Kotor Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, activities to do, food to savor, and tips and tricks on how to enjoy Kotor, Montenegro.


Introduction to Kotor

Nestled in the beautiful Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, Kotor is a picturesque coastal town surrounded by towering mountains, crystal-clear waters, and a rich history and culture. Often referred to as a medieval-architecture paradise, the town offers its visitors an array of attractions, including museums, historical landmarks, outdoor adventures, delicious food and drinks, and breathtaking views. In this comprehensive travel guide to Kotor, we’ll take a closer look at all that this charming town has to offer.

List of Places to Visit in Kotor

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Kotor has a rich cultural heritage, which is evident in the town’s many museums and historical landmarks. Here are some of the most popular ones:

  • Kotor Old Town: This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit attraction in Kotor. The Old Town dates back to the 12th century, and walking through its cobbled streets and medieval architecture is like taking a step back in time. Make sure to visit some sights like Saint Tryphon’s Cathedral, the Maritime Museum, and the Napoleon Theatre, among others.
  • St. Nikola Church: Built in the 19th century, this stunning church is renowned for its intricate stone carvings on the facade.
  • Lovcen National Park: Located adjacent to the Bay of Kotor, this national park provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and coastline.

Natural Attractions of Kotor: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

For outdoor enthusiasts, Kotor offers an array of adventures and scenic spots. Here are some of the most popular ones:

  • The Bay of Kotor: This bay is famous for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful coastline. You can book a boat tour to explore the bay, or rent kayaks and explore on your own.
  • The Kotor Fortress: The climb to the top of the fortress is exhausting, but the stunning panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor are worth it. Make sure to bring plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes.
  • Durmitor National Park: This park features some of the most breathtaking views, with its wide array of mountains, river canyons, and glacial lakes. You can go hiking, mountain biking, rafting, or skiing depending on the season.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kotor

One of the best ways to explore the natural beauty of Kotor is on foot or by bike. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Kotor:

  • The Vrmac Ridge Trail: This eight-kilometer trail offers stunning views of the Bay of Kotor and surrounding mountains.
  • The Ladder of Kotor: This steep trail is not for the faint of heart but provides incredible views of the town and bay.
  • The Lovcen summit Trail: This strenuous eight-kilometer trail climbs to the summit of Mount Lovcen and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Best Things to Do in Kotor: Activities and Tours

Kotor off the perfect respite with a wide range of activities and tours catering to different interests. Here are some of the best things you can do in Kotor:

  • Boat Tours: Explore the Bay of Kotor with a boat tour and stop at picturesque villages along the way.
  • Wine Tasting: Montenegro is fast becoming a wine hub, and you can visit a vineyard and enjoy wine tastings there.
  • Yoga by the Bay: Take advantage of Kotor’s serene and scenic environment to take a yoga class overlooking the bay.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kotor

If you’re planning to stay in Kotor for a week, here are some ideas for how to spend your time:

Day Activities
1 Arrive in Kotor and explore the Old Town and its museums, like the Maritime Museum.
2 Take a bike tour of the Vrmac Ridge Trail and enjoy the stunning views of the bay.
3 Visit Lovcen National Park for a day of hiking and outdoor adventure.
4 Relax on a boat tour and enjoy some swimming and sunbathing in secluded beaches around the bay.
5 Visit the Montenegrin wineries and enjoy wine tasting.
6 Take a yoga class by the bay and explore Kotor’s culture and cuisine.
7 Hike up to the Kotor Fortress, take in stunning views, and have a well-deserved rest day.

Food and Drink Scene of Kotor

Montenegrin cuisine has been influenced by its neighboring countries like Italy and Turkey, but it has a unique character of its own. Here are some must-try dishes and drinks to savor while in Kotor:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cevapi: a dish of grilled minced meat served with onions, kajmak, and flatbread.
  • Burek: a pastry filled with cheese, meat, or spinach.
  • Montenegrin prosciutto: aged ham that is similar to Italian prosciutto.

Local Beverages

  • Rakija: a traditional fruit brandy made from plums, apricots, or grapes.
  • Vranac: a red wine that is native to Montenegro.

Where to Stay in Kotor: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kotor has a range of accommodation options catering to different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • Hotel Hippocampus: It is a boutique hotel located in the heart of the Old Town with elegant rooms and a rooftop terrace overlooking the bay.
  • Old Town Hostel Kotor: A budget-friendly hostel located in the heart of the Old Town.
  • Apartments Casa del Sole: Fully equipped apartments that are ideal for those looking for self-sufficient living with a stunning view of the town.

What to Buy in Kotor: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking to take home a piece of Kotor’s culture, here are some of the best souvenirs you can buy:

  • Handmade pottery, especially the Balkan vase: You can buy them in the market for gifting purposes.
  • Prsut: renowned for its flavor and texture, prsut is aged and dried ham for meat lovers.
  • Olive Oil: Kotor is famous for its high-quality olive oil made from local olives fields.

Local Culture and Customs of Kotor

Kotor has a rich cultural heritage, and its people are warm and welcoming to visitors. When visiting Kotor, be respectful of local customs, which include:

  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
  • Learn a few Montenegrin phrases, such as “hvala” (thank you) and “dobar dan” (good day).
  • When you enter a home, it is customary to remove your shoes.

Best Time to Visit Kotor

The best time to visit Kotor is from April to October when the weather is mild and sunny, and there is plenty of daylight. July and August are the peak tourist periods, so expect more crowds and higher prices.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kotor

Do:

  • Explore the Old Town and its attractions.
  • Take advantage of the outdoor activities Kotor offers like hiking, biking, and kayaking.
  • Try local cuisine and drinks to get a taste of Kotor’s unique flavors.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural environment.
  • Dress inappropriately when visiting religious sites.
  • Swim in non-designated areas of the bay, it is dangerous as there are some underwater currents that could pull you down

Safety and Health

Safety in Kotor

Kotor is generally a safe place, but petty theft can occur, so be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas. Walking alone late at nightthrough the Old Town can be dodgy so it’s better to avoid it.

Health in Kotor

Make sure that you have the right travel insurance, carry medication as advised for the trip. Also, make sure you have mosquito and tick repellent when visiting natural areas.

Getting to Kotor: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Kotor

The nearest airport to Kotor is the Tivat airport, which is 10 kilometers from the town center.

Bus Stations Near Kotor

Kotor has a bus station located near the Old Town, which has daily buses available from other towns and cities in Montenegro and neighboring countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia.

Other Options

You can get to Kotor by train, ferry, or rented car. It will allow you to relish the scenic vistas of the region.

How to Get Around in Kotor

Walking or a bike rental is the best way to explore Kotor, the old town being a pedestrian-only area. If you want to explore more magnificent places like Lovcen National Park, it’s ideal to rent a car or hire private transport to get around at your pace.

Where to Go Next from Kotor: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Kotor is conveniently situated for day trips and excursions to other neighboring destinations in Montenegro, so consider visiting:

  • Budva: It is situated to the southeast of Kotor and is only a 30-minute drive. It’s famous for its beautiful beaches and nightlife.
  • Perast: This small town is located just five kilometers north of Kotor and is an ideal place to visit while exploring nearby destinations.
  • Dubrovnik, Croatia: Known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is only two hours drive from Kotor and is worth a visit.

Conclusion

Kotor is a stunning town located in one of the most beautiful bays in Montenegro. With its plethora of cultural attractions, outdoor activities, delicious food and drink, and breathtaking views, it’s no wonder that Kotor is fast becoming a top destination for tourists. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your visit to Kotor and explore all that this charming town has to offer.

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