Kotor tours and tickets
Kotor is small, and most of it is free: the old town, the bay shore and the walls. You pay at the fortress path and for boat trips. The things worth arranging ahead in summer are a boat or kayak trip on the bay, a good dinner table, and a transfer if you arrive late. Day trips by car or tour reach Perast, Lovćen and Budva easily.
Book these first
- Dinner at the better restaurants
- 1 to 2 weeks ahead in summer. The old town has few seats for its size, and the well-known waterfront places fill on warm nights.
- Boat trips and kayak tours
- A few days to a week ahead in July and August. Small boats and guided paddles run to a limited schedule and sell out.
- Airport or cross-border transfers
- A few days ahead, or at once for late arrivals. Public transport is thin at night, and taxis from the border and Dubrovnik are best fixed in advance.
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Monuments and landmarks
Fortress of San Giovanni
A 1,350-step path up the mountain behind the old town to a ruined fortress, with views over the bay. Entry is paid near the lower gate, usually in cash, and the climb takes about an hour.
Which to pick. Start at opening time, before the heat and the cruise groups. Wear shoes with grip, carry water, and turn back if the path feels steep.
Not needed, pay at the entranceVisitor guideTours and tickets on ViatorKotor old town
A walled medieval town of stone squares, small churches and cats, on UNESCO's list. It's easy to walk in an hour, but a guide adds the Venetian history behind the lanes.
Which to pick. Walk it on your own at dusk, when the cruise groups have left. Book a guide only if you want the stories of the churches and palaces.
On the day is fineVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorCathedral of St Tryphon
The old cathedral on the main square, with Romanesque stonework, frescoes and a small treasury. Entry is by a modest ticket, and visiting hours vary by season.
Which to pick. Go in the morning when it is quiet. Cover your shoulders and knees, and check opening times at the door.
Not neededVisitor guideTours and tickets on Viator
On the water
Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks
A short boat ride from Perast takes you to a small island church with a museum of votive paintings. The town itself is a baroque waterfront of stone houses.
Which to pick. Take a small boat from Perast's quay for the island, and skip the large tour boats. Go late afternoon for softer light.
On the day is fineOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorBoat trip around the Bay of Kotor
Half-day and full-day boats sail round the inner bay, stopping at Perast, a beach and sometimes a submarine tunnel on the Luštica peninsula. Lunch is often included.
Which to pick. Pick a smaller boat and ask exactly which stops it makes. Book the morning departure for calmer water.
A few days ahead in July and AugustTours and tickets on ViatorKayak tour on the bay
Guided paddles along the shore, with swim stops and a short stretch of old fishing villages. Sessions last two to three hours and suit beginners.
Which to pick. Choose the early morning or evening session for cooler air and calmer water. Wear a swimsuit and bring a dry bag.
A few days ahead in July and AugustTours and tickets on Viator
Day trips
Lovćen and Njeguši
A mountain drive to Lovćen National Park and the village of Njeguši, known for smoked ham and cheese. The Njegoš mausoleum sits at the top, with views to the Albanian border.
Which to pick. Book a driver or a small-group tour, since public transport is limited. Go in the morning for clear views.
A few days ahead in summerOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorBudva
A walled old town on the Adriatic with beaches and a busy promenade, about 30 minutes from Kotor by road. It's livelier and more crowded than Kotor.
Which to pick. Go by bus or taxi, and keep it to a half day. The old town is small, and the beaches are the draw.
On the day is fineTours and tickets on ViatorDubrovnik, Croatia
A day trip across the border to Dubrovnik's walled city, about two hours each way. The border crossing can take time, and you need your passport.
Which to pick. Go with a tour or a hire car only if you have a full day to spare. Check the entry rules, and allow for border queues.
A week ahead in summerTours and tickets on Viator
Booking tours and tickets in Kotor
Do I need to pay for the fortress climb?
Yes. There is an entrance fee at the lower gate, usually collected in cash. The amount and the hours are set locally, so check the current listing.
Is the Perast boat worth it?
Yes, as a short hop to the island church. The ride is a few minutes, and the visit takes about half an hour. Go late in the day.
Can I visit Dubrovnik from Kotor in a day?
Yes, but it is long, with a border crossing in each direction. Take your passport and check your nationality's entry rules before you go.
Is a kayak tour suitable for beginners?
Usually yes. The bay is sheltered, and guides lead short routes. Check the group size, the swim stop and the safety gear before you pay.
Do I need cash in Kotor?
Some small places and the fortress entrance take cash only, and Montenegro uses the euro. Carry a few small notes for tips and entry fees.
What can I leave until I arrive?
The old town, the cathedral, Budva and a simple boat trip can be arranged on the day. Book dinner, kayaks and transfers a few days ahead in summer.