Kotor, the luscious seaside town of the Bay of Kotor; It is one of our favorites not only in Montenegro but in all of Europe with its Italian texture, picturesque views and stone houses with green shutters.. This is a warm place where you feel the old Italian past as soon as you step in, make you happy with its streets like a movie set and fascinate with its views as you go up to the castle.. Our favorite features of Kotor are undoubtedly its visa-free access and the fact that although the currency is €, it is still an economical route.. Also, it’s an Adriatic town; This means a guarantee of good beaches and coasts during sea holidays!
Most of the architecture you can see in Kotor today was built by the Venetians during the Middle Ages.. With these structures, which were actually used for defense at that time, Kotor has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List for a long time.. It is sometimes overshadowed by its neighbor Dubrovnik; however, Kotor is more beautiful than Dubrovnik for us with its historical texture, Italian influence, sincerity and economical travel opportunities.. No matter how much we express our admiration for him, it is best to start our Kotor Travel Guide as soon as possible!
TO VISIT KOTOR PLACES
Kotor is a small but packed town where you can visit everything in 1.5 days. Our first suggestion to use your time efficiently is to go up to the castle, then wander around the side streets and see the main architectures.. Especially, since the hot weather suddenly hits in summer days, it would be more logical to visit the castle in the morning and leave the rest in the afternoon.. After visiting Kotor, you can take a boat tour in the Bay of Kotor and enjoy the Adriatic coast at the beaches around Kotor.
#1 Piazza of the Arms:
The first place you enter the old city center from the walls of Kotor is Ordu Square.. The square has the town hall, a hotel that used to serve as a theater, a clock tower built in the 17th century, and cafes around it.
#2 Clock Tower:
The clock tower you will see in the Piazza of the Arms was built in 1602, but by 1667 it was still not completely finished, so it was damaged in the earthquake this year and bent to the side.. Although it was tried to be corrected over time, it returned to its tilted state in another earthquake.
There is a Pillar of Shame in front of the clock tower.. This is the place where criminals were brought and shamed by public display in the medieval period in Kotor, which had no prison.
#3 Kotor Old Town:
Places to visit aside , Kotor’s old town streets surrounded by city walls are no different from a movie set. It is obvious from the very first moment that it is the cultural center of Montenegro, and the best way to explore the old city is to wander casually in its side streets.. Knowing that it is one of the best preserved old town centers in the Mediterranean is another detail you should know before taking a tour of the streets.
A medieval texture in every corner, squares with green shutters and plenty of stairs, sweet cafes and in between. there are small boutiques. However, the farther we go from the touristic points, the more beautiful we think.. Another beauty of spending the afternoon in the streets of the old town is to take numerous breaks in the cafes here when it gets hot or when you are tired.. It is already so hot in the afternoon that we are sure that you will catch your breath in every shade you find..
#4 St.. Tryphon Cathedral:
One of the two Roman Catholic churches in Kotor, St.. Tryphon Cathedral was founded in 809 by St.. Made for Tryphon. Also known as St. Tryphon, he lived in Anatolia for a while and after he died there, the Venetians wanted to take the bones of the saint to their lands.. When they could not reach Venice due to the storms and stayed in Kotor and could not leave, they built this cathedral where they would keep the bones of the saint.. The cathedral was used for a long time; However, when it suffered too much damage in the great earthquake in 1667, its exterior was completely destroyed and rebuilt.
The cathedral, which also added Baroque bell towers during the renovation phase, is today the center of the Catholic Diocese of Kotor as one of the most valuable architectures of Kotor.. Inside the cathedral are precious wall paintings, stone ornaments and reliefs made of gold and silver.. Visiting the museum and cathedral €2,5 per person.
#5 Church of Sveti Luke:
The only structure in Kotor that was not damaged in the 1979 earthquake Sveti Luke Church is located in Piazza Greca, one of the famous squares of the old town.. This building, which contains details of both Byzantine and Romanesque styles, was built in 1195 as a Catholic church; but later served both Catholic and Orthodox sects.. Although it was given as a gift to the Orthodox, St. Luke’s Church is very important for Christians as it hosts two altars belonging to two denominations.
#6 St.. Nicholas Church:
Montenegro’s multicultural identity has given it a lot of religious architecture. Here is another Orthodox church built for Serbs living in Kotor.. today St.. There was also an Orthodox church in the place where the Nicholas Church is located.. After being destroyed in a fire, it was replaced by St.. Nikola was built and the construction of the church was completed in 1909.
#7 Maritime Museum:
It’s location shows how important maritime is in the history of Montenegro and Kotor. it’s not hard to guess. The collection in this museum, which tells about Kotor’s history and maritime history; consists of photographs, uniforms, pictures, weapons and ship models.. Although the main theme is maritime, we can also say that ethnographic elements of Kotor and Montenegro culture are exhibited.. The reliefs of the museum depicting the historical moments of Kotor are also worth seeing.. Entrance €4.
#8 Kotor City Walls:
Even though the city walls surrounding the old city center of Kotor are missed by those who do not go to the castle, it is quite a place to visit in Kotor. important actually. The length of these city walls, which is one of the biggest factors in Kotor’s being under UNESCO protection, is 4.5 km and consists of different gates that you will come across while visiting the old town.. Although we will not be able to walk all of the walls of Kotor, let’s say that it is a good trekking route in this region.. You can experience walking on the ramparts, which spread at different heights and steepness, while climbing the San Giovanni Castle.. I guess we don’t need to tell you that following this route will give you plenty of photos with a view of the Bay of Kotor?
Speaking of the city walls, let’s talk about another spot that you probably won’t understand when you see it.. The Kampana Tower near the Scurda River, which you will see while walking from the old town center to the new city side, was built in 1422 by the Byzantine Emperor I.. Built by Justinian.
#9 San Giovanni Castle:
We saved our favorite place in Kotor for last! San Giovanni Castle is the place where you have to climb the city walls and come to Kotor for a view reminiscent of Bob Ross paintings.. There will be those who say what should I do, this view is not like those landscapes.. In our opinion, this activity is the best thing to do in Kotor.
To reach San Giovanni Castle, you have to follow the road through the old town and climb 1350 steps.. The steps are a bit challenging as they reach the ale on the mountain overlooking the Bay of Kotor; because although it is low and easy to climb, it will cause you to slow down, especially in hot weather, since it is a slope.. Of course, you have the chance to rest, as you will often take a photo break at certain points.. Along with your delay, your exit time to the goal may also be longer; it takes about 3 hours to complete the tour. The best time to go to San Giovanni Castle is definitely in the morning; because it gets too hot in the afternoon. Since the church is open between 08:00 and 20:00, it is best to set out at 07:30.
Those who are not willing to walk can take photos and get off at Our Lady of Remedy Church, which is halfway down the road.. This is the most crowded spot in general and the angle of this place is quite sufficient for photography.. There is also a small kiosk in front of this small church where you can meet your snack and beverage needs.
There are two points where you can start the San Giovanni route with plenty of climbing; one is Salad Square, the other is St.. Mary’s Church. We started the climb from Salad Square.. There is a narrow alley on the side of the square that gives its back to the mountain; You can exit by following the direction sign here.. Remember to wear comfortable sneakers. The entrance fee is €8 per person and this is probably the most you will pay in Kotor. Didn’t understand why it was so high but we paid for entry of course. In addition to this, there is another free route that we did not try, of course, we learned this after our return.. We don’t know the entrance exactly, if you want to use this path-style road, it would be useful to ask someone nearby.
TO SEA IN KOTOR PLACES
#1 Kotor Beach:
One of the places to swim in Kotor is the place you can see on the map as Kotor Beach. We couldn’t trust it very much because it was next to the port, but there were a lot of people swimming here.. Except for Kotor Beach, there is no other place to swim in this area; so you need to get out of Kotor a bit. The most beautiful beaches are already on the side of Budva.
#2 Pirate Bar:
The Pirate Bar, located behind Peskovita, is the first choice of those who come to Perast. we can say beach. It can be very crowded in the summer, there is always music as it serves like a beach club.. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be rented, and it is pleasant to spend time with as it has a restaurant and bar.
#3 Bajova Kula:
If you came to Perast by car, you can easily go to Perast’ a beach 1 km away. The water is very nice, the beach is a little pebbly.. Umbrellas and sun loungers can be rented, there is also a bar and restaurant in the business.. It is a very beautiful place with its calmness, one of the most popular beaches in the Bay of Kotor.
#4 Morinj Beach:
In Morinj, around Kotor and Perast another popular beach. It has a sandy pebble beach surrounded by mountains and trees.. There are also cafes and restaurants on the beach.
#5 Budva Beaches:
In our opinion, the most beautiful beaches around Budva. Don’t forget to take a look at this article: BEST BEACHES IN BUDVA
PLAYS TO VISIT CLOSE TO KOTOR
#1 Perast:
Another favorite of ours in Montenegro was Perast, a 15-minute drive from Kotor. This is a small town closed to vehicle traffic; In fact, it is so small that it only has one street.. Setting aside its nature, St.. Famous for its two mini-islands, George and Our Lady of the Rock. The islands, on which there are churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary, offer one of the most beautiful photographs of Montenegro.. Sweet Perast, which is under the protection of UNESCO, is a much quieter place compared to Kotor and Budva as it is not a touristic place.. Total relaxation!
PERAST TRAVEL GUIDE AND PLACES TO VISIT PERAST
#2 Our Lady of the Rock Island:
Our Lady of the Rock is one of the two islands of the Bay of Kotor located towards the Perast coast. Legend has it that it all started in 1452, when a sailor found an icon of the Virgin from the spot where the island is located.. After the icon, a piece of rock is left here for every sailor who successfully returns from the expedition, the stones form a small island made entirely by hand, and at the end of 200 years, the island takes its present form.. On Our Lady of the Rock Island, there is a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and a museum where archaeological finds are exhibited.
#3 Budva:
Budva; A town in Montenegro that we hear more about than Kotor due to the large resident Turkish population and the fact that Turks love to invest in Budva. Although it is the most touristic region of Montenegro, its beauty, which was mentioned by reference to the past, is no longer in question because it almost pioneered unplanned urbanization.. Nevertheless, considering the old town of Stari Grad, the sweet places in this area and of course the beaches on the Adriatic coast, we declare it a must-have for a trip to Montenegro! Budva has a long coastline and is very famous for its beaches.. In addition to all these, we should not skip the night life!
BUDVA TRAVEL GUIDE AND PLACES TO VISIT BUDVA
KOTOR EATING AND DRINKING RECOMMENDATIONS
We wanted to list our recommendations for those who say where and what to eat in Kotor. Since Montenegro is a Balkan country, meat has a special place here, so you will see many meat-heavy dishes in restaurants.. In general, most everything suits our taste.. While you’re here, don’t forget to taste the Balkan classic Cevapi meatballs.. Konoba, which you will often see on the signs, means a local tavern for Montenegro, it is a lower level of the restaurant in terms of price.. We went to Konoba Akustik in Dobrota, but we cannot recommend it because we were not very satisfied.
BBQ Tangja: It looks like a butcher from the outside, but it is actually a shabby family restaurant. You can buy meat from the butcher’s section or you can sit and eat here.. There is a sitting area with a garden at the back, the portions are very full, it is served with side dishes.. We ordered the grilled meat plate and paid €15 for two people, with appetizers and drinks, for 850 g of meat.. We highly recommend it.
Caffe Pizzeria Pronto: It’s very reasonably priced, as you can tell from its name, a place famous for its pizzas.. Slice pizzas €2-€3 are among the favourites, they have many varieties.
Bokun Bar: One of our favorite bars in Kotor. Its atmosphere and music are very enjoyable, its snacks are delicious.
Old Winery Wine Bar: A winery we discovered during the day when we were overwhelmed by the heat.. The wine menu is quite detailed, you can also sit down for coffee and dessert.
Letrika Caffe Bar: A quiet and authentic place to come if you want to escape the crowds of the old town.. One of the most popular cafes in Kotor. It goes into bar mode in the evenings, there are DJ performances on the weekends.. A place to come for every meal.
Authentic Pub Bandiera: This is a nostalgic bar with an old-school theme, their music is rock-heavy.. During the day, you can sit for a coffee break again.
Is KOTOR CHEAP?
This The answer to the question makes us very happy! Although Montenegro is a country in Europe and its currency is Euro, it is really a very cheap country.. If we give an example of the cost of a trip to Montenegro, even in Kotor, which is the most expensive place, you can stay in a hostel or house on the beach by paying a maximum of € 25 per night.. Accommodation is really very affordable. If you are looking for a comfortable hotel, you can find it at €70, which is equivalent to low service in most European countries.
Eating and drinking is even more pleasing! If we continue to give an example from Kotor, especially when you compare the prices of meat dishes with Turkey, they are quite reasonable.. You can eat a big plate of meat for €10-€12 in buffet and restaurant type places, it is possible to find very cheap ones.. As the comfort increases, the numbers increase, but in a luxury restaurant it costs around €50 per person.
WHEN TO GO TO KOTOR
Montenegro is always temperate in terms of climate, so Kotor is always welcome. Of course, the best time to travel comfortably, enjoy the Adriatic beaches and wander around is between May and October.. There is a lot of tourist crowd in summer, spring months are a more reasonable alternative.. We went to Kotor at the end of May; the weather was just like July and our trip went very well.
DOES MONTENEGRO REQUEST A VISA?
Another answer is coming to the question of why we love Montenegro so much! No, Montenegro does not require visas from Turks. As long as you fly through Montenegro, you can go to Montenegro even if you don’t have a Schengen visa.
WHERE TO STAY IN KOTOR
We stayed in Kotor during our entire Montenegro trip. If you want to make a historical and cultural trip, it makes the most sense to stay in Kotor.. If you are coming for a sea holiday, then you can consider Budva, if you want a quiet town accommodation, you can consider Perast.. Guesthouse Anita on the beach from Kotor to Dobrota was a very economical option for us, we paid €35 per night in May. Its distance to Kotor was also about 1 km.
In addition to hotels and guesthouses in Kotor, you can also rent a house via Airbnb.. here we leave our membership link providing 130 TL discount for those staying with Airbnb for the first time. While you book with a discount, we earn credits, so we travel economically together.
We have come to the end of our Kotor Travel Guide with accommodation suggestions in Kotor.. You can reach all our travel notes and photos about Kotor on Instagram. Follow us, let’s travel together!
