An absolute “must” while visiting Kotor!
Dramatic and magnificent views of Kotor and the bay are the major rewards of this hiking tour. 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. Afterwards, we begin our ascent to the upper elevations – from where you’ll be able to see every house, palace, and church in the city – along with a large expanse of the Bay of Kotor and surrounding mountains.
Now for the easy part comes – descending the 1,350 stairs inside the fortress walls. The views are simply spectacular – and we’ll have plenty of time for memorable photo ops along the way.
 Things to note | |
| DURATION | up to 3 hours |
|---|---|
| INCLUDED | proffesional tour guide in english, entrance to the fortress, map of the city, homemeade 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 with the old path, local homemade products (prosciutto, chesee, bread), view from the top fortress, hiking down the stairway inside the walls (1.350 stairs) |
The Old Town of Kotor is well-sheltered from the open sea, situated at the end of the Kotor Bay, 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 turbulent history of the region.
The Walls of Kotor, built between the 9th until 19th century on St. John’s hill, secured Kotor from enemies for more than 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 serpentine road leads us to a small old village called Špiljari. This is where the only family remaining in the village lives. The perfect spot to get some 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 Giovanniat a 260 meter elevation above the sea.
On the return we descend 1.350 stairs, enjoy the spectacular landscape, 14th centuryChurch of Our Lady of Remedy and take (plenty of) opportunities for memorable photos
SEE YOU ON THE TOUR!
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