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 — 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 You Need 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 sound of a Catholic bell in a seaside town echoes toward 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 coffee overlooking the bay or a leisurely conversation in a konoba. “Polako” invites you to slow down and immerse yourself fully in the moment.
Bay of Kotor: a route through the most beautiful towns an...
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St. John’s Fortress
Entering the Old Town (Stari Grad) of Kotor through the Sea Gate, you are instantly 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 the tourists. There are so many of them that a charmingCat Museumhas been opened in their honor.
At the very heart of the city stands the majestic
Cathedral of Saint Tryphon
, Montenegro’s main Catholic church, where classical music concerts are often held.The main challenge and the main reward in Kotor is the climb to
St. John’s Fortress (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 a.m., to avoid the scorching sun. Be sure to bring water and wear comfortable shoes. Admission in the 2025 season costs15 euros. However, there is a trick: you can climb thefree, gentler old trading path, which starts 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 what may be the best pizza in town — huge slices for just a couple of euros. Nearby isBBQ Tanjga, famous for its “gourmet pljeskavica” and considered one of the best grill spots in all of Montenegro. For a refined dinner in a stylish setting, head toPepe Nero, and for an authentic atmosphere and excellent seafood — toKonoba 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 ofSt. Nicholas Churchto see the bay from the highest bell tower on the Adriatic.
But Perast’s real magic is on the water. Small boats depart constantly from the waterfront (about 5 euros per person round trip) and take you to two islets. One of them is the man-made island of
Our Lady of the Rocks
(Gospa od ŠkrpjelaorOur Lady of the Rocks).Legend has it that sailors spent centuries sinking captured pirate ships here and bringing stones to build 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 nearbyÐardinorTrattoria Rosmarinoare 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 the Bay, and here they are delicious. For dessert, we recommend an old Boka specialty — “Peraska torta,” a moist cake with almonds, lemon, and vanilla.
Boat trips:
the Blue Caveandthe Mamula fortress islandSeeing the Bay of Kotor from the water is the best way to understand its true scale. The boat tour market is very competitive, and choosing the right trip can dramatically affect your experience. Budget group tours are available, but the boat may be overcrowded. For greater comfort, consider a private speedboat tour, which lets you avoid the crowds and create your own route.
A standard route includes
the Blue Cave (Plava Špilja)
with its unreal blue glow, former Yugoslav submarine tunnels, andthe Mamula fortress island.For a unique experience, you can visit
an oyster farm
, where the freshest mussels and oysters, caught right before your eyes, are served. And for those who prefer peace and quiet, the ideal choice is a SUP or kayak trip withSUP MontenegroorSUP Kayak Me, allowing you to explore the hidden corners of the coast at your own pace.
Herceg Novi and its surroundings
To reach the westernmost part of the bay, the town of
. The owners’ family revived the old vineyards, and today elegant wines are produced here. Tasting prices in 2025 range from 40 to 110 euros per person, and visits are only possible by advance booking through their website. After the tasting, head down to Savina Monastery, and for dinner stop by
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 rapidly emerging — from private yachts to tastings at elite wineries, where dinner for two can exceed 200 euros.
€€€ (from 50 euros per person, main courses 15–25 euros)
Reserve a terrace table for sunset
Konoba Scala Santa
, Kotor
Oldest in town, authentic
Fish chorba (soup), traditional seafood dishes
€€ (main courses 12–20 euros)
Ideal for experiencing a true konoba
Oyster farm
, Dražin Vrt
Restaurant on the water
Mussels in buzara sauce, fresh oysters
€ (a portion of mussels ~10–15 euros)
Be careful when ordering dishes in hot weather; in season it’s best to call ahead and reserve
Konoba Feral
, Herceg Novi
Family-run, loved by locals, cozy
Grilled baby squid, black risotto
€€ (main courses 15–20 euros)
A reliable choice for a quality seafood dinner
Absorbing Venetian history and the serene grandeur of the Bay of Kotor, our journey now heads east. We leave the peaceful 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.
