About Kotor Montenegro

Nestled at the edge of a mountain-rimmed bay on Montenegro's Adriatic coast is the town of Kotor. This charming travel destination is most well-known for sparkling blue waters, breathtaking panoramic views and its fortified Old Town that has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site. Kotor, complete with both beauty and history, is the oldest town in Montenegro - in fact, it's the only town on the east coast of the Adriatic Sea to be named in old historic and strategic maps.

Though famed for it's Old Town (with good reason), this picturesque Balkan destination has more to offer. Kotor Bay has stunning mountainous hikes and, with the neighboring town of Dobrota, there are a multitude of stunning beaches. Fill your days however you wish; water activities on the bay, hiking up the limestone cliffs, lounging on the beach, historical sight-seeing or even taking day trips to bordering countries.

Kotor also has some of the best sunsets I've ever seen. When the evening is clear, the sunsets are spectacular. The sky turns a lovely combination of pink, orange and yellow as you watch the sun slowly disappear behind the mountains. Be sure to watch a few while you're visiting!

When To Visit Kotor

Peak season in Kotor is in the summer months of June-August. I don't recommend visiting during this time as it has the possibility of reaching 30°C and is the most active time for cruise ships. It will be both very hot and busy.

The best time to visit Kotor Montenegro is during the shoulder seasons, with May & September being the most ideal. The fall months to visit are from late August to early November. The spring months to visit are late April and May. These months are typically warm enough for beach days while not too hot to spend long hours hiking and sightseeing. It's much quieter and less crowded as well.

I was in Kotor for two months, from August to October. I had experienced very hot and busy days in August; the Old Town was quite crowded, and though the weather was excellent for spending my days swimming, I needed shade to hide from the beating sun.

I was able to see September where the weather become more pleasant and we could go hiking and sightseeing without heat exhaustion, while my beach days were the perfect temperature. September is the perfect mix for activities and lounging.

By the end of September we had some chillier days and nights nights yet the weather was still mostly wonderful and beach days were still possible under the Balkan sun. The crowds were very mild during this time of year and concentrated in the Old Town. The nightlife in Kotor in shoulder season is still extremely vibrant so don't worry about missing anything by not visiting during peak months.

Where To Stay in Kotor

I recommend either staying inside the walls of the Old Town or in the nearby town of Dobrota. In the Old Town there are many beautiful medieval stone-walled hotels with views of the squares and narrow old streets. You can walk outside of your room and be right in the middle of the hustle and bustle with plenty of shops, restaurants and historic sights.

If you want to have a quieter beach feel, go a bit north up the bay. We had our accommodation in the town of Dobrota, about a 15 minute bus ride from Kotor Old Town. Dobrota was less touristy and in my opinion it has the best beaches in the Kotor municipality. There are many luxurious waterfront hotels along the Kotor Bay, and many of them are concentrated in Dobrota.

Life in Dobrota is so wholesome - most mornings I would go for a run or do some reading along the bayside promenade. I would always see locals going for an early morning swim, children riding bikes, people walking their dogs, and families outside enjoying breakfast together. It has a lovely outdoorsy-nature-community feeling where everyone takes life slowly and sweetly. The town itself is very beautiful and I fell in love with it - it's worth exploring the area even if you don't stay there. Be sure to see the Church of St. Eustachius across from Dobrota Beach.

Getting Around in Kotor

Blue Line Busses

The Blue Line bus system is so simple and convenient - one of the easiest bus systems I've ever used. There are many stops along the main road 'E80' and 'E65' - a few are just outside the Old Town. These busses go up and down the main road so don't worry about its route, just weather it's going left or right. Some of the Blue Lines don't go to farther towns, so ask the driver if they're going to your destination when you get on.

Pricing

• €1-€1.50 per ticket to get between Dobrota and the Old Town

Times

• Around 5-6am until around 10-11pm
• Monday-Saturday they come every hour (e.g. 8am, 9am, 10am.)
• Sundays they come every even hour (i.e. 8am, 10am, 12pm.)
• The exact minute depends on the bus stop - typically I noticed in Dobrota and Kotor they arrive around xx:15-xx:35 (e.g. 8:35am, 9:35am.)
• They're often late and it's possible for a bus to come and be too full for you to get on, particularly in peak season - just be patient while waiting

Taxi & Red Taxi

A taxi is much more expensive than the busses so I recommend only utilizing them when necessary, like very late or early when the busses aren't running. They are readily available at the main entrance to the Old Town, and if you are elsewhere I recommend using Red Taxi.

You can conveniently order a Red Taxi through WhatsApp. I used this company many times after a late night out in the Old Town and it was very convenient. They were quick to respond and reliable.

Things to Do In Kotor

1) Explore Kotor Old Town

If you are visiting Kotor you cannot miss the UNESCO-listed Old Town. It's one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Europe - as you meander through the ancient streets and uncover what's behind every corner, its deserving status as a world heritage site becomes clear. The fortified town is made up of lively squares, gorgeous architecture, elaborate Romanesque churches and narrow winding alleyways. The design of the alleys were actually created to confuse invaders, so do expect to get lost or turned around a few times while wandering. Don't worry, the town is pretty small so you won't be lost for long!

Montenegro is generally more affordable than other European countries, but prices are definitely a bit higher inside the Old Town than anywhere else in the municipality. Nonetheless, if you're visiting Kotor this will definitely be a highlight.

This ancient hub is known for its beauty, historical sights and cats. Yes, cats! There are so many friendly, adorable cats that the locals and tourists absolutely cherish. There are a few cat-themed shops and even a cat museum. My boyfriend and I had sat down to listen to live music in one of the squares, and before we knew it we each had a purring friend on our lap!

Top sights & things to do in Kotor Old Town:

• Walk the city walls
• Kotor Fortress
• Piazza of the Arms & the Clock Tower
• Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral)
• All of the city gates
• Church of Saint Luke
• Go Shopping for homemade items & souvenirs
• Try traditional Montenegrin food
• Experience the vibrant nightlife

2) Best Hiking Trails in Kotor

The Ladder of Kotor

The Ladder of Kotor, one of the best hiking trails in Kotor, is a 6.4km (12.8km out and back) serpentine path offering panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor and the surrounding Montenegro landscape. It starts near the River Gate in the Old Town and takes you to the very top of the mountain, so it's pretty challenging but so worth it. Bring a lot of water and snacks to enjoy with the views. You'll pass so many mountain goats along the way, with many of them wearing bells so you'll know they're coming - it's such a fun thing to see!

Kotor Fortress

The Kotor city walls stretch 4.5km - they wrap around the Old Town and continue up the mountainside. It has several levels and watch towers, with the main attraction being the fortress. The Kotor Fortress is built before the 14th century 260 meters up above the city to overlook the bay and Old Town. The fortress goes by many names, including Fortress of Kotor, Fortress of St. John or St. Johns Castle, Fort of St. Ivan, San Giovanni Fortress or San Giovanni Castle, and Tvrdava Sveti Ivan. You may find any of these names online and from tour companies so keep in mind they're all referring to the same thing.

There are two official entry points inside the Old Town, both with a €15 euro entry fee. One is located near the River Gate/North Gate (exact location of the entry point here), and the other is near the South Gate (here). The official entryways lead you to the fortress via steps. It's 1.2km one way with about 1,350 steps, and takes around 45 minutes to walk up. It's a hike of moderate difficulty since you are continuously walking uphill. If you go this route you'll pass a few observation decks and a small church called Church of Our Lady of Remedy.

There is a hidden, unofficial (free) entry point that is accessible from about 1/4 of the way up the Ladder of Kotor hike. For details on this, visit my blog post on how to hike the Kotor fortress for free!

3) Water Activities in Kotor

There are many boat tours available that can be booked either in-person or online. For in-person bookings you can find vendors at Park Slobode and past Kotor Beach along the promenade. You can easily catch last-minute tours (particularly in the shoulder seasons) as there are so many companies operating every day. Most of the tours will take you around the Kotor Bay, to the Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks.

Along the promenade and at Kotor Beach there are places you can rent kayaks and paddle-boards (usually called 'SUP' for 'stand up paddle-board'). Typical costs are around €10-15 euros for 90 minutes which is very affordable. It was one of my favorite activities in Kotor! I recommend renting them close to Dobrota, since boat and cruise ship activity is higher closer to the Old Town - being farther from the commotion was more peaceful.

4) Coastal Promenade of Kotor

Walking or bicycling along the entire promenade is a must-do activity in Kotor. You can rent bicycles from many locations around the municipality. First, there are "City Bikes" that are parked outside the Old Town and behind Dobrota beach. These hybrid bikes can be rented using an app on your phone and are priced by the minute. Another option is to find bikes for rent along the promenade as locals rent them out outside of their houses and hotels. Lastly you can find them at bicycle shops. I found many places to rent them for just €10 euros per day!

The promenade goes on for 4.5km from Kotor Beach to Dobrota Beach. You'll pass many small beaches, restaurants, cafes, bars, beautiful old houses and unique hotels.

5) Top Beaches in Kotor

Kotor Beach

Due to it's very close proximity to the Old Town (about a 10 minute walk from the Sea Gate), Kotor Beach gets very busy as most tourists staying in or near the Old Town, as well as cruise ships passengers, all end up here. Despite its popular nature, not only is it beautiful but there are plenty of nearby restaurants, bars and cafes. Lounge chairs & umbrellas are available for rent and there are two free changing stations.

On nice days it can often be difficult to find free space, especially if you arrive mid-to-late afternoon. Because of this I wouldn't recommend trying to bring your own chairs or umbrellas unless you get there early. Instead bring just a towel to lay on so you can squeeze in if you have too. My boyfriend and I occasionally took the bus from Dobrota to spend the day at Kotor Beach when we were looking for a more lively atmosphere as opposed to the peaceful quietness of the Dobrota beaches.

Dobrota Beaches

The town of Dobrota has one main beach called Dobrota Beach, multiple smaller beaches and a few beach clubs. Though all are beautiful, I favored the beaches in Dobrota over Kotor Beach,

Dobrota Beach splits into two sections: the pebbled left side (left of Restaurant Bar Premier) with rentable sun loungers, and the grassy right side with natural tree shade — both ideal for a relaxed day.

Left 'section' of Dobrota Beach

Right 'section' of Dobrota Beach

The smaller pebble beaches are located all along the coastline, some with natural shade and some without but all of them are equally as enchanting. The chances of you finding one with no other people are high, so you can have your own personal slice of paradise.

There are many very nice waterfront restaurants too. I mostly cook at our rentals to save money so we didn't try too many places, but out of the ones we did try here are my favorites:

• Hotel Forza Mare
• Tiha Noć
• Konoba Portun

6) Beach Clubs in Kotor

Spending the day at a beach club is an excellent option when on holiday alongside a beautiful bay. My favorite beach club was Mandrać in Dobrota. Upon lots of research I found it was much cheaper than most others, and upon visiting I discovered it doesn't get very crowded and has good service & delicious refreshments. It was €20 euro for two single lounges with an umbrella or €35 euro for a double lounge bed, each priced for the entire day.

This club is highly recommended by us - it's clean, the food is delicious, cocktails are spectacular (if you visit during the summer be sure to order the watermelon bomb) and, like everything else in Kotor, it has beautiful views. It is cash only but there is an ATM just outside the entrance!

So, why should Kotor be your next adventure? (If this blog didn't answer that already!) Go to see the effortless blending of history, natural beauty, and adventure. Wander the medieval streets of the Old Town, hike with breathtaking views or relax on the serene beaches of Dobrota. Chase vibrant sunsets, explore hidden alleyways filled with friendly cats, and kayak across the sparkling Bay of Kotor. Start planning your trip today!