On the water
Boat Trip
A boat ride to the islands of Gospa od Škrpjela and Sveti Đorđe from Perast.
The Baroque Pearl of the Bay of Kotor
Perast is one of the most beautiful small coastal towns in Montenegro, situated on the shores of the Bay of Kotor.
Once a major maritime centre, it now captivates visitors with its Baroque palaces, churches, and tranquil atmosphere. Two island-churches visible from the shore – Gospa od Škrpjela and Sveti Đorđe – are accessible by boat and offer a unique cultural experience. A stroll along the waterfront past historic palaces such as Matinović and Bujović reveals the rich heritage of this small yet remarkable place.
Highlights
Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks) is one of the two islets with churches off Perast in the Bay of Kotor. Boats from the Perast waterfront take a few minutes. On the island are the church and a museum section with votive paintings, silver plaques and objects given by sailors. The island is artificial, built up by piling stones and sinking ships around a reef. Agree the boat fare on the waterfront and check the museum ticket and opening hours on site.
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Palata Bujović is situated at the very entrance to Perast from the direction of Risan and is considered one of the finest Baroque palaces in the entire Bay of Kotor. It was designed in 1694 by the architect Giovanni Battista Fonte. Today it houses the Perast Town Museum (founded in 1937, in the palace since 1957), which preserves historical material about the town's maritime past, traditions, and cultural legacy. A visit to the museum is an excellent introduction to understanding why Perast was such an important maritime centre in the past. The palace itself is an architectural gem well worth admiring.
Trg Pjaca is the central public square of Perast and the heart of social life in this small town. It is home to the Church of St. Nicholas, from 1616, with a 55-metre bell tower from 1691 – one of the recognisable visual symbols of Perast visible from the sea and surrounding hills. The church is dedicated to St Nicholas, patron saint of sailors, reflecting Perast's deep connection with the sea and seafaring. The square is the ideal starting point for a waterfront stroll towards the Baroque palaces.
Bajova Beach is a small pebble beach in Perast, 60 metres long, surrounded by laurel trees that provide natural shade. The water is crystal clear, and the peaceful setting makes it perfect for relaxation and swimming away from the summer crowds. The beach is easily accessible on foot from the centre of Perast and is ideal for families and couples looking for a short break from sightseeing. The combination of clear water, greenery, and a historic setting makes it one of the more beautiful small beaches in the Bay of Kotor.
Palata Matinović is one of the older palaces in Perast and stylistically belongs to the Baroque period, making it an important example of the architectural heritage of this settlement. Its age and stylistic consistency speak to a time when Perast was a prosperous maritime hub with wealthy noble families. The palace is part of the waterfront walking route and, together with Palata Bujović, bears witness to the former splendour and cultural richness of this small coastal town.
What to do
On the water
A boat ride to the islands of Gospa od Škrpjela and Sveti Đorđe from Perast.
On the water
Swimming at Bajova Beach in the crystal-clear waters of the Bay of Kotor.
Culture
Capturing the Baroque palaces, islands, and panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor.
Culture
Visiting the Perast Town Museum in Bujović Palace and the museum section on Gospa od Škrpjela.
Mountains
A leisurely promenade past the historic palaces and churches of Perast.
Narration, a map and the full text in the browser – no app, works offline.
Free self-guided audio drive around the bay, no app needed
90 min36.8 km13 stops
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Free self-guided audio walk through Perast with a boat hop to the island, no app needed
120 min2.4 km11 stops
ListenReels
Hiking, walking and cycling routes that start here or pass nearby, with maps and GPX downloads.
Top Biking Trail 1 – SALTY AND SWEET is a very demanding one-way cycling route 406.3 km long. It passes by Perast and Dobrota and through Lovćen National Park and Durmitor National Park.
406 km10,191 m6–8 days
View trail
An easy one-way hiking trail, 2.1 km long. It offers two viewpoints and a descent of 355 m to the Lepetane bus stop.
2.1 km50–70 min
View trail
EuroVelo 8 – Mediterranean Route – Montenegro Section is a cycling route 195.0 km long from Njivice to Sukobin. It runs on asphalt, has 3,259 m of ascent and passes through the coastal area, Lovćen National Park and Lake Skadar.
195 km3,259 m2–3 days
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The Coastal Hiking Transversal connects Herceg Novi and Bar over a distance of 88.4 km, with a total ascent of 4606 m. It is marked and intended for experienced hikers; the estimated walking time without breaks is 33 h 50 min.
88.4 km4,606 m4–6 days
View trail
An easy one-way hiking tour, 3.4 km long, connecting Donja Lastva and Gornja Lastva. The highest point is at 301 m above sea level, and the ascent takes about 1 h 25 min without breaks.
3.4 km291 m1–1½ h
View trail
The hiking trail from Vrmac Fortress via Bogdašići to Gornja Lastva is 9.5 km long. It is of moderate difficulty, with a total ascent of 414 m and descent of 592 m, and passes viewpoints, a church and springs.
9.5 km414 m3–4½ h
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An easy walking trail in Tivat, 8.9 km long, with 81% asphalt/concrete surface and a small elevation gain. It passes by Belane beach, Kalardovo beach, a drinking fountain, and the Church of Saint Michael; estimated duration is 2 h 20 min.
8.9 km53 m2–3 h
View trail
Trail 747 is an easy hiking trail with a length of 3.3 km. The highest point is at 862 m a.s.l., the lowest at 14 m a.s.l., and the total descent is 843 m. Duration without breaks is approximately 2 h 10 min.
3.3 km23 m2–2½ h
View trailGallery
Plan your stay
Live offers from local hosts on our booking platform. Nothing is charged online – you pay the host on site.
Booking requests are confirmed by the host; payment on site. Offers come from the Travel to Montenegro booking platform.
Plan Your Visit
Website
kotor.travelPerast is open at all times; check the museums' hours (Perast Town Museum, the museum on Our Lady of the Rocks) on site.
Walking around Perast is free. Agree the boat fare to the island on the waterfront; check museum tickets on site.
Parking is available at the entrance to Perast, along the shore. Arriving early is recommended during the summer season.
The waterfront promenade is mostly flat and accessible, but the narrow Baroque streets and stone surfaces can be challenging for people with limited mobility.
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