Places / Europe / Montenegro
Kotor
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At a glance
- Country
- Montenegro
- Region
- Bay of Kotor
- Population
- 13,000
- Best time to go
- May to June, September to October
- Main airport
- Tivat (TIV)
- Coordinates
- 42.42°N, 18.77°E
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Overview
Kotor sits at the innermost corner of the Bay of Kotor, where grey limestone mountains drop straight into the water. Its walled medieval town is a maze of marble lanes, small squares and Venetian palazzos, with fortifications zigzagging up the cliff behind.
Cruise ships can fill the old town by day, so stay overnight and enjoy the quiet mornings and evenings. The rest of the bay, with its villages and island churches, is easy to explore by boat or bus.
Things to see
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Photo: User:Ggia, CC BY-SA 3.0 Kotor Old Town
A UNESCO-listed tangle of alleys, churches and squares inside massive Venetian walls, full of the town's famous cats.
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Photo: Geotiger18, CC BY-SA 3.0 Cathedral of Saint Tryphon
The Romanesque cathedral, consecrated in 1166, with twin towers and a treasury of silver and relics.
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Photo: Desemeus, CC BY-SA 4.0 Fortress of San Giovanni
Climb the steps on the town walls past a small church to the fortress at the top for a stunning view of the bay.
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Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0 Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks
A handsome baroque village up the bay, with boats out to a church on a man-made island.
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Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0 Maritime Museum of Montenegro
Ship models, paintings and uniforms telling the story of the bay's seafaring past.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Hike the Ladder of Kotor
An old mule track with dozens of switchbacks climbs the mountainside behind the fortress; start early to avoid the heat.
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Photo: kallerna, CC BY-SA 4.0 Boat trip around the bay
Hop between Perast, the island churches and the Blue Cave at the bay's mouth on a small-group boat.
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Photo: Unknown photographer, GPL Lovćen National Park
Drive up the serpentine road to the mountain-top mausoleum of Njegoš, with views over much of Montenegro.
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Photo: Trish Hartmann from Tampa, Florida, USA, CC BY 2.0 Eat seafood by the water
Try black risotto or grilled fish in the waterfront villages of Dobrota and Prčanj.
Where to stay
Old Town
Atmospheric and car-free, but noisy in summer and busy when ships are in.
Hotels in Old TownDobrota
A long waterfront strip of old stone houses and apartments, a short walk north of the walls.
Hotels in DobrotaPrčanj and Muo
Quieter villages across the bay, ideal for a slower stay with swimming on your doorstep.
Hotels in Prčanj and Muo
Getting around
The old town is walkable, and buses run along the bay to Perast and Tivat. Boats and taxis fill the gaps.
Tivat airport is about 15 minutes away by taxi; Podgorica airport is around two hours by road, and buses also run from Dubrovnik.
When to go
May, June, September and October are warm with smaller crowds. July and August are hot and very busy, and winter brings heavy rain but very few visitors.
Plan your trip to Kotor
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.