Discover Kotor, Montenegro: 10 Stunning Sights and Marvelous Hikes

12.08.2024.

The picturesque town of Kotor deserves to be a highlight of your Montenegro itinerary. Lying in the scenic Bay of Kotor, it’s a charming capture of the medieval shine.

Easily compared to nearby Dubrovnik, Kotor holds the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason. It’s a quiet gem where you can admire the embracing mountains in its cobblestone streets.

Kotor is a fantastic base to explore nearby attractions and not only an inspiring day trip from Dubrovnik. Though tiny, Kotor is packed with things to do offering the fantastic scenery and historical treasure.

The town owns its popularity to the cruise ships and the whole Montenegro stretches at the palm of your hand in Kotor. In its pure magic Kotor will invite you to discover the hidden beauties of Balkan so don’t hesitate to spend a few days here. Kotor is a perfect doorway to enjoy the road trip in the nearby countries like Albania. After marveling the largest lake of Europe, Skadar lake it’s your turn to be charmed by Ohrid lake.

A short history of Kotor

The impressive Venetian roots led to declare Kotor town the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. In 168 BC the Romans took possesion of Kotor and rulers continued to change over the centuries from Illyrians, Serbians, Hungarians, Austrians and French. The Medieval time defines the Serbian government under the Nemanjid Dynasty.

Before the devasting earthquake in 1979, Kotor became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Old Town

The Old Town is a lovely maze of cobblestone streets that will make you fall in love. Exploring the charming streets is the best way to be transported back in time.

Three main gates beautifully frame the entrance to Kotor: the River Gate, the South Gate and the principal Sea Gate. The Sea Gate leads to the main square Trg od Oružja and the impressive Clock Tower from 1602. The oldest from the three gates is the River Gate in the north, taking roots in the 1540.

To stroll without aim will surprise you on its own as this small town is incredibly beautiful. You will feel the complete allure with various architectural styles from Roman, Gothic and Baroque.

Kotor Cathedral

The impressive Cathedral of Saint Tryphon dominates many of Kotor’s churches, dating back to 1166. It’s the largest Catholic church in Kotor, built in Romanesque style.

Paying a small fee to enter is worth it, especially admiring the view from the upstairs balcony. Beyond the fantastic interior and two Baroque bell towers, the small museum covers the amazing religious relics.

The Cathedral honours Saint Tryphon, the patron saint of the city.

Among the other churches, St. Nichola’s Church as the main Ortodox church takes an exquisite place in the town.

Kotor’s Bazaar

Kotor’s Bazaar resembles the Diocletian Palace in Split inside the Old Walls in the town. It’s a fantastic place to buy some souvenirs or even handicrafts at this small place. Hidden in the northern corners of Kotor, you’ll find a small entrance framed by the red draps.

The Bazaar offers stunning opportunities for photographers inside this abandonded Dominican Monastery.

Beautiful Palaces in Kotor

The beautiful palaces of Kotor owe its heritage to many noble families that lived here during the prosperity time. These palaces dating from 15th to 18th centuries belong mostly to Baroque and Romanesque style. Enriching the history of Kotor, the town shouldn’t be so underrated because of its elegant allure.

Pima Palace from the 17th century is a fantastic example of the blending styles. Staying overnight will take you back in time and Palazzo Drusko will offer you a fabulous experience.

Hike to Kotor Fortress

Bursting with a stunning view, visiting the Kotor fortress is unmissable in the town. Taking 1300 steps will lead you through the slippery rocks and require 45 minutes uphill.

San Giovanni Fortress overlooks the city with the scenic images of the Kotor Bay. Along the route you will pass by the Church of Our Lady of Remedy.

Paying an entrance fee for the hike starts near the Church of St. Mary Colegialle, but you can avoid it by coming before opening.

An alternative route through the Ladder of Kotor is completely free and passes along the quiet and scenic landscape. The fascinating view stretches at the top, the best that you can find in the surroundings.

The Old City Walls

The Old City Walls embrace the town following the route to Mount Lovćen. Not the entire walls are easily accessible for walking and some of the top sights include Gurdić Bastion, Valier Bastion and Bembo Bastion.

Kotor Cat’s Museum

Do you easily get smitten by the beautiful cats like me? Then Kotor’s Cat’s Museum should be your high point of interest in the town, such a place. Stopping by numerous cats on the lovely streets of Kotor will make your visit more alluring.

Even most of the souvenirs are dedicated to the cats and thus Kotor becomes so memorable. The museum depicts various paintings and souvenirs while the entrance fee fills the funds to feed the cats.

Boka Cruise

Kotor Bay bursts with fascinating sights that you can easily admire from the boat. During the warm days, it shines with a refreshing charm, allowing you to swim around.

Depending on the type of cruise, you’ll see more or less attractions and enjoy the stunning islets in the view. Seeing the Blue Cave will let you wonder to this old Yugoslavian military tunnel.

Most of the cruises will also take you to the lovely islet of Perast, the fancy marina Porto Montenegro or Our Lady of the Rocks.

Exploring the Bay of Kotor with kayaking or paddling is an awesome way to experience the place.

Visit the Beach

Being a seaside escape you surely want to check a beach in Kotor. Within 5 minutes from the Old town lies this pebbled beached that in summer gets very crowded. The sandy beaches though belong to nearby Budva, which are more stunning than this one.

It’s worth unveiling the pearl of Budva beaches if you’re eager for this kind of vacation. Lovely and small, the Kotor Beach offers a fantastic refreshment after the various hikes. Sun chairs are available to rent for 15 € a day.

Taking a Seaside Promenade from Kotor Bay to Dobrota

Walking from Kotor Bay to Dobrota is an ideal route to catch an oasis of tranquility. Stretching about 5 km from Kotor, you can enjoy the fabulous scenery. Several palaces hide along the way, though some of them are abandoned.

There’s also a Blue Line bus to Kotor so you don’t have to walk back.

Lovćen Mountain Day trip

Lovćen National Park bursts with hiking routes for all tastes and gorgeous views. This includes the Ladder of Kotor, which is a challenging hike requiring 5-6 hours to complete.

It’s also an incredible alternative to the popular Durmitor National Park, though smaller in size. The highlight of the whole mountain is the Lovćen Summit offering you stunning views from the 1749m.

Perast Day Trip

Perast is a tiny town that fills the postcards of Montenegro. Two nearby islets- Our Lady of Rocks and Saint George- owe the popularity of the town. Our Lady od Rocks is an artificial island with a blue-domed church.

Only 20 minutes drive from Kotor lies Perast with its charming streets full of history, relaxing caffe bars and restaurants. Beautiful palaces enrich the picturesque ambiance of Perast that go along with plenty of churches.

Where to stay in Kotor

Centrum Hostel Budget– with an incredible location at an old stone building you’ll feel completely relaxed. The hostel includes fun activities and tours, which is  another reason for the cozy atmosphere.

Mid-range- Palazzo Drusko– this incredible stone house belonged to the noble family of Kotor. The spacious rooms and lovely garden provide a unique experience.

Blue Premium Spa Resort– it’s a luxurious, adults-only hotel with a private beach designed to help you rejuvenate.

Final thoughts

The medieval ambiance of Kotor and its incredible bay views make it a hidden pearl of Balkans. The picturesque scenery will entice you to do the stunning hikes and explore it beyond a day trip from Dubrovnik.

PIN IT FOR LATER: