be a nice worth residence with non-public parking.
Price range | Residences Qualitas affords cosy flats on the marina, very near the South Gate.
Dobrota
Dobrota is the sprawling settlement to the north of Kotor, which stretches for a number of kilometers from the Outdated City to Ljuta.
It’s exhausting to know the place Kotor ends and Dobrota begins, as one bleeds into the opposite.
Many lodging in Dobrota are inside strolling distance of Kotor’s Outdated City. For instance: Apartman Castello (midrange flats) and Solaris Lux Residences (fashionable flats).
Nevertheless, many others are 3-4 kms away (10 minute drive), together with a few of the best seafront lodges in Kotor Bay.
Removed from the bustling port and metropolis, these lodging present non-public sea entry, minimal site visitors, and a extra peaceable surroundings.
Stand-out seafront lodging: Lodge Forza Terra (5-star boutique lodge) and Lodge Forza Mare (boutique lodge), Villa Maestral (flats), Corso Levante Luxurious Suites (luxurious suites), and Three Dots (non-public villa).
Muo
Muo is the seaside settlement to the northwest of Kotor’s Outdated City, alongside the bottom of Vrmac. From Muo, it’s a couple of 15-25 minute stroll to the Outdated City.
Price range | Nikola Lux flats are two fashionable and clear flats with sea-view balconies and personal parking. The worth is unbeatable. 2 nights minimal keep.
Extra lodging in Muo: Home 44 SEAFRONT APARTMENTS (midrange flats), Residence Portofino (midrange residence), or Dekaderon Lux Residences (midrange-luxury flats), and Villa Mima (4-bedroom villa)
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Montenegro Journey Planning Necessities
Use our Montenegro Journey Information to plan an unforgettable journey.
When to Go to Montenegro
We advocate touring to Montenegro throughout shoulder seasons: spring and early fall.
For coastal exploration, Could, September and October are best months. For mountaineering within the mountains, it’s finest to go to in summer time, or early fall, when trails are largely snow-free.
Automobile Rental
We all the time lease a automotive when visiting Montenegro, in order that we will attain trailheads and go to locations that aren’t accessible by transit.
Comply with our 2 Week Montenegro Street Journey Itinerary for route planning.
Use the intuitive Discovercars.com automotive rental reservation platform to seek for and guide automotive leases. This easy-to-use reserving platform compares automotive rental offers from 500+ trusted suppliers, so to select the best choice on your journey.
Verify automotive rental charges right here.
Locations to Go to in Montenegro
Check out High Locations to Go to in Montenegro for a abstract of probably the most stunning coastal and mountainous locations throughout this Balkan nation, together with Kotor, Lake Skadar, Durmitor Nationwide Park, and Ulcinj.
Climbing in Montenegro
In our Montenegro Climbing Information, we summarized one of the best mountaineering locations, together with Komovi Mountains, Kotor Bay, Durmitor Nationwide Park, and Prokletije Nationwide Park.
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