Perast

Perast, a small coastal town on Montenegro's Bay of Kotor, has fewer than 300 residents. This former maritime center is known for its stone palaces, two offshore island churches, and waterfront restaurants. In Perast, you can explore the Bujović Palace museum, take a boat to the artificial island of Our Lady of the Rocks, and swim in the calm waters of the bay while surrounded by mountain views.

Setting and Location

Perast sits on a narrow strip of land between the Bay of Kotor and steep mountains. The town extends along one main street parallel to the waterfront, with stone buildings and churches rising up the hillside. Two small islands, St. George and the man-made Our Lady of the Rocks, are located just offshore. From Perast, you can see the entire bay encircled by rugged peaks.

Our Lady of the Rocks Island

The artificial island of Our Lady of the Rocks is Perast's main point of interest. Local legend says seamen created it by sinking ships and piling rocks after finding an icon of the Madonna on a sea crag. You can take a short boat ride from Perast's harbor to visit the 17th-century church and small museum on the islet. The church contains baroque paintings and a tapestry embroidered with gold and silver thread. In the museum, you'll find items related to Perast's seafaring history, including model ships, old photographs, and navigational instruments.

Venetian Architecture

Perast flourished under Venetian rule from 1420 to 1797. The town's architecture reflects this period of wealth, with large stone palaces along the waterfront. While many palaces are now private homes or small hotels, you can still see their elegant facades. The Baroque Bujović Palace, which now houses the Perast Museum, displays furniture, weapons, and costumes from the 18th and 19th centuries. The Renaissance-style Zmajević Palace is another example of Perast's grand buildings. You can also visit some of the town's 16 churches, which show Venetian architectural influences.

Beaches and Swimming

Perast doesn't have sandy beaches, but you'll find small pebble beaches and concrete platforms along the waterfront for sunbathing and swimming. The town beach at the northwestern end gives you a wide view of the bay. Some hotels and restaurants have private beach areas for guests. The sheltered location of Perast means the bay waters are usually calm and good for swimming.

Dining Options

Restaurants line Perast's waterfront promenade, with outdoor terraces overlooking the bay. Many menus include fresh seafood, such as Boka Bay mussels and grilled fish. You can try traditional Montenegrin dishes like lamb cooked under a metal dome called sač. For drinks and snacks, visit the Pirate Bar at the end of the promenade. Most restaurants serve local wines from the Plantaže vineyards near Podgorica.

Getting There

Perast is about 12 km northwest of Kotor. You can drive there in about 20 minutes along the winding coastal road. Public buses run between Kotor and Perast approximately every 30 minutes. From Dubrovnik, Croatia, the drive takes about 2 hours. The closest airport is in Tivat, about 30 minutes away by car. Some people arrive by boat on day trips from Kotor.