- Discover the History of Kotor’s Old Town
- Hike Kotor’s Fortress (San Giovanni)
- Explore & Hike Vrmac
- Experience Blue Cave & Boka Bay by Boat from Kotor
- Visit the Montenegrin Coastline
- Taste the Local Cuisine
- Attend a Cultural Event
- Visit the Maritime Museum
- Enjoy the Natural Beauty of Lovcen National Park
- Kotor Walking Tour
- Enjoy the sunset at Fort Goražda
- Bonus – Where to stay in Kotor & Top 5 Montenegro Tours from Kotor
- FAQ’s
Discover the History of Kotor’s Old Town
Kotor’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in history and culture. This walled town is surrounded by fortifications built during the Venetian period. Visitors can stroll through the Old Town’s narrow streets, admiring the medieval architecture and learning about the town’s rich history.
One of the must-see attractions in Kotor is the St. Tryphon Cathedral, built in the 12th century. Illyrians were the first significant conquerors of Kotor in the 5th century BC, followed by the Romans in 476 AD and the Byzantines in the 7th century AD. The Serbian Nemanjić Dynasty ruled Kotor from the 12th to 14th century, making it a seaport and experiencing a significant economic and cultural boom. After the Hungarians took over, the throne was taken by Bosnian king Tvrtko I Kotoromanić, and Kotor was an independent Republic between 1391 and 1420. In 1813, a union between Boka and former Montenegro was established, but the Vienna Congress held in 1814 didn’t acknowledge this new alliance, so Boka and its surroundings were given to Austria. For the next 104 years, Boka was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Hike Kotor’s Fortress (San Giovanni)
Time to Conquer the Walls of Kotor! For a breathtaking panoramic view of Kotor and its surroundings, we highly recommend hiking to the top of Kotor Fortress. The fortress is located on St. Jonh’s hill – overlooking the town. Visitors can admire the Bay of Kotor and the surrounding mountains, as well as the picturesque rooftops of the Old Town. The hike can be challenging, with steep steps and a narrow path, but the view from the top is well worth the effort. Totaling 1350 steps to the top will make you put some effort into reaching the top of Kotor’s Fortress, where to ruins of San Giovanni’s (St. John) Castle are. The overall difficulty, depending on your physical fitness level, is 2/5, and it takes an average of 30-40min to reach the top where the flag pole is.
What to bring:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- A hat
- Water
- And a must: Your Camera!
The best time to visit the Kotor fortress & go hiking is earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon, as it can get quite warm, especially during those hot summer days.
Note that, from April until November there is a surcharge to enter the Walls of Kotor – 8€
Explore & hike Vrmac
Vrmac is a mountain peninsula located opposite of the Old Town of Kotor & one of the most popular places in Kotor Bay for the locals, from both Kotor and Tivat, to go hiking and explore. It offers beautiful views of the Boka Bay with its surrounding areas, and is a popular destination for hiking and exploring nature. Vrmac is also home to several historical and cultural landmarks, including the Vrmac Fortress, built as a protection of Kotor and its Bay.
Experience Blue Cave & Boka Bay by Boat from Kotor
For a good reason, the Bay of Kotor is often called the southernmost fjord in Europe. Dramatic mountains surround the Bay, and its deep blue waters are dotted with small villages and towns.
One of the best ways to explore the Bay is by boat. Our crusise is one of the most uniqe Kotor Boat Tours, showcasing the best places to visit in Boka Bay, exploring all its highlights, including visit to a famous Blue Cave in Montenegro. And doing a boat tour from Kotor is the best way to experience Boka Bay. Some of the highlights of the Bay include:
- A visit to Our Lady of the Rocks & Perast from Kotor – a man-made island in Perast, and the only one of its kind on this side of the Adriatic Sea.
- Blue Cave – a must-visit place when in Montenegro! Visitors get about 30 minutes to swim, dive & explore the Blue Cave.
- Old Yugoslavian Submarine Tunnels!
- Porto Montenegro in Tivat, and not to forget – making many swim breaks to cool off during the hot summer days.
- Cruising along some of the most picturesque villages on the Adriatic coast: Muo, Prčanj, Stoliv & Perast!
Visit the Montenegrin Coastline
To top your bucket list of places to visit in Montenegro, a visit or a tour to Perast and Budva from Kotor are a must! While Kotor is undoubtedly a highlight of Montenegro, the country has much more to offer. The Montenegrin coastline is lined with charming towns and beaches, each with its unique character.
One of the most popular destinations on the coast is the town of Budva, known for its medieval architecture and lively nightlife. Visitors can also explore the nearby peninsula of Sveti Stefan, famous for its stunning beaches and luxury resorts. Perast is one of the most well-preserved villages on this side of the Adriatic & a must-visit place. Perast only has one street, and its location provides you with some of the most beautiful views in Montenegro. Once here, pay the visit to the local museum, take a quick boat ride to the Islands in front and enjoy the medieval charms of this willage.
Taste the Local Cuisine
No trip to Montenegro is complete without sampling the local cuisine. Montenegrin cuisine is heavily influenced by Mediterranean and Balkan flavors, resulting in a unique culinary experience.
Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, grilled meats, hearty stews, and locally produced wine and rakija – a traditional fruit brandy. When it comes to seafood, we can all thank local fishermen for waking up early to catch the fish & sell it in the local market or to the restaurants ensuring that it is always the top quality and fresh! Even though the Mediterranean diet is dominant here and a considerable part of local culture, one (slightly different) place has stood out lately. Resto Bar Taraca is one of the newly opened restaurants in Kotor. Located just outside the Walls of Kotor, this place has a rather exciting menu & plenty of vegan & vegetarian dishes to choose from – quite a rare sight in Montenegro.
Attend a Cultural Event
Kotor is a destination for all seasons, and virtually every month, something significant happens. Kotor has a thriving cultural scene and holds several festivals and events every year. The most well-known of them is the Kotor Carnival, which takes place in February and is one of the biggest carnival festivities in the Balkans (as of 2023, it celebrated its 505th year!).
Another popular event is the KotorArt Festival, which features a variety of artistic and cultural performances, as well as the Boka Bay’s Night (Bokeljska Noć), dedicated to the town’s maritime history with celebrations that begin during the day and last until the early hours of the following morning, Fashion Week, and other events.
Visit the Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum in Kotor is dedicated to the town’s rich maritime history, with exhibits showcasing traditional boats, navigational instruments, and artifacts from the town’s maritime past.
Visitors can learn about the Kotor’s history as an important trading port and its importance as a naval base during various periods of history with an audio guide provided at the entrance. Visit Maritime Museum, and more, on our Kotor walking tour.
Enjoy the Natural Beauty of Lovcen National Park
Located just a short drive from Kotor, Lovcen National Park is a must-visit place when in Kotor! There are a couple of ways to reach Lovćen & get to one of its peaks, where the highest Mausoleum in the World is.
- Visitors can hike from Kotor to Mount Lovćen. Starting from the Old Town, take the Ladder of Kotor & continue until you reach Lovcen National Park. Hike through the park’s rugged terrain, taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and coastline until you get to Jezerski Vrh (Lake’s Peak) – home to the Njegos’ Mausoleum, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
- Rent-a-Car if you didn’t arrive with one and take the Old Autro-Hungarian Road, taking you towards Njeguši village towards Lovcen.
- Join our Great Montenegro Tour to have to most unique & complete experience.
Kotor Walking Tour
Sure, there are many of things to do in Kotor but for those in love with culture & heritage we suggest joining the walking tour in Kotor for the best experience. Full of history, stories of old & corners to be discovered, Kotor is a must-visit place in Montenegro.
Enjoy the sunset at Fort Goražda
A place is easy to miss but hard to forget! A perfect spot to relax and enjoy a spectacular sunset with the view of Old Town Kotor & Kotor Bay on one side & Tivat Bay and the Adriatic Sea on the other. One of the most spectacular views in the entire Boka Bay is from the top of this abandoned Austro-Hungarian Fortress.
Bonus:
Where to stay when in Kotor:
Old Town Hostel – for budget travellers/backpackers.
Pearl Apartments – for a high-end acommodation.
TOP 5 Montenegro Tours from to join!
Kotor is known to be an excellent base for people to explore Montenegro from. Here are the Top 5 choices for day tours you can experience from Kotor.
- Great Montenegro Tour – 2019 Best Tour in the World!
- Tara River Rafting – An ALL-INCLUSIVE Experience!
- North Montenegro Tour – Our guest’s TOP RECOMMENDATION!
- Kotor Cruise – The BEST of Boka Bay!
- Montenegro Hiking – Durmitor NP & Prutas Hike – A MUST-HAVE, all-inclusive, Experience!
Use Promo Code ‘SAVE10’ and save 10% on your booking!
FAQ’s:
How many days do you need in Kotor?
Generally, a 2-3 day visit is recommended to fully experience Kotor. This allows enough time to explore the Old Town, climb the fortifications, and take in the beautiful bay views. However, if you’re keen on hiking, exploring the local cuisine, or visiting nearby attractions, you might want to extend your stay.
Is Kotor worth visiting?
Absolutely! Kotor is a fascinating city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with medieval architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and picturesque squares. Not to mention, the stunning Bay of Kotor offers breathtaking views. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or a foodie, Kotor has something to offer.
How long to spend in Kotor Old Town?
To explore Kotor Old Town thoroughly, a full day is usually enough. You can walk around the Old Town, visit its many churches, museums, and explore its myriad shops and cafes. Remember to climb the walls of Kotor for a stunning view of the Bay. However, the beauty of the Old Town can be captivating, leading many visitors to return for a second day.
Which is better, Kotor or Budva?
Both Kotor and Budva offer unique experiences and choosing between them depends on your personal preferences. Kotor is perfect for those interested in history, architecture, and nature. It’s a quiet, scenic city with a beautiful Old Town and stunning views from the fortress. On the other hand, Budva is known for its vibrant nightlife, beaches, and modern attractions. If you’re after a more lively, beach-based holiday, Budva might be the better choice. But why choose? If time allows, visiting both cities can give you a comprehensive experience of Montenegro.
See you in Kotor, Montenegro!
For any info on experiences, things to do in Montenegro & Best places to visit, do not hesitate to contact us!
