Things to Do in Kotor, Crna Gora / Црна Гора

Kotor, nestled in Montenegro's dramatic Bay of Kotor, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that perfectly blends medieval charm with stunning natural beauty. This fortified coastal town, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters, boasts one of the best-preserved old towns in the Adriatic region. Its labyrinthine cobblestone streets wind past ancient churches, Venetian palaces, and charming squares that have remained virtually unchanged for centuries. The city's strategic position has made it a coveted prize throughout history, with influences from Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Austro-Hungarian civilizations all leaving their mark on its architecture and culture. Today, Kotor serves as a gateway to Montenegro's spectacular coastline and mountains, offering visitors everything from medieval exploration and cultural immersion to outdoor adventures and seaside relaxation. The town's compact size makes it perfect for wandering, while its position on the fjord-like bay provides endless opportunities for boat trips and water activities.

Top Things to Do in Kotor

Climb to Kotor Fortress

The hike up the ancient fortress walls to San Giovanni Castle offers one of the most rewarding experiences in Kotor, with breathtaking panoramic views over the bay and old town. The steep 1,350-step climb takes about 1-2 hours depending on fitness level and includes several rest stops at different fortification levels. The fortress walls zigzag up the mountainside, providing increasingly spectacular vistas as you ascend.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around €8 and no advance booking is needed. Start early morning (7-8 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM) to avoid midday heat. Bring plenty of water, wear good hiking shoes, and allow 2-3 hours total for the round trip.

Bay of Kotor Boat Tour

Explore the stunning Bay of Kotor by boat, visiting picturesque islands, hidden caves, and charming coastal villages that are inaccessible by land. Most tours include stops at Our Lady of the Rocks island with its famous church and museum, the Blue Cave for swimming, and traditional fishing villages. The boat ride offers unique perspectives of the dramatic mountains rising directly from the water and medieval towns clinging to the shoreline.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost €25-45 per person, half-day tours €15-25. Book with reputable operators that include entrance fees and provide snorkeling equipment. Best months are May-September, with July-August being busiest. Look for small group tours (under 20 people) for a more intimate experience.

Old Town Walking Tour

Discover Kotor's medieval old town through its maze of narrow streets, ancient squares, and historic landmarks including St. Tryphon Cathedral, the Maritime Museum, and numerous Venetian palaces. Professional guides share fascinating stories about the city's complex history, pointing out architectural details and hidden corners that visitors often miss. The tour typically covers the main sights within the city walls and provides context for understanding Kotor's cultural significance.

Booking Tip: Free walking tours operate daily (tip-based, €5-10 suggested), while private tours cost €80-120 for groups up to 8 people. Tours run year-round but are most comfortable April-October. Book morning tours to avoid afternoon crowds, especially during cruise ship season.

Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks Excursion

Visit the baroque town of Perast and the artificial island of Our Lady of the Rocks, both located in the Bay of Kotor about 20 minutes from Kotor by car. Perast features stunning 17th-18th century architecture and offers boat trips to the famous island church, which houses an impressive collection of maritime artifacts and ex-voto paintings. The island itself was created over centuries by local seamen who dropped stones and old ships to fulfill a vow.

Booking Tip: Boat transfers to the island cost €5 round trip, church entry €1. Combine with Perast visit for a half-day trip costing €20-30 total. Visit early morning or late afternoon for best photos and fewer crowds. Many operators offer combined tours from Kotor including transportation.

Lovcen National Park Day Trip

Venture into the mountainous interior to Lovcen National Park, home to the Njegos Mausoleum perched dramatically atop Mount Lovcen with 360-degree views of Montenegro. The park offers excellent hiking trails through diverse landscapes, traditional villages, and the historic former capital of Cetinje with its museums and royal palaces. The contrast between the coastal and mountain scenery makes this an essential Montenegro experience.

Booking Tip: Park entry €3, mausoleum €3 additional. Guided day tours from Kotor cost €35-50 per person including transportation and guide. Self-drive is possible but mountain roads are winding. Best visited May-October when weather is most favorable for hiking and clear mountain views.

Getting There

Kotor is easily accessible by various transportation methods, with the nearest airports being Tivat (20 minutes away) and Podgorica (1.5 hours away). International visitors often fly into Dubrovnik, Croatia (2 hours by bus or car) which has more flight connections. Regular bus services connect Kotor to major Balkan cities including Belgrade, Sarajevo, and Zagreb, while the scenic coastal road makes driving a popular option. Cruise ships frequently dock in Kotor during Mediterranean itineraries, making it a major cruise destination. For those coming from other Adriatic destinations, ferry connections operate seasonally to Italy.

Getting Around

Kotor's compact old town is entirely pedestrian and best explored on foot, with most major sights within a 10-minute walk of each other. For destinations outside the old town like beaches, Perast, or hiking trails, local buses run regularly along the coastal road for €1-2 per journey. Taxis are available but can be expensive for longer trips, while rental cars offer flexibility for exploring the broader Bay of Kotor region and Montenegro's interior. Many visitors find that a combination of walking within Kotor and organized tours for day trips provides the best balance of convenience and cost-effectiveness.

Where to Stay

Old Town (within city walls)

Dobrota (waterfront village)

Prcanj (quiet bay-side)

Kotor Bay area

Tivat (near airport)

Perast (scenic village)

Food & Dining

Kotor's dining scene beautifully combines Mediterranean and Balkan influences, with an emphasis on fresh seafood, locally-sourced ingredients, and traditional Montenegrin specialties. The old town contains numerous restaurants ranging from casual konobas (traditional taverns) serving grilled fish and regional wines to upscale establishments offering refined takes on local cuisine. Don't miss trying local specialties like black risotto, grilled sea bass, Njeguski pršut (smoked ham), and local wines from the nearby Plantaze vineyards. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating in charming stone courtyards or along the waterfront, creating magical dining atmospheres especially in the evening when the old town is beautifully illuminated.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Kotor is during late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) when weather is warm and pleasant, crowds are manageable, and prices are reasonable. Summer months (July-August) offer the warmest weather and longest days but bring large crowds, especially when cruise ships dock, and higher accommodation prices. Winter (November-March) sees fewer tourists and lower prices, but some attractions may have limited hours and weather can be unpredictable, though the old town retains its charm year-round. For hiking and outdoor activities, May through October provides the most favorable conditions.

Insider Tips

Visit early morning or evening when cruise ship passengers have departed for a more authentic experience and better photos

Climb the fortress walls just before sunset for spectacular golden hour lighting over the bay

Try local restaurants in Dobrota or Prcanj villages for better prices and less touristy atmosphere than old town establishments

Things to Do in Kotor