Things to Do in Kotor

About Kotor

Kotor sits between green mountains and the Adriatic's calm waters. This medieval town, tucked inside Montenegro's most dramatic fjord, feels older than most European cities you'll visit. Venetian-built stone walls wrap around terracotta rooftops, and church bells sound across water that barely moves. Narrow cobblestone streets climb upward. They lead to small squares where locals drink evening coffee the same way their grandparents did. The old town operates at its own pace—cats sleep on worn steps, laundry hangs from iron balconies, and wild herbs smell strongest near dusk. The bay turns gold at twilight. Then Kotor does what it does best: it makes you forget what year it is, in a good way, without trying too hard.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Rent a car at Tivat Airport (20km away) for maximum flexibility exploring the bay. Within Kotor's Old Town, walking is mandatory—vehicles are banned. Use local buses (€1-2) for nearby destinations like Perast. Book airport transfers in advance during summer.

Money: Montenegro uses the Euro despite not being in the EU. Carry cash—many restaurants and shops don't accept cards. ATMs are plentiful in Old Town but scarce in surrounding villages. Tipping 10% is appreciated but not mandatory.

Cultural Respect: Dress modestly when visiting Orthodox churches and monasteries—cover shoulders and knees. Remove hats inside religious sites. Montenegrins value personal relationships; don't rush conversations. Learn basic Serbian/Montenegrin greetings—locals genuinely appreciate the effort.

Food Safety: Tap water is safe to drink. Try local seafood at waterfront restaurants but avoid places without refrigerated displays. Njeguški pršut (smoked ham) and local cheeses are must-tries. Restaurants often close 3-5pm, so plan lunch accordingly.

When to Visit

Kotor's seasons paint dramatically different portraits. Summer (June-August) brings blazing sunshine with temperatures of 25-30°C, perfect for swimming and hiking, but expect crowds and prices inflated by 40-60%. The Kotor Summer Festival (July-August) transforms the old town into an open-air theater with classical concerts and performances. Spring (April-May) offers ideal conditions—mild temperatures of 18-23°C, minimal rainfall, and shoulder-season prices 20-30% lower than peak summer. Late spring showcases wildflowers cascading down mountain slopes. Autumn (September-October) delivers exceptional value with warm weather (20-25°C), fewer tourists, and harvest festivals celebrating local wine and olive oil. Winter (November-March) sees temperatures drop to 8-15°C with increased rainfall, but accommodation costs plummet by 50-70%. While some restaurants close seasonally, winter reveals Kotor's authentic character—locals reclaim their town, and misty mornings create ethereal scenes perfect for photographers. For hiking ensoiasts, avoid July-August's scorching heat. Culture seekers should target shoulder seasons when museums are less crowded and local life flows naturally through ancient streets.