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Best Views of Kotor and Where to Catch Them
Dramatic mountains that almost vertically plunge into the Bay of Kotor, dense pine forests, and of course the vivid blue sea are all part of Kotor’s incredible natural landscape. With a little effort, you can enjoy commanding views from hilltop fortresses, hiking trails, restaurants, and even from the comfort of your cabin with the recently opened Kotor Cable Car. As stunning as the vistas from above, the journey to the viewpoints is often just as picturesque.
Bay of Kotor
The Bay of Kotor connects some of Montenegro’s most charming coastal towns and villages such as Kotor, Herceg Novi, Tivat, Perast, and Risan.
Kotor
Narrow cobblestone streets, medieval town squares, and plenty of intimate corners are waiting to be discovered in Kotor, a charming town protected by UNESCO.
From the Old Fortress
Don’t be surprised if you find the top of Kotor Fortress full of people, especially during peak season. This is one of Montenegro’s most stunning and scenic viewpoints – and its fame is well-founded. The winning combination of crystal-clear Adriatic waters and the beautiful, rugged Adriatic coastline is as pretty as a picture and gets more stunning the higher you climb.
Undoubtedly, the most breathtaking views of Kotor’s orange roofs and the bay in the background reward those who climb all of the 1,350 steps. The fortress is perched atop the steep Mount San Giovanni and sits at an altitude of 280 meters above sea level. The admission fee of 15€ is charged at one of the two payment booths in the old town. The ascent does require good fitness levels.
Kotor Fortress
No visit to this magical coastal town is complete without climbing up the 1,350 steps to Kotor Fortress and enjoying the breathtaking views from atop.
From the Ladder of Kotor
Awe-inspiring vistas await as you climb the Ladder of Kotor to the small mountain cafe, a family-run hillside snack bar with a panoramic terrace. It’s a must-visit on the way to the top of the trail at Nevjesta Jadrana Restaurant, which is another of Kotor’s most striking look-outs. Positioned at 300 meters above sea level, you’ll have the Kotor City Walls, the Verige Strait, Prcanj, and its neighboring coastal settlements in plain sight.
The restaurant at the top sits at an altitude of 940 meters and offers homemade produce and an intimate terrace with sweeping bay views. The Ladder of Kotor is a partially paved former donkey path that winds up to the Krstac Pass. It used to be the sole connection between Kotor and Montenegro’s former Capital Cetinje. The Ladder of Kotor starts close to the Northern Gate and is free for all to enjoy.
The Ladder of Kotor
The Ladder of Kotor is a strenuous trudge if you master the 940 meters in elevation gain all at once. Along the way, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Kotor.
Kotor City Walls
Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Kotor City Walls date back centuries and include a series of bastions, city gates, a fortress, and even a church.
Verige Strait
The Verige Strait is a narrow passage connecting the inner with the outer Bay of Kotor. Cruise ships pass here on their way to Kotor.
From Kotor’s Scenic Hairpinned Road
The Kotor Serpentine Road is a challenge drivers and cyclists take on every year for the 360° panoramic views from the top and along the way. Because the road is farther away from the old town, it offers an impressive view of the surrounding mountainscape of Kotor, Tivat, and Herceg Novi.
The Horizont Bar at the end of the switchback road probably offers the best views. There is a series of steps leading down to a floating observation deck that appears to jut out precariously over the bay. From there, you can take great pictures or simply marvel at the forested mountain ranges and vivid blue Adriatic Sea. These views are difficult to beat, especially on a clear day.
Kotor Serpentine Road
Enjoy fantastic vistas from one of the viewpoints along the Kotor Serpentine Road. It boasts 25 hairpins and offers a challenging yet rewarding experience.
Tivat
Known for its superyacht marina Porto Montenegro, Tivat offers laid-back Mediterranean vibes, good international cuisine, and shopping year-round.
Herceg Novi
Herceg Novi is Montenegro’s northernmost coastal town and its streets, squares, and promenades are full of charm. Definitely worth a visit!
From the Road to Lovcen
Following the Kotor Serpentine Road further in the direction of the Lovcen National Park from the intersection in Njegusi, you will come across a few other phenomenal photogenic viewpoints such as this circular observation deck which lets you see the beauty of Kotor from a unique perspective.
The views up here impressed Prince-Bishop Petar II Petrovic-Njegos so much that he built his Njegos Mausoleum close to here. Visit the eternal resting place of Montenegro’s former ruler and much-acclaimed poet, which is just a 10-minute drive away from the observation platform.
Lovcen National Park
The Lovcen National Park close to Kotor is renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty. Its rugged peaks and pristine meadows make it a paradise for hikers and bikers.
Njegos Mausoleum
One of Montenegro’s most famous historical figures is buried in the Njegos Mausoleum. Prince-Bishop Petar II ruled over the country in the 19th century.
From an Abandoned Austrian Fort
It’s not hard to apprehend why the Austro-Hungarians chose this strategic location to build an impressive defensive structure – Fort Gorazda. Nor why the Montenegrin and Yugoslav armies later fought to take control of it. The abandoned fort sits at an altitude of 452 meters, giving it all-encompassing views of Kotor.
Back in the day, safeguarding the bay was the main objective of this 19th-century edifice. Visitors can now tour its derelict army barracks, casemates, and turrets. It is a little bit off the beaten path, located at the end of a narrow and winding road, but the awe-inspiring scenery makes it worthwhile.
Fort Gorazda
Discover the former Austro-Hungarian Fort Gorazda, located on a hilltop above the old town and offering some of the best views of Kotor and the bay.
From the Vrmac Ridge
Kotor has terrific views at every turn, thanks in large parts to its mountainous topography. One such enthralling viewpoint lies on Mount Vrmac, a peninsula that separates the outer from the inner part of the bay, and thus Kotor from Tivat. Atop the beautiful mountain ridge at an altitude of 480 meters, sits Fort Vrmac, another abandoned 19th-century Austro-Hungarian stronghold.
This partially overgrown structure is accessible by car from Trojica or by foot via the Franz Joseph Stairs, a forested trail that was built during the reign of the former Austrian Emperor. Hike up to the top for stunning 270° views which include Kotor’s Old Town, the San Giovanni Fortress, and the inclining city walls.
Kotor Old Town
This pretty coastal town is more attractive than ever, thanks to careful city planning and extensive renovation measures in Kotor’s Old Town.
Fort Vrmac
One in a series of Austro-Hungarian defensive structures aimed at protecting the Bay of Kotor, Fort Vrmac is one striking viewing point that is easily accessible.
From the Kotor Cable Car
The newly-opened Kotor Cable Car is an incredible feat of engineering and offers 360-degree bird’s-eye views as you glide from the base station in Kotor up Mount Lovcen. With a panorama encompassing the entire Bay of Kotor, this 11-minute ride is a firm favorite for its captivating views.
Situated 1,348 meters above sea level in the clouds above Kotor, the viewing point and upper station is named after the small hamlet Kuk. An adventurous alpine coaster, a healthy juice bar, and the Mediterranean restaurant Forza Kuk with panoramic al fresco seating will make the journey even more rewarding.
From the Fort of Saint Andrew
The deep blue Adriatic Sea stretches as far as your eyes can see at this viewpoint just outside the picturesque village of Perast. Situated at 743 meters above sea level, the sweeping vistas include the picturesque Boka settlements of Dobrota and Orahovac, the inner Bay of Kotor, and Mount Vrmac.
Perast
Discover Perast, a picturesque coastal town between Herceg Novi and Kotor, known for its beautiful Baroque palazzi and waterfront promenade lined with restaurants.
Things to do in Kotor
Here is our list of the 30+ best things to do in Kotor, from having fun at the biannual carnival celebrations to family-friendly outdoor activities.