Travel to Montenegro
Bay of Kotor
Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

Bay of Kotor

Where the mountains meet the sea

Overview

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.

  • UNESCO
  • History
  • Nautical tourism
  • Gastronomy
  • Nature
  • Adriatic
  • Baroque
  • Beaches
Highlights

Discover Bay of Kotor

Kotor Old Town

Kotor Old Town

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.

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Perast and the Our Lady of the Rocks Islands

Perast and the Our Lady of the Rocks Islands

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.

Blue Cave on Luštica

Blue Cave on Luštica

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, Tivat

Porto Montenegro, Tivat

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

Luštica Bay

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

Activities in Bay of Kotor

  • Sailing the bay

    On the water

    Sailing the bay

    Boat tours from Kotor and Herceg Novi lead to Perast, the island churches, and the Blue Cave.

  • Hiking to the fortress

    Mountains

    Hiking to the fortress

    The climb to the fortress of St. John above Kotor offers a panoramic view of the entire bay.

  • Shellfish tasting

    Food & wine

    Shellfish tasting

    Visiting oyster and mussel farms in Herceg Novi and Risan with tasting in buzara sauce.

  • Zip line

    Adventure

    Zip line

    An adrenaline zip line ride at 980 m above sea level on the road from Njeguši to Kotor, 45 seconds of flight.

  • Kayaking and swimming

    On the water

    Kayaking and swimming

    The crystal-clear waters of the bay are ideal for kayaking, diving, and swimming in the coves around Dobrota and Tivat.

Around here

Bay of Kotor and around on the map

Explore on your own

Explore Bay of Kotor your way

Free audio guides with narration and a map, plus trails with maps and GPX downloads – set off whenever suits you.

All audio guides
View of Kotor Old Town and the Bay of Kotor from St John's Fortress
FreeAudio walk

Audio walk · Sea Gate

Kotor Old Town

  • 70 min
  • ⁨2.6 km⁩
  • 14 stops
Narration in Crnogorski, English, Русский, Deutsch, Español, Français, Italiano, Türkçe, PolskiListen
The Bay of Kotor and Kotor seen from the old Lovćen road
FreeAudio drive

Audio drive · Kotor

Kotor to Cetinje over Lovćen

  • 240 min
  • ⁨57.6 km⁩
  • 12 stops
Narration in Crnogorski, English, Русский, Deutsch, Español, Français, Italiano, Türkçe, PolskiListen
Aerial view of the Bay of Kotor with the Verige strait and the inner bays
FreeAudio drive

Audio drive · Kotor

Bay of Kotor by car

  • 90 min
  • ⁨36.8 km⁩
  • 13 stops
Narration in Crnogorski, English, Русский, Deutsch, Español, Français, Italiano, Türkçe, PolskiListen
St George's Island and Our Lady of the Rocks off Perast
FreeAudio walk

Audio walk · Bujović Palace

Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks

  • 120 min
  • ⁨2.4 km⁩
  • 11 stops
Narration in Crnogorski, English, Русский, Deutsch, Español, Français, Italiano, Türkçe, PolskiListen
Herceg Novi and the entrance to the Bay of Kotor
FreeAudio walk

Audio walk · Škver harbour

Herceg Novi Old Town

  • 70 min
  • ⁨1.4 km⁩
  • 11 stops
Narration in Crnogorski, English, Русский, Deutsch, Español, Français, Italiano, Türkçe, PolskiListen
Kotor's walls climbing St John's hill to the fortress at the top
FreeAudio walk

Audio walk · Walls entrance by St Mary's church

Kotor walls and St John's Fortress

  • 120 min
  • ⁨2.2 km⁩
  • 10 stops
Narration in Crnogorski, English, Русский, Deutsch, Español, Français, Italiano, Türkçe, PolskiListen
Food & Drink

Where to Eat in Bay of Kotor

All places

  • Winery

    Storia di Pietra Winery

    Kotor

    A family winery in the village of Mirac above Grbalj, at about 650 m and 11 km from Kotor, looking over the Bay of Kotor and the open sea. It makes vranac (also barrel-aged), cabernet, malvasia, goražda, chardonnay and a rosé, plus peach and grape brandy. A tour of the winery ends with a tasting paired with traditional dishes, and there is a restaurant with a panoramic terrace.

Plan your stay

Bay of Kotor – where to stay

Live offers from local hosts on our booking platform. Nothing is charged online – you pay the host on site.

All stays16

Tours & activities

All tours & activities10

Getting here and around

Airport transfer

See all transfers

Plan Your Visit

Weather & Useful Info

When to come

Monthly averages – Tivat.

  • 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 – Tivat
May–June and September–October are ideal: temperatures are pleasant (around 25°C), the sea is warm, and there are significantly fewer cruise ships and tourists than in July and August. July and August are the most vibrant months, but also the most crowded and expensive. November–March offers peace and lower prices, though some konobas and tourist facilities may be closed.

Visitor tip

Head to Kotor before 9 a.m. to avoid the cruise ship crowds that arrive midday. For the climb to the fortress of St. John, bring water and wear shoes with good grip. Boat tours from Kotor and Herceg Novi offer the finest views of the bay – book in advance in July and August. Try the shellfish at konobas around Risan and Herceg Novi where they are farmed locally.

Good to know

Opening hours
The 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.
Admission
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
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.
Accessibility
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.
Website
kotor.travel
Phone
+382 32 325 950

Getting Here

By Plane

The nearest airport is Tivat (TIV), just 10–15 minutes' drive from Kotor and the central part of the bay. Podgorica Airport (TGD) is about 85 km from Kotor, and the transfer by car takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. From Tivat there are seasonal direct routes from major European cities.

By Car

From Podgorica to Kotor is about 85 km, the drive takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. From Dubrovnik the distance is similar – about 90 km with a border crossing. Parking in the center of Kotor is limited and charged; parking outside the walls and walking to the Old Town is recommended.

By Bus

From Podgorica there are several daily bus services to Kotor, Tivat, and Herceg Novi; the journey takes around 2 hours. Operators such as Alo Express, Krivokapić Tours, and Jadran Linija run daily services. Tickets can be purchased online or at the bus station.

By Boat

There were no passenger ferries between Bar and Italy in 2026 (the Bar–Bari and Bar–Ancona lines stopped in July 2025), so check the current season with Barska plovidba. The ports of Kotor, Herceg Novi (Zelenika), and Tivat have international port status. Kotor is the main cruise ship destination in the region, and Porto Montenegro marina in Tivat accommodates yachts up to 150 metres in length.

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Day plan

Suggested Itineraries

Weekend in Boka Kotorska

  1. Day 1 · Kotor, Old Town and the fortress of St. John

    Kotor Old Town and the walls

    In the morning, as early as possible – ideally before 9 a.m. – enter the Old Town of Kotor through the Sea Gate and stroll the narrow cobblestone streets while the city is still quiet. Stop by the Arms Square, visit the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, and discover some of the hidden courtyards where Kotor's cats laze in the sun. Then set off on the climb up the city walls towards the fortress of St. John – the ascent takes around 45–60 minutes and rewards you with a panoramic view of the entire bay and the red rooftops below. Bring water and comfortable footwear. For lunch, head back down into the Old Town and take a seat at Konoba Scala Santa on the square – try the black risotto or freshly grilled squid. Spend the afternoon at the Cat Museum or the Maritime Museum inside the walls. In the early evening, head out to the waterfront and stroll along the riva as the sun descends behind the mountains.

  2. Day 2 · Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks, St. George

    Perast and the islands in the middle of the bay

    Start the morning with a drive or boat ride to Perast – just 20 minutes north of Kotor. Perast is a small baroque town with stone palaces right on the bay's waterfront, considerably quieter than Kotor. Climb the bell tower of St. Nicholas Church for a view of the two islands in the middle of the bay. Then board a small boat (boatmen wait on the riva, price around €5 per person) to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks – an artificial island that sailors built stone by stone over the centuries. The church on the island houses a rich collection of votive paintings and gold embroidery. For lunch, return to Perast and sit down at Restaurant Conte right on the waterfront – order grilled Adriatic fish or a plate of fresh shellfish with a local white Krstač wine. In the afternoon, drive back towards Tivat and stop at Porto Montenegro for a coffee with a view of the yachts.
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Citizens of the EU, USA, Canada, Australia, and most European countries do not need a visa for Montenegro for stays of up to 90 days. Montenegro uses the euro as its currency, making travel from the eurozone straightforward.

Cruise ships typically dock between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Visit the Old Town early in the morning (before 9 a.m.) or late in the afternoon when the ships depart. Avoid Kotor in July and August if you are sensitive to crowds.

For a brief overview of Kotor and Perast, 2 days are sufficient. For a complete experience that includes Herceg Novi, the Blue Cave, Luštica Bay, and a trip towards Njeguši, 4–5 days are recommended.

Yes – November to March offers tranquillity, lower accommodation prices, and a misty atmosphere on the walls. Some konobas and tourist facilities may be closed, but Kotor's Old Town and the coastal promenade are accessible throughout the year.

A car is the most flexible option for getting around the bay. There are also regular bus services between Kotor, Tivat, Perast, and Herceg Novi. Boat tours and water taxis offer an attractive alternative means of transport along the coast.

Oyster and mussel farms are located in Herceg Novi and Risan – local konobas serve them fresh in white or red buzara sauce. Njeguški pršut and cheese are available in villages along the road towards Lovćen. Black risotto and fresh fish can be found in almost every konoba along the coast.