What to See in Kotor Montenegro

Nestled between the picturesque Bay of Kotor and the rugged mountains of the Balkans, this medieval town is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Wander through the narrow streets lined with charming stone buildings and ancient churches, soak up the stunning views from the city walls, and don’t forget to sample some delicious local cuisine at one of the many cafes and restaurants.

Kotor Montenegro

Kotor, a stunning coastal town located in Montenegro, boasts a rich and fascinating history that dates back to ancient times. This picturesque destination has seen the rise and fall of empires, witnessed numerous battles, and mingled with different cultures throughout the centuries. Originally founded by the Romans in the 2nd century BC, Kotor served as an important trading post due to its strategic location along the Adriatic Sea. Over the years, the town fell under the rule of various powers, including the Byzantines, the Venetians, and the Ottoman Empire. Each of these civilizations left their mark on Kotor, contributing to the eclectic architectural styles and cultural influences that can be seen today.

One of the most striking features of Kotor is its well-preserved medieval old town, surrounded by towering city walls that were built to protect the town from invaders. Within the walls, visitors can wander through narrow cobblestone streets, explore historic churches and palaces, and marvel at the intricate details of the architecture. Today, Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing visitors from around the world with its charm and historical significance. The town’s unique blend of ancient ruins, medieval structures, and stunning natural beauty make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and culture.

Visiting Kotor Montenegro

First things first, let’s talk about currency. Montenegro’s official currency is the Euro, so make sure to have some cash on hand for any purchases you may need to make during your stay.  When it comes to travel documents, U.S. citizens don’t need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. However, you will need a valid passport that’s good for at least three months beyond your planned departure date. It’s always a good idea to make copies of your passport and important travel documents, just in case.  Now, let’s talk about safety. Montenegro is generally a safe destination for travelers, but it’s always important to stay aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions. Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas and be aware of any travel advisories that may be in place.

We visitied Kotor on our Greek Isles Cruise. I’ll admit, I was dissapointed to get a non-Greece port on our itinerary. But boy was I wrong! This hidden gem was one of the prettiest places I’ve ever had the priveledge of going. Let me tell you about our stop.

Bay of Kotor- Small Groups

We decided to book the Bay of Kotor – Small Groups tour through Royal Carribean to make sure we saw everything we “should” while still making sure we made it back in time for all aboard time. Our tour lasted 4 hours.  If you visit on your own you can take this  Bay of Kotor tour that covers the same things (for cheaper). If you do book through the cruiseline, make sure to wait for deals, which are especially good around Thanksgiving.

What to See in Kotor

We began our tour with a boat cruise to Our Lady of the Rocks church. Located on a small islet in the Bay of Kotor, Our Lady of the Rocks church is a true gem of Montenegro. This unique church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, has a rich history and is surrounded by fascinating stories. Legend has it that the islet was artificially created by sailors who placed rocks in the bay each time they returned safely from a voyage. Over time, a church was built on the islet in gratitude for their safe journeys. The walls of the church are adorned with stunning artwork, including paintings by the famous Baroque artist Tripo Kokolja.

Visitors to Our Lady of the Rocks can also learn about the traditional boat procession that takes place every year on July 22nd. This special event sees locals adorn their boats with flowers and sail out to the islet to drop stones into the water, continuing the tradition of creating the islet.  Whether you’re interested in the history of the church, the legends surrounding it, or the annual boat procession, a visit to Our Lady of the Rocks is sure to leave you in awe.

kotor what to see

Next we had a short, peaceful  walking tours of Perast. As you wander through the narrow streets on a walking tour of Perast, you will be able to see some of the town’s most iconic landmarks.  As you stroll through the streets of Perast, you will see the town’s old palaces and charming squares. Take in the architecture of the baroque buildings and admire the views of the bay from the town’s waterfront promenade.

This is a really small, quaint, and picturesque coastal town. It was really fun to visit and soak in the charm and beauty of the water and surrounding mountains. But we had free time here that I wish we would have used to explore the next stop!

what to see in montenegro

Welcome to the enchanting medieval Old Town of Kotor! Nestled within ancient city walls and surrounded by breathtaking mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit destination. As you wander through the cobblestone streets, you’ll encounter architectural wonders at every turn. Be sure to visit the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, a stunning Romanesque church that dates back to the 12th century. Climb to the top of the city walls for panoramic views of the bay and the red-tiled roofs below.

I was dissapointed that we took so long in Perast which was cute, but was simple. They only allotted 30 minutes in this amazing Old Town and because of rim constraints, we had to leave to get back on the ship. I would have loved more time in the Old Town of Kotor. If I were doing it over I think I would spend more time here exploring this charming city with so much to see and do.  Here is an Old Town of Kotor walking tour which would have been great.

what to do in kotor

Discover the hidden gem of Kotor Montenegro. See what to do in this medieval town, nestled between the Bay andBalkan mountains, along with Lady of the Rocks Church. See the rest of our family trip to Greece here!