The 9 things to do in Kotor

What to do in Montenegro, the time of a stay? Here are the eight essential things to visit in Kotor and its surroundings!

Difficult to mention Montenegro without mentioning Kotor. Indeed, this city is the symbol of the explosion of tourism in the small Balkan country. She has everything for her! The city offers a splendid view of the Bouches that bear its name, a striking landscape that marvels us for a long time. Visiting Kotor is thus discovering the heart of Montenegro, a legacy of the past and the country’s entry into global tourism.

Kotor is the oldest city in Montenegro. Founded in the second century before our era under the name of Ascrivium, it was successively part of the Roman and Byzantine empires until 1042. From the 11th century, the population was washed by the Bulgarians and then the Serbs. On the political side, from the 15th to the 18th century, the Venetians and the Ottomans in turn occupied Kotor and gave it its present appearance. Subsequently, Kotor belonged to the French Empire between 1805 and 1814 and followed the history of the other cities of Montenegro.

Things to do in Kotor or its surroundings are numerous. Don't just take a walk since Dubrovnik The region deserves more than that! Believe us, you won't regret it. So how to visit Kotor? Here are the 9 essential things to do in Kotor!

1. Old town or Stari Grad

Administratively speaking, Kotor is a tiny town. Indeed, its area is almost limited to its only old town. However, this small city can carry you hours. Kotor cannot be approached without evokeing his old town first. All monuments or museums presented just after they are listed. Unesco did not mistake it by classifying the fortified city of Kotor ( Stari Grad ) to the world heritage of humanity.

There are several ways to visit Kotor and each one does as it seems. The only thing that doesn't change is the means of transport: your feet! It is advisable to enter Stari Grad by the gate of the sea, that located in front of the port. From this point of departure, you can already begin to admire the Place des Armes, its magnificent clock or its terraces. The suite belongs to you and the best is to lose you in the lanes of an old town built five centuries ago.

By taking its time, and although it is less imposing than Dubrovnik, you can easily pass it more than half a day . However, be warned that Kotor may be jumped in summer.

2. The hike to the fortress Saint-Jean (San Giovanni)

More than a hike, this is a real sporting journey! Located 280 metres above sea level, the fortress offers a fantastic view. For the least hardened, know that there is a viewpoint located below and that offers an image, though less impressive, just as exciting.

Little is known of the history of the Saint John fortress. Always is it that it remains an indispensable thing to do in Kotor because it is from above that one can admire the gift of nature that are the mouths of Kotor. In hoping that there is not a big boat moored at the port on the day of your visit.

Regarding the prize, officially, it is 8€ from June to September and the climb is free the rest of the year. But the tariff policy seems to have been hardened in 2019. Given the lack of transparency of the local authorities, prepare yourself to have to pay the €8 all year round, you will save if it’s free!

3. The Museum of Cats

Kotor is LA town for cat lovers! They are everywhere, dominated or wandering, to walk through the streets of Stari Grad , to the greatest happiness of children and the greatest. It must be said that Kotor has had a fascination for cats since 1918, the legend saying that when the Slavs rebelled against the Austro-Hungarians, the rebels were accompanied by their feliness when they released the city.

The Museum of Cats is therefore an obligatory passage to Kotor for those who want to know more and the modest sum of 1€ helps you convince yourself to go. There are mainly pictures and cats! This also allows you to refresh yourself in the summer.

4. Saint-Tryphon Cathedral

It is difficult to visit Kotor without entering his cathedral. Roman Catholic Church, consecrated in 1166, was seriously damaged by the 1979 earthquake before being restored, which explains its current rather recent aspect. The cathedral is one of the oldest of Europe .

Inside, you can admire the frescoes of the 14th century and other well preserved objects. The cathedral is named in honour of Saint-Tryphon, St. Patrick’s and Protector of the City of Kotor.

5. The Maritime Museum

Little known, the Maritime Museum is a curiosity to make in Kotor. For a modest price 4€ (1€ for children) , we go more for the building, magnificent heritage of baroque art, than for its collections that are quite classic.

Nevertheless, the enthusiasts will be delighted to visit Kotor with this museum as there are beautiful models of boats and ancient maritime maps.

6. A boat ride

Speaking of the Maritime Museum, why not enjoy your stay in Kotor to take a boat ride?

Kotor Bay, also known as Boka, islets, caves and much more. So, rent a boat In Kotor you will discover the surroundings more picturesque than by travelling with a rental car or public transport. A great experience to live with your loved ones to perfect your stay in Kotor!

7. Saint-Nicolas and Saint-Luc churches

Visiting Kotor is unthinkable without seeing his magnificent churches! Located face-to-face, these two churches represent the religious diversity of Kotor. Indeed, the first is Serbian Orthodox, the second has even a double Catholic and Orthodox denomination. Saint-Luc is the small church cute Some will say. We can give him a certain charm given his size.

It is also a miracle because it is Kotor’s only important building not to have suffered damage during the 1979 earthquake. Its particularity is to possess two altars: one Catholic, the other Orthodox.

As for the church of Saint-Nicolas, it is recent since it was built in the early twentieth century. Its particularity is to raise a Serbian flag on its façade, a sign of close relations between the two countries.

8. The Kotor market

Visiting Kotor is going to his market and it is there that we find the soul of the city! Located just outside the old town, it takes place almost daily Saturday being the most important day. It has everything and freshness: fruits, vegetables, fish and local meat products, Montenegrin cheeses and other Turkish sweets, heritage of the Ottoman past of the city.

However, if you can, avoid the landing days of the shippers! Besides the world, you feel more at home Saint-Tropez that in Kotor and scams can multiply.

9. Perast

Visiting Kotor is also being charmed by its surroundings. Finish this article by a town 15 minutes Kotor by car, Perast. This town is too small to deserve an article on its own but if you have time, go to it absolutely!

With its bell tower, its lion status and its island church Perast is a marvel and certainly one of the most charming and best-preserved places in Montenegro. Those who can even sleep on the spot in the famous Hotel Conte .

Perast is one of these magical places that will make you love a region and will make you want to return. Know that vehicles are prohibited in the city 1 June to 30 September but there are public parking facilities at the entrance of the city. You can also get there by bus from Kotor.

How to get to Kotor?

By plane

To visit Kotor, you have two options: land in Dubrovnik or Podgorica . From Croatia , waiting at the border can be very long in the summer. On the other hand, you can find a direct flight, opposite Podgorica. Don’t hesitate to take a look at our partner’s website Ulysses which lists the cheapest flights.

By bus

Very convenient to visit any city of Montenegro or from Dubrovnik, the bus is the transport the most economical . It is safe and, in general, schedules are respected. The busticket4.me site (not available in French) lists the schedules.

By car

Not so expensive that this, the car is very convenient to visit Kotor and especially its surroundings. This is the best way to go around the Kotor Buttes! If you rent a car from Croatia, Be careful to ask the green card and insurance to cross the border.

Where to stay in Kotor?

Without hesitation, if you can, the best way to stay in Kotor is to stay in the old town or in the youth hostel right next door. However, the offer is limited and, in the summer, we must take good care of it in advance.

As Kotor is a small town, you can quite stay in the three cities next to: Dobrota, Škaljari and Myo. Each has its advantage: Dobrota is the busiest, Škaljari is the closest and the one where the bus station is located, Myo is the quietest.

To find your accommodation, do not hesitate to check out Compare hotels or Airbnb to experience a more authentic experience. You can choose a room at the living room or, to fully enjoy a self-catering accommodation, choose a typical apartment.