Overview
The Bay of Kotor, flanked by steep Adriatic mountains, is Montenegro at its most picturesque: a string of walled towns, terracotta rooftops, and tranquil blue waters. This 8-day journey invites you to slow down in the medieval lanes of Kotor, explore historic Perast, enjoy local seafood, and uncover quiet stretches of coastline where time seems to slip by almost unnoticed.
Best time to visit
May to early June and September are delightful, as the weather is warm and dry, the sea inviting, and the crowds manageable. July and August are hottest and busiest; many locals recommend visiting in the shoulder months when the pace matches the landscape’s relaxed mood.
Suggested day-by-day
- Days 1–2: Settle into Kotor’s Old Town, wander its fortifications at dusk, and linger over coffee at a quiet piazza. Climb the fortress steps for spectacular bay views.
- Day 3: Take a boat trip to Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks islet. Enjoy a waterside lunch and stroll Perast’s Venetian palaces.
- Days 4–5: Explore Prčanj and Muo on foot or by bicycle. Savour a slow afternoon at a pebble beach or by the water’s edge. Sample Montenegrin wines with local cheeses at a family-run konoba.
- Day 6: Day trip to Budva for medieval lanes and a swim at Mogren Beach. Return via Sveti Stefan viewpoint at sunset.
- Days 7–8: Amble Kotor’s morning market; hike the Vrmac ridge for panoramic views. Enjoy a final evening in a tucked-away old town restaurant.
Practical tips
Kotor is best explored on foot—its old town is compact and mostly pedestrian. Buses link Kotor with Budva, Perast, and coastal villages, but timetables can be sporadic; allow for a flexible schedule. ATMs are plentiful, though some rural konobas prefer cash. Montenegro uses the euro, and English is widely spoken in tourist zones. Bring sturdy shoes for fort climbs and a light cover-up for entering churches.