Kotor is a charming coastal town in Montenegro, nestled between the stunning Bay of Kotor and towering mountains. The town’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, feels like stepping back in time with its well-preserved medieval architecture.
Founded by the Romans and flourishing in the Middle Ages, Kotor grew into an important trading center on the Adriatic coast. Under Venetian rule for over 400 years, the town gained its elegant buildings and fortifications.
Despite battles, earthquakes, and a plague, Kotor has preserved its historical charm, making it a must-visit destination. With its cobbled streets, rich history, and breathtaking natural surroundings, Kotor is a place you don’t want to miss.
Here are six of the best activities to do in this enchanting town :
- Walk in the Old Town
- Visit St. Tryphon’s Cathedral
- Explore San Giovanni (St. John Fortress)
- Do a Hike
- Take a Kotor Bay Tour
- Enjoy the Beach
1
Walk in the Old Town
Simply walking through the Old Town is enough to appreciate the beauty of Kotor. I had a great time exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Old Town is like a maze—I got lost so many times, but that was part of the fun!
You’ll find restaurants, cafés, ice cream shops, souvenir boutiques, and clothing stores at every turn. The atmosphere is lively, with people strolling around or enjoying life at a café or restaurant.
Some of the most popular places to visit in the Old Town include the Clock Tower, the Church of St. Luke, and the Maritime Museum. Exploring should take at least a full day. If you’re only in Kotor for a short time, this is the main activity I recommend.
2
Visit St. Tryphon’s Cathedral
Located in the Old Town, St. Tryphon’s Cathedral is the main cathedral in Kotor. Originally built in the 12th century, the cathedral has survived several earthquakes and has been carefully restored over the years. It remains one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a testament to Kotor’s resilience.
The entrance fee is 4 euros (6$ CAD), which includes access to the upstairs museum. The interior is quite spacious and definitely worth a visit.
Even if you don’t go inside, the exterior is impressive, especially as it’s located in the beautiful St. Tryphon Square.
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3
Explore San Giovanni (St. John Fortress)
San Giovanni (St. John Fortress) played a vital role in Kotor’s history, serving as a key defense during the medieval era. Positioned high above the town, the fortress protected Kotor from invaders and offered a strategic view of the bay.
The main reason to visit this fortress today is the breathtaking view from the top. The hike from the entrance to the summit takes about an hour. The ticket costs 8 euros (12$ CAD), and the fortress is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. At night, the walls are illuminated, creating a picturesque scene visible from the Old Town.
This activity typically takes 3–4 hours to complete. I recommend starting your hike as soon as the fortress opens to avoid crowds. Also, be sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated and snacks for extra energy.
4
Do a Hike
I had an extra day in Kotor, so I decided to do a 1.5-hour hike. The trail doesn’t have an official name, but it starts at the Old Hydroelectric Power Plant. You can find the starting point by searching “Start of the Ladder of Kotor” on Google Maps. This trail ascends all the way up to the San Giovanni fortress, although there’s no longer an entry to the fortress from the trail. It’s a great activity if you want to work up a sweat and enjoy some fantastic views.
Difficulty level: The hike is of medium difficulty. The trail is easy to follow and not dangerous, but the continuous climb under the sun makes it physically challenging. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water, snacks for extra energy, and sunscreen to protect your skin.
5
Take a Kotor Bay Tour
A boat tour of Kotor Bay is one of the city’s most popular activities. Although I didn’t have time to try it myself, you’ll find plenty of tour companies near the port of Kotor. Just walk around, compare prices, and choose the best option for a day on the bay.
On a typical tour, you might visit highlights like Our Lady of the Rocks (a small church and museum), the coastal town of Perast, the beautiful scenery of Kotor Bay, swimming spots, and possibly the Blue Cave, known for its glowing blue light. Not all tours will stop at every attraction, so be sure to pick one that includes at least three to four of these experiences.
6
Enjoy the Beach
Kotor Beach Overview: Kotor has only one beach: Kotor Beach. It’s a pebble beach with free access. Although it’s usually busy, I didn’t have any trouble finding a spot to lie down. To avoid the crowds, I would recommend going in the morning. It’s a nice place to soak up the sun and swim in the Bay of Kotor.
Facilities: Keep in mind that there are no showers, changing rooms, or restrooms available at the beach. It’s a more basic setup, so come prepared.
Nearby Dining Options: If you get hungry, there are three restaurant options nearby: Dobrota Street Food (4.6 stars on Google), King of Gyros (4.3 stars on Google), and Little Bay (3.8 stars on Google). These spots offer convenient places to grab a bite after enjoying the beach.
What’s Next?
Now that you know the best activities in Kotor, it’s time to plan your trip! Here are some articles that could be helpful :
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