This is a detailed review of Kotor, one of the most ancient and tourist-favored cities in Montenegro. You’ll find a ranking of the top attractions in Kotor, recommendations for the best restaurants and taverns, insights into beaches and seaside relaxation, advice on where to stay, and an overview of the most popular accommodations in the city. Keep reading—there’s plenty of interesting information ahead!
Table of contents:
- Kotor, Montenegro: General Information
- A Brief History of Kotor: Everything a Tourist Needs to Know
- Apartments and Hotels: The Best Places to Stay
- Beaches and Seaside Relaxation: Myth or Reality?
- The Best Restaurants in Kotor: Where to Dine
- Top 10 Attractions: Must-See Places in Kotor
- Excursions and Tours in Kotor
It will be difficult for you to plan your dream trip to Montenegro without these websites
Kotor, Montenegro: General Information
Today, Kotor is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Montenegro. However, it has few to no beaches—but that’s not why people come here. Instead, visitors flock to Kotor to stroll through medieval streets, admire the breathtaking views of the Bay of Kotor, and soak in its unique atmosphere.
A Few Key Facts About Kotor:
- Coordinates: 42.42467758016793, 18.77088086858635
- Population: 14,000 permanent residents, but during peak tourist season, the city hosts over 50,000 visitors daily.
- Founded: 168 BC, making it one of the oldest cities in the region.
- Location: Kotor sits in the innermost part of the Bay of Kotor, surrounded entirely by mountains. This geography means:
- Minimal winds and waves due to the natural protection of the bay.
- 2.5 fewer hours of sunlight per day than the coastal regions.
- Colder water temperatures compared to the open sea.
- No spectacular sunsets due to the surrounding cliffs.
Want to learn more? A detailed breakdown of Kotor’s climate and weather conditions in the Bay of Kotor can be found in our full guide, along with information on other cities with similar characteristics.
Did You Know?
Kotor is the most visited city in Montenegro, while Budva comes in second—even though most tourists choose Budva for their vacation. Kotor also ranks second on the list of the most beautiful cities on the Adriatic, surpassed only by Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Many people ask: Where is it better to vacation—Montenegro or Croatia? After all, the beaches, nature, and culture are quite similar. Check out our in-depth comparison, which highlights the pros and cons of each destination. Spoiler: The biggest difference? Montenegro is at least twice as affordable as Croatia.
A Brief History of Kotor: Everything a Tourist Needs to Know
I won’t summarize 2,500 years of history in 60 pages, but here are the key events that explain how Kotor has managed to preserve its medieval charm to this day.
Ancient Origins
Thanks to its strategic location, Kotor has always been naturally protected from both invaders and natural disasters, while still having direct access to the sea. As a result, human settlements in the area date back to the Neolithic period.
- In antiquity, the area was home to Illyrian tribes (around the 3rd century BC).
- By the 2nd century BC, the Romans had conquered the region.
- The first written mention of Kotor dates back to 168 BC—considered the city’s official founding year. However, historians believe a settlement existed here at least 100 years earlier.
Medieval Period
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Kotor came under Byzantine rule (until the 12th century, with brief interruptions).
Between 1185 and 1420, Kotor attempted to establish independence—first as part of the Serbian state, then as a free city-republic for 50 years.
A major turning point in Kotor’s history came in 1420 when the city voluntarily joined the Venetian Republic. In return, Venice promised to protect Kotor. At times, up to 300 Venetian ships were stationed in the Bay of Kotor.
Kotor’s leaders made this decision due to the threat of Ottoman invasion. In fact, the Ottoman Empire’s expansion halted at Kotor’s borders—for the next 300 years, the city endured continuous wars, sieges, and raids from the Turks.
An Interesting Fact:
In 1441, the Ottomans launched a successful raid on Kotor and left with looted treasures. However, just 30 km south, a group of local warriors ambushed them, reclaiming the stolen goods. Instead of returning the treasures to Kotor, the locals used them to build the Church of St. Stephen on a small island. This settlement later became known as Sveti Stefan, which is today Montenegro’s most famous and expensive landmark.
Modern History
During Venetian rule, Kotor developed its distinct architectural style, which remains largely unchanged today.
By the late 18th century, the Ottoman Empire was weakening, reducing the threat to Kotor. However, this period was anything but peaceful, as Europe was embroiled in wars and conflicts that inevitably affected the city:
- Napoleonic Wars (1797–1814)
- Austro-Hungarian rule and frequent uprisings (1814–1917)
- World War I
- World War II, during which fascist Italy occupied Kotor and Montenegro
- The Yugoslav era and socialist rule
- The breakup of Yugoslavia and NATO bombings (Kotor itself was spared direct military action)
Finally, in 2006, Montenegro became an independent country, and Kotor officially became part of the new nation.
Apartments and Hotels in Kotor: Where to Stay
Kotor offers a wide variety of accommodations, from luxurious hotels and private villas with pools to affordable apartments rented out by locals. If you’re traveling by car, here’s a useful tip to keep in mind.
Good to know:
Kotor offers a wide variety of accommodations, from luxurious hotels and private villas with pools to affordable apartments rented out by locals. If you’re traveling by car, here’s a useful tip to keep in mind.
If you have a car, it’s better to look for accommodation in Zone 2.
Zone 1 (Red) – Old Town
A perfect choice if you want to immerse yourself in history. Here, you can stay in medieval buildings and experience the charm of living inside the historic walls. However, there’s no parking, making it inconvenient for travelers with cars.
Zone 2 (Green) – Kotor Suburbs and the Village of Dobrota
This area offers numerous apartments with kitchens and terraces. Many accommodation owners provide private parking spaces for their guests, making it a more convenient option for travelers with a car.
For the best deals on hotels and apartments in Kotor, check out Tripadvisor, where you can compare prices, view photos, and read reviews.
Below is a dynamic list of the most popular hotels and apartments in Kotor—click on each one to see rates, photos, and guest reviews.
Beaches and Seaside Relaxation in Kotor: Myth or Reality?
In short? A complete myth! Kotor is not a beach destination at all. There are no real beaches and no easy water access. In fact, just 10 meters from the shore, the water depth reaches 15-20 meters.
Adding to that, Kotor is a major maritime hub, with 1 to 3 massive cruise ships docking right in front of the Old Town’s walls every single day.
However, sun-seekers always find a way:
- Locals and tourists sunbathe on the concrete embankment.
- Swimming is done from pontoons and piers, which line the waterfront.
On the map of Kotor’s attractions (coming up in the “What to See in Kotor” section), I’ve marked two places that could technically be called “beaches.” However, they are simply tiny strips of pebbled land that haven’t been paved over.
The Best Restaurants in Kotor: Where to Dine
Montenegro is famous for its abundance of restaurants, taverns, cafés, snack bars, and fast food spots. Portions are generally large, and prices are reasonable—although, of course, high-end restaurants also exist.
Finding a good place to eat in Kotor is never a problem. Almost any restaurant you choose will offer great food and good service. Below, I’ll share my personal recommendations for the best spots to eat in Kotor. You’ll find all of them marked on the map in the next section.
Top Restaurants in Kotor:
📍 Konoba Akustik Porto – 42.42558, 18.76813
- A traditional Montenegrin tavern (Konoba) located right under the walls of the Old Town.
- Prices are slightly above average, with main courses ranging from €10-15.
📍 Tanjga BBQ – 42.42189, 18.77038
- A paradise for meat lovers with very affordable prices.
- Their steaks are out of this world, and the portions of čevapi and pljeskavica are massive—half a kilo each!
📍 King of Gyros – 42.4308, 18.76772
- A street food gem specializing in Greek gyros.
- Gigantic gyros portions starting from just €5—a must-try!
Top 10 Attractions in Kotor
Now, let’s get to the most important part—the best sights in Kotor and its surroundings. Below is a ranking of Kotor’s top attractions, along with maps, entrance fees, opening hours, and useful visiting tips.
Green marks are beaches
Purple – taverns and restaurants
Dark red – attractions
1. Kotor Old Town – A Journey Through the Middle Ages
The Old Town of Kotor is a well-preserved medieval quarter, with narrow streets, charming squares, 15th-century fountains, and historic churches. In fact, it is the largest Old Town in Montenegro, completely surrounded by defensive walls, some of which you can even climb.
- Plan to spend 2–4 hours exploring.
- Open 24/7.
- Entrance: Free.
Tip: Many apartments are available for rent inside the Old Town, allowing you to stay in the heart of history.
Must-See Highlights in the Old Town:
📍 Sea Gate – the main entrance to the city.
📍 River Gate.
📍 Gurdic Gate.
📍 Kampana Tower – a bastion with impressive defensive walls overlooking the bay.
📍 Main Square – the vibrant Piazza of Arms.
📍 St. Nicholas Church – just one of the 15+ churches in Kotor.
📍 Maritime Museum of Montenegro – showcasing the region’s rich naval history.
📍 St. Tryphon’s Cathedral – a Romanesque masterpiece.
📍 Clock Tower – an iconic landmark in the main square.
📍 Farmers’ Market – right outside the Sea Gate, offering local products and fresh produce.
But this is just a small part of what the Old Town has to offer. Every building here has a story, so just wandering through the maze-like streets is an experience in itself.
Author’s rating:
Kotor’s Old Town is a must-visit! I don’t know a single person who has been to Kotor and skipped it—it’s just impossible. The only medieval town in the region that surpasses it is Dubrovnik. And the best part? It’s free! But be warned—restaurant prices inside the Old Town can be steep.
2. St. John’s Fortress – A Breathtaking Climb
Another top attraction and a must-do activity in Kotor. You can see St. John’s Fortress from anywhere in the city—just look up, and you’ll spot it perched on the mountainside above the Old Town.
- Open 24/7 – you can even climb up at night.
- Entrance Fee: €15 – the most expensive fortress in Montenegro.
- Ticket Booth Hours: 8 AM – 9 PM.
- Tip: Arrive before 8 AM to enter for free. However, if you try to leave through the main exit later in the day, the guards may still ask for payment.
📍 Starting Point for the Paid Route: 42.42573659668004, 18.77279759581202
💡 Hack for a Free Entry:
There’s an alternative route via the old Austrian road, which is completely free.
📍 Starting Point for the Free Route: 42.42724917754599, 18.773329240443985
Important Tip:
If you take the free route up, you should also return the same way. Otherwise, the guards at the main entrance may still charge you €15.
Plan 2–3 hours for the round trip. Along the way, you’ll find numerous panoramic viewpoints overlooking Kotor and the Bay of Kotor, as well as a beautiful old church and charming streets.
Author’s Rating: 10/10
Yes, the hike is challenging, but absolutely worth it. This is one of the best things to do in Kotor!
3. Walk Along the Bay
💡 Tip: The Kotor waterfront promenade stretches over 3 km, perfect for a scenic walk along the bay.
Along the way, you’ll find plenty of boat tours departing from the docks, offering sightseeing cruises around the Bay of Kotor.
4. Roman Settlement Ruins
Just 5 minutes from the Old Town, you can find the remains of an ancient Roman settlement.
- Coordinates: 42.42187, 18.77103
- Open 24/7
- Entrance: Free
Top Attractions Outside Kotor (Car or Bus Required)
If you’re staying in Kotor for more than a day or two, consider exploring these nearby sights.
- Serpentine Road & Panoramic Viewpoint
- One of the most famous mountain roads in Montenegro, offering breathtaking views of the entire bay.
- 📍 Viewpoint Coordinates: 42.40938, 18.78634
- Car required.
- Cable Car to Lovćen Mountain
- A scenic ride up to the mountain for spectacular views.
- 📍 Lower Station Coordinates: 42.39563, 18.74700
- Round-trip ticket: €23
- Operates seasonally.
- Lovćen National Park
- A stunning park with hiking trails, viewpoints, the Njegoš Mausoleum, and villages famous for prosciutto and cheese. What to bring as a gift from Montenegro (spoiler alert: prosciutto)
- Romantic Perast & Two Islands
- A charming coastal town with historic buildings and picturesque islands.
Excursions to Kotor
Important
Few tourists stay in Kotor for a full week or two. The city is stunning, but after 2–3 days, there’s not much else to do. In peak season, Kotor gets crowded with tourists. Daily cruise ships bring in massive crowds, driving prices up. There are no beaches.
Two Types of Tourists in Kotor:
- Short-Stay Visitors (2–3 days). Explore the city and nearby attractions before heading to a beach destination.
- Day-Trip Travelers. Many visit Kotor for just one day, either independently or with an organized tour.
📍 Budva → Kotor:
Kotor is just 30 km from Budva, Montenegro’s most popular beach resort. In one day, you can see all of Kotor’s highlights covered in this article.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Visit Kotor
Kotor is one of the top attractions in Montenegro and a must-visit destination.
✅ Perfect for a short trip: 1–3 days is enough.
✅ Great mix of history, scenery, and culture.
✅ Compact, but has everything you need—shops, restaurants, nightlife.
If you love medieval architecture, Kotor absolutely belongs on your travel bucket list!
Resources to help you plan your dream trip to Montenegro
- WayAway: Cheap flights and best deals.
- Car rental in Montenegro:
- LocalRent – works with local rental companies. Leader in car rental in Montenegro.
- DiscoverCars – a large international platform.
- Budget-friendly vacation packages to Montenegro: CheapOair.
- Hotels and apartments all over the country:
- Trip.com – the most popular accommodation booking platform
- TripAdvisor compares the prices among dozens of other booking services and offer the best price
- Tours, excursions and activities (including extreme ones):
- GetYourGuide – more than 800 tours
- Viator – 1000+ excursions and activities throughout the country
- Comprehensive travel insurance: EKTA
- Internet and Calls:
- Airalo eSIM in Montenegro
- Drimsim – universal sim card for frequent traveler
- Taxi and airport transfers: Intui.Travel