How to Uncover the Hidden Charms of Kotor, Montenegro: Your Ultimate Travel Guide for 2024

Is Kotor Montenegro worth visiting?

Pairing a journey to Croatia with a visit to Montenegro makes for an incredible vacation. It’s a chance to enjoy the best of both destinations, with the added bonus of exploring the captivating town of Kotor in Montenegro—an absolute must-see.

This fortified town on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast is situated in the beautiful UNESCO Bay of Kotor. Staying here overnight you’ll have beautiful views across the bay, and there are some spectacular places to stay…

Where to stay

Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort

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This amazing new hotel is situated in a wonderful location, right in the heart of the Bay of Kotor. You can’t get better than this.

Review: “Everything was amazing. Full range of services, saunas, swimming pool. Jacuzzi on the terrace of the room! Dizzying view. This place is worth a visit!” – booking.com

If you want to experience this beauty, you have to book now before it’s taken. Ready? Search and Book your stay.

A little something extra for the animal lovers (a bonus)

As a bonus; If you’re a cat lover, you’ll love Kotor. Besides the several cat stores, the cat museum, and the Cats’ Square you will spot water and food throughout the city, put out for the cats to feed on. You can donate to a local charity to help spay and neuter the cats and along your walks through town, you might be rewarded with some unexpected purring cuddles. 😊

Places you should see while in Kotor:

Stop at the Cathedral

The medieval old town has many Romanesque churches, including Kotor Cathedral. While you’re there, make a point of visiting the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (dating back to 1166). You can view the relics on display and climb up to the tower for views over the small town square. There are many beautiful little shops and beautiful, medieval, dungeon-like, walled alleyways to explore.

Cobblestone streets and Mountain Views - these are a few of my favorite things...

Walking around in the town of Kotor, you’ll often be rewarded with beautiful, cobbled stone streets and then suddenly when looking up, the unfolding of a beautiful mountain scene right in front of you. Basically, everywhere you’ll find beautiful views. From amazing stonework on buildings to views across the bay and mountains. It is just beautiful all around.

Hiking up to the fortress for spectacular views

An early morning hike up to the Fortress to catch some spectacular views and photo opportunities is a definite itinerary item for nature lovers….and cat lovers. 😊 PS: If you’re anything like me, you would want to take them all home with you, but you can enjoy their friendly greetings along the way. The people of Kotor love their cats. Maybe that is also a huge reason why I love Kotor. 😊 OK so back to the Fortress. From up here, you’ll have spectacular views, so it is worth the climb. Keep in mind that there are a huge amount of very steep and somewhat rugged steps to climb to the top.

A more relaxing boat trip

For a less adventurous and more relaxing experience, booking a boat tour to get a different view from the sea towards land, is very nice. By boat, you can visit Our Lady of the Rocks, a man-made island in the Bay of Kotor.

Useful information for your trip to Kotor, Montenegro

Nearest airports to Kotor

Montenegro has two of its own international airports – Podgorica in the capital city and Tivat on the coast, in the Bay of Kotor.

If you’re thinking of combining a trip to Kotor with one to Dubrovnik, you can also fly into Dubrovnik’s international airport, Cilipi, which is just a half hour drive from the Montenegrin border.

Tivat (TIV) Airport 4.6 km
Podgorica (TGD) 39.5 km
Dubrovnik (DBV) 44.3 km
Tirana (TIA) 136.3 km
Brindisi (BDS) 208.3 km

Do they speak English in Kotor

Although English is not a widely spoken language in Montenegro you will find that most people within the tourist areas do speak English.

Where is the best place to stay in Montenegro

Probably anywhere near the Bay of Kotor – I would say anywhere that has a view of the Bay. The Old Town of Kotor is also very popular and you can get very affordable accommodation with beautiful views. (Below we have a few more fabulous options and ideas on where to stay.)

What is the best time to visit Kotor

A great traveling tip, is to coordinate your visit to Kotor to fall over the summer period (June, July and August) when they usually have their Summer Carnival. This is great fun. But Christmas time (in winter) is also very nice with twinkling lights along the coast of the bay. The city is rarely covered in snow during Christmas time, although it does sometimes happen.

Can I explore Korot on foot?

Strolling through the delightful town of Kotor is a joy, made simple by its compact and easily navigable city center. Many attractions, such as historical landmarks, restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops, are conveniently within walking distance, allowing for a leisurely exploration of this charming destination.

Where do the cruise ships dock?

Arriving at this beautiful bay by cruise ship is one of the best things in life. The place where cruise ships stop in Kotor is right across from the city. But, it’s only for smaller ships. If your ship is big, it stays in the bay, and you take a smaller boat, called a tender, to get to the Kotor Old City.

As the ship arrives, it usually honks its horn to announce itself, as a spectacular sight unfolds in front of your eyes. The bay is beautiful.

The cruise ship docks about 300 feet from the center of town, near one of the three gates to go into the old town. Taxis are usually at the dock, but make sure to agree on the price before you go anywhere.

How to spend a day in Kotor:

Morning Stroll: Begin your day with a leisurely walk through Kotor’s charming Old Town. Explore its narrow streets, admire historical architecture, and visit landmarks like St. Tryphon Cathedral.
Climb the City Walls: Head to the city walls for a bit of exercise and breathtaking views. The climb takes about an hour, but the panoramic scenes of the bay and town are well worth it.
Explore Maritime Museum: Learn about Kotor’s rich maritime history by visiting the Maritime Museum, located in the Grgurina Palace. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the city’s seafaring past.
Lunch in the Square: Enjoy a delicious lunch in the main square. Many cafes and restaurants offer outdoor seating, providing a perfect spot to savor local cuisine while soaking in the atmosphere.
Boat Trip to Our Lady of the Rocks: Take a boat trip to the nearby islet of Our Lady of the Rocks. Explore the church and museum, then enjoy a relaxing boat ride back to Kotor.
Shopping and Souvenirs: Spend your afternoon shopping for souvenirs and local crafts in Kotor’s markets and boutiques. Pick up unique items like handmade jewelry or traditional Montenegrin products.
Dinner with a View: End your day with dinner at one of Kotor’s waterfront restaurants. Enjoy fresh seafood and Montenegrin specialties while taking in the beautiful evening views of the bay and city.

If you could only choose one...

Things to do in Kotor

Find and Book the best trips and tours in and around Kotor Montenegro.

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Should you visit?

Where to stay in Kotor

During your stay, you’ll see the cruise ships coming into the bay. So, this is also a different option, booking a cruise that includes Kotor as a destination.

What makes Kotor so special? The Secret to Kotor:

While in Kotor, the secret to enjoying and getting the most out of this spectacular destination is to immerse yourself in its rich history and stunning natural beauty. Start your journey by exploring the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Town, where every corner unveils a piece of medieval charm. Don’t rush; let the ambiance of centuries-old architecture and ancient city walls captivate you. Venture beyond the well-trodden paths to discover hidden gems, local cafes, and authentic eateries tucked away in quiet corners.

For an unparalleled experience, climb the city walls to witness panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The serpentine path reveals breathtaking vistas of the fjord-like landscape and the charming red-roofed houses below. To truly connect with the destination, engage with the friendly locals who are more than eager to share their stories.

Travel Tip(s)

In summary, if there is one travel tip I can give you for your visit to Kotor, it would be to book a “room with a view”. This is what Kotor is all about. Booking a place to stay with a view over that lovely bay is really worth your while. Then make time to just relax on a balcony with a glass of wine or a cup of coffee and enjoy some of the local cuisine.

Don’t forget your timeless little black dress! It’s a versatile must-have that can easily transition from a casual daytime look with sandals to a glamorous evening outfit with the right accessories. Save suitcase space and be ready for any occasion!