Perast, Montenegro

Perast is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant maritime culture. Often overshadowed by nearby Kotor, it offers a unique blend of ancient heritage and natural beauty. This guide explores must-see sites, cultural highlights, and practical travel tips to make your visit to Perast unforgettable.

Perast: Preserving the History Within Its Medieval Stones

The town’s history is intertwined with the Venetians, who influenced the town’s architecture and
culture. Once a bustling maritime hub, Perast’s grand Baroque palaces and churches reflect its
naval legacy. The city has retained its historical charm, offering a fascinating glimpse into
its past.

Churches and Palazzo’s

The town’s elegant Baroque palaces are remnants of its prosperous past. Today, the Bujovic Palace houses the Museum, which features artifacts that reveal Perast’s storied maritime legacy. St. Nicholas Church dominates Perast’s skyline, offering panoramic views from its bell tower.

Perast’s Islands: Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George

No visit to Perast is complete without exploring its iconic islets: Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George.

Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Škrpjela)

Lady of the Rocks stands as a testament to centuries of tradition, and the story, it is said, starts little something like this:

Marko, a young sailor from Prevlaka Island, received a Virgin Mary icon from his captain during his first voyage. Upon returning to the Bay of Kotor, he gave the icon to the St. Archangel monastery in gratitude after learning of his mother’s passing.

The icon was lost in a fire that destroyed the monastery but later resurfaced on a rock near Perast. Two brothers found it while fishing, and after prayers to the icon brought miraculous healing, the townspeople decided to create an island where it was discovered.

Over time, rocks placed by sailors formed the island, which became home to the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks. Today, it is a renowned pilgrimage site featuring stunning frescoes and a maritime museum. Explore the site during the annual Fašinada festival in July for a unique visit.

St. George (Sveti Đorđe): Perast’s Island of the Dead

St. George Island, often called the “Island of the Dead,” earned its name as the burial ground for prominent Perast families for centuries. Its use as a cemetery, combined with the somber atmosphere created by the ancient Benedictine monastery and cypress trees, gives it a mysterious and reverent aura.

Activities and Experiences: Things to do in Perast

Town’s waterfront charms are best explored with strolls, boat trips, and a camera ready to capture the stunning vistas.

Perast Walking Tour

Explore the town’s history with a guided walking tour, visiting the Museum, St. Nicholas Church, and more.

Boat Trips to Our Lady of the Rocks and Around Kotor Bay

Take a boat taxi to Our Lady of the Rocks and enjoy the beauty of Kotor Bay. If you aim to see the island and explore the rest of the Bay of Kotor, we strongly suggest doing a boat tour from Kotor.

Hiking Trails

Go for a hike to enjoy stunning views of the town and bay. For a more comfortable experience, avoid peak summer. Use apps like All Trails to find the best hiking trails in the area.

Swimming and Sunbathing in Perast

Enjoy sunbathing spots, such as Pirates Bar, with a perfect nature left and right.

Dining and Accommodation in Perast

Perast is known for its fresh seafood and traditional Montenegrin dishes, with various waterfront restaurants offering excellent local cuisine.

One place to try out is Hotel Restaurant Conte, one of the finest and most popular spots, Restaurant Đardin, and many more. For lunch or dinner, sit at the waterfront, order seafood, pair it with good wine, and enjoy spectacular views of the bay and the islands.

Perast Weather

It experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The best time to visit is late spring or early fall.

Perast Day Trips and Nearby Attractions

One of the main benefits of traveling around Montenegro is its size. Being a small country allows you to travel from one destination to another within half a day.

You can visit Perast from Kotor or any other place in Montenegro and make a fantastic day trip.

Visit Kotor

A short drive away, Kotor’s medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Visit Risan

Explore ancient Roman mosaics and historic churches in Risan.

Visit Tivat

Experience luxury yachts and seaside glamour in Porto Montenegro.

Practical Tips for Travelers Visiting Perast

Transportation: Getting to and from Perast

Perast is easily accessible via car or bus from Kotor, Tivat, or nearby cities. If you have a rental, you can get there by car or relax and unwind on one of the boat tours from Kotor. We suggest taking the Blue Line if you’re going with a bus.

Parking in Perast

Remember that parking is paid and limited and can get full quickly during summer. Pro tip: The nearby town of Risan can be a good spot. It’s a short walk or a quick taxi drive away.

Is Perast Expensive?

As with all places in Montenegro, Perast has seasonality, with the peak being in the high season (mid-June—mid-September). So, plan and budget ahead.

FAQs

What are the top attractions in Perast?

The top attractions include Our Lady of the Rocks, Perast Museum, Church of St. Nicholas, and the numerous Baroque palaces.

When is the best time to visit Perast?

Late spring and early fall offer the best weather
and fewer crowds.

How can I get to Perast?

Perast is accessible by car, bus, or a boat from Kotor, Tivat, and other
nearby cities.

What are the best activities in Perast?

Activities include walking tours, boat trips, hiking, swimming, and photography.

Where can I stay in Perast?

Perast offers charming hotels, apartments, and guesthouses that reflect its historical ambiance. Try searching on Booking.com or Airbnb and book to your liking.

Is Perast suitable for a day trip?

Yes! It is perfect for a day trip from Kotor, Tivat, or other nearby locations.

Conclusion

This is a destination that feels like stepping back in time. It offers travelers a chance to immerse
themselves in maritime history while marveling at the natural beauty surrounding the Bay of
Kotor. Plan your trip now and experience this Montenegrin jewel for yourself!