On the water
Sailing the bay
Boat tours from Kotor and Herceg Novi lead to Perast, the island churches, and the Blue Cave.
Where the mountains meet the sea
The Bay of Kotor, also known as Boka Kotorska, is one of the most visually striking landscapes in the Mediterranean.
Surrounded by the Dinaric Alps, the bay encompasses the municipalities of Kotor, Herceg Novi, and Tivat, offering an unbroken succession of coves, sandy beaches, and UNESCO-protected medieval towns. Visitors can explore the narrow cobblestone streets of Kotor, sail by boat to the baroque town of Perast and its island churches, dive into the Blue Cave on Luštica, or enjoy fresh shellfish farmed in the bay itself. Boka is at once a historic heritage site, an active destination, and a gastronomic experience.
Highlights
Surrounded by mighty stone walls that wind up the cliff to the fortress of St. John, Kotor's Old Town has been under UNESCO protection since 1979. Narrow cobblestone streets lead to baroque palaces, Romanesque churches, and lively squares where cats roam freely – earning the city its reputation as the City of Cats. The walls date back to the 9th century and were expanded during Venetian rule. Walking through the Old Town means stepping through more than a thousand years of history at every turn.
Explore More
Perast is a small baroque town on the northern shore of the Bay of Kotor, just 20 minutes' drive from Kotor. Its waterfront of stone palaces and the bell tower of St. Nicholas Church looks directly out onto two islands in the middle of the bay. Our Lady of the Rocks is an artificial island that sailors built over the centuries by throwing stones and sinking ships – the church on it houses a collection of votive paintings and gold embroidery. The island of St. George, of natural origin, conceals a Benedictine monastery surrounded by cypress trees and bears the nickname the Island of the Dead.
Located on the Luštica peninsula, the Blue Cave is one of the most attractive natural sights in the Bay of Kotor. The enormous rocks inside the cave reflect in sapphire and turquoise hues thanks to the refraction of light through underwater openings, creating a surreal visual experience. It is accessible only by boat – tours depart from Herceg Novi and Tivat. Visitors can swim inside the cave and photograph it from various angles for unforgettable shots.
Porto Montenegro in Tivat is one of the most prestigious nautical marinas on the Adriatic and a landmark on the map of world yachting destinations. The marina has 250 berths for yachts from 12 to 150 metres in length, with a further 185 new berths under construction, including more than 50 for superyachts longer than 45 metres. In addition to the marina, the complex includes luxury waterfront apartments, restaurants, cafés, and a rich sports and recreational offering. In just a few years, Porto Montenegro has grown from a project into Montenegro's leading luxury tourism brand.
Luštica Bay is a modern town in development located on the Luštica peninsula in the heart of the Bay of Kotor. Conceived as a destination that blends authentic Mediterranean culture, Boka Kotorska gastronomy, and contemporary amenities, it offers visitors unforgettable experiences against the backdrop of magnificent mountains. The seaside promenade, restaurants featuring local specialities, and proximity to the Blue Cave make it an ideal base for exploring the entire bay. Luštica Bay is also an example of how modern tourism can be developed in harmony with the natural and cultural heritage of the region.
What to do
On the water
Boat tours from Kotor and Herceg Novi lead to Perast, the island churches, and the Blue Cave.
Mountains
The climb to the fortress of St. John above Kotor offers a panoramic view of the entire bay.
Food & wine
Visiting oyster and mussel farms in Herceg Novi and Risan with tasting in buzara sauce.
Adventure
An adrenaline zip line ride at 980 m above sea level on the road from Njeguši to Kotor, 45 seconds of flight.
On the water
The crystal-clear waters of the bay are ideal for kayaking, diving, and swimming in the coves around Dobrota and Tivat.
Narration, a map and the full text in the browser – no app, works offline.
Free self-guided audio walk through the Old Town, no app needed
70 min2.6 km14 stops
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Free self-guided audio drive on the old road, no app needed
240 min57.6 km12 stops
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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
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Free self-guided audio walk through the town of stairs, no app needed
70 min1.4 km11 stops
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Free self-guided audio climb up the walls, no app needed
120 min2.2 km10 stops
ListenHiking, walking and cycling routes that start here or pass nearby, with maps and GPX downloads.
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
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
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
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
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
View trail
The Coastal Promenade Kumbor – Đenovići – Baošići is an easy one-way trail, 4.6 km long. It runs along the sea and beaches, with a short ascent of 18 m and a descent of 86 m; estimated duration without breaks is 1 h 15 min.
4.6 km18 m65–90 min
View trail
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
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 trailGallery
Plan your stay
Live offers from local hosts on our booking platform. Nothing is charged online – you pay the host on site.
A few offers
Booking requests are confirmed by the host; payment on site. Numbers show active offers per town on the Travel to Montenegro booking platform.
Plan Your Visit
Phone
+382 32 325 950Website
www.kotor.travelThe old town of Kotor is accessible throughout the day. Walls and the fortress of Sv. Ivana: open from 08:00 to 20:00 (May–October); outside of season, access is less formally regulated.
Entry to the city walls and St John's Fortress (San Giovanni): €15 per adult (2026); residents of Montenegro enter free. Entry to Kotor Old Town is free.
Parking in the Old Town zone of Kotor is paid. It is recommended to use parking outside the walls and walk. Parking at Tivat airport is charged by the hour.
The Old Town of Kotor has narrow cobblestone streets that are challenging for wheelchairs. The coastal promenade along the bay is mostly flat and accessible. Boat tours are available with prior notice for persons with special needs.
FAQ
