Kotor nestles into the Bay of Kotor, where medieval stone meets towering mountains and the Adriatic laps at its edges. As someone who’s driven visitors across Montenegro with Montenegro Limo, I’ve watched this town win hearts with its fortress climbs, boat trips, and timeless charm. We’ve ferried guests from airports and borders, seeing their jaws drop at Kotor’s mix of history and nature. In this Kotor travel guide, I’ll walk you through the best sights, eats, and tips to make your visit unforgettable—whether it’s a quick stop or a deep dive.
Kotor Old Town – photo by Montenegro Limo
Why Visit Kotor?
Kotor’s old town, a UNESCO treasure since 1979, packs 2,000 years of history into a 1 km² maze. It’s less hectic than Dubrovnik, more bustling than Perast, and framed by a bay that looks like a fjord—though geologically, it’s not. With affordable eats, walkable streets, and views that stretch from cliffs to sea, it’s a spot that keeps travelers coming back. When it comes to beaches, Kotor doesn’t stand a chance against Budva.
Where Is Kotor?
Kotor sits 90 km southeast of Podgorica, Montenegro’s capital, and 20 km east of Tivat Airport (TIV). It’s 45 km from Herceg Novi and 80 km south of Dubrovnik, Croatia. The old town’s Venetian and Ottoman roots earned it UNESCO status, and its bay is a tectonic marvel, not a glacial fjord.
Tourist exploring Kotor
Top Things to Do in Kotor Old Town
Kotor’s Stari Grad is small but dense with history. Here’s what to see.
Wander the Medieval Streets
Cobblestone alleys wind past 12th-century walls and Venetian palaces. It’s free to roam, and you’ll hit Trg od Oružja (Arms Square), alive with cafés. A coffee’s €1.50-2—perfect for people-watching. Give it 1-2 hours to soak in the labyrinth.
Climb Kotor Fortress
The fortress hike—1,350 steps to St. John’s Castle at 260 meters—is Kotor’s rite of passage. Entry’s €8 (summer) or €3 (off-season), and it’s a 1-1.5 hour climb. Start at River Gate or Square Od Salate; trails merge early. The payoff? Sweeping views of red roofs, bay, and mountains. Sneakers are a must—it’s steep and uneven.
Beach of Kotor out of the season – photo by Montenegro Limo
Swim at Kotor’s Waterfront Beach
Kotor’s old town doesn’t have sprawling sands, but two nearby spots offer a dip—both steps from the fortress.
- Kotor City Beach: Just 300 meters south near the cruise port, this 100-meter pebbly stretch charges €2 entry in summer (free off-season). Sunbeds are €5, and a basic café serves drinks (€2-3). Summer water hits 22°C+, winter’s a chilly 8°C. It’s a 15-30 minute stop—busier than docks, less crowded than Budva. Water shoes help with pebbles.
- Škaljari Waterfront Docks: Outside the Sea Gate, 200 meters of free public concrete docks line the Škaljari shore. No sand or rentals, but the water’s clear and cafés are close (drinks €2-3). Locals swim here year-round—22°C+ in summer, 8°C in winter. A quick 15-minute dip works post-climb; bring a towel and watch the pebbles at entry.
Visit St. Tryphon’s Cathedral
On Trg Sv. Tripuna, this 12th-century cathedral costs €3 to enter. Earthquakes battered it, but the Romanesque arches and frescoes hold strong—20-30 minutes does it justice. It’s quieter than the fortress bustle.
Explore Smaller Churches
St. Luke’s Church (13th century) is a 5-minute stop—free, with Orthodox icons. St. Nicholas Church, nearby, has a 55-meter tower (€1 to climb) and takes 15 minutes. Both dodge the Tryphon crowds.
Check the Maritime Museum
At Trg Bokeljske Mornarice, this museum (€4 entry) unpacks Kotor’s seafaring days with ship models and maps. It’s a 30-minute detour for history nuts.
Best Activities Around Kotor Bay
The bay’s where Kotor shines. Here’s what to do outside the walls.
Take a Boat Tour to Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks
A 2-3 hour trip hits Perast (12 km west) and its islands. Our Lady of the Rocks, built from stones over centuries, has a €1.50 museum—30 minutes with a €5-10 boat from Kotor. Sveti Đorđe is a no-stop photo gem. Book at the docks or online—summer slots fill fast.
Scenic Minibus Ride to Tivat
For a land-based gem, catch a local minibus to Tivat (20 km, 45-60 minute ride) along the bay’s coastal road. This Blue Line bus service winds through Prčanj and Stoliv—quiet villages with stone houses and sea vistas—skirting traffic jams in summer. Tickets are €1.70 from Kotor’s main bus stop near Škaljari; pay cash onboard. It’s a laid-back, scenic ride to Tivat’s Porto Montenegro sparkle, and we’ve had guests love its chill pace and photo ops. Runs daily, less often Sundays—check times at the station.
Kotor Cable Car – photo by Montenegro Limo
Ride the Kotor Cable Car to Lovćen
The Kotor Cable Car lifts you 1,316 meters to Kuk in Lovćen National Park in 11 minutes. It’s €23 return or €13 one-way (kids under 12 free with adults), starting at Dub, 5 km from Kotor’s old town off the Tivat-Budva road. The 3,900-meter ride shows off Kotor, Tivat, and the bay’s cliffs. At the top, sip coffee at Forza Kuk (€2-3) or hike to Njegoš’s Mausoleum (6 km, 1.5 hours). We’ve driven guests to the base—they say it’s less work than the fortress for better views. Check kotorcablecar.com—it’s closed November-March.
Swim in the Blue Cave
20 km south by boat (45 minutes, €15-20), the Blue Cave’s turquoise glow comes from sunlight on limestone. Boats stop for a 15-minute swim—cold at 8°C in winter, ideal at 22°C+ in summer. It’s busy July-August; go early.
See Mamula Fortress and Submarine Tunnels
Mamula, a 19th-century fort turned hotel, is 30 minutes by boat (€15-20 with Blue Cave)—no landing, just views. Near Rose village, ex-Yugoslav submarine tunnels take 10 minutes to cruise past. Tours often pair them.
Hidden Gems Near Kotor
Kotor hides some offbeat spots. Here’s where to dig deeper.
Cetinje: Old Royal Capital
Lovćen National Park
30 km northeast (1-hour drive from Kotor), Lovćen’s rugged peaks hide trails and the Njegoš Mausoleum (1,657 meters, €8 entry). It’s a 2-hour round trip from the cable car top (Kuk station, €23 return)—add 461 steps for the full climb. The views stretch from Kotor Bay to Albania—clients call it a workout worth every breath. Less crowded than the fortress, it’s raw Montenegro.
Risan Mosaics
5 km north (10-minute drive), Risan’s 2nd-century Roman mosaics cost €3. The Villa Urbana site takes 20 minutes—quiet, with detailed floors. Clients we’ve dropped here love its low-key vibe.
Prčanj Village
8 km west (15-minute drive), Prčanj’s stone waterfront and Church of Our Lady (free) feel untouched. It’s a 30-minute stop—coffee’s €1.50 by the bay.
Little Bay Restaurant – Kotor
Where to Eat in Kotor
Seafood and Balkan flavors rule Kotor’s tables. Here’s the rundown.
Top Dishes
- Riblja Čorba: Fish stew, €6-8, rich and local.
- Grilled Squid: Fresh, with potatoes, €12-15.
- Pasticada: Beef slow-cooked in wine, €10-14—a Dalmatian hit.
Best Spots
- Konoba Scala Santa: Old town, squid and čorba for €10-16—cozy stone setting.
- Galion: Bayfront, seafood platters (€20-25) with fortress views—we send guests here often.
- Cesarica: Near St. Luke’s, pasticada and octopus salad (€12-15)—small, authentic.
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Little Bay: Right on the coast near Kotor City Beach, this spot’s location steals the show with bay views steps from the water. Mains €10-18; we’ve driven clients here for the vibe—perfect for a meal by the shore.
Shopping and Souvenirs in Kotor
Old town shops offer lace (€5-15), tied to Venetian roots, and nautical trinkets (€3-10). Grab Vranac wine (€8-12/bottle) or olive oil (€8/liter). Cash trumps cards—fewer fees.
Where to Stay in Kotor
Kotor suits all budgets. Here’s where to rest.
- Old Town: Hotel Marija (€80-120/night) or Antica Druško apartments (€60-100)—right in the buzz, no parking.
- Dobrota: 2 km north, Stone Home Kotor (€70-110)—bay views, parking, great for groups.
- Prčanj: 8 km west, Palace Jelena (€90-130) or Hotel Hayatt (€200 +)—luxe and local
Getting to Kotor
Kotor’s 90 km from Podgorica Airport (TGD)—2 hours by car or €5-7 bus (2.5 hours). From Tivat Airport (TIV), it’s 20 km, 30 minutes—a Tivat to Kotor transfer beats the €1 bus. From Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), it’s 73 km (1.5 hours with border)—a Kotor to Dubrovnik transfer gets you from the Ćilipi Airport to Kotor hassle-free. For private tours & transfers, hire a private driver in Kotor. From Podgorica, a Podgorica to Kotor transfer skips the winding bus ride.
Practical Tips for Visiting Kotor
- Best Time: Spring/fall—15-25°C, fewer crowds. Summer’s 30°C+ and packed; winter’s 5-15°C and calm.
- Budget: €50-70/day for food, sights, transport. Rooms €60-120/night.
- Packing: Sneakers for fortress/cable car, swim gear for caves.
- Getting Around: Old town’s on foot; transfers help for bay trips.
- Tips: Haggle boats to €5/person; book summer tours early.
Need a Handy Guide to Kotor?
Grab essentials—boat tours, dining, hotels, contacts—in one place. Download our free Kotor Travel PDF. No email needed, just click!
Kotor vs. Other Bay Towns
Herceg Novi (45 km, 1-hour drive) is quieter with gardens; Tivat (20 km, 30 minutes) flaunts Porto Montenegro’s glitz; Perast (12 km, 15 minutes) offers island charm and calm. Kotor blends fortress hikes and bay adventures—history with a pulse.
The Most Popular Private Tours and Transfers from Kotor
FAQ: Kotor Travel Tips
- How far is Kotor from Podgorica?
90 km, 2-hour drive. A Podgorica Airport to Kotor taxi transfer beats the bus. - How long from Tivat to Kotor?
30 minutes (20 km). Try a Tivat Airport to Kotor private transfer. - What’s the best time to visit Kotor?
Spring/fall—milder, quieter. - How much time do I need in Kotor?
1 day for old town and fortress; 2-3 with bay trips. - Are there beaches in Kotor?
No big ones—use docks or head to Budva (25 km). - What’s near Kotor to visit?
Perast (12 km), Tivat (20 km), Lovćen (30 km).
