Table of Contents
ToggleThe charming coastal town of Perast lies wedged between the scenic road that connects all coastal towns in Montenegro and the Bay of Kotor, built centuries ago when its residents were predominantly arriving by boat and motorized vehicles and parking lots were not yet a thing. If you plan to visit Perast by car, continue reading.
Perast is a car-free town that has been entirely pedestrianized, allowing only delivery vehicles and one public transport bus to pass through its historic center. When visiting Perast, you’ll have to leave your car in one of the public or private parking lots and garages outside the town center and continue exploring by foot.
Find out more about the Bay of Kotor, a picturesque inlet connecting some of Montenegro’s most beautiful coastal towns like Herceg Novi, Tivat, and Kotor.
Parking in Perast is expensive, with rates among the highest in this region. Depending on which direction you come from, you have several options for where to park your vehicle. Arriving from Kotor, you’ll find Parking 1 on your left-hand side, where the day ticket costs 8,00 €. They have no hourly rates for short stays.
The biggest advantage of parking here is its proximity to the town center; within a 5-minute walking distance, you’ll be at Bronza Palace and the first in the line of waterfront restaurants. The other official car park (Parking 2) finds itself on the northern end of town and offers the same rates and conditions.
Parking 2 is a little bit closer to Perast’s major attractions like the Perast Maritime Museum, the central town square, St. Nicholas’ Church, and the marina from where boats depart to the islands. Especially during the peak season in July and August, occupancy is high, so be sure to arrive early to secure a parking space. Continue reading for alternatives.
If you find car parking in Perast too expensive, you might consider leaving your car in neighboring Risan, which is just 3 kilometers away. There are several unpaid parking spaces in the center of town and along the coastal road, such as the parking lot in front of the Banja Monastery. From Risan, you can take a bus or taxi, or simply walk.
Risan has a history dating back more than 2,000 years, has a small marina with a handful of restaurants, and is famous for its well-preserved Roman Mosaics.
Perast is a charming coastal town that has a lot to offer, from well-preserved Baroque edifices and scenic waterfront restaurants to relaxed coastal vibes.
Another option, if you plan to visit the islands of Saint George and Our Lady of the Rocks anyway, is to get the boat trip and parking package offered by Pulena Boats and Adriatic Pearl Boats, two local agencies that are conveniently located in the upper part of town, easily accessibly from the main road. The price is 15 – 20 € per person, not per vehicle.
Other round-trips and day cruises are available as well with these boat tour agencies. For example, the former Yugoslav Navy’s submarine tunnels and Blue Cave on the Lustica Peninsula can be reached relatively quickly from Perast. For comparison’s sake, the regular fare for a trip from Perast’s marina around the islands is 5 € per person on a larger tourist boat.
Our Lady of the Rocks is one of Perast’s most notable landmarks, sitting just a short distance from the shore, accessible by boat or kayak.