20+ Wonderful Things to Do in Kotor for an Idyllic Stay
As one of the most beautiful towns in Montenegro, visiting Kotor is a must on any Balkans itinerary. Plan your trip with these epic things to do in Kotor that promise an idyllic stay.
The picturesque town of Kotor, nestled on the mesmerizing Adriatic coastline of Montenegro is a must-visit on any trip in the Balkans region. Kotor is seeped in history and surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, providing a perfect balance of culture, medieval charm as well as outdoor activities.
There are some pretty spectacular things to do in Kotor, Montenegro. Make sure to explore the charming Stari Grad or Old Town of Kotor as well as spend some time ogling at the jaw-dropping views of the Bay of Kotor. You’ll also want to allow some extra time for hikes and day trips to some other hidden gems in the area.
In this blog post, I’ll outline all the best things to do in Kotor as well as the best hotels in Kotor and where to eat. Keep reading to plan that perfect slow trip around one of the most mesmerizing towns in the Balkans.
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Best Time to Visit Kotor
The ideal period to visit Kotor is during the spring and autumn months. From April/May to June and September to October, the weather is comfortably mild, there are few crowds and temperatures range from the low 60s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit (15-25 degrees Celsius).
During the summer months crowds can be a real problem in Kotor and the town isn’t the hidden gem it once was. Cruise ships now dock daily in the summer months unleashing hordes of people into the rather small historic center of town. Sometimes it can really feel immensely overcrowded.
During the shoulder season, you’ll also have the advantage of scoring better deals on accommodation and activities that’ll leave you with more money to spend on Kotor’s thriving dining scene. I always make the effort to visit during the shoulder season and the last time I was in Kotor, in early- October it was just perfect.
Visiting in winter is also possible and I’m sure the town would look magical under a blanket of snow. Note however that the range of activities available in winter is limited. Hiking trails might be closed due to weather and it might be too cold for watersports.
20+ Amazing Things to Do in Kotor, Montenegro
Explore Stari Grad (Kotor Old Town)
Go back in time with a wander around the charming streets of Kotor’s Old Town. The Stari Grad or Old Town is composed of charming, cobblestone lanes, Medieval stone churches and palaces, and a wide range of pretty cafes and restaurants.
The best way to explore the old town is on foot just by getting lost in the labyrinth of narrow streets.
As you walk around you’ll notice many of the best things to do in Kotor. You can marvel at the grandeur of St. Tryphon’s Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece that dates back to the 12th century, climb the city walls as well as check out the many churches and palaces.
Make sure not to miss all the beautiful and atmospheric squares located throughout town.
The best time to go for a wander is early in the morning before it gets too busy.
Hike the Ladder of Kotor
For those that want to combine some of Kotor’s best views with an exhilarating hike make sure to allocate a morning for the Ladder of Kotor hike. This switchback trail will lead you up to a mountain viewpoint with some of the best views of the Bay of Kotor.
It’s the most famous hike in Kotor so if you’re planning just one hike, make sure it’s this one. If you don’t quite want to hike the entire ladder you can join onto another trail that goes to Kotor Fortress halfway into the hike. This way you can combine the two experiences together.
The path is very rocky so make sure to wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and be prepared for a challenging hike. If hiking in the summer, make sure to start out early in the day.
Drive the Serpentine Road
If hiking the whole Ladder of Kotor sounds like too much for you then why not drive the Serpentine Road instead? The Serpentine Road will take you to Lovcen National Park but it’s also a destination in itself.
Not only does the road offer some pretty adventurous driving, but the views are also absolutely stunning along the way. I think it took us 90 minutes the drive the 20-minute road just because we were stopping all the time for pictures.
With 25 bends, this 8 km road is one of the best things to do in Kotor. The road gets pretty narrow and nail-biting in some sections but it is super fun to drive.
You won’t find too many views of Kotor town itself from here but the views over the Bay of Kotor are just unparalleled.
If you’re not doing a road trip and don’t already have a rental car you can rent one locally for just a day. There are many deals and local outfitters available on Discover Cars, one of my favorite car rental platforms for the Balkans. Find the perfect rental car with Discover Cars here.
Dine on Seafood
Montenegrin cuisine isn’t world-famous but I really can’t understand why. On our whole Balkans Road trip we ate some of the best food in Kotor.
When it comes to culinary delights, Kotor is a seafood lover’s paradise. From fresh catch-of-the-day to succulent grilled octopus and delectable Adriatic shrimp, the local restaurants offer an array of dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. You’ll want to pair your meal with a glass of local wine or rakija for a truly local slow, dining experience.
For the more veggie inclined, there are plenty of pasta, grilled vegetables, and salads available. I’ve outlined the best restaurants in the ‘Where to Eat’ section below.
Those that want to learn more about the food culture in Montenegro, you can take a guided tour. This Kotor Food Walking Tour with Tastings will teach you more about the food culture of the town and its most popular dishes.
Take in the Churches and Palaces
Kotor’s Old Town is littered with charming, Medieval churches and palaces which you’ll no doubt come across when exploring the Stari Grad. Kotor is brimming with historical and architectural treasures that will transport you to another era.
What’s particularly interesting to note is the sheer mix of both Catholic and Orthodox Churches in the tiny town. You can start by visiting the magnificent St. Tryphon’s Cathedral, a symbol of Kotor’s rich heritage, adorned with intricate stonework and frescoes. Make sure to also visit the two main Orthodox Churches in Kotor; St. Nicholas’ Church and Saint Luke’s Church.
In terms of palaces, you’ll find them located all around the Old Town. One of the most spectacular is the Palace of the Drago family, where you can marvel at the grandeur and imagine the lives of the nobles who once inhabited these opulent residences.
Hike to St. John’s Fortress
Another hike that runs parallel to the Ladder of Kotor is the hike that takes you up to St. John’s Fortress. Hiking to St. John’s Fortress is one of the best things to do in Kotor, not just for the Fortress but also for the picturesque church of Our Lady of Remedy and the stunning views that accompany you all the way up.
Start the San Giovanni Fortress hike here. It’ll lead you up to the back of the old town and then up toward the fortress along a winding hiking path. You’ll also need to pay the entrance fee of €8 on the way up.
Along the way, you’ll pass the Church of Our Lady of Remedy, a beautiful little chapel in the middle of the path with beautiful views of the Bay of Kotor. You’ll also pass the old Fortress Walls, ramparts, towers, and bastions before reaching the top.
San Giovanni Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and this short hike really is a must during your visit to Kotor.
Visit the Cats Museum of Kotor
Cat fans rejoice, and no joke, there is a cat museum in Kotor. Once you arrive in Kotor you’ll understand why. The city really does belong to all its feline residents and you’ll see them everywhere once you start wandering around.
At the Cat Museum, you’ll learn a little more about the history of cats in Kotor as well as see their collection of cat-themed memorabilia and vintage artwork. For the cat lovers out there, it’s a great spot to pass an hour.