I think Kotor palaces dont get as much attention as they should yet they complete the Old Town so nicely. Click here to see the reviews, current prices, and availability of Palazzo Drusko. Kotor's city gates are especially well preserved. Trust me I know from experience. The Maritime Museum is the perfect place to start. This popular day trip covers visiting both Our Lady of the Rocks and the Blue Cave in one day! Watch. 1 Day in Kotor: The Perfect Kotor Itinerary - Road Affair Great Montenegro Tour-Lovcen NP,Mausoleum Lovcen,River of Crnojevic,Sveti Stefan, From Kotor: Half-Day Private Tour of Perast & Kotor, Kotor: Perast Old Town and Our Lady of the Rocks Boat Tour, Kotor Boat Tour: Our Lady of the Rocks, Mamula and Blue Cave, Kotor: Best Views of Kotor with Private Speedboat Tour, Durmitor, Tara & Ostrog Monastery Day Trip, Full-Day Tour to Lovcen National Park & More, Belgrade to Bar by train one of the most beautiful railway journeys, 23 Amazing Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia, 23 Great Day Trips from Dubrovnik, Croatia, 17 best places to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 25 Amazing Things to Do in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. We were thinking Croatia next year, but this has put Montenegro on the list! Thats Great Admin. You can walk as far as you like and then either walk back and go to the main road to catch the Blue Line bus to Kotor they dont really have the schedule so you might need to wait up to half an hour for it. Jul 9, 2022 - The ultimate list of the best things to do in Kotor, Montenegro. Its very small but it certainly doesnt feel like a fishing village. This is my first time on your blog and Im glad to reach it out. Kotor Old Town Walking Tour. One of only two Roman Catholic churches in all of Montenegro, Saint Tryphon Cathedral is considered by many to be Kotor's most beautiful building and a symbol of the city. Indulge in Kotor cuisine & Montenegrin Wine 9. Beyond the images, there are antique books, posters, advertisements, and stamps that are all kitty-focused. Another important church is St. Nicholas Church from the beginning of the 20th century. To reach Our Lady of the Rocks from Kotor, you can take a bus to Perast (30 minutes) and then catch a quick ferry over to the island. Kotors local Serbian Orthodox Church is pretty enough from the outside, but its real showstopper is stepping inside. Follow my adventures through the Caucasus, the Balkans, Southeast Asia and beyond as I inspire you to fill your own travels with colour, culture and creativity. Just over an hour by bus or taxi from Kotor, the city of Herceg Novi sits at the north-western corner of the bay. Our Lady of the Rocks is a popular tourist attraction so you wont have any trouble finding a boat to take you there from Kotor. The hike takes you from the base of the Old Town, up 1,300 steep steps to an old fortification (also known as St. John Fortress) positioned high in the mountains overlooking the city. Jump down for practical tips for visiting Kotor Things to do in Kotor What to do in Kotor on a cruise Day trips from Kotor Kotor accommodation This is the best way to see the surrounding towns while taking in Kotors beauty from a distance. Hi! But the biggest highlight of the trip to the island is yet again the view, you can admire the spectacular Kotor Bay from another perspective and it will take your breath away for sure. Im sure you will love the place as much as I did! ive not even heard this destination earlier, but according to the article seems like its an beach holiday destination, but is this open for travel in December? Also be sure to join 30.000+ fellow travelers and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for travel updates and even more pictures! The pocket-sized country is easy to explore in a few days, although to really appreciate its rich history and culture not to mention ancient walled cities and miles of coastline, you'll want to devote more time to exploring here. I would recommend this fun kayak tour or another option is this stand up paddle board tour of the Bay of Kotor. Im going to to mention Perast in particular because its the closest and also one of the most charming. There are many of them (especially considering how small the area is) and each of them is interesting. The Sea Gate, the most impressive of them all, was built in the Renaissance and Baroque styles although above the entrance you can notice the date, 21st November 1944 the day when Kotor was liberated from German occupation by the Partizan army led by Tito (hence there is also a star, the symbol of Yugoslav partisans). Buses run every 30-60 minutes and the ticket should be around 1. Kotor is the perfect addition to a greater trip through the Balkansas beautiful as it is, most people arent going to visit tiny Kotor as a standalone trip! Vrmac Ridge - low level hike close to Kotor. After youve seen the obvious sites in town, you can explore a bit further around the bay. 38 Epic Things to Do in Kotor, Montenegro (2023 Local's Guide) | Old If you arrive in Kotor on a cruise, your time may be limited but there are still lots of things you can do. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Known as the Sea Gate, it is well-preserved and has a few notable marks. Things To Do In Bay Of Kotor, Montenegro | Chasing the Donkey Because of the way theyre designed, you can go up one side and then done the other, creating a loop with different vistas and elements of the fortifications. It's 8 miles round trip from start to finish. Enchanting Emilia-Romagna, Italy: Itinerary for 7 Food-Filled Days. The central part of the town is very compact and you can see everything in a few hours. You can see them all in the Destinations page. You can find there a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, olives, cheese, honey, meat or fish. I preferred the River Gate because it was exponentially less crowded than the main entrance and provided a literal "back door" into the fabulous city. There's a bit of a language barrier 7. With both undercover and open-air sections, the market opens directly onto the waterfront. One of great delights of Montenegro is how quickly you can get from the coast, to the inland heritage sites, to national parks, and into the mountains. Complete Travel Guide to Perast, Montenegro's Loveliest Town - Wander-Lush So its no great surprise that, when you walk through the Old Town of Kotor, most of the architecture is in the Venetian style. Firstly, I would like to thanks for such a informative article. Alternatively, you can take the bus to Perast (see below) and join the regular boat departures from the harbour there. May or September still offer great weather but there are fewer people around (but still many). It is also very calm, making it great for swimming or floating, or just relaxing. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. Although its only small, the Kotor Maritime Museum represents a long history of maritime heritage in the region. When it comes to the history, Kotor has been an important town since the early Middle Ages because of its strategic location on a bay where ships can shelter. Then when you get a bit bored, there are plenty of day trip options. And once you are tired of Kotor sightseeing head to Letrika bar probably the best of the hidden places of Kotor Old Town, even though it is located a few steps away from one of the main squares. In the summertime, I recommend going up the fortifications either in the morning or in the late afternoon not only you will avoid the heat but also crowds from the cruise ships that slow down the hike. In fact, this is one of the most mind-blowing places Ive ever seen! But the charm of Kotor is being able to explore Kotor Bay by boat or road and see some of the smaller towns and sights in the area.I would recommend spending at least two full days in Kotor and, if you can, consider basing yourself here for a whole week to explore and relax. If you click through a link on Our Escape Clause, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. #1 Hang out in the Piazza of Arms One of the best things to do in Kotor is soak in the atmosphere in the old town's main square. It's a considerable effort, but well worth the views. Here, you will also find the museum's weapons collection used on ships between the 17th and 19th centuries. The church treasury is also notable, with a large collection of icons, ecclesiastical garb, documents, and other valuables gifted to them by Kotor's wealthy families over the last 100 years. Things to Do in Dobrota, Montenegro: See Tripadvisor's 6,996 traveler reviews and photos of Dobrota tourist attractions. However, that isnt to say that a day trip isnt worth takingyou can cover the climb to San Giovannis Fortress plus the Old Town in one well-planned day. You can check the insurance policy for Montenegro here. We typically focus on travel in the USA and Europe (especially in our beloved Italy), but feature destinations across the world! thing to know before you visit Montenegro, 1. CAR HIRE: Use Local Rent to hire a budget-friendly car from a local agent (prices start from 15/day) or jump on the Discover Cars website to hire a car through an international company. 14 Top-Rated Things to Do in Montenegro | PlanetWare Note: You'll need about three hours to hike to the castle. To get to St. Johns castle on top of the fortification you need to walk up 1350 stairs, some of them are a bit shabby so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions . Kotor, Montenegro is an finely preserved medieval town in a secluded corner of the visually stunning Bay of Kotor. Despite its small size, Montenegros beauty is boundless. The church on the island today still houses the original 15th-century Virgin Mary icon discovered here. During the summer months, from June to August, cruise ships dock in Kotors harbour every single day, unloading hundreds of people into the Old City. Hopping on a boat tour to cruise around the turquoise waters is a must-do. Please see our, 19 Sun-Soaked Summer Destinations in Europe, 21 Epic Hidden Gems in Europe: Secret Spots + Offbeat Highlights, 9 Memorable Things to Do in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 33 Fun Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia, The Ultimate 10 Days in Croatia Itinerary, 55 Epic Road Trips in Europe (Itinerary Ideas + Tips! Wandering through Kotor feels a lot like wandering through a less crowded (at least when the cruise ships arent in town), less expensive Dubrovniknot surprising, considering how closely located the two cities are to each other. With a very cool design inside, Boutique Hotel Hippocampus is right in the heart of the Old Town. Kotors Old Town is a delightful place to wander aimlessly: its small size means that its basically impossible to get extremely lost, but its very easy to lose track of exactly where you arewhich is delightfully fun in a place like Kotor, Montenegro! Some links in this post may be affiliate links. Pinterest. For me seeing the Kotor Old Town with a guide was such a great experience, I was overwhelmed with all the interesting facts and had so many questions! The ultimate list of the best things to do in Kotor, Montenegro. As mentioned, the Old Town in Kotor is a beautiful sight and the citys main attraction. The style is a mix of Byzantine and Romanesque. Follow the signs to find them. As the story goes, locals made the island by sinking ships and throwing rocks into the water. The cathedral, with uneven towers, was originally built in 1166 but has been reconstructed over the centuries after damage from multiple earthquakes. Walk the Old City Walls 4. Shop. 9 days ago. Weve managed to see a big part of Montenegro as well as visited Croatia (Kupari and we drove through Dubrovnik as we missed the turn to the Bosnian border) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (Trebinje). One Day in Kotor (Guide) - What to do in Kotor, Montenegro See Croatia: Montenegro's next-door neighbor to the north is Croatia, which has become one of Europe's top tourist destinations in the last decade. They chose the former Venetian stronghold for its longtime love of cats. Here are 10 wonderful things to do in Kotor, including highlights of the UNESCO-Listed Old Town. Another popular thing to do in Kotor Old Town is climb to the balcony of Saint Tryphon's Cathedral. There are more places further down the Kotor Bay. Theres also a museum and a shop now. Charming Perast is a breath of fresh air after buzzing Kotor. Its much quieter, more scenic, with small stone churches along the way and if you manage to duck into the fortress via the opening in the castle wall, its completely free! Blue Line buses leave for Perast from Kotor every 30 minutes and cost 1. Sun loungers are available to hire, or you can perch yourself at one of the restaurants on the shore instead. Its the domain of locals and a good place for a wander if youre looking for a more authentic Kotor experience. Learn more about me here. One of my favorite things to do in Kotor was finding all the beautiful palaces in the Old Town and learning more about their history. Here on Our Escape Clause, we are dedicated to helping travelers plan their adventures. In the town itself, the Church of St. Nikola has excellent views of the town and deep blue bay from its belfry tower. Krka vs Plitvice: Which One Should You Visit? It is the main Orthodox church in Kotor and is different than the rest of the sacral buildings in the town but still really beautiful inside and worth visiting. You will be surprised how much history and context is in that place, how many details you most likely have missed. You might be surprised at how many charming corners or secret passages you might find. of affectionate felines around townKotor is full of friendly cats!). This was the reason why I visited Kotor for the first time I saw the picture online and I knew I just have to see this stunning landscape in real life. Love a good walking tour from Boston to Bath we always seek out the trails that take you around a places history and Kotor looks amazing! Things to Do in Kotor Popular things to do Water Tours City Tours Day Trips & Excursions Cultural & Theme Tours Food, Wine & Nightlife Nature and Wildlife Tours Private Sightseeing Tours Multi-day & Extended Tours Walking Tours Likely to Sell Out Top Picks Luxury & Special Occasions Ports of Call Tours Jet Boat Rentals Transfers & Ground Transport Its about 280 metres above the town and there are about 1350 steps to get there. It includes a short walking tour of the Old Town and then heads along the coast to see some of the highlights of the bay. Kotors location on the water makes it easy to access one of the most beautiful bay areas in the world, the Bay of Kotor, directly from the city. One Day in Kotor Itinerary - Top things to do in Kotor, Montenegro It seems that these days everybody's talking about the beautiful Montenegrin coast. 1. Bathrooms are shared, but that setback does help keep prices low! Lovcen National Park - 1 hour drive from Kotor. The Old Town's walls enclose elegant Venetian palaces, centuries-old churches, and cafe-lined cobbled piazzas. The collection in the museum has models of ships, along with photos, paintings, uniforms, and other artefacts. Start with the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, Kotors largest and most recognisable Catholic church. Browse the Kotor Farmers' Market 6. Then slow down even more and discover that relaxing by the water makes for a pretty decent holiday. 1. For cat lovers, it is a must-see. If you were on a boat, you could just sit back and relax. Hidden at the end of Europe's southernmost fjord from the Adriatic Sea lies the idyllic city of Kotor, Montenegro's most famous travel destination. Since Kotor was first mentioned in the 3rd century BC there is also a variety of architectural styles to admire: Roman, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque. According to legend, the islet was originally formed by fishermen who placed a rock at the location after each successful voyage. I would suggest this boat tour, which takes you to a few of the best sights near Kotor. ACCOMMODATION: Find the best hotel and apartment deals on Booking.com, the most popular booking platform in Montenegro. All Rights Reserved. Another time, together with a friend we rented a car, based ourselves in Kotor and traveled around. Hiking the Kotor Fortress to the Castle of San Giovanni is the number one thing to do in Kotor and is also one of the reasons it's a must-visit on a Balkans road trip. Where to Go After Visiting Kotor, Montenegro. Explore Old Town! Its spread across three levels of a small baroque palace. The Ladder of Kotor is an 8-mile hike that takes you to the top of Boka Bay. The most stunning things to do in Kotor, Montenegro (2023) Walking Tour of Kotor Old Town. since Im a vegetarian. The Old Town of Kotor is compact and, as I mentioned, you wont need too long to wander through it. The rocks are slippery, and if you go when the sun is at its peak, the heat will exhaust you. Thank you. No matter if you spend only one day in Kotor or you will be there for a longer time, you can easily enjoy these great things to do in Kotor. Kotor is such a great base to explore Montenegro (or even surrounding countries). Tanjga Family Restaurant is located just a short walk outside Kotors town walls, and we highly recommend adding at least one meal there to your list of what to do in Kotor! The market is open daily but its recommended to visit on the weekend, when villagers from around Kotor come to show off their farm-fresh produce. But, even if you dont go on a boat tour, its worth visiting anyway. this post helped me a lot to get fully prepared for this location. 15 Fun and Fabulous Things to Do in Kotor, Montenegro! Popular water activities off-shore in Kotor include: Kotor is packed with amazing restaurants that you will be more than happy to indulge in after a long day in the Montenegrin sun. Thanks for providing such a nice stuff. One of the top beaches in the area is Mogren Beach, which also happens to be nearest to the Old Town just follow a seaside pathway for five minutes, and you'll reach it. Learn more. Apartments Nancy (self-contained apartment) excellent hospitality close to the old town. That being said, you'll want to know about the local buses that visit Perast and the nearby islands. The nearest airports are Tivat, Podgorica, or Dubrovnik. The nearest one is right after the Scurda river flows into the Kotor Bay but it can be packed and busy. Your email address will not be published. VISIT THE TOWN OF KOTOR. 1. Your email address will not be published. The Piazza is usually the busiest part of the city, as it's directly behind the main entrance and the first stop for most tourists. If you would like to have a pizza, Pizzeria Pronto is the best option. Montenegro is more expensive than some other countries in the region 8. But there are also some fun tours where youll get a local insight to special places. Regardless of how long you have in Kotor, I am sure youll be able to fill your time. The build-up alone is absolutely magical as you drive around the mountain-wreathed Boka Bay. If you look up the mountain behind the city, you'll see a series of zig-zagging steps (1,350 to be exact) that hug the side of the rock. Another easy day trip from Kotor is a visit to Perast. While youre here, youll also want to sample some Montenegrin wine. Click here to look for the place to stay in Kotor. Even during the summer, a budget hotel room can easily be found for under $50 USD. Explore almost a millennia of history at this Romanesque Catholic church built in 1166. Top tip: This day trip to Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks from Kotor is an affordable and efficient option. We knew we would like Kotorbut before arriving, we didnt realize just how much we would adore this beautiful waterfront town, nor how sad we would be to leave after our week was up. It's here that you'll be able to see the city below, and the fjord of Boka Bay behind it. MORE TRAVEL TIPS: Check out this post 21 things to know before you visit Montenegro. These months are still warm enough to swim, however, youll see far fewer tourists. The Best Things To Do In Kotor, Montenegro - Wandering On Planning a trip to Montenegro and looking for the best things to do in Kotor? 38 Epic Things to Do in Kotor, Montenegro (2023 Local's Guide) Happily, yet Kotor is usually much quieter than Dubrovnik, especially in shoulder season. I thought of travelling in December to explore this destination, but unfortunately Im scared to travel in this period of time, how about travelling in 2021? There are ways you can make the hike easier: Be sure to wear shoes with a good grip, pack water, and go in the morning before the sun passes over the mountain. Start by hopping on one of the hourly buses from Kotor to Cetinje and spend an hour or 2 strolling around this historic capital and its interesting streets, which offer monasteries . An adorable eight-week-old kitten "chose me" walking down the streets of Kotor and it took everything I had to not take her home with me. Here are a few more resources to help you plan the perfect visit. If you are tired of the crowds in the Old Town go for a walk along the Kotor Bay towards Dobrota. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Set on the northwest corner of the Bay of Kotor, it is another picturesque, ancient town and also the jumping-off point to Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George's churches, which are set on islets in the bay near the town. When an earthquake destroyed the front of the church in 1667, the Baroque bell towers were added; however, only one was completely finished, leaving the uneven tower structure seen today. It's worth paying the 3 to venture inside and see gold and silver relics and frescoes (religious wall paintings). We spent an entire week in Kotor and didnt get bored, but we were looking for a very slow pace at the time. Cafes are overflowing with chatty patrons, and influencers in flowing dresses are posing for their perfect "Insta moments." Still affordable when compared to other parts of Europe, Croatia is a beautiful country filled with a mix of ancient cities like Dubrovnik and long stretches of beaches on its Dalmatian Coast, as well as islands off the coastline like beautiful Hvar. Montenegro Tour of Perast and Lunch in Njegusi. Explore. What you can be sure of is that Boka Bay will mesmerize you and each angle along its 28 kilometers of shoreline offers a different vantage point from which to swoon. If you can, add even more time to your Kotor itinerary for day trips from Kotor. Im Emily, an Australian journalist and photographer living in beautiful Kutaisi, Georgia. Be warned: Finding a place to park can be very tricky 5. ), The Ultimate 3 Days in Santorini Itinerary, The Perfect 7 Day Slovenia Road Trip Itinerary. There are plenty of restaurants in the Old Town so you shouldnt have a problem with finding a place for lunch or dinner (although it can be backed during the day, when the cruise ships arrive). . The trail starts at a different point and goes up past the main trail to the Castle of San Giovanni. 6 Day Trips from Kotor around Montenegro 7 Visiting countries near Montenegro's Best Things to do in Kotor Kotor is one of those places where you can just "be". Be sure to look back every few minutes too to see Kotor behind. The surrounding Loven mountains are amazing and offer some splendid views. Go on an adventure to Our Lady of the Rocks, Boat tour to Our Lady of the Rocks & the Blue Cave, Full-day tour from Kotor to Lovcen National Park, This small group tour of Kotors Old Town, This 3-hour boat tour to Our Lady of the Rocks, Read my complete Perast guide for more things to do, This day trip to Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks from Kotor, things to know before you visit Montenegro, Things to know before you drive in Montenegro, 21 things to know before you visit Montenegro, How to Travel by Overnight Sleeper Train from Tbilisi to Yerevan (or Vice Versa), 30 Awesome Things to Do in Yerevan, Armenia, 12 Things to Do in Gyumri, Armenias Historic Second City, 16 Best Cities in Poland for Travellers: Classic Destinations & Underrated Alternatives. Walk the quaint streets, visiting the Baroque Palaces and crumbling churches, eat at a local restaurant, go swimming, and take a boat out to Our Lady of the Rocks. When I visited Kotor in December and March it was blissfully empty and I could see how the town looks like without tourists, with locals hanging around in the Old Town and the life goinng by slowly.
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