Adriatic Coast & Bay of Kotor

Kotor (approx. 13,500 inhabitants) is the undisputed jewel of Montenegro and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. The old town lies at the end of the bay of the same name, nestled between the steep Lovćen massif and the deep blue waters. The perfectly preserved city wall climbs the mountainside up to the San Giovanni Fortress at 1,200 meters — a sight that leaves even well-traveled visitors speechless.

Old Town (Stari Grad)

The old town, surrounded by massive walls, is a labyrinth of narrow alleys, Romanesque churches, and Venetian palaces. Kotor was Venetian for over 400 years (1420–1797), and this era still shapes the cityscape today. The main attractions:

• Cathedral of St. Tryphon (Katedrala Sv. Tripuna) — Kotor's landmark, built in 1166, one of the oldest Romanesque churches on the Adriatic. Inside: an impressive ciborium (canopy altar) from the 14th century and frescoes from the 14th–17th century. Admission: 3€.
• Square of Arms (Trg od Oružja) — The central square with the clock tower (1602), the guardhouse, and numerous cafés. Here, the life of the old town pulses.
• Maritime Museum (Pomorski Muzej) — In the baroque palace of the Grgurina family, the museum tells the glorious maritime history of Kotor. The city was once one of the most important naval powers of the Adriatic. Admission: 4€.
• Church of St. Luke (Crkva Sv. Luke) — A tiny Romanesque church from the 12th century, unique for having both a Catholic and an Orthodox altar — a testament to Kotor's religious tolerance.
• Cat Museum & Cats of Kotor — Kotor is famous for its cats, which roam everywhere in the old town. There is even a small cat museum and a "Cat Square" (Trg od Mačaka).

Ascent to San Giovanni Fortress

The ascent to the fortress is the highlight of any Kotor visit: 1,350 steps lead steeply up the mountain through the old city wall — past the Church of Our Lady of Health (Crkva Gospe od Zdravlja) with its distinctive dome. The ascent takes 45–90 minutes and is strenuous, but the view from above of the bay, the old town, and the surrounding mountains is breathtaking. Best in the early morning or at sunset — it's too hot at midday in summer. Admission: 8€ (during the day), bring water!

Perast is a tiny baroque town (only about 350 inhabitants) at the narrowest point of the Bay of Kotor — and one of the most romantic places on the entire Adriatic. The waterfront promenade with its 16 palaces and 17 churches testifies to the former wealth of this seafaring nation, which sailed half the world under the Venetian flag.

The Two Church Islands

In front of Perast lie two tiny islands, which are among the most photographed motifs in Montenegro:

• Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks) — An artificially built-up island, constructed in the 15th century by sailors after they found a Marian icon on a rock reef. Legend has it that every passing sailor threw a stone into the water to enlarge the island. The current church (1630) houses 68 paintings by the baroque painter Tripo Kokolja — including his life's work, which took him 25 years. Boat transfer: 5€ return.
• Sveti Đorđe (St. George) — The natural neighboring island with a Benedictine monastery from the 12th century and an atmospheric cypress cemetery. The island is not open to the public, but it is beautiful to view from the boat. It served as inspiration for Arnold Böcklin's famous painting "Isle of the Dead".

Experience Perast

Perast is not a place for a checklist — it is a place to linger. Sit in one of the waterfront cafés, order a Montenegrin coffee, and gaze at the islands, the mountains, and the still water. The Maritime Museum in the Bujović Palace (admission: 2.50€) tells the amazing story of a miniature naval power that built ships for the Russian fleet. The St. Nicholas Bell Tower (55 meters) offers the best view of the bay — 1€ admission for the climb.

You can reach Perast from Kotor by bus (20 min., 2€), by car (with parking at the entrance, 2€/h), or — most beautifully — by boat from Kotor (shared taxis, 10–15€ return). In summer, it can get crowded during the day; it is most beautiful in the evening hours when the day tourists are gone and the light turns the palaces to gold.

Budva (approx. 20,000 inhabitants) is Montenegro's tourist hotspot — and has been since antiquity: The city is over 2,500 years old, making it one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic. Today, Budva attracts visitors with a combination of a medieval old town, long sandy beaches, and the liveliest nightlife in the country.

Old Town (Stari Grad)

The walled old town juts out into the sea on a small peninsula, offering a compact ensemble of narrow alleys, churches, squares, and restaurants. Less spectacular than Kotor, but livelier and with a direct beach next door. The citadel at the southern end offers a beautiful view over the coast. In the old town: good restaurants, small boutiques, and live music on the squares in the evenings.

Beaches

Budva is Montenegro's beach paradise:

• Mogren Beach — Two pebble beaches connected by a tunnel directly west of the old town. Crystal-clear water, dramatic cliffs, easily accessible on foot. The most beautiful city beach in Budva.
• Bečići — The 2 km long pebble-sand beach east of Budva has been repeatedly awarded as the most beautiful beach in Europe. Quieter than the city beach, with hotels and restaurants along the promenade. Accessible by bus (1€) or on foot (20 min.).
• Jaz Beach — 2.5 km long pebble beach, 3 km west of Budva. Famous as a venue for concerts (Rolling Stones, Madonna). A part is a nudist area. Quieter and more natural than the city beaches. Parking fee: 3€.
• Sveti Nikola (Hawaii Beach) — The offshore island with its beach is accessible by boat (5€ return, 15 min.). Rocky, wild, and less crowded. Good snorkeling opportunities.

Nightlife

Budva has the best nightlife in Montenegro. The old town transforms into a large open-air bar after dark, and along the coast, there are clubs, beach bars, and lounges. The scene is young, international, and active until the early morning hours — especially in July and August. The top spot is the Top Hill nightclub on a hill above the city with a pool and panoramic view.

Sveti Stefan is the most iconic motif of Montenegro: a tiny fortified island from the 15th century, connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus, surrounded by crystal-clear waters. The red roofs of the stone houses against the deep blue sea and green mountains — this image adorns every Montenegro travel guide, every postcard, and every Instagram profile.

History & Hotel

Sveti Stefan was originally a fishing village with 12 families who fortified the island in the 15th century as protection against Ottoman pirates. In the 1960s, the village was transformed into a luxury hotel — guests included Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, and Claudia Schiffer. Today, Sveti Stefan is part of the Aman Resorts empire and one of the most exclusive hotels in the Mediterranean (from 800€/night). The island itself is only accessible to hotel guests.

For Non-Hotel Guests

You don't have to be a guest to enjoy Sveti Stefan:

• The public beach in front of the island (north of the isthmus) offers the perfect view of Sveti Stefan. Fine pebble beach, clear water, and the view of the island is magnificent — especially at sunset.
• Miločer Park — Directly north lies the former royal park with subtropical vegetation, ancient cypresses, and a small pebble beach (Queen's Beach / Kraljičina plaža). A magical place for a walk.
• Viewpoints — From the coastal road above, there are several viewpoints offering the famous postcard view of the island. Best in the late afternoon when the sun bathes the stone houses in warm light.
• Przno — The neighboring village (5 min. south) is an authentic fishing village with a pebble beach, excellent fish restaurants, and the charm that Budva has long lost. Here, the Montenegrins themselves dine — a sure sign of quality.

Herceg Novi (approx. 13,000 inhabitants) is located at the western entrance to the Bay of Kotor, directly on the border with Croatia (Dubrovnik is only 45 km away). The city is lovingly called the "City of Stairs and Flowers" — both are true: Herceg Novi climbs steep terraces up the hillside, connected by countless stairs, lined with subtropical gardens with palms, oleanders, mimosas, and agaves.

Sights

• Forte Mare — The mighty sea fortress at the harbor (14th century) is a venue for concerts and film screenings in summer. From the terrace: panoramic view over the bay. Admission: 2€.
• Kanli-Kula (Bloody Tower) — The Ottoman fortress high above the city now serves as an open-air cinema and theater with one of the most spectacular stage settings on the Adriatic: the Bay of Kotor as a backdrop. Admission: 2€.
• Old Town & Belavista — The compact old town with its clock tower, the Orthodox Church of Archangel Michael, the Catholic Church of St. Jerome, and the winding alleys is full of cafés and patisseries. The promenade "Pet Danica" (Five Daytimes) is the city's meeting point.
• Savina Monastery — A Serbian Orthodox monastery from the 11th century, nestled in an ancient forest east of the city. The small church from the 11th century preserves valuable icons and frescoes. The garden with cypresses and sea view is a place of deep tranquility. Free of charge.
• Blue Grotto (Plava Špilja) — Accessible by boat tour from Herceg Novi (half-day tour: 25–40€). The cave on the Luštica Peninsula fills with azure light when the sun shines through the water. Best in the morning with calm seas.

Beaches & Surroundings

The beaches directly in Herceg Novi are small and concrete — the nicer bathing spots are in the surroundings:

• Žanjice & Mirište — On the Luštica Peninsula, accessible by boat (5€) or car. Pebble beaches with crystal-clear water and beach bars. The most popular bathing excursion from Herceg Novi.
• Rose — A picturesque fishing village on Luštica, accessible by boat. Time capsule atmosphere, little tourism, excellent fish restaurants.

Herceg Novi is the ideal starting point for day trips: Dubrovnik (Croatia) is 45 km away (approx. 1.5h with border crossing), the Bay of Kotor and Perast are right around the corner, and the Luštica Peninsula offers untouched beaches and the Blue Grotto.