Travel to Montenegro
Dobrota Beach
City beach

Dobrota Beach

Public bathing area in the Bay of Kotor, 10 minutes from Kotor Old Town

Distance
10 min walk
Shore
Pebbles and shingle
Sea
Calm, no waves
Directions to the beachOn the map
Overview

Dobrota Beach, known locally as Žuta plaža (Yellow Beach), is a public bathing area at the southern end of the Dobrota settlement, just north of the Old Town of Kotor.

You can reach it in about ten minutes of easy walking along the seaside promenade by the marina from the Sea Gate. Instead of sand, the shore is made up of pebbles and small shingle alongside concrete platforms, and the gradual entry into the calm sea of the inner bay makes it accessible even for non-swimmers. The swimming area is marked off by buoys, and part of the beach is under concession, while the public section has no loungers or umbrellas. The beach offers views of Kotor, Mount Sveti Ivan and cruise ships in the harbour, with cafés and restaurants right on the promenade.

Did You Know?

Dobrota Beach has two names: locals call it Žuta plaža, and foreign tourists call it Kotor Beach. Because of its location in the inner part of Boka, the water is almost without waves, and buoys clearly mark the swimming area.

Highlights

Discover Dobrota Beach

Dobrota Beach bathing area

Dobrota Beach bathing area

The central part of the beach consists of pebbles and small shingle with concrete platforms from which it is easier to enter the water. The entry is gradual and the water in the inner part of Boka is almost always calm, making swimming pleasant even for weaker swimmers. Buoys clearly mark the swimming area, and Morsko dobro divides the shore into a public section without loungers and umbrellas and a part under concession, where half of the bathing area must remain free. Because of this, the beach keeps its local character.

Promenade by the marina to the Sea Gate

Promenade by the marina to the Sea Gate

The beach is just a ten-minute walk from the Old Town, and the path leads past the yacht marina right along the shore. This walk is part of everyday life for locals and offers views of the Kotor walls, Mount Sveti Ivan and cruise ships moored in the harbour. Along the promenade are cafés and restaurants, so swimming is easy to combine with a coffee or lunch break.

View of Kotor and Sveti Ivan

View of Kotor and Sveti Ivan

From the beach itself you can enjoy one of the most recognisable scenes of Boka: the Old Town of Kotor beneath Mount Sveti Ivan and large cruise ships entering the harbour. This contrast between the calm bathing area and the lively town gives the beach its special atmosphere. The best photo opportunity is in the evening, when the town lights come on and the hill takes on a darker silhouette.

Old Town of Kotor

Old Town of Kotor

Just ten minutes from the beach is the Old Town of Kotor, a UNESCO-protected site with narrow streets, squares and walls that surround the peninsula. Through the Sea Gate, the main entrance to the town, you reach the Square of Arms, the cathedral and numerous cafés. This proximity makes Dobrota Beach practical for those who want to combine swimming with a visit to the historic core.

What to do

Things to do at the beach

  • On the water

    Swimming

    Gradual entry and calm sea in the inner part of Boka are suitable for swimming and bathing.

  • Nature

    Sunbathing

    The public part of the beach and concrete platforms are used for sunbathing; bring your own mat.

  • Mountains

    Promenade walk

    The promenade by the marina connects the beach with the Old Town and offers views of the cruise ships.

  • Culture

    Photography

    Views of the Kotor walls, Mount Sveti Ivan and the bay offer great shots for photos.

Around here

The beach and its surroundings on the map

Directions to the beach
  1. Kotor

    Kotor

    City · 0.6 km

    A medieval town under UNESCO protection, nestled between steep mountains and the calm waters of the Bay of Kotor.

  2. St. John's Fortress

    St. John's Fortress

    Castle · 0.7 km

    A fortification complex above Kotor at 260m elevation, with views over the entire Bay of Kotor.

  3. Prčanj

    Prčanj

    Village · 1.7 km

    Prčanj is a quiet coastal settlement along the Bay of Kotor, with a sandy-pebbly beach and rich historical architecture.

  4. Dobrota

    Dobrota

    Village · 3.0 km

    Dobrota is a coastal settlement north of Kotor, known for its tranquil shoreline, historic churches, and views over the Bay of Kotor.

  5. Markov rt Beach

    Markov rt Beach

    Beach · 4.9 km

    A pebble beach on the cape between Prčanj and Donji Stoliv, with views of Kotor and the mountains.

  6. Kalardovo Beach

    Kalardovo Beach

    Beach · 5.2 km

    A tranquil 250 m beach along the Bay of Kotor, 3 km from Tivat town centre, ideal for families with children.

  7. Belane Beach

    Belane Beach

    Beach · 5.5 km

    A pebble beach approximately 200 m long in the centre of Tivat, at the start of the Pine promenade next to Kalimanj harbour.

  8. Orahovac Beach

    Orahovac Beach

    Beach · 5.6 km

    Orahovac is a small coastal village near Kotor with a quiet beach on the shores of the Bay of Kotor.

  9. Tivat

    Tivat

    City · 5.7 km

    A coastal town in Boka Kotorska, known for the superyacht marina Porto Montenegro and its Mediterranean climate.

  10. Buća Summer Residence

    Buća Summer Residence

    Historical Site · 5.9 km

    A medieval summer residence of the Kotor noble family Buća from the 15th century, with a tower, the Chapel of St. Michael and a summer stage – today the seat of the Tivat Museum and Gallery.

  11. Lovćen National Park

    Lovćen National Park

    National Park · 6.5 km

    A national park in southwestern Montenegro, ranging from 939 to 1,749 m a.s.l., guardian of history, culture, and untouched nature.

  12. Bajova Kula

    Bajova Kula

    Beach · 6.6 km

    A small pebble beach in the Dražin Vrt cove, named after the tower of Montenegrin hero Bajo Pivljanin from the 17th century.

  13. Plavi Horizonti

    Plavi Horizonti

    Beach · 8.4 km

    A sandy beach approximately 300 m long on the Luštica Peninsula, surrounded by pine forest, with shallow waters extending up to 100 m from the shore.

  14. Perast

    Perast

    Old Town · 8.6 km

    A picturesque coastal settlement in the Bay of Kotor, known for its Baroque architecture and two island-churches.

  15. Bijela Beach

    Bijela Beach

    Beach · 9.3 km

    Bijela Beach is the main shingle beach of the settlement, about 200 m long, with a gentle and shallow entry into the sea, ideal for families with children.

  16. Baošići Beach

    Baošići Beach

    Beach · 10 km

    A public pebble beach with calm, shallow sea in Baošići, ideal for families.

All beachesAll destinations
Food & Drink

Where to Eat in Dobrota Beach

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Plan Your Visit

Weather & Useful Info

When to come

Monthly averages – Kotor.

  • Jan: Air (max) 12 °C, Sea 14 °C
  • Feb: Air (max) 13 °C, Sea 13 °C
  • Mar: Air (max) 14 °C, Sea 14 °C
  • Apr: Air (max) 17 °C, Sea 16 °C
  • May: Air (max) 22 °C, Sea 19 °C
  • Jun: Air (max) 27 °C, Sea 23 °C
  • Jul: Air (max) 31 °C, Sea 25 °C
  • Aug: Air (max) 30 °C, Sea 26 °C
  • Sep: Air (max) 25 °C, Sea 24 °C
  • Oct: Air (max) 22 °C, Sea 21 °C
  • Nov: Air (max) 17 °C, Sea 18 °C
  • Dec: Air (max) 14 °C, Sea 15 °C
Air (max)SeaSwimming season
Climate and weather – Kotor
From June to September, preferably in the morning or early evening when crowds are at their lowest; outside the season the beach is quiet but the sea is colder.

Visitor tip

Bring water shoes because of the pebbles and shingle. Arrive on foot from the Old Town – parking in Dobrota is difficult due to the narrow road I Bokeljske brigade. The public section has no loungers, so bring a towel or mat. Before swimming, check the latest water quality results published by Morsko dobro. Early afternoon is usually calmer, but the view of the bay and cruise ships makes the walk worthwhile too.

Good to know

Opening hours
The bathing area is open throughout the year; seasonal cafés operate according to their own opening hours.
Admission
Entrance is free; the public section has no sun loungers or parasols.
Parking
Parking in Dobrota is difficult (narrow I Bokeljske brigade road); public parking in Kotor is recommended.
Accessibility
The promenade to the beach is flat, but the pebbly shore makes wheelchair access difficult; the concrete platforms are partially more accessible.
Website
morskodobro.com

Getting Here

By Plane

The nearest airport is Tivat (TIV), about 8 km away; the second one is Podgorica (TGD) at about 85 km. From Tivat, Kotor can be reached by taxi, rental car, or bus in 15–20 minutes.

By Car

Dobrota is easiest reached by the E80/E65 highway through Boka Kotorska; it is about 8 km from Tivat Airport, and about 85 km from Podgorica. Parking is difficult along the narrow road I Bokeljske brigade, so it is better to leave the car in a public parking lot in Kotor and walk.

By Bus

Kotor Bus Station is about 1.5 km away; local and intercity buses connect Kotor with Budva, Tivat, Podgorica and Herceg Novi, and the beach is then reached on foot.

Directions to the beach
Trails

Trails around Dobrota Beach

Hiking, walking and cycling routes that start here or pass nearby, with maps and GPX downloads.

All trails
Top Biking Trail 1 – Salty and Sweet (Herceg Novi – Plužine)
ExpertCycling

Cycling · Španjola Fortress · Lovćen National Park

Top Biking Trail 1 – Salty and Sweet (Herceg Novi – Plužine)

  • 406 km
  • 10,191 m
  • 6–8 days
View trail
Kotor – Lovćen (Velji Bostur), trail 759
ExpertHiking

Hiking · Dobrota Beach · Lovćen National Park

Kotor – Lovćen (Velji Bostur), trail 759

  • 16.1 km
  • 1,418 m
  • 6–8 h
View trail
Krstac – Gornji Gačevići (Prčanj)
DifficultHiking

Hiking · St. John's Fortress · Lovćen National Park

Krstac – Gornji Gačevići (Prčanj)

  • 17.3 km
  • 578 m
  • 5–7 h
View trail
Pestingrad – Murikova Cave
ModerateHiking

Hiking · St. John's Fortress

Pestingrad – Murikova Cave

  • 1.4 km
  • 93 m
  • 30–40 min
View trail
Ascent to the Jezerski Vrh Viewpoint – Lovćen National Park
ModerateHiking

Hiking · St. John's Fortress · Lovćen National Park

Ascent to the Jezerski Vrh Viewpoint – Lovćen National Park

  • 2.8 km
  • 350 m
  • 1½–2 h
View trail
Njeguši: Njeguški Prosciutto Trail
EasyHiking

Hiking · St. John's Fortress

Njeguši: Njeguški Prosciutto Trail

  • 3.5 km
  • 50 m
  • 50–70 min
View trail
Dobrota – Gornji Gačevići on Vrmac (trail 748)
ModerateHiking

Hiking · Dobrota Beach

Dobrota – Gornji Gačevići on Vrmac (trail 748)

  • 4.7 km
  • 799 m
  • 3–4 h
View trail
Lovćen: Velji Bostur – Bukovica
ModerateHiking

Hiking · St. John's Fortress · Lovćen National Park

Lovćen: Velji Bostur – Bukovica

  • 10.1 km
  • 265 m
  • 3–4½ h
View trail
Day plan

Suggested Itineraries

A day at the beach and in the Old Town

  1. Day 1 · Dobrota Beach and Kotor

    Morning swim and visit to the Old Town

    Start the day at Dobrota Beach, reached from the Old Town in about ten minutes on foot along the promenade by the marina. Morning hours are best for swimming because the water in the inner part of Boka is calm and the crowds are still light. Bring your own towel or mat, as the public part of the beach has no loungers or umbrellas. After swimming and sunbathing on the pebbly shore or concrete platforms, return along the promenade to the Sea Gate and explore the Old Town of Kotor. In the afternoon, have a coffee in one of the cafés on a square or by the town walls, then walk to the northern part of Dobrota for views of the cruise ships in the harbour. For lunch choose Galion restaurant on the shore, known for its fish dishes and views of the bay. In the early evening go back to the beach or promenade to enjoy the evening lights below Mount Sveti Ivan. Insider tip: before swimming check the latest water quality results published by Morsko dobro.
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Locals call it Žuta plaža (Yellow Beach), and tourists often call it Kotor Beach. In the records of Morsko dobro it is listed as Žuta plaža.

The beach is about a 10-minute easy walk away. From the Sea Gate, follow the promenade next to the marina northwards.

Yes, entry to the public part of the beach is free. The public section has no loungers or umbrellas, while the part under concession must ensure that half of the bathing area remains free.

The water is usually suitable for swimming, but Morsko dobro occasionally publishes poorer results, especially after heavy rainfall. Before swimming, check the latest data on the Morsko dobro website.