Welcome to Kotor

Kotor, Montenegro, is one of the most picturesque and well-preserved medieval towns in the Adriatic. Nestled between dramatic mountains and the stunning Bay of Kotor, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich history. For cruise passengers, Kotor is a must-visit destination, with its medieval walls, winding cobblestone streets, and breathtaking views over the bay. With 6-10 hours to explore, you’ll have plenty of time to take in Kotor’s highlights, including its old town, ancient fortifications, and scenic vistas.
The city is surrounded by the second longest city walls in Europe (4,5 km).

The biggest and most important monument from medieval period is the Cathedral of St. Triphon. It was built 1177, (it is 69 years older than Notre Dame de Paris) at the ruins of the old church from the beginning of IX century in romanic style.. Among other churches there are St. Lukas church built on 1221., St. Ozana, St. Klara, with monastery which poses famous painting “Ecce Homo” made by painter De Morales known as El Divino (1509-1586).

Medieval city of Kotor itself has a number of restaurants and cafe bars which will provide pleasant moments to your guest and crew. Also there is a disco club which is deemed as one of the best in Europe which was built inside of the city wall.

Montenegro 

Montenegro, the pearl of the Mediterranean, unique in many ways, is situated in the south of the Adriatic. Nowhere else can you find, so much natural wealth, beauty, mild beaches, clear lakes, fast rivers, and gorgeous mountains in such a compact area as in Montenegro. In the morning you can wake up along the beautiful Adriatic coast, have lunch on the banks of Skadar Lake, and enjoy an evening walk in the Montenegrin mountains. Montenegro cannot leave you indifferent.

Montenegro is certainly one of the most interesting spots in the world. Even though it covers only 14,000 km2 and has about 670,000 citizens, its contribution to the cultural heritage of the world is impressive, considering its size.... Montenegro is a southern European and Mediterranean country. It is one of the most southern European states, adjacent to the southern Adriatic Sea. 

Cruise Docking Information

Cruise ships either dock directly at the port of Kotor or use tenders to bring passengers ashore, depending on the size of the vessel. The port is conveniently located just a few steps from the old town, allowing passengers easy access to explore the city on foot. Kotor is a popular stop on Adriatic cruise itineraries, welcoming about 500,000 visitors annually. Most passengers spend their time wandering through the old town, hiking up to the San Giovanni Fortress, or taking boat tours around the Bay of Kotor.

Transportation Options

Kotor’s cruise terminal is located just outside the old town, and the entire town is walkable, making it easy to explore without transportation. For those looking to visit nearby areas, here are some transportation options:

• Taxis are available at the port and can take you to nearby villages or scenic spots around the bay.
• Boat tours depart from the waterfront and offer scenic rides to nearby highlights, such as Our Lady of the Rocks and Perast.
• For those wishing to venture further, buses connect Kotor to other parts of Montenegro, including the capital city, Podgorica, and the coastal town of Budva.

Nearby Towns and Cities

Kotor’s location in the Bay of Kotor makes it an ideal starting point for exploring nearby towns and cities:

• Perast: 12 km (7 miles) away, about 20 minutes by car or boat. A charming town known for its baroque architecture and the island church, Our Lady of the Rocks.
• Budva: 23 km (14 miles) away, about 40 minutes by car or bus. A popular beach town with a lively old town, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife.
• Tivat: 10 km (6 miles) away, about 20 minutes by car. Known for its luxury marina, Porto Montenegro, and scenic waterfront.

Local Foods

Montenegro’s cuisine is a delightful blend of Mediterranean and Balkan influences, and Kotor’s coastal location ensures plenty of fresh seafood. While visiting, be sure to try:

• Njeguški Pršut: A locally produced smoked ham, similar to Italian prosciutto, served with cheese and bread.
• Buzara: A traditional dish made with mussels or prawns, cooked in a tomato, garlic, and wine sauce.
• Cevapi: Small grilled sausages made from minced meat, typically served with flatbread and onions.
• Pastrmka: Fresh trout from nearby rivers, often grilled and served with vegetables.
• Krofne: A traditional Montenegrin doughnut, usually filled with jam or chocolate.

Top 5 Attractions

Kotor is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are the top five must-see attractions during your visit:

• Old Town (Stari Grad): A beautifully preserved medieval town with narrow streets, squares, and historic buildings like the Cathedral of St. Tryphon. Free to explore.
• San Giovanni Fortress: A challenging hike up the mountainside that rewards visitors with stunning panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor. Entry to the fortress is about €8 per person.
• Our Lady of the Rocks: A small, artificial island with a picturesque church, reachable by boat from Kotor or Perast. Boat tours cost around €5-10 per person.
• Maritime Museum: Located in the old town, this museum highlights Kotor’s rich naval history. Entry is around €4 per person.
• Perast: A nearby coastal town with beautiful baroque palaces and churches, including Our Lady of the Rocks. Free to explore; boat tours are available for a fee.

Interesting Facts

Kotor is a city steeped in history, with plenty of fascinating facts to discover:

• Kotor’s old town is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Adriatic and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• The Bay of Kotor is often called the southernmost fjord in Europe, although technically it’s a ria, a drowned river valley.
• Every year, Kotor hosts the Boka Night festival, where decorated boats parade through the bay in celebration of local maritime traditions.

Geographical Position and Surroundings

Kotor is located in the southern part of Montenegro, nestled at the end of the Bay of Kotor, one of the most beautiful natural harbors in Europe. The town is surrounded by steep mountains, including Mount Lovcen, which provides a stunning backdrop. The bay itself is a UNESCO-protected site and is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, towering cliffs, and scenic villages. Visitors to Kotor can enjoy panoramic views of the bay from the San Giovanni Fortress, take boat tours around the bay, or hike in the nearby Lovcen National Park.

Local Customs and Culture

Montenegrins are known for their hospitality, and visitors to Kotor will be greeted with warm smiles and friendly conversations. It’s customary to greet others with “Zdravo” (Hello) or “Dobar dan” (Good day). Tipping in restaurants and cafes is appreciated, typically around 10%. Montenegrins take great pride in their culture and traditions, and festivals celebrating local music, dance, and food are common. The town of Kotor is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with many galleries, music performances, and theater events taking place throughout the year.

Family-Friendly Activities

Kotor offers a variety of activities that are perfect for families with children of all ages:

• Children up to 6 years old: Explore the old town with its narrow streets and hidden squares, where young children can enjoy discovering Kotor’s medieval charm.
• Children 7-12 years old: Take a boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks and let kids explore the small island and church. They’ll enjoy the boat ride and the picturesque setting.
• Teenagers 13-18 years old: Hike up to San Giovanni Fortress for an active adventure and rewarding views of the bay. Teens will love the challenge and the photo opportunities from the top.

Google Maps

Kotor

*Notice: Content and travel advice presented is created by a port moderator and/or AI, courtesy of ChatGPT. It is specifically designed for cruise passengers visiting this port of call. A port moderator could be a local individual, destination expert, port authority, or a tourism agency. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we recommend that you verify critical information like visas, health and safety, customs, and transportation with official sources before departure. Always familiarize yourself with safety aspects when visiting your destination. We have given some pointers under the information button in the main menu of this app.*