ME
Kotor
A walled medieval town beneath steep mountains at the head of a fjord-like bay
A walled medieval town beneath steep mountains at the head of a fjord-like bay
Wander the lanes and squares, then climb the roughly 1,300 steps along the walls to St John’s Fortress, about 260m above the bay. An entry fee of around €15 applies.
Start early or late in summer and carry water; the free Ladder of Kotor trail is a longer alternative.
Photo: Adam Jones, CC BY-SA 3.0
Consecrated in 1166, Kotor’s Romanesque cathedral has twin towers, frescoes and a treasury.
Photo: Ad Meskens, CC BY-SA 4.0
About 12km along the bay, the Baroque village of Perast faces two islets. Boats take visitors to Our Lady of the Rocks, an artificial island with a domed church.
Photo: Jocelyn Erskine-Kellie, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try black risotto with cuttlefish ink, grilled fish, Njeguši pršut (smoked ham) and cheese, and local Vranac red wine.
Restaurants inside the walls are pricier; Dobrota and Prčanj along the bay are quieter.
Tivat Airport is about 8km away. Podgorica airport is around 1.5 hours by road, and Dubrovnik about 2 hours including the border.
Buses link Kotor with Budva, Tivat, Herceg Novi and Podgorica; boats and taxis reach Perast.
Montenegro uses the euro (€), although it is not in the EU. Prices on the coast rise sharply in July and August.
Prices are approximate and higher in summer.
Town, walls and bay.
Explore the old town and cathedral, then climb to the fortress for sunset.
Visit Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks, and drive or cycle around the bay.
Check cruise schedules and avoid midday on big ship days.
The steps are uneven and steep; wear good shoes.
Kotor is famous for its many street cats.
Bay roads are narrow; park outside the walls.
Quick answers for planning time in Kotor.
Roughly 1,300, climbing about 260m.
Around €15 per adult; check on arrival.
Yes, as part of the Kotor natural and historic region.
About 2 hours by road, including the border.
May to June and September to October.
Planning a wider trip? Our Montenegro travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.