Welcome to your ultimate Kotor, Montenegro travel guide! After a memorable trip to Dubrovnik, we couldn’t resist extending our Adriatic adventure to the charming town of Kotor. Nestled between towering mountains and the sparkling waters of the Bay of Kotor, this picturesque gem stole our hearts with its laid-back vibe, stunning beaches, and captivating old town. Join me as I take you through the highlights of Kotor—whether you’re seeking history, relaxation, or breathtaking views, this Adriatic jewel promises an unforgettable experience. Let’s uncover the magic of Kotor together!
Table of Contents
Introduction
Montenegro is a Balkan country on the Adriatic Sea known for its rugged mountains, historic towns and sandy beaches. With a coastline that showcases the Adriatic Sea’s sapphire waters lapping at windswept shores, Montenegro beckons visitors looking for everything from walled medieval citadels to lively nightlife.
Inland, sheer mountains rise sharply from the fertile valleys that are blanketed with vineyards, orchards and olive groves. Attractions like the stone-paved alleyways of Kotor’s old town, Budva’s historic walled center and the boat-dotted Bay of Kotor draw history buffs, while the resort town’s sandy beaches attract sun seekers. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are great hiking trails and opportunities for rafting, canyoning, kayaking and more. With its favorable climate and variety of offerings, Montenegro provides an inviting Mediterranean escape.
Getting There
Montenegro has two international airports – Tivat Airport and Podgorica Airport. Tivat Airport is located near the Bay of Kotor and is more convenient for accessing coastal destinations like Kotor, Budva, and Sveti Stefan. Podgorica Airport is located inland near the capital.
The vast majority of international flights arrive at Podgorica Airport. Major airlines like Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Air France, and Aeroflot offer direct flights from many European cities. Budget airlines like Wizz Air, Ryanair, and easyJet also fly to Podgorica.
If you are traveling from North America or Asia, you will likely need to connect through a European hub city. Good options for connections include London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Istanbul.
Once you arrive at the airport, the best way to travel around Montenegro is by rental car. All major car rental companies have locations at both airports. Having your own vehicle allows maximum flexibility to explore the coastline and national parks.
Alternatively, you can get around by bus. There are regular bus routes linking the airports to major destinations like Kotor, Budva, and Cetinje. However, this will require more time and planning. Taxis are widely available, but can get expensive for long distances.
Kotor
Kotor is a coastal town in Montenegro with a beautifully preserved old town. The old town is surrounded by impressive stone walls and fortress towers, with winding cobblestone streets and medieval architecture that transports you back in time.
The highlight of Kotor is exploring the old town. You can spend hours wandering the narrow alleys, climbing the stone staircases, and popping into little shops and cafes along the way. Top sights include:
- St. Tryphon’s Cathedral – A Romanesque cathedral dating back to the 12th century with ornate stonework on the facade.
- Maritime Museum – Located in the Grgurina Palace, this museum showcases Kotor’s naval history.
- City Walls – Climb up the 1,350 steps for sweeping views over Kotor and the bay.
- Clock Tower – Climb to the top for panoramic views over the red-tiled rooftops of the old town.
Kotor also makes a great base for day trips in the area. Top options include:
- Perast – Take a boat trip to this picturesque town on the bay, with beautiful Baroque palaces and churches.
- Lovcen National Park – Drive up the winding road to this park for incredible views from the top of Mt Lovcen.
- Budva – Visit the old town and beaches of this lively coastal town just a 30 minute drive away.
With its historic charm, scenic setting, and great day trip options, Kotor is a must-visit destination on any Montenegro itinerary.
Budva
Budva is one of Montenegro’s most popular destinations, known for its charming old town and beautiful beaches. Located on the Adriatic coast, it offers a lively atmosphere and plenty to see and do.
Old Town
Budva’s walled old town dates back over 2,500 years. Take a stroll along the narrow, cobbled streets to see sights like the Church of Santa Maria in Punta, Citadela, and the old town walls. Wander past cafes, restaurants, and shops housed in quaint stone buildings for a taste of Mediterranean culture. Don’t miss the views of the sea from the Citadela fortress.
Beaches
Budva is blessed with several beaches near the old town, like Mogren Beach and Slovenska Plaža. The most popular is Mogren, with two stunning connected coves and incredible turquoise waters. Rent a sun lounger or umbrella and relax on the pebbly shore. There are also sandy beaches a bit further like Jaz Beach, a hotspot for watersports and summer events.
Nightlife
When the sun goes down, Budva comes alive. Dance the night away at open-air clubs like Trocadero and Top Hill. For something more laidback, grab a drink at a seaside bar in the old town and people watch. In summer, there’s live music everywhere. Party boats take revelers out to sea for floating nightclubs too.
Attractions
Other top attractions in Budva include the Museum of the Town of Budva for local history and Stari Grad Island, a scenic spot linked to the mainland by a bridge. Take a boat trip to nearby Sveti Nikola Island to explore the church and island village. Shop for souvenirs at the markets. And for incredible panoramas, head up to the hilltop Citadela or drive up to Spas Hill overlooking the coast.
With charming old world ambiance combined with sun, sea and nightlife, it’s easy to see why Budva is such a magnet for visitors.
Sveti Stefan
Sveti Stefan is a small island village located on Montenegro’s Adriatic coastline. It is one of the most iconic and photographed destinations in the country.
The village has a unique history and charm. Originally a small fishing village, it was transformed into a luxury resort in the 1950s and became a famous jet-set destination. The island is connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus and the picturesque red-roofed stone buildings cascade down to the sea.
Today, Sveti Stefan remains an exclusive resort with just 50 guest rooms, though the island can be visited by day-trippers. To visit, you simply pay an entrance fee to walk around the village, take photos of the spectacular views, and enjoy the restaurants and cafes. No cars are allowed, so it retains a peaceful ambiance. A small beach lies just below the village walls.
The best way to reach Sveti Stefan is to base yourself in nearby Budva, then take a taxi, local bus, or guided tour. You can also walk along the pathway from the mainland, which takes about 15 minutes. A visit makes for an enchanting and memorable day out along Montenegro’s stunning Adriatic coast.
Petrovac
Petrovac is a coastal town known for its beautiful sandy beaches and calm turquoise waters. It’s an ideal destination in Montenegro for those looking to relax on the beach and enjoy water sports.
The main beach in Petrovac is a long stretch of golden sand lined with lounge chairs and umbrellas for rent. The water is shallow and calm, perfect for swimming and paddle boarding. There are also several beach bars and cafes along the promenade so you can grab a snack or cold drink throughout the day.
If you want to try your hand at water sports, there are opportunities for kayaking, jet skiing, and banana boat rides just off the main beach. The Adriatic Sea stays warm and swimmable from June through September.
Petrovac has a good variety of accommodation from apartments and villas to upscale beachfront hotels. The Lučice Beach Hotel is conveniently located right on the sand, while the 4-star Palmon Bay Hotel is set on a hillside just above town. There are also many private rooms and Airbnbs available for those looking for a more budget-friendly stay.
With its beautiful setting and charming Old Town, Petrovac is an idyllic stop along Montenegro’s Adriatic coastline. Spend your days relaxing on the beach, kayaking in the crystal clear waters, and enjoying sunsets along the waterfront promenade.
Ulcinj
Ulcinj is a historic coastal town located on the southern coast of Montenegro. It’s known for having one of the longest sandy beaches in Montenegro, as well as for its rich history.
The town is situated on the Adriatic Sea, close to the border with Albania. The main highlight is Velika Plaža, the 13km long sandy beach that stretches along the coastline. The clear blue waters and soft sand make it a popular beach destination. There are beach bars, restaurants, and water sport activities available.
In the Old Town of Ulcinj, you’ll find historic sites like the Balšić Tower, a 15th century tower that was part of the fortifications of the town. The Old Town is a mix of Eastern and Western architecture, with narrow cobbled streets to explore.
For food, be sure to try some of the seafood that Ulcinj is known for. Fresh fish, mussels, and squid are popular menu items. You’ll also find traditional Montenegrin cuisine with items like čevapi, burek, and roasted meats. Local olive oil and wine are commonly used in cooking.
With its combination of historic sites, beautiful beaches, and delicious food, Ulcinj is a great destination to experience on the Montenegrin coast.
Biogradska Gora National Park
Biogradska Gora National Park is located in the mountainous northern region of Montenegro. It is one of the country’s five national parks and is known for its virgin forests and outstanding biodiversity.
The main attraction of Biogradska Gora is its ancient forest, one of the few remaining primeval forests in Europe. This virgin forest contains trees over 500 years old, some towering as high as 50 meters tall. Walking through the shady forest paths feels like stepping back in time, surrounded by the sights and sounds of untouched wilderness.
Biogradska Gora offers excellent hiking opportunities. There are trails ranging from easy walks around the Biogradsko Lake to more challenging hikes into the mountains. For avid hikers looking to explore deep into the national park, there is a network of hiking paths leading to the green heart of the mountains. Along the way, you might spot endemic wildlife species like brown bears, wolves, wild boar, and golden eagles.
The national park is home to a wide diversity of flora and fauna. Its virgin forests have over 1,600 plant species, nearly half of Montenegro’s total flora. Animal species living in the park include bears, boars, chamois, otters, martens, and 130 species of birds. For nature lovers, Biogradska Gora’s unspoiled wilderness harbors scientific and conservation value for its rich biodiversity.
With its pristine forests, scenic hiking trails, and diversity of plants and wildlife, Biogradska Gora National Park is a top attraction not to miss in Montenegro for any nature enthusiast.
Perast
Perast is a small coastal town located in the Bay of Kotor that is known for its beautiful architecture and scenic islands. With a population of only around 350 people, Perast has a peaceful, relaxed vibe and makes for a nice break from the busier towns along the Montenegrin coast.
The town has a rich history dating back to the 17th century when it prospered from trade and seafaring. Remnants of Perast’s former wealth can be seen in the elegant palaces and ornate Baroque facades that line the waterfront. The most notable landmarks include the 17th century Bujovic Palace and the 16th century Zmajevic Palace.
But it’s not just the town itself that makes Perast so picturesque. Just offshore are two small islands – St. George and Our Lady of the Rocks. St. George Island houses a picturesque church and Benedictine monastery, while Our Lady of the Rocks has an artificial island with a chapel that houses 68 beautiful paintings. Visitors can easily take a small boat out to explore these islands and take in gorgeous panoramic views of Perast from the water.
With its rich history, beautiful architecture, and scenic islands, Perast is certainly a must-visit destination on any Montenegro itinerary. It provides a peaceful escape and a glimpse into the country’s past. Spend a few hours wandering the streets, admiring the buildings, and enjoying the relaxed pace of life in this charming coastal town.
Cetinje
Cetinje is the historic capital of Montenegro. Nestled in a valley beneath Mount Lovćen, it offers visitors a glimpse into Montenegro’s rich history and culture.
As the historic capital, Cetinje is home to several museums that are worth visiting. The National Museum of Montenegro provides an overview of the country’s history, showcasing archaeological artifacts, ethnographic displays, and fine art. Fans of art and culture will also enjoy the Biljarda, which houses modern art exhibitions.
The most iconic site in Cetinje is the Cetinje Monastery. Founded in 1484, it was the seat of the Prince-Bishopric of Montenegro for centuries. Today, visitors can tour the monastery complex and see relics associated with Petar II Petrović Njegoš, Montenegro’s most famous leader. The nearby Njegoš Museum is dedicated entirely to his life and works.
Outside the monastery, Cetinje’s old town has architecture left over from the city’s days as capital. Wander the streets to see sites like the Blue Palace that once housed government buildings as well as foreign embassies. The Cetinje Courthouse offers a great photo spot with its stately Italianate facade.
With its wealth of historic and cultural attractions, Cetinje makes an ideal stopover when exploring Montenegro’s interior regions. It provides an in-depth look at Montenegro’s past and the pivotal role Cetinje played as the heart of the country for nearly five centuries.
Conclusion
A week-long exploration of Kotor offers a captivating blend of coastal beauty and cultural discovery. From the stunning beaches along the Adriatic to the charming villages nestled in the mountains, this journey provides an unforgettable experience. By dedicating time to explore Kotor’s coastal gems and venturing into the country’s interior, visitors can savor the richness of Montenegro’s landscapes and heritage. Whether relaxing on the sands of Budva or uncovering the history of Perast, each day promises a new adventure. A week in Kotor unveils the essence of Montenegro—a destination where nature’s splendor meets centuries of intriguing history, leaving travelers with cherished memories and a desire to return.
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