Coastal town on Montenegro's Bay of Kotor. Narrow streets wind through medieval buildings. Mountains surround the UNESCO-listed old town. Nearby beaches and eateries.
Kotor is a small coastal town in Montenegro, situated at the end of the Bay of Kotor, with limestone cliffs rising around it. The town is known for its medieval old town, ancient city walls, and natural setting. In Kotor, you can climb the fortifications for bay views, take boat trips on the waters of the Bay of Kotor, or explore the St. Tryphon's Cathedral and Maritime Museum within the UNESCO-listed old town.
Exploring Kotor's Old Town
Kotor's compact old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site enclosed within well-preserved Venetian fortification walls. As you enter through the main Sea Gate, you'll find yourself in a network of narrow marble streets and small squares. The old town contains several Romanesque churches, Venetian-era palaces, and cafes. The 12th century St. Tryphon's Cathedral contains an ornate altar and religious artifacts. To learn about Kotor's maritime history, visit the Maritime Museum in an 18th-century Baroque palace.
Climbing the City Walls
You can climb the city walls up to San Giovanni Fortress. The steep 1,350-step climb takes about an hour but rewards you with views over the red-roofed old town and Bay of Kotor. Consider going early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes for the uneven stone steps. The entrance fee is around 8 euros.
Cruising the Bay of Kotor
A boat trip allows you to see the Bay of Kotor from the water. You can join a group tour or hire a private boat to cruise past waterfront villages and forested mountains that meet the sea. Most tours stop at the town of Perast and the artificial island of Our Lady of the Rocks with its blue-domed church. For a different perspective, take a sunset cruise to see the bay in the evening light.
Sampling Local Cuisine
Kotor's cuisine combines Mediterranean and Balkan flavors. Local dishes include black risotto colored with cuttlefish ink, grilled octopus, and lamb cooked in milk. The old town has many restaurants serving fresh seafood caught daily in the bay. For a meal with a view, try Galion restaurant located over the water facing the old town walls. You can pair your meal with Montenegrin wines like the full-bodied red Vranac.
Getting to Kotor
The nearest airport is Tivat, about 10 km from Kotor. You can also fly into Dubrovnik in Croatia (70 km away) or Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro (90 km). From these airports, take a bus or taxi to reach Kotor. If you're coming from elsewhere in Montenegro or neighboring countries, regular buses connect Kotor to major cities. The old town is pedestrian-only, so you'll need to park outside the walls if arriving by car.
