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.
Location
Boka Kotorska, Montenegro
Region
Primorje
Ideal time
May – June, September
Recommended duration
Half a day – full day
Distance from Kotor
~16 min drive
Highlights
Gospa od Škrpjela is one of two famous island-churches in the Bay of Kotor, located just off the shore of Perast. The island is reached by boat from Perast in just a few minutes, with tickets costing €5 per person. On the island stands a church and a museum section with a rich collection of votive paintings, silver plaques, and historical artefacts donated by sailors. Museum admission is €2, and the museum is open every day from 08:00 to 20:00. The island was created artificially by piling stones and sunken ships, making it a unique cultural and historical phenomenon on the Adriatic.
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. Today it houses the Heritage Museum of Perast, 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, built between the 15th and 17th centuries, graced by an impressive 55-metre bell tower — one of the recognisable visual symbols of Perast visible from the sea and surrounding hills. The church is dedicated to the 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
A boat ride to the islands of Gospa od Škrpjela and Sveti Đorđe from Perast.
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Swimming at Bajova Beach in the crystal-clear waters of the Bay of Kotor.
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Capturing the Baroque palaces, islands, and panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor.
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Visiting the Heritage Museum in Palata Bujović and the museum section on Gospa od Škrpjela.
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A leisurely promenade past the historic palaces and churches of Perast.
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Plan Your Visit
From Kotor to Perast is approximately a 16-minute drive along the E-65 and E-80 highways, passing through the settlements of Dobrota, Ljuta, Donji Orahovac, and Dražin Vrt. Parking is available at the entrance to the settlement.
Bus lines operate from Kotor and surrounding settlements to Perast. A detailed timetable is available on the Kotor bus station website.
The nearest airport is Tivat (TIV), approximately 20–25 km away, while Podgorica Airport (TGD) is approximately 90 km away. Taxi or car rental services are available from both airports.
The island of Gospa od Škrpjela is reached by boat from Perast. Tickets cost €5 per person.
FAQ
