Planning Amazing Holidays to Kotor!
Kotor is a stunning city in Montenegro that rests at the base of the Bay of Kotor. It is a top-rated tourist destination due to its location along the Adriatic waters and beside the green cliffs of Lovcen Mountain. More so, people flock to Kotor to see the medieval old town, winding stone walkways and fortress walls. It is a postcard-perfect city that is full of unique and exciting surprises and is a perfect stop on your Montenegro itinerary.
One of the most captivating elements of Kotor is its rich history and architectural brilliance. This combination results in a charming and magical atmosphere like no other. However, Montenegro is full of stunning places to visit that all have an unmatched charm. Montenegro is a travel destination that should not be missed and visiting Kotor while in the country (or even just the Kotor cruise port!) is a must.
If you are planning your holidays to Kotor or just a Kotor day tour while you’re in the Kotor cruise port, be prepared to be amazed by its stunning scenery, ancient history, and bold culture. Here are the top things to do in Kotor to make the most of your adventures.
Walk the Old Town Streets
Kotor’s old town is stunning. It is also a UNESCO World Cultural site! The streets here are all white stone, and the whole area is surrounded and fortified by large stone walls. The entire area is a maze of winding streets, little alleyways, and surprise squares.
Getting lost in these winding streets and the beauty of the old town is effortless; however, it is not something to complain about. The whole area is bursting with cultural and historical significance that is marvelous to learn about and see. Just note, in the summer months these streets can get extremely busy, so you should try to get there early in the morning if you’d like to explore without a crowd.
You’re welcome to walk around on your own or even join a free walking tour. Kotor will be lovely either way!
Hiking Kotor Fortress
One of the main attractions of the city is the Kotor Fortress. This is because, from the top of the fortress, which is 1300 steps up the mountain, you can see the whole city of Kotor, the Bay of Kotor and far into the distance. The view is incredible!
But, hiking Kotor Fortress does come at a cost. It is 8 euros per person to climb up, which is very expensive for Montenegrin standards. Plus, the hike is quite challenging, and the rocks are very slippery. If you do decide to do some hiking in Kotor, please bring appropriate shoes!
Take Day Trips from Kotor
Although Kotor itself isn’t a beach town, there are some lovely beaches nearby. From Perast to other nearby cities, you are sure to find a beautiful place to lay out along the Bay of Kotor. It is a good idea to head to the beach in the afternoon when the city of Kotor is packed with people from the Kotor cruise port ships. This way, you can escape the crowds during the day and enjoy the city more intimately in the morning or night.
~Perast
Perast is a tiny, but beautiful, town near Kotor. It is also located on the Bay of Kotor and is easily accessible by boat. Where every day, various boat tour companies offer trips to and from Perast at reasonable prices. Taking a boat to Perast is excellent because you don’t only see Perast, but you get to ride on the Bay of Kotor. This way, you also see the stunning area from a new perspective.
Herceg Novi is a quaint coastal town just 45 minutes from Kotor. It has much fewer tourists than Kotor but is just as beautiful. This little town is home to two old fortresses, a plethora of beaches and a remarkably well-preserved old town.
Taking a bus or driving to Herceg Novi will show you a more local side of Montenegro that Kotor cannot compete with. More so, food, drinks, and accommodation here are much more cost-effective than in Kotor. If you are on a budget, this is the ideal place to spend some time.
~Tivat
Only 20 minutes from Kotor is the city of Tivat. This is a quaint city that is quite different from the others in Montenegro. It was recently remodeled and looks very modern and eloquent in its design. It is also the port for all major yachts coming off the Adriatic waters; therefore, the port is full of massive boats just waiting to be admired. Take some time to explore this beautiful town and bask in its uniqueness.
Kotor Boat Trips
Since Kotor is located at the base of the Bay of Kotor, there are a plethora of boat trips available that will bring you around the Bay to some surrounding cities and attractions. This is one of the best ways to see the bay in its entirety. While also spending some time on the sea. All holidays to Kotor should include one either to or around the Bay of Kotor.
Here are some example Kotor boat trips and day trips from Kotor!
View the Ancient Churches
Kotor is full of churches that are both astonishing and shocking to see. Many churches, such as Sveti Nikola, date back to the 14th century! It is incredible to see such an old piece of architecture that has seen so much still standing. One of the most amazing churches to see is the Church of Saint Luke, which was constructed in 1195.
Church of Saint Luke
Admire the Palaces
Kotor used to be the home of various nobles back in the day; therefore, the city is full of ancient palaces that used to house them. Spending some time walking around to find these is interesting and historically stimulating.
Eat Some Delicious Montenegrin Food
Montenegrin cuisine is a unique type of cuisine that comes from its long and complicated history with other nearby countries. As a result, the food in Montenegro is a mix of Italian, Turkish, and Mediterranean. The options are all very diverse, and there is something for everyone.
However, one dish Montenegro is most well-known for is fish. Due to its location along the Adriatic Sea, there are ample fishing opportunities and many restaurants have a ton of different fresh fish options. While visiting Kotor take some time to find a nice restaurant that serves local fish dishes. Here you can sit back, relax, enjoy the views, and eat some delicious food.
~Kotor Best Restaurants
To eat this amazing food, surely you’ll want some suggestions! If you’re interested in fine dining, you’ll want to check out Konoba Portun (a delightful waterside experience) or Konoba Bonaca (also waterside with lovely mountain views!) Both are considered as Kotor best restaurants and fine dining experience.
If you were looking for a more budget-friendly option, you’ll want Tanjga (which also has amazing BBQ and steak) or Cesarica!
Last, But Not Least, CATS!
Kotor is also famed for being a city of cats! They are everywhere, and they are more photogenic than most humans! Gifts shops also supply cat lovers with tons of options for cat souvenirs.
Accommodation in Kotor
If you’re wondering where to stay in Kotor, no worries! It’s good that you don’t want to know just what to do in Kotor from a cruise ship or a day trip, but that you actually want to stay!
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Author Bio
Samantha Karen is the founder of the travel blog Sam Sees World. She is a millennial traveler on a mission to seek the new and unknown so she can document her experiences and inspire others to explore this wondrous world. Her objective is to provide valuable information on the best things to do, see, eat, and experience while traveling and getting some good Instagram photos along the way. Follow her on Pinterest and Instagram!
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1 comment
[…] At 2pm we arrived at our first port being Kotor in Montenegro. Kotor is located between the mountains and the Bay of Kotor on the Adriatic Sea and is listed as a UNESCO World Natural and Historical Heritage Site. Despite only having 6 hours in port (departure is at 8 pm), you get the opportunity to stroll the cobbled streets, admire the old buildings and explore the gorgeous little cafes and shops. There are so many things to do in Kotor. […]
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