Bay of Kotor: a route through the most beautiful towns and restaurants of 2026
Our journey will begin in the very heart of this Mediterranean wonder — in the Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a place where the sea cuts deeply into the land, creating a landscape reminiscent of Scandinavian fjords, but warmed by the southern...
Our journey will begin in the very heart of this Mediterranean wonder — in the Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a place where the sea cuts deeply into the land, creating a landscape reminiscent of Scandinavian fjords, but warmed by the southern sun.
What to know about Montenegro
Imagine a country where the gleam of a superyacht in the bay is reflected in the centuries-old stones of a Venetian fortress, and the ring of a Catholic bell in a seaside town echoes to an Orthodox monastery carved into a sheer cliff. This is Montenegro — a land of striking contrasts and harmony, where dramatic, almost black mountains descend to the azure Adriatic Sea, creating breathtaking scenery.
To truly understand and feel this country, you need to embrace one philosophy — «polako». This Balkan principle of slow living permeates everything here. It is not just slowness in service, but the art of savoring every moment: whether it is a long morning cup of coffee overlooking the bay or a leisurely conversation in a konoba. «Polako» invites you to slow down and immerse yourself in the moment.
Kotor: Old Town, cats and the fortress of St. John
Entering through the Sea Gate into the Old Town (Stari Grad) of Kotor, you will instantly be transported to another era. Narrow cobbled streets lead to cozy squares surrounded by Venetian architecture. Everywhere you will be greeted by cats — the city’s unofficial guardians, dozing in the shade or lazily watching tourists. There are so many of them that a charming Cat Museum is dedicated to them.
In the very heart of the city rises the majestic Cathedral of St. Tryphon, the main Catholic church in Montenegro, where classical music concerts are often held.
The main challenge and the main reward in Kotor is the climb to the fortress of St. John (St. Giovanni). The ascent via 1,350 steps takes about an hour, and it is best to start early in the morning, no later than 9:00, to avoid the scorching sun. Be sure to bring water and wear comfortable shoes. Admission in the 2025 season costs 15 euros. However, there is a trick: you can climb via the free, gentler old trading path, which begins outside the city’s northern gates. Then you can descend via the main paid trail, enjoying classic views of the red-tiled roofs and the Bay of Kotor.
After the descent, it’s time to reward yourself. At Pizzeria PRONTO a tiny window in the wall sells perhaps the best pizza in town — huge slices for just a couple of euros. Nearby is BBQ Tanjga, famous for its «gourmet pljeskavica» and considered one of the best grill places in all of Montenegro. For a refined dinner in a stylish setting, head to Pepe Nero, and for an authentic atmosphere and excellent seafood — to Konoba Scala Santa, Kotor’s oldest restaurant, opened back in 1931.
Perast: a romantic town and the island of Our Lady of the Rocks
If Kotor is the majestic fortress of the Bay of Kotor, then Perast is its romantic soul. This tiny town, frozen in time, is best explored on foot. Be sure to climb the bell tower of St. Nicholas Church to see the bay from the highest bell tower on the Adriatic.
But the main magic of Perast is on the water. Boats depart constantly from the waterfront (costing about 5 euros per person round trip) and will take you to two islets. One of them is the man-made island Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Škrpjela or Our Lady of the Reef).
Legend has it that sailors spent centuries sinking captured pirate ships here and bringing stones, creating the island around the reef where an icon of the Virgin Mary was found. Inside the church, you can touch that very reef and make a wish.
You can have breakfast with a postcard-perfect view of the islands at one of the restaurants on the waterfront. Hotel Restaurant Conte is the clear favorite, while nearby Ðardin or Trattoria Rosmarino are excellent alternatives. This is the place to try a traditional Montenegrin breakfast — «priganice». These small, airy doughnuts served with honey and homemade cheese are rarely made in Boka, and here they are delicious. For dessert, we recommend trying an old Boka specialty — «Peraska torta», a moist cake with almonds, lemon, and vanilla.
Sea excursions:Blue Cave and the Mamula fortress-island
Seeing the Bay of Kotor from the water means understanding its true scale. The sea excursion market is very saturated, and choosing a tour can dramatically affect your experience. You can find budget group tours, but the boat may be overcrowded. For greater comfort, it is worth considering a private speedboat tour, which lets you avoid the crowds and create your own route.
For a unique experience, you can go to an oyster farm, where the freshest mussels and oysters, caught right in front of you, will be served. And for those who prefer peace and quiet, the ideal choice is a SUP board or kayak trip from SUP Montenegro or SUP Kayak Me, allowing you to explore secluded corners of the coast at your own pace.
Herceg Novi and its surroundings
To reach the westernmost part of the bay, the town of Herceg Novi, use the Lepetane-Kamenari ferry. This saves time and fuel costs (the crossing for a passenger car costs about 5 euros, pedestrians — 50 cents).
Near the ferry crossing there are several premium restaurants with magnificent views, such as Verige 65. Dinner here can cost 50–80 euros per person, but the views of the narrowest part of the strait are unforgettable.
Herceg Novi itself is an authentic town with an old center and the Forte Mare fortress, but it is worth remembering that this is a town of stairs.
Above the town, on the hillside, lies the Castel Savina winery. The owners’ family revived the old vineyards, and today they produce elegant wines here. Tasting prices in 2025 range from 40 to 110 euros per person, and visits are possible only by prior booking through their website. After the tasting, head down to Savina Monastery, and for dinner stop by Konoba Feral — a restaurant that year after year is praised for its consistently high quality of the freshest seafood, especially baby squid and black risotto.
Tourism in the Bay of Kotor is developing along two parallel paths. On the one hand, there is a mass-market, budget segment offering quick sightseeing, which sometimes leads to overcrowding at key locations such as the Blue Cave. On the other hand, a market for exclusive, high-end services is actively taking shape — from private yachts to tastings at elite wineries, where the price of dinner for two can exceed 200 euros.
This contrast forces the traveler to make a conscious choice: either save money, risking crowds, or invest in a secluded and deeper experience. It is here that the philosophy of «polako» gains practical meaning, becoming not just a cultural trait but a strategy for getting the most enjoyment from travel and supporting a more sustainable tourism model.
The best restaurants with a view of the bay and beyond
Having absorbed Venetian history and the serene grandeur of the Bay of Kotor, our journey now heads east. We leave the tranquil harbor of fjords to feel the bright, sun-drenched pulse of Montenegro — the Budva Riviera, where modern luxury and ancient history dance under the Adriatic sun.
