Risan
Risan is a small coastal town of just 2,000 people, lying at the foot of the Orjen mountain range, between Perast and Herceg Novi, in the Bay of Kotor. The pretty town retains much of its original charm with typical traditional stone architecture with green window shutters, narrow cobblestone streets, and a Mediterranean vibe to match.
Perhaps, because it is tucked away on the innermost edge of the bay, Risan is often overlooked by visiting tourists. Nevertheless, it enjoys relatively good access to other coastal towns and is well-serviced by the Blue Line bus route. It is becoming increasingly popular with holidaymakers and long-term residents who are taking advantage of its quiet setting yet easy access to Kotor and Perast.
Bay of Kotor
Find out more about Europe’s southernmost fjord, the Bay of Kotor. It extends over a length of more than 100 kilometers, connecting several coastal towns.
History and Culture of Risan
Risan is the most ancient settlement in the Bay of Kotor and was already established by the Illyrians 2,500 years ago. Known under Rhizon back then, it was named after the son of Cadmus, a Phoenician prince. Queen Teuta who ruled from 231 BC to 227 BC, even made Risan the capital of her Illyrian Kingdom that encompassed large swathes of land in the Western Balkans.
Risan was conquered by the Romans in 168 BC and further developed into a meaningful coastal settlement with a population of 10,000. It is famous for its well-preserved Roman Mosaics and is closely associated with the adjoining towns of Perast and Kotor that came to rival Risan in the centuries to come.
Perast
Explore the magnificent Baroque palazzi, churches, and other centuries-old heritage in Perast, a stunning coastal town that lies just 5 kilometers south of Risan.
Risan was one of the towns that had fallen prey to invading Ottoman troops in 1538, together with Herceg Novi, and was ruled by the Turks for almost 150 years. It found itself located in a precarious setting, straddling the border between the Ottoman and Venetian Empires, right at the frontlines. Today the only invaders are the modest amount of visitors who mostly use Risan as a base for exploring the Boka Bay area.
Unlike its neighbors, Risan did not have a very strong Venetian influence as it was ruled by Venice only for a relatively short period – from 1648 to 1797. Instead, it boasts an eclectic mix of cultural heritage, a little bit from each colonizing power. These days, Risan is home to a local and international community in search of a peaceful life.
Herceg Novi
Discover the picturesque town of Herceg Novi with its lovely coastal promenade lined with interesting cafes and good waterfront restaurants. Highly recommended visit!
Shopping in Risan
Once an important market town, Risan is not a place for shopping anymore but the nearby towns of Kotor and Herceg Novi offer a good range of shops and boutiques. There are a few restaurants and cafes, a bank branch, a post office, and a supermarket in town. The farmers market is held every Sunday, with a large variety of local products on offer.
Kotor
The UNESCO-listed town of Kotor with its iconic city walls and cobblestone streets is a sought-after holiday destination and a popular location for home ownership.
Restaurants in Risan
There is a small selection of local restaurants and taverns in Risan, some of which have a good reputation. A long-established cozy tavern known for serving the most delicious fried mussels in the region is Hipnos, which sits right in the heart of the town. The waterfront terrace of Restaurant Ponta is a great place to sample Montenegro’s specialties in stunning surroundings.
One of the delicacies offered here is truffle gnocchi with beef and mushrooms; another one is grilled octopus with Swiss chard and potatoes, served with garlic parsley sauce. If you don’t find an eatery to your liking in Risan, you won’t have to travel far to find a wider selection of good restaurants in nearby Perast and Kotor.
Catovica Mlini in Morinj, which is just a 10-minute drive away, is a worthwhile alternative. It is one of the best restaurants in Montenegro, set amidst a huge and lush country garden and offering authentic local dishes with cordial hospitality. For breathtaking bay views and contemporary fusion cuisine, Verige 65, which sits at one tip of the Verige Strait, is the right choice.
Best Restaurants in Perast
Featuring spots like Restaurant Djardin, Conte, and Bocalibre, we aim to bring you an overview of Perast’s best restaurants, from casual to fine dining.
Best Restaurants in Kotor
Get to know the best restaurants in Kotor, from cozy old town taverns to chic seaside diners, serving fresh seafood and breathtaking bay views.
Hotels in Risan
There is a good selection of places to stay in Risan, predominantly small guest houses and self-catering apartments. The 5-star Mövenpick Teuta Risan Bay is currently under construction and is expected to welcome its first guests in 2025. Several highly-rated residences sit in nearby Morinj such as Green Bay Morinj and the Bellezza Resort & Spa.
Within a 5-minute drive from Risan, you can choose from a good range of boutique hotels to suit your taste and budget, including the 5-star Heritage Grand Perast, the beautiful Hotel Leon Coronato, and the four-star Conte Hotel Perast which boasts a lovely terrace right at the waterfront.
Heritage Grand Perast
Undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in the Bay of Kotor, the 5-star Heritage Grand Perast offers pristine facilities in a surreal setting.
Conte Hotel Perast
The 4-star Conte Hotel Perast offers excellent views of the two islands across the bay. Lose track of time as you immerse yourself in absolute tranquility.
Major Attractions
In Risan, there is the charming 17th-century Saints Peter and Paul Church, which boasts an impressive gilded altar, and a stream that runs through the town with an old stone bridge. Right next to is an archeological site that still needs to be developed. But the most well-known attraction around Risan is the museum whose exhibition includes the remains of a Patrizian Villa with mosaic flooring.
The Bay of Kotor is an attraction in itself which enjoys UNESCO World Heritage Status. Risan is a good base for those who don’t mind jumping in their car to explore the neighboring coastal towns and villages.
Things to do in Risan
This gentle, quiet coastal town allows you to simply unwind and watch the world go by as sailboats bob on the water and local fishermen set their lines. Although a popular destination for day-tripping bikers and cyclists during peak season, Risan’s pace always remains easy and unhurried.
Hike to a Stunning Fortress
Walking and hiking are popular in the entire Boka Bay area, not simply because of the awe-inspiring coastal scenery, but also due to several historic landmarks that occupy its karst hilltops. As well as typically Mediterranean scrubs and forests, you’ll find many varieties of wild orchids and lavender.
One uplifting route takes you to the hilltop fortress of Gradina (Illyrian Fort Rizon), where you’ll find the ruins of the once-important defensive stronghold, with a history dating back many centuries. From Risan, take Gabela street in the direction of the Church of St. Elijah and follow it until the sign markers for Gradina Fortress.
The panoramic views of the entire Bay of Kotor, including the Verige Strait, particularly at sunset, are quite breathtaking. The moderately difficult trail passes an old stone bridge, takes about two hours to complete, and requires a bit of scrambling to the top. The approximately 20-kilometer-long hike to Fort Sveti Andrija via Perast offers beautiful scenery with amazing views of the sea and mountains.
Best View of Kotor
Hiking up to St Andrija’s fortress, which sits on a hilltop above Perast, is worth the effort. Enjoy some of the best views of Kotor and the bay from above.
Go to the Beach
The glistening Adriatic Sea is undoubtedly one of the biggest draws for visitors to Risan’s beaches. Sunseekers will be able to enjoy a small stretch of pebbly beach at the northern end of town to swim, luxuriate in the sand, and indulge at the onsite beach bar. At Smokvica Beach, there are all the facilities you need for a relaxing day by the sea, including showers, sun lounger hire, and lifeguards.
Marvel at the Sopot Waterfall
For a long and relaxing stroll along the sea, continue to the neighboring Sopot Waterfall. Photographers and nature enthusiasts are drawn by Sopot’s brutal display of power. Emerging from the Sopot cave, the waterfall is especially noisy in the winter months after periods of heavy rainfall and in spring during the snowmelt.
Try Scuba Diving
Sopot, and the grounds around Risan in general, are also a favorite with divers and snorkelers. Experience utter serenity in the sheltered bay waters while watching fish, hunting for antique amphorae, or simply enjoying the vibrant underwater landscapes. Both beginner and advanced divers will appreciate Risan’s sites. There is one diving school in Bijela with multilingual certified instructors.
Visit the Prehistoric Drawings of Lipci
The amazing cave drawings in Lipci, a small village close to Risan, are estimated to be 3,000 years old. The drawings show several geometrical shapes and a hunting scene with hunters on horses throwing spears at a deer. Getting there is quite the adventure as you need to make your way through an overgrown path that is difficult to navigate.
Discover the Roman Mosaics of Risan
Ancient Roman mosaics can be found all across the Mediterranean and were a common decorative element of private homes and public buildings. The mosaics at the Museum of Risan once decorated a Patrizian villa and date back to the 2nd century AD. They portray a range of subjects, including the sacred image of Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep.
Stroll along Gabela Street
This ancient cobblestoned market street stretches from Risan Harbor to the eastern tip of town. In centuries past, Gabela Street was the sole artery connecting the farmers in the villages above town to buyers from Risan and the surrounding towns. Likewise, manufactured goods and grains were transported from the harbor to Montenegro’s interior.
As you traverse the worn cobblestones and meander past the abandoned homes and retail shops, you’ll uncover the echoes of past civilizations that have left their ineradicable mark on Risan.
Explore Perast
The picturesque and authentic town of Perast is one of Montenegro’s most visited and is situated just five kilometers south of Risan. Its well-preserved historic streets are lined with charming waterfront restaurants, beautiful churches, and Baroque palazzi. A visit to Our Lady of the Rocks, the island church off the coast of Perast, is a must.
The boat trip to the island involves getting fantastic views of the pretty surrounding coastal landscape. Perast is also one of the best spots to watch the sun go down while enjoying a romantic meal with your partner on the terrace of Perast’s refined seaside restaurants.
Our Lady of the Rocks
Probably Montenegro’s most picturesque church, Our Lady of the Rocks stands just 500 meters off Perast’s coast on an artificial island built over centuries.
Visit the Banja Monastery
Take a tour of the 12th-century female Banja Monastery that was built on the remains of a former Roman thermal bath. The beautiful grounds are located just 1 kilometer away from Risan. Sample delicious organic produce and fill your bags with fresh juices, handpicked herbal teas, fruits, and honey from their estate store. Entering the monastery church requires conservative and modest attire.
Share an Oyster Meal
A holiday in Risan is incomplete without a leisurely alfresco oyster meal by the sea. Unwind at the Mussels and Oyster Farm, which sits halfway between Risan and Perast. The unpretentious restaurant only has a couple of tables (with great views) and the oysters here are always fresh, coming straight from their farm. Besides oysters and other mussels, you’ll also find prawns and grilled sea bass on the menu.
Events in Risan
The main event in Risan, the Roman Nights, revolves around its ancient history. It is a two-day event that takes place in July and boasts many activities for children, including a stand offering Roman hairstyles (everything from intricate braids to elegant updos), and a non-violent version of the gladiator games.
Events in Kotor
Plenty of local events in Kotor and the surrounding villages take place throughout the year, including the biannual Venetian-style carnival celebrations.
Surrounding Areas
Perast is the closest town to Risan and is just a 5-minute drive away. The ancient walled city of Kotor is also within easy driving distance, offering a slice of genuine coastal Montenegro. Portonovi finds itself 20 kilometers away and is an upscale resort that caters mainly to an international clientele interested in the glamor of the luxury yachting lifestyle.
Bajova Kula and Bocasa are up-market beach clubs frequented by the glitterati and not to be missed for a touch of luxury and sophisticated beach vibes. There is a ferry boat connection (a 15-minute drive from Risan) across the Verige Strait between Kamenari and Tivat.
Tivat
Discover Tivat, the new lifestyle destination on the Adriatic. Home to one of Europe’s fanciest super yacht marinas, it offers a good range of shops and restaurants.
Living in Risan
Risan is vaguely suitable for year-round living and is very quiet in mid-winter. Nevertheless, there is a negligible international community of a few long-term residents belying its sleepy atmosphere. Many real estate owners use their properties exclusively during the summer months or as vacation rentals.
In town, there are many local facilities, including a hospital, a nursing home, and a post office. Risan is relatively inexpensive due to its secluded location in the Northwest of the bay. Most of the properties for sale in Risan are sea-view apartments and stone houses. Expect to pay from 250,000 – 500,000 € for a comfortable detached home. Studio apartments start at 60,000 €. Frontline villas are in very short supply and sellers will ask for more than a million Euros for luxurious properties.
Living in Montenegro
Living in Montenegro means taking full advantage of the Mediterranean lifestyle. It’s a healthy and peaceful way of living, captivating residents with its beauty.
Obtain Residency in Montenegro
Find out all about your Montenegro Residency options in 2024 and make this beautiful Adriatic country your new temporary or permanent home.