Bay of Kotor: A Complete Guide to Montenegro’s Most Scenic Bay

The Bay of Kotor, or Boka Kotorska, is one of Montenegro's most stunning and historically rich regions. Known for its picturesque towns, scenic mountain views, and centuries-old cultural landmarks, this bay is a must-see destination in Montenegro. 

In this guide, you’ll find out everything you need to know about Kotor Bay. You’ll find information on top attractions like Kotor Old Town and Our Lady of the Rocks. You’ll also find ideas for things to do, like boat trips and the best beaches. 

I’ve also included helpful tips on where to stay and where to find tasty local cuisine. You’ll also find helpful tips to help you plan a visit to the Bay of Kotor, like how to get here, when to visit, and local secrets!

About the Bay of Kotor

Often mistaken for a fjord, Kotor Bay is actually a ria, a submerged river valley created over thousands of years. It opens dramatically into the Adriatic Sea and is known for its unique blend of natural beauty and history.

The bay is home to quaint fishing villages, scenic beaches, and well-preserved medieval towns like Kotor, Perast, and Herceg Novi. 

The bay's unique blend of historical significance and breathtaking landscape has also earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Things to Do in the Bay of Kotor

Kotor Old Town and City Walls

The town of Kotor is Kotor Bay’s top attraction. Its Old Town, a maze of narrow, cobbled streets and stone buildings, is surrounded by city walls dating back to the 9th century. The walls extend up the steep mountainside to the San Giovanni Fortress, which offers panoramic views over the bay – a sight worth the hike! 

While walking through Kotor's Old Town, you’ll find squares filled with cafes, medieval churches, and the impressive St. Tryphon Cathedral. Spend time exploring the Maritime Museum and take a walking tour to learn about the history and sights in Kotor.

Read More:

• What to Do in Kotor
• Highlights of Kotor
• How to Spend One Day in Kotor
• Best Things to Do in Kotor From a Cruise Ship

Our Lady of the Rocks

One of the most unique places in the Bay of Kotor, Our Lady of the Rocks is an artificial island with a beautiful blue-domed church. This small island sits just off the coast of Perast and is reachable only by boat. 

Locals created the island by sinking old ships and stones over hundreds of years, making it an enduring symbol of faith and resilience. The church contains artwork, votive tablets, and an intricately woven tapestry made with strands of human hair.

The best ways to see Our Lady of the Rocks are by getting a boat from Perast (around €5 per person return) or by booking a boat tour from Kotor, which allows you to see several sights on one tour.

The most popular tours are: 

• 2 hour boat trip to Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks
• 3 hour boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks and the Blue Cave 
• All day cruise to Our Lady of the Rocks and Blue Cave

Bay of Kotor Blue Cave Tours

Bay of Kotor boat tours to the Blue Cave are a fantastic way to experience Kotor Bay’s coastal beauty. The cave, located on the Luštica Peninsula, gets its name from the vibrant blue light that fills the cave when sunlight hits the water at the right angle. 

Most tours depart from Kotor and include a visit to Our Lady of the Rocks. Some tours also stop at beaches for swimming and relaxing.

The most popular tours are 3 hour speed boat tours, but if you have the time, a full-day cruise is a relaxing way to enjoy the bay’s scenery.

Perast

Perast is a small, Baroque town known for its historical architecture and scenic charm.

Once a wealthy maritime center, Perast was part of the Venetian Republic for centuries, leaving behind grand palaces and churches that line the waterfront. A highlight is the Perast Museum located in Bujović Palace, which provides insight into the town’s rich history.

Just offshore, you’ll see Saint George Island and Our Lady of the Rocks. A short boat ride from Perast to Our Lady of the Rocks costs around €5 per person return.

Perast has excellent seaside restaurants like Conte, where you can try local specialties like calamari and grilled fish. 

It's also a stunning place to stay in Kotor Bay, with hotels like the Heritage Grand Perast.

Wine Tasting

Wine is an important part of life in the Bay of Kotor and people have been making wine here for 2,000 years. I highly recommend trying some Montenegrin wines while you're visiting.

Dry red Vranac wine is made in every winery in Montenegro and it's a must-try while you're here. You'll find it in restaurants and on winery tours, like this Kotor wine tour or this Kotor walking tour with a wine and food tasting.

Krstač is a white wine that's only made around Podgorica in Montenegro, and it goes perfectly with seafood dishes. You can try it in restaurants or pick up a bottle at any supermarket.

Kotor Cable Car

The Kotor Cable Car offers you an incredible way to experience the beauty of Kotor Bay from above. Starting near Kotor, this modern cable car takes you up to Njeguši village, offering sweeping views of the bay, the Adriatic coastline, and the impressive city walls below. 

The 11-minute ride gives you plenty of time to soak in the scenery and take photos of the bay from above. Once you reach the top, you’ll find scenic viewpoints, a cafe, playground, and an alpine coaster ride. You can also hire bikes at the top.

Kotor Bay Beaches

The Bay of Kotor’s calm waters and warm temperatures make it a great place for a beach vacation. 

You’ll find small, mostly pebbly beaches all around the Bay of Kotor. Some beaches are free to use, but typically offer no facilities. Others have restaurants and bars, and charge for sun loungers.

Herceg Novi beaches have the clearest waters. You’ll also find a range of beaches around Kotor.

Roman mosaics

Risan was once the centre of the Bay of Kotor. Queen Teuta ruled from Risan between 231 - 229 BC, before she was defeated by the Roman Empire.

In 1930 archaeologists from Cetinje discovered the ruins of Villa Urbana, a Roman villa that covered about 700 sqm. The mosaics you can see on display today were part of the villa, built between 96 and 192 AD.

For a small fee you can take a walk around the displays of preserved mosaics, stone monuments and information displays about the history of the area.

Aquarium Boka

Located within the Institute of Marine Biology in Kotor, Aquarium Boka offers you the opportunity to see the diverse marine life of the Adriatic Sea. 

Here, you’ll encounter numerous species native to the Bay of Kotor, including colorful fish, delicate corals, and fascinating marine invertebrates.

The aquarium has interactive exhibits and informative displays that make this aquarium a great stop for families. Kids especially love the rays in the touch pool!

Day Tours

If you're staying in the Bay of Kotor and looking for ways to see more of Montenegro’s natural beauty, consider joining a day tour. These tours cover stunning landscapes, historical sites, and exciting outdoor activities, all within a day's trip from the bay.

• Montenegro Full-Day Tour to Lovćen National Park, Skadar Lake National Park, and Budva Riviera: This full-day tour takes you from the Bay of Kotor up to Lovćen National Park, where you can enjoy panoramic mountain views. Then  the tour continues to the historic town of Cetinje and Skadar Lake National Park, known for its biodiversity and scenic wetlands. The day wraps up with a visit to the Budva Riviera, where you'll be able to get photos of iconic Sveti Stefan.
• Day Tour to Durmitor National Park and Ostrog Monastery: This tour is a great way to see Montenegro's mountainous north. Durmitor is a UNESCO-listed park famed for its rugged mountains, glacial lakes, and pristine forests. After see the famous Black Lake and Tara Bridge, you’ll visit Ostrog Monastery, a stunning Serbian Orthodox monastery built into a cliff, where pilgrims come from around the world.
• Rafting in Tara Canyon: Known as the “Tear of Europe,” Tara Canyon is the second deepest canyon in the world and a pristine environment. This day tour offers an exciting rafting trip down the crystal-clear Tara River, where you’ll navigate rapids surrounded by unspoiled nature.

Kayaking and paddleboarding

Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular activities in Boka Kotorska, with rental found on the seaside around the bay. 

The calm bay waters are ideal for both beginners and experienced paddlers, however there is a lot of boat traffic throughout the bay in summer. To avoid any wake, stick close to the shore or take a tour like this a kayaking tour or this paddleboarding tour.

Bay of Kotor Cycling

Cycling is another fun way to experience the bay. You can rent bikes and find scenic routes along the coast and up into the mountains. 

The lower coastal road from Kotor to Perast offers impressive sea views and hamlets lined with traditional stone houses and Baroque palaces. 

The road from Kotor to Njeguši village is more challenging but rewarding, with spectacular views.

Here are some suggested tours:

• Bike tour - Kotor Bay circle and visit Our Lady of the Rock
• Epic '25 Turns' Bike Descent with Panoramic Cable Car Ascent
• Vrmac Hill E-MTB Adventure

Bay of Kotor Hiking Trails

The Bay of Kotor offers some fantastic hiking opportunities. Top trails include:

• Kotor Fortress: The trail up to the city walls of Kotor Fortress is one of the bay’s most iconic hikes, offering breathtaking views of Kotor and the surrounding bay. If you’re an early riser, you can start at dawn for cooler weather and a quieter experience.
• The Ladder of Kotor: This is a longer route up the same mountain. With 70 zigzagging switchbacks, it's an easier hike and offers unmatched views of Boka Kotorska.
• Mount Vrmac: This lesser-known trail starts in Kotor and takes you up Mount Vrmac, offering panoramic views of both the Bay of Kotor and the Adriatic Sea. It’s a peaceful hike with fewer people and plenty of scenic stops along the way.
• Mount Orjen: Near Herceg Novi, Mount Orjen Nature Park has many marked trails and peaks to explore.

Lipci Prehistoric Drawings

When you drive around Kotor Bay, keep an eye out for signs pointing to the Lipci prehistoric drawings. These fascinating carvings depict two hunters on horseback throwing spears at five stags and a doe, along with a rising sun and other ancient symbols. Dating back to the 8th century BC, the drawings are the second-oldest on the Adriatic coast and an exceptional example of prehistoric Balkan art.

Despite their historical significance, the drawings are largely forgotten and difficult to locate. Here’s how to find this rare site:

If you’re driving from Herceg Novi, continue past Morinj along the coastal road and through the roundabout. The uphill road from the roundabout leads to Nikšić. About 100 meters past the roundabout, take the first narrow road on your left heading uphill. If you’re coming from Kotor, go around the roundabout and take the same uphill left turn. Note that this road is unmarked.

Follow the narrow road uphill, passing stone houses and a small church. At the top, you’ll reach a clearing with a wooden sign marking the site. Park here and follow the rough footpath uphill.

After about a 10-minute walk, you’ll reach a cave, which may unfortunately have some litter. Just beyond this, look carefully to spot the drawings high up on a rock face to your right. There are no signs marking the spot, so stay alert to avoid missing this rare sight.

Adventure activities

While known for its history and beauty, the Bay of Kotor also offers some exciting adventure activities for thrill-seekers.

Just outside Kotor's walls you can try via ferrata, a climbing technique that was invented in the mountains of Italy. Harnessed to a steel cable, you navigate your way up a path to get some of the best views in the bay!

For a water-based adventure activity, coasteering is an emerging adventure sport that you can do in the bay. Starting with a boat trip, you swim, walk and jump your way along the coast.

Porto Montenegro

Porto Montenegro is the world's only platinum-rated marina and draws superyachts into the Bay of Kotor from all over the world.

Stroll the marina's Jetty One to see some of the most lavish superyachts in the world. Then wander through the village for designer shops and modern eateries that offer drinks and meals..

You can even stay in Porto Montenegro, a stone's throw from Tivat center. Regent Porto Montenegro offers five star accommodation overlooking the marina.

Scenic Drive

A scenic drive around the bay is a great way to enjoy the beauty of this area. Stop at viewpoints to snap photos, and soak up the atmosphere in the small coastal villages.

Here are some stops to add to your itinerary:

• Perast: historic town of Baroque palaces and island churches
• Ćatovića Mlini:- a traditional restaurant set in a renovated water mill with beautiful gardens
• Risan Mosaics: 2,000 year old Roman villa with with preserved mosaics
• Kotor Bay Ferry: a short ferry ride that connects the Herceg Novi and Tivat sides of the bay
• Porto Montenegro: a luxury marina where you’ll find superyachts, and upscale restaurants and boutiques

Where to Stay In The Bay of Kotor

Kotor

Kotor offers a central location, with access to the Old Town and many tours and activities.

You'll find excellent accommodation inside the atmospheric old town. This is an ideal location for a short stay, especially if you don't plan to hire a car, however it can be noisy.

Best places to stay in Kotor Old Town:

• Luxury: Hotel Astoria - atmospheric boutique hotel in Kotor Old Town.
• Mid-Range: Hotel Marija - good value for money hotel in Kotor Old Town.
• Budget: Old Town Youth Hostel - lively hostel that offers plenty of social activities.

>> Best hotels in Kotor Old Town

If you are looking for a beachside stay, the hamlets of Dobrota and Muo also offer excellent accommodation, usually with sea views.

Best places to stay outside Kotor Old Town:

• Luxury: Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort - luxurious seaside resort with swimming pools and spa near Kotor.
• Mid-Range: Turquoise Beachside Apartments - tidy, modern apartments with private balconies on the seaside near Kotor.
• Budget: Hostel Pupa - clean and modern hostel just outside Kotor Old Town.

>> Best hotels in Kotor Bay

Perast

Perast is the most beautiful town in the Bay of Kotor. It offers a scenic spot that’s ideal if you’re looking for a peaceful stay with incredible views.

Perast gets busy with tourists during the summer months. It doesn't have beaches, but you can swim from the seafront and some hotels come with private beach areas. It is a pedestrian-only town, so will have to carry your luggage from the parking lot unless your hotel offers golf cart transportation.

Best places to stay in Perast:

• Luxury: Heritage Grand Perast - five-star hotel in a former palace on Perast's waterfront.
• Mid-Range: Bella Vista Zmukic - tidy self-catering apartment with fantastic views of Perast.

Tivat

Tivat is a modern town that offers a blend of luxury and convenience. It is known for its bustling marina and upscale hotels.

Tivat is just 5km from Kotor Bay's international airport, Tivat Airport. It's also just 10 minutes' drive to Kotor and 30 minutes' drive to Budva.

Best places to stay in Tivat:

• Luxury: Regent Porto Montenegro and Residences - luxurious five-star hotel in Porto Montenegro.
• Mid-Range: Sky - Pine - modern apartment on seafront in the center of Tivat.
• Budget: Sea Star Apartment - modern apartment near the beach within walking distance to Tivat center.

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Dining in the Bay of Kotor

The Bay of Kotor is home to some of Montenegro's best restaurants, with an emphasis on seafood and local wines. You’ll find seaside restaurants throughout the bay offering local cuisine with stunning views.

• Kotor: Try Galion for fresh seafood with views of the city walls or Tanjga for casual Balkan grill.
• Perast: Enjoy local Montenegrin dishes at the seafront restaurant, Conte.
• Tivat: Porto Montenegro offers fine dining options in a chic setting.
• Konobas: Konobas are restaurants where you can try traditional cuisine. Ćatovića Mlini in Morinj and Stari Mlini in Ljuta offer excellent food and service in beautiful settings.

Read More: 

• Best Bay of Kotor Restaurants
• Best Kotor Restaurants
• Best Tivat Restaurants
• Best Herceg Novi Restaurants

Nightlife in the Bay of Kotor

Nightlife in Kotor Bay is generally relaxed, with wine bars and cafes open late into the night. You’ll find nightclubs in Kotor, Tivat, and Herceg Novi.

• Kotor: Maxiumus is a popular nightclub inside the old town walls
• Herceg Novi: People’s is a beach club with live music by Balkan artists every night in summer
• Tivat: House5 is a popular nightclub, while Platinum in Porto Montenegro offers upscale nightlife

Suggested Itineraries for the Bay of Kotor

One-Day Itinerary

• Morning: Explore Kotor’s Old Town and climb the city walls to the San Giovanni Fortress.
• Afternoon: Take a boat tour to Our Lady of the Rocks from Perast.
• Evening: Dine in Kotor with views of the illuminated bay.

Three-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Spend the morning exploring Kotor’s Old Town and climb the city walls to the San Giovanni Fortress. Spend the afternoon on the beach. Have dinner at a seaside restaurant in Kotor.
• Day 2: Take a full-day Montenegro day trip to Lovćen National Park, Cetinje, Lake Skadar and the Budva Riviera.
• Day 3: Take a boat tour to the Blue Cave and relax on the beaches.

Week-Long Itinerary

Cover the entire bay at a relaxed pace and explore the rest of Montenegro on day trips. Here are some ideas:

• Spend time in Tivat and Herceg Novi.
• Explore Lovćen National Park.
• Consider a day trip to the Tara River for rafting.
• Choose from this list of day trips from Kotor Bay.
• Spend a day visiting Budva and Sveti Stefan.
• Spend a day on one of the incredible beaches on the Budva Riviera.
• Head to Skadar Lake for a boat trip and wine tasting.

I recommend hiring a car to help you explore these destinations. 

How to Get to the Bay of Kotor and Getting Around

By Air

Tivat International Airport is the best for travel to the Bay of Kotor. Alternatively, you can fly into Podgorica Airport (in the capital) or Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia.

By Car

You can drive to Montenegro from any neighboring country (Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Albania). There are insurance requirements.

If arriving by air, I recommend renting a car for any stay longer than a few days as it is cost effective and allows you to see more during your stay.

Localrent has the best car hire options and prices in this region. They have rental cars throughout Montenegro, simple contracts, and low deposits.

Ferry and Boat Services

In summer, a local ferry connects Kamenari and Lepetane, shortening the drive across the bay. You can also rent boats to explore Boka Kotorska independently or join group boat tours.

Best Times to Visit the Bay of Kotor

Spring (April to June) and early fall (September to October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer offers the best beach weather, but it is busy with tourists.

>> Click here to find month by month guides to the weather in Montenegro

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