Hiking in Kotor is an absolute must for anyone visiting!
Dramatic and magnificent views of Kotor and the bay are the significant rewards of this hiking tour. It is well worth the physical effort involved!
To reach the San Giovanni fortress, we begin our hike outside the walls on the Old Centinje Caravan Road (aka “Cattarro Ladder”). We’ll meet the only family living in the otherwise abandoned rock village Špiljari, where we’ll rest and sample homemade smoked ham and delicious cheese. Afterward, we begin our ascent to the upper elevations – from where you’ll see every house, palace, and church in the city – along with a large expanse of the Bay of Kotor and surrounding mountains.
Now, the easy part comes – descending the 1,350 stairs inside the fortress walls. The views are spectacular, and we’ll have plenty of time for memorable photo ops.
 Things to note | |
| DURATION | up to 3 hours |
|---|---|
| INCLUDED | English-speaking tour guide, entrance to the fortress, map of the city, homemade snack at the village, 0.5l bottle of water per person |
| NOT INCLUDED | other drinks or souvenirs, tips for guide |
| WHAT TO BRING |
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| HIGHLIGHTS | hiking up the old path, local homemade products (prosciutto, cheese, bread), a view from the top fortress, hiking down the stairway inside the walls (1.350 stairs) |
The Old Town Kotor is well-sheltered from the open sea. It is situated at the end of Kotor Bay and encased by formidable mountains—Mt. Lovćen and Vrmac Hill. Strategically, it has proven to be an ideal position for safety in times of war, exemplified by the relative security the town has enjoyed, given the region’s turbulent history.
The Walls of Kotor built between the 9th and 19th centuries on St. John’s Hill, secured Kotor from enemies for over 1,000 years.
To conquer the walls and fortress of the Kotor Old Town, we follow the Old Path up the mountain. In the past, it was the main caravan road connecting Kotor with the rest of Montenegro. This spectacular winding road leads us to a small old village called Špiljari. This is where the only family remaining in the town lives. The perfect spot to rest and try some unique homemade products while enjoying breathtaking views!
After the break, we’ll explore the remains of old houses and the abandoned church of St. John. For those courageous enough, you can experience the nearby cave path that exits on a cliff outside the city walls.
Finally, we will leave the ruins and proceed through a concealed passage to enter the fortress of San Giovanni, which is 260 meters above the sea.
On the return, we descend 1,350 stairs, enjoy the spectacular landscape and 14th-century Our Lady of Remedy, and take (plenty of) opportunities for memorable photos.
See you on the Hiking Tour!
