What’s there to do in Montenegro? Here are eight must-sees in and around Kotor!
It’s hard to talk about Montenegro without mentioning Kotor. Indeed, this city is the symbol of the tourism boom in the small Balkan country. And it has it all! The city offers a splendid view of the Mouths of Montenegro that bear its name, a breathtaking landscape that will leave you amazed for a long time to come. A visit to Kotor means discovering the heart of Montenegro, a legacy of the past and the country’s entry into the world of tourism.
Kotor is the oldest city in Montenegro. Founded in the 2nd century BC as Ascrivium, it was successively part of the Roman and Byzantine empires until 1042. From the 11th century onwards, the population was Slavized by the Bulgarians and then the Serbs. Politically, from the 15th to the 18th century, Kotor was occupied in turn by the Venetians and Ottomans, giving it its current appearance. From 1805 to 1814, Kotor belonged to the French Empire, and then followed the history of the other towns in Montenegro.
There’s plenty to do in and around Kotor. Don’t just take a tour from Dubrovnik, the region deserves much more than that! Believe us, you won’t regret it. So how do you visit Kotor? Here are 9 must-do things to do in Kotor!
1. The Old Town or Stari Grad
Administratively speaking, Kotor is a tiny town. Indeed, its surface area is practically limited to its old town alone. Nevertheless, this small city can transport you for hours. Kotor cannot be approached without first mentioning its Old Town. All the monuments and museums presented here are listed. Unesco has made no mistake in classifying the fortified town of Kotor(Stari Grad) as a World Heritage Site.
There are many ways to visit Kotor, and everyone does as they please. The only thing that doesn’t change is the means of transport: your feet! It’s best to enter Stari Grad through the Sea Gate, opposite the harbor. From here, you can already start admiring the Place des Armes, its magnificent clock and its terraces. The rest is up to you, and it’s best to lose yourself in the maze of alleyways of an old town built five centuries ago.
If you take your time, and although it’s not as imposing as Dubrovnik, you can easily spend more than half a day here. Be warned, however, that Kotor can be crowded in summer.
2. The hike to the fortress of St. John(San Giovanni)
More than a hike, it’s a real sporting challenge! Situated 280 metres above sea level, the fortress offers a fantastic view. For the less adventurous, there’s a viewpoint further down which, while less impressive, is just as exciting.
Little is known about the history of St. John’s Fortress. Nevertheless, it remains one of Kotor’s must-sees, as it’s from the top that you can admire the gift of nature that is the Kotor Shoals. Let’s hope there isn’t a big liner docked in the harbour on the day of your visit.
As for the price, officially it’s €8 from June to September, and the climb is free the rest of the year. But the pricing policy seems to have hardened in 2019. Given the local authorities’ lack of transparency, be prepared to pay the €8 all year round – you’ll save money if it’s free!
3. The Cat Museum
Kotor is THE city for cat lovers! They are everywhere, domesticated or stray, roaming the streets of Stari Grad, much to the delight of children and adults alike. It has to be said that Kotor has had a fascination for cats since 1918, with legend having it that when the Slavs revolted against the Austro-Hungarians, the rebels were accompanied by their felines when they liberated the city.
The Museum of Cats is therefore a must-see in Kotor for those who want to know more, and the modest sum of €1 helps to convince you to go. It’s mainly pictures and cats! It’s also a great way to cool off in summer.
4. Saint-Tryphon Cathedral
It’s hard to visit Kotor without visiting the cathedral. A Roman Catholic church consecrated in 1166, it was seriously damaged by the earthquake of 1979 before being restored, which explains its fairly recent appearance. Yet the cathedral is one of the oldest in Europe.
Inside, you can admire 14th-century frescoes and other well-preserved objects. The cathedral is named in honor of St. Typhon, patron saint and protector of the city of Kotor.
5. Maritime Museum
The little-known Maritime Museum is a must-see in Kotor. For the modest price of €4 (€1 for children), you go there more for the building, a magnificent legacy of Baroque art, than for its collections, which are fairly classic.
Nonetheless, enthusiasts will be delighted to visit Kotor with this museum, featuring beautiful ship models and old nautical charts.
6. A boat trip
Speaking of the maritime museum, why not take advantage of your stay in Kotor to take a boat trip?
The Bay of Kotor, also known as Boka, is home to islets, caves and much more. Renting a boat in Kotor will allow you to discover the surrounding area in a more picturesque way than travelling with a rental car or public transport. It’s the perfect way to round off your stay in Kotor!
7. Saint-Nicolas and Saint-Luc churches
Visiting Kotor is unthinkable without seeing its magnificent churches! Located opposite each other, these two churches represent Kotor’s religious diversity. The first is Serbian Orthodox, while the second has both Catholic and Orthodox denominations. St. Luke’s is the cute little church, some would say. It has a certain charm, given its size.
It’s also a miracle in that it’s the only major building in Kotor not to have been damaged by the 1979 earthquake. Its distinctive feature is that it has two altars: one Catholic, the other Orthodox.
The Church of St. Nicholas was built in the early 20th century. Its distinctive feature is the Serbian flag on its façade, a sign of the close relationship between the two countries.
8. Kotor market
To visit Kotor is to go to its market, and it’s there that you’ll find the soul of the town! Located just outside the old town, it takes place almost daily, with Saturday being the most important day. You’ll find fresh fruit, vegetables, local fish and meat products, Montenegrin cheeses and Turkish sweets, a legacy of the town’s Ottoman past.
However, if you can, avoid the days when the liners disembark! Apart from the crowds, it feels more like Saint-Tropez than Kotor, and scams can be rife.
9. Perast
To visit Kotor is also to be charmed by its surroundings. Let’s end this article with a town 15 minutes from Kotor by car: Perast. This town is too small to merit an article of its own, but if you’ve got the time, definitely go!
With its bell tower, lion status and island church, Perast is a marvel and certainly one of the most charming and well-preserved places in Montenegro. Those who can can even stay overnight at the famous Hotel Conte.
Perast is one of those magical places that will make you love a region and want to return. Vehicles are not allowed in the town from June 1 to September 30, but there are public parking lots at the entrance to the town. You can also get there by bus from Kotor.
How to get to Kotor
By plane
To visit Kotor, you have two options: land in Dubrovnik or Podgorica . From Croatia, the wait at the border can be very long in summer. On the other hand, you’ll be able to find a direct flight, unlike Podgorica. Take a look at the website of our partner Ulysse, which lists the cheapest flights.
By bus
Very practical for visiting any city in Montenegro or from Dubrovnik, the bus is the most economical form of transport. It’s safe and generally on time. The busticket4.me website lists timetables.
By car
Not as expensive as you might think, a car is a very practical way of visiting Kotor and, above all, the surrounding area. It’s the best way to get around the Kotor Strait! If you rent a car from Croatia, be sure to ask for a green card and insurance to cross the border.
Where to stay in Kotor?
Without hesitation, if you can, the best way to stay in Kotor is in the old town or in the youth hostel next door. However, supply is limited and, in summer, you’ll need to book well in advance.
As Kotor is a very small town, you can stay in any of the three nearby towns: Dobrota, Škaljari and Myo. Each has its own advantages: Dobrota is the liveliest, Škaljari is the closest and the one with the bus station, and Myo is the quietest.
To find your accommodation, don’t hesitate to consult a hotel comparator or Airbnb for a more authentic experience. You can also choose to stay with a local or, if you want to take full advantage of self-catering accommodation, choose a typical apartment.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Kotor