Things to do in Kotor
Kotor is a charming Mediterranean coastal town under UNESCO protection which seduces a great number of visitors each year with its incredible natural beauty, its laid-back culture, and gastronomy. Its picturesque cobblestone streets are home to dozens of restaurants, boutique stores, and a bustling food market.
St. Tryphon Cathedral
Kotor Cathedral is a must-see on your visit to Kotor’s Old Town. The cathedral was built during Stefan Nemanjic’s reign in 1166, on the walls of an earlier church, and is dedicated to Saint Tryphon. It is one of the oldest and tallest Romanesque edifices in Southeastern Europe.
Things to do in Montenegro
Montenegro offers so many things to do. Here is your complete guide to the major landmarks, must-see places, and not-to-be-missed attractions.
Visit the Kampana Tower
Opposite Kotor Cruise Port sits the 13th-century Kampana Tower, a rounded defensive bastion that anchors the northwestern city walls. and overlooks the emerald-green Scurda River. Places worth visiting along the way are the Northern Gate and the Sea Gate.
Kotor’s Old Town
Meander through the maze of medieval streets of Kotor’s Old Town to discover hidden courtyards, quaint restaurants, and intimate shops and museums.
Hike up to San Giovanni Fortress
A mighty defensive stronghold, Kotor Fortress is probably Kotor’s single most striking landmark, offering commanding views of the Old Town and the surrounding Bay of Kotor. The fort sits at an altitude of 280 meters and is part of the fortification system with bastions and gates for city access.
Discover St. John’s Fortress
For Montenegro’s most spectacular views, visit the vestige Kotor Fortress. The 1,350-step hike is a bit challenging but tremendously rewarding.
A Journey to the Sky
Embark on a fascinating round-trip aboard the brand-new Kotor Cable Car – an exciting event for the whole family. The 11-minute journey rises 1,348m above sea level, revealing spectacular views of the Bay of Kotor and beyond. Once you reach the top, you can get a snack or drink at the sky restaurant.
A Bird’s Eye View of the Bay
Don’t miss out on to journey through the stunning mountainscape of Kotor. The Kotor Cable Car takes you on one of Europe’s most scenic rides.
Kotor Food Market
The Kotor Food Market still has that authentic, vibrant, and bustling vibe to it. It sits adjacent to the main Sea Gate on the other side of the city walls and is where the heart and soul of Kotor’s culinary culture show the most. Freshly-caught fish, olives, local cheeses, fresh-smelling vegetables, and fruits are plentiful here.
Traditional Pastries at Forza Cafe
When in Rome do as the Romans do and when in Kotor, just head to Forza Cafe and order a slice of homemade cake. The cafe was established over 30 years ago and is cherished by locals for its delicious traditional pastries – especially Kotor Krempita (cream puff) and Pineapple Cake.
Boka Aquarium
Come face to face with starfish, moray eels, sea horses, a lovely resident octopus, and other colorful sea creatures at the Boka Aquarium. Your family will explore the Adriatic and World Ocean habitats thanks to a handful of beautifully-arranged aquariums, including a VR experience. The Boka Aquarium is open all year round.
Kotor Christmas Market
During December and January when the streets are void of tourists, Kotor’s Old Town shows all its charm and tradition with a beautiful presentation of lights and festive decorations. Locals and visitors alike gather at the food and drink stalls; a whiff of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts is in the air.
A Winter Wonderland
If you are visiting Montenegro during winter, make sure to include a trip to the picturesque Kotor Christmas Market.
Kotor Carnival
During February and August, visitors to Kotor can participate in a centuries-old tradition; of course, we are talking about the biannual Kotor Carnival. The colorful and cheerful Venice-inspired procession ends on the Arms Square with the symbolic burning of a giant effigy.
Explore Kotor by Bike
The Bay of Kotor’s coastal road which connects all the charming coastal towns such as Perast, Risan, and Herceg Novi is perfect for bike rides during the day. Across the bay area, you will find shops that rent bicycles and accessories, from mountain bikes to city cruisers.
Bike Rental Kotor
Discover the beauties of Kotor on two wheels by renting a bike. Part of the coastal promenade is pedestrianized and bicycle-friendly.
Eat Fresh Fish by the Sea
Along the Kotor – Dobrota seaside promenade are some of Montenegro’s most heavenly seafood taverns and restaurants. They strike just the right balance between offering breathtaking views, offering freshly-caught fish, while being affordable.
Best Restaurants in Kotor
Konoba Portun and Bonaca are located next to each other and are some of the best restaurants in Kotor. See which other ones have made it on our list.
Visit a Spa Center
Traveling can be exhausting, especially when you have been on the road for some time. If you need to recharge your batteries, get a massage or facial, or just unwind at an intimate indoor pool, there are some great Spa in and around Kotor to spoil you for the day.
Discover the Allure of Perast
Perast is Montenegro’s prettiest coastal town and has some of the country’s best oceanfront seafood restaurants. Its beautiful Baroque architecture is well-preserved and Perast combines a sophisticated laid-back vibe and privileged bay views for a perfect al-fresco dinner.
Picturesque Perast
Soak in nature’s beauty and observe how the sun bounces off the centuries-old stone buildings and landscape that so define Perast.
Go to see the Cat Museum
Probably the quirkiest museum in Montenegro, the Cat Museum Kotor is planted in a stone building within the ancient city walls and houses a large collection of feline memorabilia. It is a must-see for all cat people visiting Kotor. The museum shop sells authentic cat-themed souvenirs.
Cat Museum Kotor
Feline enthusiasts will feel at home in the Cat Museum Kotor. The small entrance fee will go towards feeding the city’s stray cats.
Visit Boka’s Most Beautiful Island
If you are staying in Kotor for more than a day, you should consider exploring Our Lady of the Rocks opposite Perast. The island church features one of the most beautiful frescoes paintings in Montenegro. And the views from there are nothing short of breathtaking.
Our Lady of the Rocks
The Our Lady of the Rocks islet with its eponymous picturesque church is a must-see when visiting Kotor. It’s truly a unique experience.
Splurge on Oysters
Luka’s Oyster Farm is an unpretentious restaurant, sitting on the shores of Ljuta, a small village close to Kotor. This small seafood eatery specializes in farm-fresh oysters and other mussels and is a place that undoubtedly should be visited at least once by every gourmand.
Embark on a Sea Cave Adventure
Thousands of years in the making, the staggering Blue Cave is one of the largest sea caves in the Adriatic Sea. It is located on the west side of the Lustica Peninsula and is a major tourist attraction for those who admire natural landmarks. The Blue Cave is known for its glowing blue hue that becomes visible during certain hours of the day.
Blue Cave
The Blue Cave is Montenegro’s largest sea grotto and is just a short boat trip away from Kotor and an enchanting way to spend a couple of hours.
Montenegro’s Most Iconic Hairpin Road
Montenegro certainly has no shortage of scenic routes but the Kotor Serpentine Road is probably the most notorious of them all. A series of steep and gut-wrenching hairpin bends will challenge the average driver and more than satisfy the serious motorist’s desire for adrenaline.
Kotor Serpentine
The Kotor Serpentine Road which connects Kotor to Njegusi will certainly appeal to motorcyclists and everyone who enjoys a good view.
Relax and Unwind at the Beach
Soak up some Vitamin D at one of Kotor’s Beaches or in the comfort of one of the stylish beach clubs. Kotor City Beach is the closest to town but gets overcrowded. Bianco Beach Bar sits a bit further along the coastal promenade and offers panoramic sea views from its well-maintained beach area.
Kotor Beach Guide
Shift into beach mode and see how the day unfolds. Kotor Beach is a public strand close to the center but there are better ones nearby.
Luxury Shopping in Porto Montenegro
Kotor unfortunately does not have that many nice boutiques, and if you love luxury shopping, then surely there is no way around a short detour to Porto Montenegro. Here you will find a good assortment of high-end designer brands such as Gucci, Dior, and the like – but also less expensive options.
Porto Montenegro
Get ready for an unforgettable shopping and lifestyle experience in Montenegro’s first super yacht marina – Porto Montenegro.
Hit the Trails
There are numerous great things to do in Kotor but outdoor enthusiasts might look for a more challenging activity than just shopping, swimming, or eating. The Ladder of Kotor is one of the most scenic hikes in Montenegro, taking you 940 meters up to the Krstac Pass from where the views are breathtaking.
Ladder of Kotor
If you are in good shape and have a couple of hours to spare, hiking up the picturesque Ladder of Kotor is all you need.
Try Traditional Prosciutto and Cheese
Njegusi, a small hamlet at the end of the Kotor Serpentine is the birthplace of Petar II Petrovic-Njegos, the most famous Montenegrin. Having ruled over Montenegro in the 19th century, he was also the country’s most renowned poet and philosopher. You can try the delicious Njegusi Prosciutto and Cheese in one of the local taverns up there.
Njegusi
Visit Njegusi, the hometown of Prince-Bishop Njegos, and try the delicious homemade Cheese and Prosciutto paired with a good local wine.
Start Your Day Right with a Breakfast
Treat yourself to a healthy savory breakfast in one of Kotor’s breakfast parlors. Restobar Taraca serves fresh fruit, wholegrain cereal, quesadillas, and many vegan dishes. It is located next to the Northern Gate; for an excellent Montenegrin fry-up, you should consider Grill House Marenda on the other side of town.
Best Breakfast Spots in Kotor
From classic omelet and English breakfast to innovative vegan meals; if you’re looking for the best breakfast spots in Kotor, continue reading.
Visit Perast’s Little Brother
Prcanj lies on the opposing end of the Bay of Kotor, looking from Perast. This charming coastal town has a rich naval history and was once an important postal hub for the Venetian Empire. Prcanj is home to the biggest religious edifice in the bay – the Church of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Prcanj
Prcanj is renowned for its beautiful Baroque architecture. Its scenic coastal road is lined with restaurants, cafes, and good local taverns.
Attend a Local Festival
Kotor and the surrounding Boka towns host a great deal of festivals throughout the year. Some are relatively new and some have been celebrated for more than five centuries. All of them bring together delicious local food, live music, contagious community spirit, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
Events in Kotor
Come and celebrate the Kotor’s festivals together with the friendly locals. Summer is busiest but there are events in Kotor year-round.
Experience the best views of Kotor
The green Mediterranean landscape, the stunning Bay of Kotor dotted with picturesque islets and medieval coastal towns, and the bright orange rooftops of Kotor’s Old Town are all part of the natural composition. You can enjoy spectacular panoramic views all across Kotor from hilltop fortresses, hiking trails, and from the comfort of a cable car. In all cases, the trip to the best viewpoints is also incredibly picturesque.
Best Views of Kotor
Kotor is capped between the mountains of Vrmac and Lovcen, and there are many spots along the way for enjoying the best views of Kotor.
Fort Gorazda
Fort Gorazda is a former Austro-Hungarian fortress and viewing point located close to Kotor. Even though the fort is abandoned and there is little information on display at the site, it is one of the best lookout points to both Tivat and Kotor. Admission is free.
Fort Gorazda
If you’re interested in urban exploring, military history or just photographing spectacular views, a visit to Fort Gorazda close to Kotor is a must.
Explore a Secret Naval Tunnel
When Montenegro was part of Yugoslavia, the Bay of Kotor served an important strategic military role. Few residents even knew about the network of secret submarine tunnels that are incredibly well-hidden from outside view. They are located between Prcanj and Rose on the Lustica Peninsula.
Kotor Boat Tours
The crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic and the towering mountains make Kotor the perfect backdrop for a scenic bout tour.
Discover Ancient Mosaics in Risan
The 2000-year-old Roman mosaics in Risan had decorated a large Patrician villa featuring multicolor geometric patterns, floral motifs, stylized octopuses, and double-headed axes. The most notable mosaic piece depicts Hynos, the winged Greek god of sleep.
Risan
The coastal town of Risan is the oldest settlement in the Bay of Kotor. The legacy of Ancient Rome is still felt today in the form of the Risan Mosaics.
Hike or Drive to Fort Vrmac
A lesser-known hiking trail starts in Muo and takes through a beautiful forested hiking trail up to Fort Vrmac. This is another former Austro-Hungarian defensive fortress offering breathtaking views of Kotor and Tivat. The mystical overgrown fort was abandoned a long time ago and is well worth a visit.
Fort Vrmac
An imposing hillside fortress built by the Austro-Hungarians in the 19th century, Fort Vrmac offers breathtaking views of Kotor and beyond.
Get Your Heart Pounding
One of Montenegro’s most scenic ziplines is waiting for you. Embark on an epic adrenaline-filled adventure that you will remember for a lifetime. You will fly one kilometer above sea level, overlooking forest canopy, steep cliffs, and the stunning Bay of Kotor.
Visit Sopot Cave & Waterfall
Risan is a tranquil coastal town for most of the year – not so during the snowmelt in springtime and after heavy rainfalls in winter. Should you visit then, you might be lucky to witness a very special natural phenomenon – the roaring sound of the loud Sopot Waterfall that comes rushing out of the Sopot Cave with incredible force. During all other periods, the cave is completely dry and can be entered.
Kotor
Kotor with all its history and charm is one of the prettiest towns in the Mediterranean and a perfect weekend getaway.