Three days around the bay
- Day 1
Kotor, the Old Town and the walls
Overnight inKotorArriving: from Tivat airport to Kotor is seven kilometres, about ten minutes by car. From Podgorica airport it is about 75 km (an hour and a half to an hour and 40 minutes), and from Dubrovnik about 80 km, two hours without waiting at the border.
You explore the Old Town on foot. Enter through the Sea Gate onto the Square of Arms, then walk on to St Tryphon's Cathedral and the smaller squares behind it. Two or three hours are enough for the town itself. About 1,350 steps lead up the walls to St John's Fortress: the climb takes about 45 minutes and the way down half an hour. In summer go early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when it is cooler and there are fewer cruise passengers.
- Day 2
Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks
Driving: 28 km · 50 minOvernight inKotorPerast is 14 km along the bay, about 25 minutes by car. Stroll along the waterfront between the Baroque palaces and climb the bell tower of St Nicholas. From the waterfront small boats go to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks; the ride takes a few minutes. Agree the fare and the return time before you set off.
In the afternoon pick one of two: a swim at one of the beaches of the bay, or the Kotor–Lovćen cable car, which climbs in 11 minutes from Dub station near Kotor to Kuk at 1,348 metres. It runs from May to October. On the way back you can stop in Dobrota or Prčanj, quieter places on the bay.
- Day 3
Lovćen, Cetinje and Budva
Driving: 105 km · 2 hr 30 minOvernight inKotorFrom Kotor the old hairpin road climbs onto Lovćen, and you reach Njeguši in about half an hour. The road is narrow, so drive slowly and let buses pass. In Njeguši try the prosciutto and cheese, then continue 15 minutes to Njegoš's Mausoleum on Jezerski vrh.
Cetinje, the old royal capital, is another 35 minutes or so. It has the Cetinje Monastery, museums and the former embassies. In the afternoon drop down to Budva (40 minutes) and walk through its Old Town, then drive back to Kotor in half an hour. The whole loop is about 105 km and two and a half hours of driving.
Without a car
Day one needs no transport. On day two buses on the Kotor–Risan–Herceg Novi line go to Perast, and excursion boats leave the Kotor waterfront for Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks. Shuttle buses run from Kotor to the cable car's lower station. For day three the easiest option is an organised Lovćen–Cetinje tour or a taxi for the day; by bus you reach Cetinje via Budva. At Kotor bus station you also pay a small platform fee.
Don't miss
Kotor Old Town
The Sea Gate, the Square of Arms and St Tryphon's Cathedral, then the climb up the walls to St John's Fortress.
View
Our Lady of the Rocks
The island off Perast, a few minutes by boat from the waterfront. Combine it with a walk through Perast.
View
Lovćen and Njeguši
The hairpin road above Kotor, prosciutto and cheese in Njeguši and Njegoš's Mausoleum on Jezerski vrh.
View
Cetinje
The old royal capital with the Cetinje Monastery and museums, on the way from Lovćen to Budva.
View
Did you know?
About 1,350 stone steps lead up to St John's Fortress above Kotor. The climb takes about 45 minutes, and in season foreign visitors pay to enter the walls.
Good to know
Good to know
May, June, September and October: it is warm, and there are fewer crowds than in July and August. The Kotor–Lovćen cable car runs from May to October.
Tip
Parking in Kotor
There are few spaces by the Old Town and they are paid. A place with parking in Dobrota or Prčanj saves time.
Tip
The walls early
In summer start up the walls before nine or late in the afternoon. Bring water and shoes that grip.
Tip
Cash
Cash is handy for the walls, the boats in Perast and the platform fee at the bus station.
Tip
Cruise ship days
When several ships are in, the Old Town is packed from morning to mid-afternoon. Check the arrivals notice on the Port of Kotor website.
Tip
Taxis
Taxis waiting outside the Old Town charge more. Agree the fare first or call one by phone.
