Best Things to do in Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor
Introduction:
During a memorable five-day stay in Montenegro in April, I was lucky enough to get to explore several magnificent destinations, but one of the standout highlights was undoubtedly Kotor. Situated along the Adriatic coast, this historic town boasts a unique blend of natural beauty and rich history that makes it a must-visit for any traveller.
In this article, I will share five of the best things to do in Kotor that showcase why this incredible city is a must see destination. Whether you're drawn to ancient architecture, stunning landscapes, or vibrant cultural experiences, Kotor has something to offer every type of adventurer.
Thank you very much for reading my guide about discovering the best of what Kotor has to offer. By the way, 95% of all of the photos and videos are ones I took while holidaying there.
Key Takeaways from "Best Things to Do in Kotor, Montenegro":
Kotor Old Town: Explore the medieval walls, historic architecture, and vibrant marketplaces.
Hike Kotor's City Walls: A challenging hike with stunning views of the Bay of Kotor and historical significance.
Our Lady of the Rocks: Visit the unique island church and museum in Perast, accessible by a short boat ride.
Bay of Kotor Viewpoint: Capture breathtaking panoramic views from the Serpentine Road.
Kotor Serpentine Road: Experience a pretty exciting and exhilarating drive with 16 spectacular hairpin turns.
Statistics and Interesting Historical Facts:
Visitor Numbers: Kotor sees an estimated 450,000 to 600,000 tourists annually. This number has been increasing in recent years due to the rising popularity of Montenegro as a travel destination.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Kotor's Old Town and its surrounding region were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979 due to their outstanding universal value, historical significance, and well-preserved medieval architecture.
Climb to St. John's Fortress: For stunning views over the Bay of Kotor, visitors can climb the 1,350 steps to St. John’s Fortress, which takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour.
Historical Layers: The town has been inhabited since antiquity, with influences from various cultures including the Illyrians, Romans, and Byzantines, reflected in its architecture and urban structure.
Natural Beauty: Kotor is located along one of the most beautiful bays in the world—Bay of Kotor, also known as Boka Bay, which is a winding bay on the Adriatic Sea, surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes.
Cultural Diversity: The town reflects a mixture of Orthodox, Catholic, and Islamic cultural influences due to its historical position at the crossroads of trading and religious routes.
5 Best Things to do in Kotor, Montenegro:
1. Kotor Old Town:
Historic Architecture
Enclosed by massive medieval walls constructed from the 9th to 18th centuries, Kotor Old Town is a fortress of history. Walking through its cobbled streets, you enter a pretty incredible world that reminded me of Game of Thrones (minus the tourists :). Seeing this incredible medieval architecture has to be a must and is one of best things to do in Kotor, Montenegro.
Cathedral of Saint Tryphon
A standout among Kotor’s architectural treasures is the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, built in 1166. This structure is not only a remarkable example of Romanesque architecture but also contains a collection of Kotor's religious art and sacred relics, illustrating the city's profound historical heritage.
Marketplaces and Cafes
The Old Town's marketplaces are bustling centers where locals sell everything from handmade crafts to traditional foods. The cafes here are ideal spots for soaking in the local scene, often accompanied by live music, providing a cool backdrop as you enjoy a coffee or snack.
2. Hike Kotors City Walls
Exploring Kotor's Historic Defences
Hiking the city walls of Kotor is a pretty cool experience that combines physical activity with historical exploration. These walls, which have protected the city since the medieval period, stretch for about 4.5 kilometres and climb steeply up the hillside to Fortress of San Giovanni at 280 metres above sea level.
Duration and Difficulty
The hike typically takes between 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views. It is considered moderately challenging due to the steep and sometimes uneven steps. However, the effort is well rewarded with panoramic views of Kotor Bay, the old town, and the surrounding mountains.
Historical Significance
Built by the Venetians in the 9th century as a defence against invaders, the walls have been well-preserved and offer a glimpse into the past strategic importance of Kotor. As you climb, you'll pass several small chapels and bastions, each with its own story, culminating at the fortress which provides a another spectacular view of the city and the Kotor bay.
Kotor City Walls
3. Our Lady of the Rocks Island Church in Perast
A Unique Island Church
Just a short drive from Kotor, in the small town of Perast, lies one of the most picturesque and unique attractions in the Bay of Kotor: Our Lady of the Rocks. This church and museum is situated on a man-made island, which according to legend, was created by local seamen who kept an ancient oath after finding an icon of the Madonna and Child on a rock in the sea. 15 - 20 minutes is enough time to see this island.
Formation and Construction
The tradition involved seamen adding rocks and old sunken ships filled with rocks to the spot where the icon was found. Over time, the islet emerged, and in 1632, the Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Rocks was built. The church was renovated in the 19th century, giving it the present appearance which draws visitors from around the world.
Visiting the Island
Access to the island is typically by a short 3 minute boat ride, which can cost anything from 15 to 25 euros.
Our Lady of the Rocks Island Church
4. Bay of Kotor Viewpoint
Stunning Panoramic Views
Accessible from the Serpentine Road, this spot offers unparalleled views over the entire bay and the surrounding cliffs. Standing there, you can see the layout of the old town, the bay, and the dramatic mountain backdrop (whose memory will stay with me forever). It’s a perfect place for photography enthusiasts or anyone looking to take in the beauty of Montenegro. The vista from this viewpoint is breathtaking and provides a full appreciation of why Kotor's natural beauty is celebrated.
If you’re a confident driver and don’t mind the heights, this drive for me was one of best things to do in Kotor, Montenegro.
“The gulf of Kotor, suddenly seen from the top of the Lovćen pass, is literally heart-stopping”
Bay of Kotor
“The Gulf of Kotor is one of the most remarkable natural phenomena in Europe, the climax of the whole coast, and the most awe-inspiring entrance to Montenegro. Whether you enter it by sea or by one of the two main land routes the sight of it will last a lifetime”
5. Kotor Serpentine Road
Driving the Serpentine
I rented a car for a few days to get around (I was able to hire an automatic car in April for just 55 euros a day), that got around the steep roads with no problem. One of the driving highlights was the Kotor Serpentine Road. Be warned, this route is not for the nervous driver, as my video shows. However, if you're a confident driver, the views are incredible from up there.
The road twists (16 hairpin turns) and climbs dramatically, offering breathtaking panoramas of the Bay of Kotor. It's an exhilarating experience that rewards you with unforgettable views.
“Am I on paradise or on the moon?”
Map of Kotor Serpentine from Lovchen National Park to Kotor:
“The part of the Adriatic coast belonging to Montenegro is the purest part of the Mediterranean.” — JACQUES COUSTEAU
“The part of the Adriatic coast belonging to Montenegro is the purest part of the Mediterranean.” — JACQUES COUSTEAU
Where I Stayed: Vivid Blue Resort Hotel in Sveti Stefan
During my visit to Montenegro, I stayed at the Vivid Blue Resort Hotel in Sveti Stefan. This exquisite hotel is renowned not only for its accommodations but also for its spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea as the video shows. The hotel staff also offered a very warm and attentive service.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Yes, there are several guided tours available for exploring Kotor. These tours often include walking tours of the Old Town, boat trips to Our Lady of the Rocks and Perast, hiking tours to St. John’s Fortress, and scenic drives along the Kotor Serpentine Road. Additionally, you can find specialised tours focusing on local cuisine, history, and culture. It's best to book these tours in advance to secure a spot and ensure you get the most out of your visit.
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Kotor offers a variety of family-friendly activities. Families can explore the charming Kotor Old Town with its historical sites and museums, take a boat trip to the picturesque Our Lady of the Rocks island, enjoy hiking or biking along the scenic trails, and visit the Kotor Maritime Museum. Additionally, the nearby beaches provide opportunities for swimming and relaxation.
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Kotor Officiial Travel Website: https://kotor.travel/
Montenegro Travel Guide: https://www.montenegro.travel/en
Kotor Maritime Museum: https://www.visit-montenegro.com/destinations/kotor/attractions/maritime-museum/
