Kotor, Montenegro’s most famous travel destination, is nestled at the southern end of Europe’s southernmost fjord, right by the Adriatic Sea.
The Bay of Kotor has long been a hotspot for cruise ships and day trippers from all over the Adriatic. But, we are here to convince you that there are numerous fun things to do in Kotor that you should visit for a few days at least!
Explore Kotor Old Town on Foot
The Old Town in Kotor is a beautiful sight and the city’s main attraction. The area is made up of white stone walls, laneways, and staircases that create a maze of passages and hidden courtyards.
Built by the Venetians, the Old Town is so impressive and historically important that it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Getting lost here is a great way to transport yourself back in time.
You’ll most likely begin your old town experience by entering through one of Kotor Old City’s three main gates: the River Gate (dating to 1540) in the north, South Gate (Gurdić Bastion, 13th to 18th century), or the main Sea Gate (1555) on the western side.
There are also a variety of architectural styles to admire: Roman, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque. This is the historic, cultural, and religious center of Kotor and you will find many attractions all over it.
Visit All Beautiful Churches and Cathedrals
If you’re a fan of historic churches, then you’ll love the religious architecture in Kotor. There are several churches within the Old Town that date back to the 12th and 14th centuries and are open to the public.
Start with the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, Kotor’s largest and most recognizable Catholic church. Built in the Romanesque style in 1166, it houses a clutch of important religious relics in its small museum as well as beautiful frescoes in the main chapel. Don’t miss walking out on the upstairs balcony for a view of the empty plaza below.
The Cathedral features a gorgeous Romanesque interior and two Baroque bell towers that were added after an earthquake in 1667. It was badly damaged by another earthquake in 1979, but extensively repaired in 2016, which is why you can see both 1166 and 2016 on the front. Watch for the gilded-silver bas-relief screen on the altar, considered the most important treasure.
The cathedral is open between 9 am and 6 pm every day. The entrance costs 3 Euros.
Other smaller churches to visit in Kotor include St. Nicholas Church, the Serbian Orthodox church Sveti Nikola, Sveti Luka Church, and St. Ana Church.
Walk on the Old City Walls
Kotor’s heart is encircled by stone fortifications, predominantly built by the Venetians in the 16th and 17th centuries. However, unlike Dubrovnik, time has taken its toll on Kotor’s walls, making it impossible to walk the entire perimeter due to crumbling sections.
Accessible points such as Gurdić Bastion (the south gate), Valier Bastion, and Kampana Tower on the Scurda offer a close-up view of the intricate stonework, providing a glimpse of the tremendous effort invested in their construction.
Be cautious when exploring the walls, as the rock is fragile, and it’s easy to lose your footing.
Hike The Ladder Of Kotor
The Ladder of Kotor is a famous hiking trail behind Kotor Old Town and San Giovanni Fortress. Pack sunscreen, lots of water, and lunch, and head up for the day.
You can finish the hike in roughly an hour, depending on your climbing speed and how often you pause to snap photos. It won’t eat up your entire day, but there’s a pretty good chance you’ll be tempted to linger and soak in the fantastic view.
This hike is one of the best attractions for adventurers chasing incredible views. From the top, you can see the cruise ship-lined bay, Old Town, Vrmac, and even all the way out to the Adriatic Sea!
If you’re completing the climb during the summer, be aware that it can get very hot and the incline is quite steep, so prepare to sweat!
Explore San Giovanni Fortress
If you’re looking for the top thing to do in Kotor, it’s definitely strolling along the rugged fortified walls of San Giovanni Fortress, also known as Kotor Fortress.
These are ancient defenses that shield the medieval town with a complex network of walls, ramps, towers, citadels, bastions, and forts that stretch up into the mountain range leading to the Castle of San Giovanni.
You can enter the fortifications near the North Gate to the Old City, and the entrance fee is 8 euros per person, which is reasonable considering it’s the highlight of Kotor and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pay a Visit to the Cat Museum
One charming thing that’ll catch your eye in Kotor is the abundance of cats. They’re all over the place, basking in the sunlight, accepting strokes from passersby, and mooching for food on restaurant patios.
It’s clear that both locals and tourists have a soft spot for these feline friends, and they’re reasonably well looked after (for stray cats, that is). You can tell by the dishes and heaps of cat food you’ll spot around.
As the name suggests, the Kotor Cats Museum is dedicated to these lovely cats of Kotor. It mostly houses a collection of cat-themed paintings and souvenirs, and the modest entrance fee contributes to the care of the city’s stray cats.
Take A Boat Trip To The Blue Cave
The Blue Cave also called the Blue Grotto, or Plava Spilja in Montenegro is an amazing sea cave that is one of the most popular attractions on the coast near Kotor. It gets its name from the beautiful blue glow of the water, which reflects inside the cave walls, creating a spectacular scene.
The cave is accessible via a short boat trip from Kotor, which also usually stops at other popular attractions in the bay such as the Submarine Tunnel and Lady of the Rocks.
In the summer months, the Blue cave is also a great place to swim in the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic!
Visit Our Lady Of The Rocks
Our Lady of the Rocks, also known as Gospa od Škrpjela, is one of the two charming islands situated close to the shore of Perast in the Bay of Kotor. It’s a truly picturesque man-made island, home to a stunning Roman Catholic church with a striking blue dome and an interesting museum.
To reach the Our Lady of the Rocks island and the neighboring Islet of the Dead, you can join the popular Kotor Bay Boat Trip. Alternatively, you can hop on the 5-euro ferry from the Perast town dock.
Browse the Kotor Farmers’ Market
Just beyond the Old Town walls, near the Sea Gate, lies the charming local farmer’s market.
Here, you’ll discover a diverse array of goodies like fresh fruits, vegetables, olives, cheese, honey, meat, and fish. Everything is locally sourced, incredibly fresh, and bursting with flavor. It’s truly the perfect spot to savor the finest Montenegrin treats.
The Kotor farmer’s market welcomes visitors every day from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you go earlier, you’ll find a wider selection of products (and fewer crowds). Saturdays tend to be livelier with more vendors, creating a festive atmosphere.
Go on a Cruise on the Kotor Bay
One of the most delightful ways to soak in the breathtaking beauty of Kotor Bay is by taking a cruise on its pristine waters. It’s a simple and enjoyable way to experience this stunning locale. This is especially recommended when the sun is shining, and the weather is warm – you can relish the fresh sea breeze and even take a refreshing swim if you’d like.
Some of these cruises offer extra attractions, like a visit to the renowned former prison “Mamula,” or an exploration of the old Yugoslavian military tunnels used for concealing ships and submarines. You might also have the chance to stop at the upscale Porto Montenegro marina and catch a glimpse of the luxurious lifestyle.
These cruises come in different durations, but no matter which one you choose, you’re bound to have an absolutely delightful time.
Try Delicious Local Food
Kotor offers a fantastic opportunity to savor the authentic flavors of Montenegrin cuisine. The local dishes primarily revolve around seafood and meat, with relatively fewer vegetarian choices, unfortunately.
You’ll find an abundance of restaurants within the Old Town, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a spot for a satisfying lunch or dinner, though it can get quite busy during the day, especially when cruise ships dock.
Notable dining options include Konoba Scala Santa, Cesarica, Konoba Trpeza, BBQ Tanjga, and Restaurant Galion (the last two are located outside the City Walls). If you’re in the mood for pizza, Pizzeria Pronto is a top-notch choice.
Visit Kotor Beaches
While Kotor isn’t famous for its sandy beaches like Budva, it does have a lovely spot called “Sunshine Beach.” It’s a short stroll north from Kotor’s Old Town.
When the weather’s warm and sunny, one of the absolute highlights of Kotor is spending time at the beach and enjoying a dip in the cool, deep waters of the bay. Plus, you’ll find plenty of sun umbrellas and lounge chairs available for affordable rent, typically around €15 for the entire day. It’s a great way to relax and soak up some sun.
A Day Trip to Perast
Beautiful and tiny Perast is the perfect day trip from Kotor.
Located just a 20-minute drive from Kotor, Perast is a very simple day trip to pull off and an easy way to enjoy the beautiful Baroque architecture of the town.
There is a great museum, a picturesque sandy beach called Pirate, and some traditional restaurants serving amazing prosciutto, wine, and cheese.
A Day Trip to Budva
Struggling to plan your itinerary to both Kotor and Budva? The good news is that Montenegro is a very small country. This means you can easily visit Budva on a short day trip from Kotor.
You can get a car ride and go to Budva, which takes just 30 minutes!
Budva is well-known for its sandy beaches and beautiful coastline, making it the ideal place to visit during the warm summer months.
Kotor to Lovcen Cable Car Ride
Experience the breathtaking sights of Montenegro with the Kotor-Lovćen Cable Car.
With one of the world’s most beautiful bays spread out before you, with the ancient town of Kotor below, and above is Lovćen, proud keeper of the Bay and the tradition.
After an 11-minute ride with a spectacular view, you step into a new world of untouched nature, a unique climate, and an ambiance adorned by the marvelous karst formations of Lovćen. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, enjoy exquisite food and wine, or yearn for unforgettable family experiences there is something for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kotor is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. From its captivating Old Town and historic churches to the breathtaking fortress walls and picturesque islands in the Bay of Kotor, this destination offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
For those seeking adventure, the Ladder of Kotor and San Giovanni Fortress offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks add a touch of magic to your visit. And if you’re a cat lover, the Kotor Cats Museum is a heartwarming stop.
To fully experience the beauty of Kotor Bay, don’t miss a boat trip on its crystal-clear waters. When it comes to food, indulge in delicious Montenegrin cuisine at local restaurants.
Lastly, if you have the time, consider day trips to nearby Perast and Budva to explore even more of Montenegro’s charms.
Ready to embark on your Kotor adventure? Make your journey even more convenient and enjoyable by booking a private car ride with us. Discover the wonders of Kotor at your own pace and experience the best this enchanting destination has to offer. Start planning your trip today!