Kotor is a medieval town located in a secluded corner of the stunning bay of Kotor. It is the most popular place to visit in all of Montenegro for a good reason. Kotor is the best-preserved old town in Montenegro, with lots of influences from the Venetian Empire which ruled for nearly 400 years. Kotor is also surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery, consisting of limestone cliffs and crystal-clear water.
In this blog post, I’ll show you the 20 best things to do and places to visit in and around this magical town that will keep you busy for 2 to 3 days. Now, let’s dive in!
Kotor, Montenegro: 20 Best Things to Do/Places to Visit
1. Explore the Old Town
Your visit to Kotor is likely to begin in the old town (Stari Grad) which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can wander the maze of narrow streets and simply enjoy the architecture. The Old Town was built between the 12th and 14th centuries and has a lot of character. From its decorated gates to its Orthodox/Catholic churches, cozy squares, and Venetian palaces, every corner holds a unique story. The best way to learn about Kotor’s fascinating history is by going on a guided tour. There are also several cats in the old town.
2. Walk the City Walls
After exploring the old town of Kotor, next thing to do is climb up the city walls that encircle it. Stretching across approximately 4.5 kilometers, these thick walls were erected to protect the town which was an important naval and trading center. Today, certain segments of the walls are crumbling in some sections, preventing a complete circuit around the old town. However, there are still several parts are easily accessible such as the South Gate and the Kampana Tower. Notably, the walls facing the bay are fairly wide, flat, and straightforward.
3. Visit the Maritime Museum
The old town of Kotor is home to a few interesting museums, such as the Cats Museum and the Maritime Museum. The Maritime Museum celebrates the naval history of Kotor, with a collection of photographs, paintings, weapons, and models of ships. This celebration unfolds across three levels of exhibits nestled within a wonderful old palace dating back to early 18th century. There is an entrance fee of only 4 euros which includes an audio guide. Just outside the museum, look out for the Karampana Well and its ornate wrought-iron fence. For generations, this tiny well remained the sole source of fresh drinking water for the entire town of Kotor.
4. Watch the Sunset from the Fortress
Above Kotor’s city walls, you will find old Saint John’s fortress (also known as Castle of San Giovanni). The fortress stands at a height of 1200 meters or 3937 feet making the whole city visible from above. It is an absolutely unbelievable view and extremely rewarding to reach the top. While the castle ramparts itself are interesting, the panoramic view of the Bay of Kotor makes a hike truly rewarding. The best time to visit is early in the morning or an hour or 2 before sunset as it’s generally a bit cooler and the light is best for pictures. At the top of St. John’s Fortress is the trail entrance behind the Church of St. Mary Collegiate.
5. Cool Down at Kotor Beach
On a hot summer day, there’s no better place to cool down and refresh than the beach. Kotor doesn’t have any long beaches but small ones are scattered around the bay. The nearest one is Kotor Beach, situated outside the old town. It is important to note, however, that the presence of numerous cruise ships and boats navigating the waters might lead to water contamination. Alternatively, you could go to Orahovac or Bajova Kula Beach on the way to Perast.
6. Try Montenegrin Wine
Kotor’s old town is filled with a variety of charming restaurants and bars inviting you to sample the local cuisine and wine. Some bars extend the opportunity for wine tastings, allowing you to taste the indigenous Vranac wine. This wine is made of a black-skinned variety of grapes that are native to the mountainous Montenegro. These wines are dense and produce a deep color of red. The Old Winery Wine Bar near the entrance to the fort is highly recommended.
7. Explore Nearby Perast
The Bay of Kotor is scattered across with picturesque villages, but nearby Perast stands out to be one of the most beautiful places in Montenegro. Merely a 20-minute drive from Kotor, this tiny town is home to Venetian-era palaces, churches, and squares. It’s a delight to walk the main street along the waterfront and admire the beautiful architecture here. You only need a few hours to take in the romantic ambience. However, if you intend to embark on a boat excursion to the neighboring islands, it’s advisable to allocate 12 hours.
8. Go on a Boat Tour
One of the best things to do in Kotor is embarking on a boat tour to the most beautiful and unique sites in the bay. During a three-hour tour, you visit the church on the man-made island of Our Lady of the Rocks, pass through a cave where submarines used to be hidden, spot the old prison on Mamula Island, and swim in the magical Blue Cave. Boat tours depart from the harbor near the Old Town multiple times daily.
9. Hike the Ladder of Kotor
Surrounded by steep mountains, Kotor is an incredible destination for outdoor and adventure lovers. The ladder of Kotor is an ancient caravan path that historically linked Kotor with Montenegro’s former capital. The switchback trail offers some breathtaking views of the Bay. Unlike St. John’s Fortress, you don’t have to pay an entrance fee to hike this route. The distance to the top is six and a half kilometers or four miles one-way, with 940 meters or 3084 feet of elevation gain. The beauty of this hike is the fact that you don’t need to hike all the way to the summit to enjoy spectacular views.
10. Take a Trip to Our Lady of the Rocks
Our Lady of the Rocks is a must-visit gem that weaves together spirituality, history, and breath-taking beauty. This man-made islet which is accessible by boat hosts a captivating sanctuary adorned with intricate artwork and treasures. History has it that fishermen began the tradition of casting rocks into the bay after each successful voyage, ultimately forming the foundation of this remarkable structure. Although a local festival to keep the tradition alive holds every July, a visit to Our Lady of the Rocks at any time of the year is worth it.
11. Visit the Piazza of the Arms
The Piazza of the Arms stands as a captivating testament to Kotor’s historical grandeur and vibrant atmosphere. It is one of the most compelling destinations to explore in Kotor, Montenegro. As you step into this charming square, you’re transported through time and surrounded by the echoes of a rich past. The cobbled pathways lead you past impressive Venetian-inspired architecture and quaint cafes, inviting you to immerse yourself in the local culture. At the heart of the piazza is majestic Clock Tower, which has overseen the town’s life for centuries.
12. Visit the Church of St. Nicholas
The St. Nicholas Church which is the most significant Orthodox Church in Kotor is located in the norther part of Kotor. Built in the early 20th century, it serves as a testament to the reconstruction efforts following a devastating fire that ravaged the original structure during the 19th century. Adjacent to the Church of St Nicholas is the church treasury, harboring a wealth of icons, artistic crafts, documents, and gowns. Furthermore, the church boasts a collection of valuables, which were mostly given by the wealthy families of Kotor, thus reflecting the town’s enduring commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.
13. Check out Cathedral of Saint Tryphon
The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon stands as an indispensable pilgrimage for anyone exploring Kotor, Montenegro. Arguably the most beautiful building in Kotor, the Kotor Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, stands as a remarkable testament with its twin towers. This awe-inspiring cathedral holds a history that dates back to its consecration in 1166. A visit to this captivating landmark is an absolute necessity. The entrance fee is a mere 3 euros which is a modest cost for an experience of such profound historical and architectural significance!
14. Visit the Beautiful Blue Cave
The Blue Cave is situated along the Lustica Peninsula, adjacent to the pristine waters of Kotor Bay. It is one of Kotor’s most popular attractions. This exquisite aquatic landscape boasts an Adriatic depth of 5 meters and a soaring height of 9 meters, giving room for boats to sail. It is named the Blue Cave because of the way light reflects off the sand at the bottom, making the entire cavern look blue. The clarity of the water is unparalleled, serving as a mirror that reflects everything around it.
15. Tour the Bay of Kotor
The Bay of Kotor is a place of unparalleled beauty and historical significance. It is a place where natural wonders and human ingenuity have converged to create a destination that leaves an indelible mark on all who visit. The bay’s serpentine coastline is adorned with charming towns and villages, each steeped in history and culture, offering a captivating blend of medieval architecture, vibrant markets, and a warm local welcome.
16. Explore the Sea Gate to Kotor Old City
The Sea Gate is not merely an entrance but an invitation to delve into the heart of Kotor’s past and present. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a culture connoisseur, or a curious traveler, the Sea Gate stands as a testament to Kotor’s enduring allure and the magic of exploring a living, breathing historical masterpiece.
17. Go Whitewater Rafting in the Tara River Canyon
Embarking on the Tara River White Water Rafting excursion is undoubtedly one of the most adventurous excursions from Kotor. The Tara River is Europe’s deepest river canyon at 1333 meters. Surpassing all expectations, this remarkable natural wonder ranks as the world’s second deepest, after the iconic Grand Canyon in USA. Enhanced by its UNESCO protection, this river system serves as an ideal arena for indulging in the thrill of whitewater rafting. It also promises an exhilarating journey amidst captivating surroundings!
18. Visit a City Market
In front of the walls of the Old Town, near the Port of Kotor, lies a prominent city market. It is notable for the fact that people from all over Montenegro bring homemade goods here. Surprisingly, this market stands as one of Kotor’s top attractions. It offers a diverse selection of fresh meat and fish, the finest fruits, vegetables, nuts, honey, bread, cheese, etc. Local mountain-dwelling farmers contribute their own cheeses, with Montenegro’s renowned goat cheese as well as pork ham prosciutto being highlights. Like any market, it’s better to come as early as possible, but the market hours are from 7.00am to 3.00pm. The busiest days are Saturdays but the market operates on other days too. If you don’t feel like buying anything, look around, and sample a few products. They are so good that you’ll want to buy at least something to snack on later.
19. Try the Best BBQ in Tanjga Family Restaurant
Tanjga Family Restaurant is located just a short stroll outside Kotor’s town walls. For meat lovers, I recommend stopping for lunch or dinner at BBQ Tanjga cafe. Despite its unassuming appearance, this restaurant present an array of mouthwatering meals. For those seeking a taste of local meats, this is the best place in Kotor so far. The process is straightforward: you select your desired dish – whether a burger, steak, sausage, etc. – from the display and the chef swiftly prepares it for you. Portions are huge and enough for 2 individuals to share a single plate.
20. Drive the Serpentine Road to Lovcen National Park
Finally, a visit to the stunning nearby national park is an essential part of your Kotor journey. From Kotor, it’s a mere 45-minute drive to Mount Lovcen National Park. The drive is through a narrow serpentine road that takes you up into the mountains. Driving this road is a thrilling experience and you can pause at one of the numerous viewpoints that stretch the entire Bay to the Adriatic Sea. When you continue to the entrance of the park, you’ll find an imposing Black Mountain that gave this country its name: Mount Lovcen itself. Here, you’ll also discover the mausoleum of its greatest ruler. (Njegos Mausoleum).
Best Time to Travel to Kotor, Montenegro
When considering the best time to visit Kotor, schedule your trip between April and October for an enhanced experience. However, it’s advisable to steer clear of the period spanning mid-July through the end of August. This is the busiest time and the hottest. During these months, it almost never rains and if rain happens, it usually falls in midday thunderstorms that ends within an hour. Furthermore, July and August witness a surge in costs and scarcity of available accommodations, often reserved several months in advance.
May and October are more suitable for nature walks and sightseeing as well as bay cruises. June through September are perfect for water sports, leisurely beach days and scenic road trips from Kotor into the mountains.
From November to April, Kotor enters a quieter phase with limited attractions. While the temperature rarely drops below freezing, there is consistent rainfall. Periodic stormy winds from Africa periodically blow, making navigation difficult and bringing even lower temperatures. The majority of the coastal tours cease operation by the end of October, leaving minimal options for holidaymakers seeking entertainment.
Where to Stay in Kotor, Montenegro
It is important to understand the geographical layout of the Boka Bay, to figure out where to stay in Kotor. The long and barrel-shaped mountain Vrmac divides the Bay of Kotor into 2 bays. They are the triangle-shaped outer bay and the fjord-shaped inner bay. These interconnected inner and outer bays collectively form the bay of Kotor. Some individuals refer to the outer bay as “Tivat Bay” and the inner bay as “Kotor Bay.”
The scenic inner bay houses the UNESCO-protected Old Town of Kotor along with the neighboring settlements of Dobrota, Muo, Prčanj, and Perast. The outer bay on the other hand is home to Tivat and Herceg-Novi. It opens up into the Adriatic Sea and is flanked by Luštica Peninsula and Vrmac.
Now the question arises: where should you stay in Kotor Bay? I strongly recommend staying in the inner bay, which encompasses the Old Town of Kotor (both within and outside the city walls). Also, the charming locales of Dobrota, Muo, Prčanj, or Perast is recommended.
Why are there so many Cats in Kotor, Montenegro?
According to legends, cats saved Kotor from the black plague during the 14th century. The plague was spread by rats but the rodent population was controlled by the cats. So, it is said that the cats saved the city of Kotor and that they’ve been loved there ever since. Cats are an unofficial mascot for the city and if you look at the gift shops, you’ll see a lot of merchants selling cat themed items.
FAQ
- Why is it called Kotor?
During the era of the Byzantine Empire, Kotor was referred to as “Dekaderon,” “Dekateron,” or “Dekatera,” stemming from the Greek term “katareo,” denoting a place rich in warm water sources. Over time, this name transitioned into “Kotor.”
- What is Kotor best known for?
Kotor is renowned as the most exquisite settlement along Montenegro’s coastline. Kotor is celebrated for its Medieval Old Town and the 16th-century fortifications ascending the hill to safeguard it.
- Is Kotor Expensive?
The average cost of living in Kotor is $907, positioning it within the upper 35% of the world’s most affordable cities. It ranks 6001st out of 9294 cities worldwide and holds the 3rd spot out of 9 cities in Montenegro.
Final Thoughts!
Undoubtedly, Kotor emerges as an undeniable must-visit destination for travelers seeking a harmonious blend of history, nature, and authentic experiences. With its charming Medieval Old Town, perched beneath protective fortifications that offer panoramic views of both land and sea, Kotor captures the essence of centuries gone by. From its vibrant markets and cuisine to the allure of hidden coves and nearby islands, Kotor caters to every traveler’s desires. As a harmonious convergence of culture, history, and natural beauty, this captivating town invites exploration and promises to leave an enduring imprint on the hearts of all who venture within its bounds.
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