I spend 3 months in Kotor and the Kotor Fortress hikes was one of the best attractions of the tip. I say hikes because I actually did this twice. Once via the city entrance and another time via the lesser known Ladder of Kotor.
It’s the official city entrance I’m going to cover here, but before we get started planning your hike, let’s take a look at what you can expect.
Below is a quick overview of what to expect:
Time & Distance: Approximately 1.5–2 hours round-trip (about 2.5 km)
Steps & Elevation: Roughly 1,350 stone steps with an elevation gain of around 254 meters
Difficulty: Moderate
Cost: €15 ($16 USD) covers the fee for the route that passes key landmarks
Operating Hours: The pathway is open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM (no, I don’t recommend climbing at night)
Table of Contents
A Little History
The Kotor Fortress has roots dating back to Illyrian times. While early fortifications marked the site, the structure grew to prominence during Venetian control from the 15th to 18th centuries.
The fortress walls, stretching high above Kotor’s Old Town, formed part of a sophisticated defence network guarding the strategic Bay of Kotor.
The Castle of San Giovanni, as its known, shows the practical building methods of both Venetian and Austrian military engineers. The stone walls and watchtowers reflect careful placement to control access to the bay, while offering soldiers clear lines of sight across the water.
The fortress includes military barracks, ammunition stores, and church ruins, each adding to the site’s historical significance. These ancient stones tell the story of a Bay that attracted sailors, traders, and armies through the ages, making Kotor a prized possession for maritime powers.
Why Hike the Kotor Fortress?
Kotor’s old town is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets and terracotta rooftops. And one of the best ways to see Kotor is from above.
While the zigzagging climb to the Fortress may challenge your legs, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Kotor Bay’s glistening waters and a birds-eye view of Europe’s southernmost fjord.
Along the way, you’ll see medieval walls, historic landmarks, and scenic viewpoints offer excellent photo opportunities (Instagrammers and TikTok users take note.)
When to Go
I stayed in Kotor during the shoulder season April-May. It was hot already, but also prone to rain. I left my apartment in Dobrota at 10:30 and started the hike close to 11:00.
This enabled me to have an early lunch at the top, but did mean I was in the mid-day sun.
Early Morning: Enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer people, plus a beautiful sunrise over the bay.
Late Afternoon: The light is soft and warm, providing a lovely backdrop as you approach sunset.
Spring & Fall: These seasons offer milder weather and a more relaxed experience compared to the busy, hot summer months.
Where to start the Kotor Fortress hike
The hike starts in the old town of Kotor, but they’re two paths up to the trailhead. One in the south of the city starting at Pjaca od Salate (42.423777, 18.771573), and another to the north of the city opposite the Church of St. Mary Collegiate (42.425885, 18.772130).
The northern entrance is the most popular, and is the one I took, but both are well marked on Google Maps and linked to above.
Following this path will lead you to the toll booth with turnstile. The fee when I visited was €8. It is now €15 which is as steep as the steps themselves.
There used to be a sneaky back entrance to the trail from the ‘ladder of Kotor’ route, but this has since been closed. Well, by closed I mean they removed the ladder.
The Hiking Route and Landmarks
The well-marked path winds up the mountainside through 1,350 stone steps, each offering better views of the bay below. The zigzagging trail takes you past ancient city walls, with several spots to catch your breath and snap photos.
About halfway up, you’ll reach the Church of Our Lady of Remedy, a 16th-century chapel built to thank the Virgin Mary for protection from the plague (they didn’t know about antibiotics then).
The walls here make an ideal rest point, with stone benches just in front of the church and sweeping views of the harbour.
Continue climbing to reach San Giovanni Fortress at the summit. The hilltop fortification rewards your efforts with 360-degree views across Kotor Bay, surrounding peaks, and the red-roofed Old Town below.
Take time to walk the fortress walls and peek into old barracks and defensive structures. The weathered stones tell stories of Venetian rule and military might, while strategic lookout points show why this location was so important for protecting the bay.
Enjoying your experience
Snap stunning photos from several prime spots along the fortress walls. The southwestern corner offers perfect angles of Kotor Bay, while the eastern walls frame dramatic mountain backdrops.
For social media-worthy shots, position yourself at the fortress entrance during golden hour, when sunlight bathes the stone walls in warm tones.
Inside the fortress, visit the ancient barracks and defensive positions. Look for arrow slits in the walls, old ammunition storage rooms, and military quarters that highlight centuries of strategic importance.
Whether you’ve chosen to stay in Kotor or in Budva, you’ll want a moment to unwind after your hike, rest at one of Kotor’s main square cafes. I find that a final post reflection on the journey will helps me preserve memories of this remarkable experience.
What to Bring
This is less of a packing list, and more of a reminder or suggestion of items you might want to take with you on your hike.
- Comfortable hiking shoes: Essential for navigating the uneven stone steps. I still love my Solomon Outpulse for this.
- Water: It is important to carry enough water, as there are no refill stations. Though there is a house that sells soft drinks
- Sunscreen and a hat: Necessary for protection against the sun, especially during summer.
- Snacks: Optional, but useful for a break at the top. I had my lunch up there, and was even offered some melon by another hiker.
- Cash: Required for the entrance fee and potential purchases.
- Camera or smartphone: To capture the scenic views.
- A wind breaker: Even if it’s hot, it can be windy on some exposed section and rain showers are common in Spring.
Final Thoughts on Conquering Kotor Fortress
The Kotor Fortress hike offers a journey through centuries of Mediterranean history, with a unique blend of cultural exploration and natural beauty. Each step up the ancient pathway reveals another chapter of the region’s past, whilst providing increasingly breathtaking views of one of Europe’s most stunning bays.
Whether you choose to get drawn into that history, or just want to climb to the top to snap a cool photo just remember, the key to truly appreciating lies not in racing to the top (which if your legs are like mine you won’t be able to do anyway), but in savouring each moment of your ascent.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to be very fit?
Not at all. While the trail is steep, you can take breaks as needed. It’s a manageable climb for most people but your legs will definitely feel it. Mine did.
2. Is there an entrance fee?
Yes, the fee has now jumped from €8 to €15. That’s a huge increase, but the hike is still worth it in my opinion.
3. Can I bring children on this hike?
Yes, provided they are comfortable with walking and climbing stairs. Just be mindful of the steep sections. Also bear in mind that there are no toilet facilities along the route.
4. Is the trail safe?
The path is generally safe, though it’s wise to be cautious of loose stones and uneven steps, and a lack of handrails in places.
5. Are there restroom facilities along the route?
No, there are no bathrooms on the trail. It’s best to plan accordingly before you begin.
6. Is it advisable to hike at night?
It’s best to avoid night hikes due to poor lighting and the increased risk of accidents.
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