Kotor travel guide

Once the hidden gem or the Adriatic, Kotor is unmissable on any trip to Montenegro or the wider region.

This stunning medieval city has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 1979, thanks to its historic architecture, cobblestone streets, castle walls, and towering fortress. Let’s not forget the fantastic views of Kotor Bay either.

I was lucky enough to spend over a month in Kotor and experience the best of what the city has to offer. My Kotor travel guide will help you get the best out of your trip to this fairytale city.

Kotor is arguably the most picturesque city in the Adriatic (and yes I’ve been to Dubrovnik – twice), and while those craving the sun, sea, sand lifestyle flock to the nearby city of Budva, I personally feel that Kotor has more to offer.

Where is Kotor located?

Kotor is in southwestern Montenegro, sitting at the southern tip of the deep, fjord-like Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska) on the Adriatic Sea. It’s tucked between the steep slopes of Lovćen and Orjen mountains, about 90 km northwest of the capital, Podgorica, and just over the border from Dubrovnik, Croatia.

It’s laid back atmosphere, cobblestone streets, and sweeping panoramas make it (in my opinion at least), the best area to stay in Montenegro.

When to visit Kotor

Late Spring and early Autumn/Fall are the best times to visit Kotor. May–June and September–early October offer warm days (mid-20s °C), fewer crowds, open cafés and boat tours.

If you don’t mind the hustle and higher prices, mid-July to early August brings Bokeljska Noć lantern festivals and Jazz on the Bay—but expect peak crowds, in addition to daily cruise ship visits.

For solitude and off-season rates, November–March offers misty ramparts and snow-topped peaks (10–15 °C days), though some konobas close until spring.

How many days do I need in Kotor?

2-3 days is ideal for seeing Kotor itself, but longer stays are recommended for those that also want to explore the bay, nearby areas, and enjoy the natural surroundings.

I stayed for over a month, which allowed me to also venture further afield and visit near-by towns and attractions, and still, I can’t wait to go back.

If you’re short on time, you can see most of Kotor in a day, but spending 2 or 3 days allows you to take in the sights at a comfortable pace.

Kotor itinerary

1 Day (Quick visit)

Morning: Climb the city walls up to San Giovanni Fortress for panoramic views
Afternoon: Wander the Old Town’s narrow streets, visit St. Tryphon Cathedral and the Maritime Museum.
Evening: Stroll the seaside promenade and dine on fresh seafood.

2 Days (Ideal for First-Timers)

Day 1: As above.
Day 2: Take a boat trip around the Bay of Kotor, stopping at Perast (and Our Lady of the Rocks) and maybe the tiny village of Gospa od Škrpjela. Return via the winding Risan–Kotor road for photo stops.

3+ Days (Active & Off-the-Beaten-Path)

Day 3: Drive or hike up to Lovćen National Park (Njegoš Mausoleum) at the bay’s head, or explore the rugged trails around nearby Orjen and Durmitor.
Day 4+: Use Kotor as a base for Montenegro’s coast and mountains—Budva’s beaches are 30 minutes away, and Cetinje (the old royal capital) is an easy half-day trip inland.

Best area to stay in Kotor

Where you stay in Kotor sets the tone for your trip. Whether you seek medieval charm, waterfront relaxation, or sweeping mountain vistas, you’ll find it all here.

One thing to be aware of is that Kotor charges a tourist tax of €1 per visitor per night. This is usually collected by the hotel, or guest house, but some smaller operators or Airbnb’s might require you to visit the tourism office in the old town to pay this yourself.

Kotor old town

Staying in the old town puts you in the heart of the UNESCO-listed medieval core—winding cobblestones, cafés on every corner, and literally steps from St. Tryphon Cathedral and the city walls.

For luxury the Boutique Hotel Astoria has you covered. With elegant rooms inside a 19th-century palace; rooftop terrace overlooking the Bell Tower.

Hotel Hippocampus, offers more mid-range accommodation with modern comforts in a quiet side street; great breakfast and friendly hosts.

If you’re on a budget I wouldn’t typically recommend staying in Kotor’s old town at all, but the Old Town Hostel has a great vibe and offers dorms and private rooms inside the ramparts starting at €30 a night. It also has a communal kitchen so you’ll save on dining out.

Dobrota

Dobrota provides a more peaceful setting along the bay, with apartments offering sea views and lower prices than the old town. Its calm relaxed vibe is perfect for those who want an escape from the mass tourism of the old town, while still being close enough for access to the main attractions.

This is where I stayed for my visit, and enjoyed large sweeping panoramas across the bay.

If you’re seeking luxury, then Boutique Hotel Conte offers sleek seafront rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies over the bay.

Apartments Maria offers mid-range accommodations in the form of studios with kitchenette. Be sure to book one with parking (if hiring a car), and bay views for gazing out in evening.

At the budget end, Guesthouse Kamelija provides simple, but clean rooms, award-winning homemade breakfasts.

Close but not too close

Muo
Wanting to swim? Muo sits directly across the bay from Kotor Old Town, offering budget-friendly guesthouses and apartments with private terraces and uninterrupted waterfront views. A morning dip off its pebbly shore is the perfect way to start the day before the tourist boats roll in.

Prčanj
Just 3 km north of Kotor, Prčanj feels like a sleepy fishing village trapped in time. Its handful of charming B&Bs line a quiet promenade, and you’ll find small pebble beaches and local konobas serving fresh-caught fish—all with the imposing walls of Kotor rising across the water.

Perast
About a 20-minute drive (or a scenic boat ride) north of Kotor, Perast makes an excellent base if you don’t mind a smaller town vibe. Luxury boutique hotels and historic guesthouses perch on the bay’s edge, and you’re steps from Our Lady of the Rocks—just be aware that restaurant and shop options here are limited outside peak season.

What to do in Kotor

Kotor fortress hike

If you’re even semi-fit and able, the Kotor fortress hike is a must do.

Climbing the 1,350 steps to the top can be challenging on the legs, but effort is rewarded with with 360° views over the red rooftops and the entire Bay of Kotor.

The ladder of Kotor

Want more than the hike up to San Giovanni Fortress? Then the ladder of Kotor might be for you. This a much longer hike, and you can now no-longer enter the fortress this way, but you enjoy even better views, a more natural setting.  Best of all, it’s free, and much less crowded than the steps up to San Giovanni Fortress.

The route consists of a series of steep switch backs, shown in the photo below.

Get lost in the old town

Kotor is a maze of cobbled alleys framed by medieval walls. Visit the ornate St. Tryphon Cathedral, or poke around the Maritime Museum. Check out the Clock Tower for photos of its faded frescoes.

If you prefer to learn more about the history of the old town, then consider a walking tour. Kotor’s visitor centre will have details of registered guides, but I find it’s much easier to just book in advance.

This 70 minute walking tour available via Get Your Guide will set you back €25, and takes in all of the main sites. Alternatively,

Explore Perast & Our Lady of the Rocks

Travelling by motorcycle, I rode around the bay to reach Perast, but if you want a special experience take the 20 minute boat ride and enjoy one of the most picturesque towns in the region.

This two hour boat tour covers both Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks for less than €40 ($45). It also includes skipping the considerable ticket line at the island too.

Blue Grotto

Being a sailer myself, I’ve seen my fair share of blue grottos/caves, unfortunately I missed this one in Montenegro. To make sure you don’t, book a group tour (or better yet, a private boat), from Zanjice Beach.

By all accounts, the grotto looks a great place to cool off briefly on a hot summer’s day, and swim in the glistening blue waters.

Budva

While Budva is known for its beach clubs and buzzing summer party scene. It has a quieter, more historic side worth exploring. The Old Town, encircled by stone walls, feels like a sunnier, livelier cousin of Kotor, but with just enough fortification to keep the City’s nightlife at arm’s length.

With over 2,000 years of history, its cobbled lanes and narrow alleys offer shade from the summer heat and plenty of charm, inviting you to slow down and take in its timeless beauty.

Buses from Kotor to Budva run regularly, and the 30 minute journey will set you back roughly €8.

Tvat

Tvat is popular town for expats living in Montenegro, and while it doesn’t quite have the medieval charm of Kotor, it’s absolutely worth a day (or half-day) visit if you’re in the Bay.

Its Porto Montenegro Marina is a super-yacht haven and even if you’re not chartering a boat yourself, it’s fun to stroll along the polished docks, peek at multi-million-euro yachts, browse designer boutiques, and sip espresso or cocktails in one of the sleek cafés.

Tivat also has a more contemporary vibe than Kotor. With trendy bars and fusion-style restaurants clustered around the marina, and has of a traditional holiday feel about it.

Travelling between the two is easy. There are regular busses throughout the day, with the 20 minute journey costing around €4 one way.

Lovćen National Park

Lovćen is just 12 km north of Kotor, about a 25–30 minute drive along winding coastal roads. Despite this proximity, it feels worlds away in its wild beauty. There’s no park entry fee, so you can wander its pine-scented trails and rocky overlooks at your leisure.

For the ultimate experience, take the Kotor – Lovćen Cable Car: the lower station sits roughly 10 km from Kotor Old Town (a 15 min taxi or local bus ride), and the 7–10 minute ascent climbs straight up to within a short walk of the Njegoš Mausoleum.

Round-trip tickets run about €15 per adult (children approx. €8), and operating hours typically span 9 AM to 6 PM in summer. From the summit platform, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking 360° panoramas of the Bay of Kotor and the surrounding Montenegrin highlands.

Best beaches in Kotor

My visit to Kotor was still early in the season but already by the end of April, the days were hot and the water warm enough to swim in. I’m not one to pay for access to a beach so I mostly visited free public beaches.

The only exception was the beach/beach club at Huma Kotor Bay Hotel & Villas. Even here I didn’t pay, but I did return in the evening for Aperol.

Kotor Beach:
Kotor beach is a pebble/shingle beach just north of the old town past the bridge. It’s right on the roadside, but that doesn’t deter the locals or the tourists who come to sunbathe here and take a dip in the cool clear waters.

If you’re feeling a bit peckish, the ‘King of Gyros’ takeaway is just a hundred meters away.

Kotor Natural Beach:
Another pebble beach at the head of the bay looking north. This beach is a smaller than Kotor beach, and being tucked away in the corner of the bay also means it’s quieter. There’s no loungers, no lifeguards—just you, your towel and some great fantastic snorkelling spots off the quay.

Dobrota Beach:
About 5km north of Old Town, Dobrota’s longer pebble shoreline comes with cafés and fewer crowds.

Beaches in Kotor bay

Kotor itself isn’t known for its beaches. Typically those craving the sun, sea, sand (or pebble) lifestyle will need to travel a tiny bit further afield.

Plavi Horizonti (Blue Horizons):
The only stretch of true sand in the whole bay, this Morinj-bay gem sits 15 km north of Kotor. Shallow water that warms quickly makes it perfect for families; expect to spread out on soft pebbles and fine sand as far as the eye can see.

Bajova Kula Beach:
Hidden beneath a crumbling 13th-century tower on the west shore, this tiny pebble cove feels like your own secret slice of bay. Pack a picnic, bring reef shoes for scrambling on the rocks, and brace for impressive cliff-jumping spots.

Trsteno Beach:
About eight kilometers from Kotor, this pebble beach juts out near Tivat’s airport inlet. A shallow, sun-soaked bay with a friendly waterfront bar makes it a great half-day getaway—buses and water-taxis run regularly in summer.

Morinj Beach:
A stone’s throw past Plavi Horizonti, this little sand-pebble mix cove was practically empty when I visited. No cafes, no crowds—just the sound of gentle waves and the occasional fishing boat bobbing offshore.

All of these spots are easiest by car (or by booking a water-taxi through your guesthouse).

Where and what to eat and drink in Kotor

If you love trying local dishes and delicacies Kotor won’t disappoint. Here are a few things look out for on local menus.

Must-Try Foods & Drinks

Njeguški pršut & cheese: Dry-cured ham from the Lovćen region, best with a chunk of local kashkaval or briny feta.
Black risotto: Creamy rice colored and flavored with squid ink—rich, briny, and photogenic.
Buzara mussels: Steamed in wine, garlic, parsley, and a hit of breadcrumbs.
Brodet: A tomato-and-wine fish stew, often served over polenta or with thick bread for dipping.
Vranac wine: Montenegro’s signature red—full-bodied, fruity, and perfect with charcuterie.
Rakija: The homemade plum or honey brandy that locals sip between courses (or after dessert). Popular across the Balkans and Eastern Europe.

Where to eat

Galion (Sea Gate)
Every guide will recommend this restaurant, but I’ll caveat its inclusion by adding that it isn’t really my kind of place.

Perched right on the water’s edge at the Old Town’s Sea Gate, Galion combines panoramic bay views with refined seafood cooking. Signature dishes include whole grilled sea bass drizzled with herb-infused olive oil and line-caught sea bream. Sunset here is unforgettable—reservations strongly recommended in high season.

Tiha Noć (Dobrota Waterfront)
In contrast, this place provided a warm hearty atmosphere combined with super friendly customer service and good quality food.

About a 10-minute walk north of Old Town, Tiha Noć sits on a timber deck above the bay in Dobrota. I believe it’s Turkish owned but offers cuisine from all around the Mediterranean – think lobster pasta, grilled octopus, slow-roasted lamb. The waterside terrace is ideal for sunsets; booking ahead isn’t necessary.

Konoba Scala Santa
Tucked into a quiet corner of the Old Town, Scala Santa serves fresh Adriatic seafood alongside Montenegro’s best homemade pastas and risottos. The shaded courtyard is perfect for lingering over a chilled glass of Vranac while lanterns twinkle overhead.

Old Town Pub
Housed in a charming medieval building on two floors, this pub is Kotor’s go-to for local beers, classic cocktails, and live music. Whether you’re kicking back with friends or wandering in after dinner, it’s the spot to soak up the evening energy of the Old Town.

Konoba Catovica Mlini (Just outside Kotor)
Set beside a series of old watermills, this place feels like stepping into a fairytale. Known for its farmhouse soppressata with ajvar spread on homemade bread, and fish stew “brodet” served in rustic clay bowls. The honeyed medovica rakija is worth a shot too.

Dolce Vita Platanus

This small dessert shop located in Dobrota has some of the best cheesecake around and is well worth a visit for those with a sweet tooth. It’s not on Google which helps keep it something of a secret, but it’s easy enough find here.

Check out their Instagram to see all the delicious treats on offer.

How to travel from Dubrovnik to Kotor

Bus

Several daily coaches depart from Kotor’s main station, winding along the scenic Adriatic coast through Herceg Novi before reaching the Montenegro-Croatia border at Debeli Brijeg.

The journey takes about three to four hours—including time for passport control—and costs around €20–€25 one-way. During the summer months, border lines can be long, so plan for possible delays and carry your passport (or visa) in hand for a faster crossing.

By Car (rental)

Renting a car is a great option. The drive normally takes around two hours (plus border formalities), especially if you opt for the Kamenari–Lepetane ferry shortcut, which shaves off about 20 km and 30 minutes, for a small €4–€5 fare per vehicle.

Unfortunately I missed this, but views on the ride around the bay more than made up for that.

Just make sure your rental agreement covers cross-border travel and that you’ve filled up with Montenegrin petrol (Croatia’s is pricier). The coastal route rewards you with endless cliff-hugging vistas and makes for some memorable photo stops.

Kotor features the usual international car rental companies, but Montenegro Rent a Car would be my pick of bunch for doing such a trip. Not only are they a local company with great knowledge of the area, but their cross-boarder fees also cheaper. Rental prices start from €25, or €35 for an automatic.

By boat (summer only)

From May through until September there’s a speedboat service linking Kotor’s Old Town quay directly to Dubrovnik’s Gruž harbor.

The crossing takes two hours, and skirts the shoreline for a true bucket-list experience—but beware of weather-related cancellations. Once in Gruž, a quick five-minute taxi or local bus will deposit you inside Dubrovnik’s famed walls.

Practical Information for Kotor Visitors

Montenegro uses the euro despite not being in the Eurozone or even in the EU. ATMs are available throughout Old Town of Kotor and along the bay, though many businesses only accept cash payments.

Some ATMs charge high fees, but Erste bank ATMs were free during my visit.

UK/EU citizens can visit Montenegro for 90 days without a visa. Other nationalities should check requirements through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. US citizens don’t need a VISA, but do need a passport valid for three months beyond their stay.

Travel insurance covering medical care is essential since public healthcare facilities have limited resources. Private clinics in Kotor provide basic care, but any serious cases will be transferred to Podgorica. The closest pharmacy to Old Town sits near the North Gate, open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM.