Practical guide to visiting Kotor (2024)

Kotor is a town located at the south end of the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, known for its walled structure, seaport, resort and rich history. The town is situated on the Adriatic coastline and is surrounded by the cliffs of Orjen and Lovcen mountains, creating a picturesque view. Kotor, the oldest town in Montenegro, was founded by the ancient Romans and ruled by various powers, including the Venetians, Hungarians, French and Austrians. In 2006, Kotor was incorporated into the newly established Montenegro after being part of Yugoslavia for many decades. Despite being seriously damaged by an earthquake in 1979, much of the town has been restored.Practical guide to visiting Kotor (1)

Double UNESCO Heritage Site

The old town of Kotor holds a dual UNESCO Heritage Site status, recognised as part of both the Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor and the Venetian Works of Defence between the 16th and 17th centuries. The latter designation includes six defensive components in Italy, Croatia and Montenegro, spanning over 1,000 kilometres along the Adriatic Coast. The fortifications of Kotor in Montenegro are part of this UNESCO site.Practical guide to visiting Kotor (2)

Intrigued? Check out my practical guide to visiting Kotor!

City walls

Many of the medieval fortifications in Kotor are still intact, with the city walls spanning approximately 4.5 kilometres, varying in thickness from 2 to 15 metres and reaching about 20 metres in height. The city walls were constructed sometime between the 9th and 18th centuries. Visitors have the opportunity to walk along most sections of the city walls and admire the views of the old town from above.Practical guide to visiting Kotor (3)Practical guide to visiting Kotor (4)The city walls of Kotor are equipped with three gates.

Sea Gate

The Sea Gate in the old town of Kotor, rebuilt in Renaissance style in 1555, is a significant entrance representing the town's history. Originally adorned with the Venetian winged lion, it now features a quote from former Yugoslav president Tito: ''What belongs to others we don’t want, what is ours we will never surrender."Practical guide to visiting Kotor (5) Inside the gate, visitors can admire a 15th-century relief depicting the Virgin Mary with Christ, St Tryphon and St Bernard.Practical guide to visiting Kotor (6)

River Gate

The River Gate, also called the North Gate, constructed in the 16th century as a tribute to the unsuccessful Ottoman assault in 1539, stands on the northern outskirts of the town overlooking the River Skurda.Practical guide to visiting Kotor (7)Practical guide to visiting Kotor (8) Surrounding the gate are historic stone walls and a quaint bridge that spans the river, making it an ideal spot to capture images of the fortifications of Kotor.

Gurdic Gate

The Gurdic Gate, also known as the South Gate, is unique in that it consists of three passages constructed during different periods. It was once connected to the mainland by a drawbridge that could be lowered over the River Gurdic.

One can fully enjoy the attractions of Kotor by exploring the old town without a map and wandering through its maze-like streets. Your journey will likely begin by passing through the Sea Gate and arriving at the main square, Trg od Oruzja.

Main square

The main square, also known as the Square of Arms, was historically used for storing arms and artillery for Kotor's defence, hence the name. Practical guide to visiting Kotor (9)Practical guide to visiting Kotor (10)This picturesque square is bustling with cafes, gelato stands, historic structures, a 17th-century clock tower (tilted due to an earthquake in the 1600s) and a medieval pillory used for public shaming and punishment.

Old town

The historic district of Kotor is widely recognised as the most prominent area in the city, where the rich history, culture and traditions of Kotor are carefully maintained. This area boasts numerous well-preserved monuments of medieval architecture, including churches, cathedrals, palaces and museums.Practical guide to visiting Kotor (11)Practical guide to visiting Kotor (12) The charming atmosphere is further enhanced by the maze of narrow streets, squares and markets. The old town of Kotor is widely regarded as the most well-preserved medieval urban area in the Mediterranean region.

Cats of Kotor

In Kotor, one of the first things you may notice is the cats that roam the streets. As you navigate through the historic old town filled with museums, shops, bars and restaurants, you may come across bowls of biscuits left out on street corners for the well-fed felines. These cats have been a part of Kotor for centuries, helping to protect the town from pests like rats and mice. Over time, the cats have become a symbol of good luck, prosperity and resilience.Practical guide to visiting Kotor (13) The first cat-themed souvenir shop opened in 2012, and since then, many more shops dedicated to cats have emerged, along with a cat museum that supports the feline population with its profits.Practical guide to visiting Kotor (14)Practical guide to visiting Kotor (15)

Churches of Kotor

St Tryphon Cathedral

Kotor is home to numerous historic churches, the most prominent being St Tryphon Cathedral, built in 1166 in honour of the town's protector, St Tryphon. The cathedral features a collection of frescoes and a treasury of jewels.Practical guide to visiting Kotor (16)

St Nicholas’ Church

The Orthodox Church of St Nicholas was constructed between 1902 and 1909, replacing an abandoned Dominican monastery from the late 18th century.Practical guide to visiting Kotor (17)

St Luke’s Church

Located next to St Tryphon Cathedral and St Nicholas’ Church, St Luke’s (Sveti Luka) may appear modest in comparison, but it holds significant importance in Kotor. Constructed in 1195, the church features original frescoes dating back to its inception. Initially a Catholic church, St Luke’s converted to Orthodox in 1657.Practical guide to visiting Kotor (18)Practical guide to visiting Kotor (19) Remarkably, it remained intact during the devastating 1979 earthquake that ravaged buildings along Montenegro’s south coast, from Dubrovnik to Bar.

St Claire Church

St Claire Church, constructed in the 17th century, showcases a stunning marble altar dating back to the 18th century, a remarkable artwork by Francesco Cabianca. Practical guide to visiting Kotor (20)Practical guide to visiting Kotor (21)Next to the church is St Claire's Convent. The church is now separated from the convent and Franciscan monastery, which includes a well-equipped library containing thousands of books, including 100 incunabula.

Karampana Well

In the past, Kotor received its fresh water supply from the River Skurda and the Gurdic Spring. Wealthy families had their own wells, while the Karampana Well was the main public water source until 1917 when the Austrians installed modern plumbing. Besides providing water, the well also served as a social gathering place where locals, particularly women, would meet and chat.Practical guide to visiting Kotor (22)

Market

The Kotor Market, located just across the waterfront and harbour in the old town, has historically been a place for exchanging and trading various goods. Today, the market primarily sells fruits, vegetables and fish, as well as costume jewellery and other miscellaneous items.Practical guide to visiting Kotor (23)

Take a cable car to Lovcen

The Kotor Cable Car began operations in July 2023, offering an 11-minute scenic ride above the Bay of Kotor and up Mount Lovcen to a height of 1,348 metres. The Lower Dub Station is about 4 kilometres from the old town of Kotor, while the Upper Kuk Station is 18 kilometres from Cetinje, Montenegro's historic Old Royal Capital. Practical guide to visiting Kotor (24)Practical guide to visiting Kotor (25)The cooler climate at the top provides a pleasant escape from the coastal heat, with a restaurant at the upper station serving gourmet dishes on a spacious terrace with a panoramic view of the bay. Practical guide to visiting Kotor (26)From the upper station, visitors can explore Lovcen National Park, with hiking trails, excellent viewpoints for taking pictures and cycling routes available for adventure seekers. Practical guide to visiting Kotor (27)Practical guide to visiting Kotor (28)The Njegos Mausoleum and Lovcen National Park, two major Montenegrin attractions, are a 10-minute drive from the upper station and can be reached by transfer or taxi.Practical guide to visiting Kotor (29)

Practical tips for a cable car ride

If your schedule is flexible, try to visit Mount Lovcen on a clear day when the view is not obstructed by clouds. It is recommended to check the weather forecast and cloud coverage on the mountain before heading there. Remember that the weather conditions in Kotor may differ from those at the mountain's summit. Practical guide to visiting Kotor (30)To reach the Lower Dub Station from Kotor, you will need to take a taxi. The word is that a bus service may be available in a few months, so you can inquire about it at the bus station during your visit. Be aware that the tunnel between Kotor and Dub can experience heavy traffic, so it is advisable to allow extra time for your journey.

Take a boat trip to Perast

Perast town, a small and elegant coastal town located at the foot of St Elijah Hill, is easily accessible by boat from Kotor, which is just 12 kilometres away. Situated opposite Verige, where the innermost bays of Risan and Kotor converge, Perast is known for its maritime trade history and Baroque architecture. Practical guide to visiting Kotor (31)Practical guide to visiting Kotor (32)Practical guide to visiting Kotor (33)The town's wealth was built through maritime trade, and it is home to numerous lavish palaces and houses. There are two islands off the coast of Perast, the island of St George and Our Lady of the Rocks, with the latter housing a church.Practical guide to visiting Kotor (34) A short boat ride will take you to this man-made island, where you can explore the church.Practical guide to visiting Kotor (35)Practical guide to visiting Kotor (36)

Where to eat in Kotor

I recommend two quite different places that I tried myself.

Pepe Nero

Experience the delights of Mediterranean cuisine in a sophisticated setting at Pepe Nero, located in Milk Square, right in the heart of the old town of Kotor. Treat yourself to a variety of local and international dishes while selecting from a wide range of prestigious local and foreign wines from their cellar. Enhance your dining experience by enjoying some cocktails from their extensive cocktail menu.Practical guide to visiting Kotor (37)Practical guide to visiting Kotor (38)

Pier65 Gastrobar

Pier65 Gastrobar in the old town features a variety of dishes from Turkish cuisine and serves a range of meals throughout the day. The restaurant offers a selection of authentic Turkish flavours through its unique recipes.Practical guide to visiting Kotor (39)Practical guide to visiting Kotor (40)

Where to stay

Historic Boutique Hotel Cattaro is situated in the main square of the old town and features uniquely decorated rooms. The hotel is part of the Cattaro Complex, which includes Restaurant Citadel, Maximus nightclub and Pub "AS". Several historic monuments of Kotor are incorporated into the hotel complex, such as the Town Guard Tower, Rector's Palace and the Old Town Hall - Napoleon Theatre. These buildings were renovated and transformed into the hotel in 2006, with an interior design inspired by the early 18th century. Practical guide to visiting Kotor (41)The hotel is adorned with pictures of famous ships and naval battles and portraits of captains and admirals. Practical guide to visiting Kotor (42)Surrounding the hotel are various shops, beach bars, cafés, restaurants and lounges.

Practical information

Kotor is a popular destination that is worth visiting. The best time to visit Kotor is the shoulder season, like, May and September, when you will get the perfect mix of nice weather, fewer people and good deals on hotels around the Bay of Kotor. Kotor attracts many visitors, particularly those arriving on cruise ships, which can make the old town quite crowded.Practical guide to visiting Kotor (43)

Peopletravelling by bus to Kotor from other Montenegrin cities like Herceg Novi, Budva, Cetinje, Podgorica, and Tivat usually disembark at the Kotor bus station, which is a short walk away from the old town.
Practical guide to visiting Kotor (44)Traffic jams are the main challenge in getting to Kotor by land, so be prepared and allocate additional time.
Practical guide to visiting Kotor (45)

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What did you think? Have you visited Kotor? I would love to hear from you, so please add your comment below.

  • Published by Anita on June 28, 2024
  • Author: Anita Sane

    Practical guide to visiting Kotor (47)

    About the author
    Anita is a part-time traveller, passionate photographer and a retired career woman from Latvia,
    travelling mostly solo for more than 15 years.She is a skilled travel planner who plans and executes her travels by herself. Anita wants to show you how to travel the world and open your mind to newexperiences. Follow her on Facebook,Instagram,Pinterest,Twitterand Bloglovin.

    Practical guide to visiting Kotor (2024)

    FAQs

    How many days enough for Kotor? ›

    While it only takes two full days to visit Old Town Kotor and the Lustica Peninsula, most visitors use Kotor as a home base to explore the surrounding Bay of Kotor. If you too have plans to see Perast, Budva and Sveti Stefan, then five to six days is ideal.

    Can you tour Kotor on your own? ›

    You can explore Kotor on your own or with a local guide. We warmly recommend our two-hour tour of the old town of Kotor with a tasting of the best Montenegrin prosciutto and wine. ❐ The best and only way to explore hidden part of Kotor old town is by walk.

    How long does the Kotor Fortress walk take? ›

    Experience this 1.3-mile out-and-back trail near Kotor, Cetinje. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 7 min to complete.

    Can you walk from cruise ship to Kotor? ›

    The port is pretty simple, a place for one big cruise ship and some yachts. You walk directly into the old city in a couple of minutes. But the views of the moutains and sea all around are superb. There are up to 4 cruise ships lined up waiting to dock in Kotor.

    How long does it take to 100% Kotor? ›

    When focusing on the main objectives, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is about 29 Hours in length. If you're a gamer that strives to see all aspects of the game, you are likely to spend around 48 Hours to obtain 100% completion.

    How many endings does Kotor have? ›

    While players can make countless choices as they explore the galaxy in KOTOR, there are only three major endings outside of a strange hidden dance routine ending. For players who embrace the Dark Side of the Force there is only a single ending, during which Revan kills various companions.

    How long does it take to walk around Kotor Old Town? ›

    If you plan to do Kotor old town at a leisurely speed, but not to miss the most important details, I would say that you will need about 4 hours. If you are willing to climb along the Kotor Fortress trail, the uphill will require 1 hours and downhill about 30 minutes.

    Can you walk the walls of Kotor? ›

    City wall of Kotor: worth walking around the west side of the city walls facing the water. The eastern side wasn't worth walking around - no picturesque views, dark, some areas smelled of urine. The walk up the walls is very good, you get spectacular views over the Bay of Kotor. There is a ruined fort at the top.

    Should I go into the temple alone Kotor? ›

    At first you'll have to agree to go in alone, but as soon as the ritual starts, two of your party members will come warning you not to go in alone. Most likely this will be Jolee and Juhani if you have both those characters. You'll then have to convince the guide that you must bring the others in as well.

    Is Kotor Fortress worth it? ›

    Hiking the path up to the fortress in Kotor is one of the most popular things to do in all of Montenegro. If you're all about getting a great view (which I definitely am) then this is an absolute must for your Balkans bucketlist.

    Is the Ladder of Kotor free? ›

    The 'Ladder of Kotor trail' is a zig-zag uphill path located behind the old town walls (unlike the normal path up, with the entrance up located within the town walls). To find the free way up, you need to exit the old town from the connecting bridge on the north side.

    How many stairs are there in the Kotor Fortress? ›

    The way to the top of the fortress has around 1350 steps and a number of stops along the way, from each one of them you can look at the bay, and throughout the climbing you'll be passing through old ruins of the fortress, all the effort is worth it once you get to the top.

    What currency is used in Kotor Montenegro? ›

    The official currency of Montenegro is the Euro.

    How do I spend a day in Kotor? ›

    One Day in Kotor Montenegro
    1. MORNING: Climb the City Walls to the Top of the Fortress.
    2. EARLY AFTERNOON: Lunch + Wander in Old Town.
    3. AFTERNOON: Boat Trip to Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks.
    Jun 7, 2023

    Is the Bay of Kotor clean? ›

    The water is dark green, most places in the bay are clean and clear enough to swim, besides few spots with seaweed from sewage.

    How many days should I spend in Montenegro? ›

    How long to stay? To discover the most beautiful part of the country, on the Adriatic coast, 4 days will give you a good overview of the region. If you want to explore the more rural areas, you can add a few more days. You can also extend your stay by spending two or three days in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

    Is Kotor worth a day trip? ›

    I would recommend spending at least two full days in Kotor and, if you can, consider basing yourself here for a whole week to explore and relax. If you only have one day, you”ll still be able to see the main sights, but there's more to be explored around Kotor Bay and in the region's smaller towns.

    Is 5 days enough for Montenegro? ›

    How many days are enough to visit Montenegro? Our 5-day itinerary includes most of the country's main attractions, making it possible to explore Montenegro's highlights in just five days. If your time is limited, we suggest concentrating only on the southern areas.

    Is 3 days enough in Montenegro? ›

    How many days are ideal to spend in Montenegro? For travelers with limited time, a shorter stay of 3 to 5 days can still offer a meaningful taste of Montenegro, focusing on the highlights such as Kotor, Budva, and the Bay of Kotor.

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