Destination guide

Kotor

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Kotor is a small, walled medieval town at the end of a spectacular fjord-like bay in Montenegro. Steep mountains rise straight from the water, and a fortified wall climbs the slope above the old town.

It is compact and beautiful, with a laid-back feel. It also makes a good base for exploring the Bay of Kotor, the Montenegrin coast and the mountains behind.

How many days: 3

Three days covers the old town, the fortress and a boat trip. Two is enough for a quick visit.

A day trip to the coast and other towns in the bay is easy. Roads along the bay are scenic.

What to do in Kotor

Walk through the old town
A maze of stone lanes, squares and churches within the walls. It is a World Heritage site.
Climb the fortress walls
A long path of steps climbs the hill above the town to a ruined fort. It is steep, so go early in the day with water.
Take a boat to Our Lady of the Rocks
A small island church in the bay, built on a man-made island. Boats leave from the nearby town of Perast.
Visit Perast
A baroque village on the bay with a small waterfront and many palaces. A good lunch stop.
Drive the Kotor serpentine road
A road with dozens of hairpin bends climbs the mountain above the town. The views over the bay are amazing.
Swim in the bay
Small beaches and rocky platforms along the shore allow swimming in summer.
Visit Budva or Sveti Stefan
Coastal towns nearby, with beaches and an old walled village. A short drive from Kotor.
Browse the old town markets
Stalls outside the walls sell local cheese, honey, fruit and crafts. A good place for lunch supplies.
Visit the Maritime Museum
A small museum in a baroque palace covers the town's long seafaring history. A good place to learn about Kotor's past.
Walk to the Church of Our Lady of Remedy
A small church halfway up the fortress path, with a view over the town. A good place to stop on the climb.
Take a kayak trip in the bay
Guided kayak trips paddle past small villages and abandoned churches. A relaxed way to see the shore.

What to eat and drink

Fresh seafood
Grilled fish, squid and shrimp are served at waterside restaurants. Ask for the catch of the day.
Njeguški pršut
A smoked ham from the mountain village of Njeguši. Often served with local cheese.
Black risotto
Rice cooked with squid ink, a coastal classic.
Montenegrin wine
The country produces good red wines from the Vranac grape. Try a glass with dinner.
Local honey and brandy
Rakija, a fruit brandy, is common. Honey from the hills is sold in the markets.
Local cheese and olives
Salty, aged cheese and local olives go well with bread and wine. Buy from a market stall.
Burek and pastries
Savoury pies and pastries are sold from bakeries in the morning. Cheap and filling.

Getting around

The old town is car-free and compact. You can walk almost everywhere on foot.

Buses link Kotor with other towns on the coast, and taxis are widely available. Hire cars are useful for exploring.

The nearest airports are in Tivat and Dubrovnik, both within an hour or two.

Good to know

  • Summer is hot and crowded, especially when cruise ships are in port. Early morning and evening are quieter.
  • Montenegro uses the euro, though it is not in the European Union. Cards are accepted in most places.
  • Check the entry requirements for your nationality before you travel.
  • The old town cobbles are slippery when wet. Wear shoes with good grip.
  • Drive carefully on the mountain roads, which are narrow and winding.
  • Montenegro is small, and most places on the coast are within two hours. You can see a lot in a few days.
  • Cruise ships can fill the old town in the middle of the day. Plan your walls climb for early morning or sunset.

Where to stay in Kotor

6 neighbourhoods, described the way a friend would - what each is actually like, not the brochure version.

Kotor Old Town

Kotor's UNESCO-listed Old Town is a dramatic walled maze of medieval lanes, churches, restaurants and small squares beneath steep mountains. It is the strongest choice for first-time visitors and romantic stays, although cruise crowds and summer noise can be considerable.

Dobrota

Dobrota stretches north along the Bay of Kotor and offers waterfront apartments, small beaches, restaurants and beautiful mountain views. It is quieter than the Old Town while remaining close enough to walk or take a short taxi.

Muo

Muo sits directly across the bay from Kotor Old Town and offers spectacular views of the fortified city and surrounding mountains. It is excellent for romantic and quiet stays, but has fewer restaurants and requires transport or a longer walk into town.

Prčanj

Prčanj is a peaceful historic settlement further along the bay with stone houses, waterfront swimming spots and panoramic scenery. It suits travellers seeking tranquillity and a local atmosphere, though nightlife and central sightseeing are limited.

Perast

Perast is a tiny baroque waterfront town north of Kotor, famous for elegant stone buildings and views towards the Bay of Kotor's small islands. It is one of the region's most romantic places to stay, but dining, nightlife and hotel choice are limited.

Stoliv

Stoliv is a quiet bayside village opposite Perast with waterfront houses, small swimming areas and dramatic mountain scenery. It is excellent for secluded family or romantic stays, but is car-dependent and has few restaurants or shops.

What it costs

A typical day in Kotor, per person, in pounds.

£46

Shoestring - hostels, street food, public transport.

£111

Comfortable - a decent hotel, restaurants, the odd taxi.

£248

Treating yourself - the good hotel, the good tables.

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