Holiday in Bay of Kotor

What makes Bay of Kotor special as a destination?

The Bay of Kotor is Europe's southernmost fjord — although not a true fjord geologically, but a submerged river valley, it looks just like one: Steep mountains rising up to 1,700 meters plunge into a deep blue, winding body of water, where medieval towns and tiny fishing villages cling to the shores. This dramatic interplay of mountains and sea makes Boka Kotorska one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Mediterranean. Kotor itself, located at the innermost corner of the bay, is a medieval gem: The completely preserved city walls wind up 4.5 kilometers along the steep mountainside to the San Giovanni Fortress at 1,200 meters. The ascent of 1,350 steps is strenuous, but the reward is one of the greatest panoramic views in Europe — the entire bay lies at your feet, cruise ships look like toys, and on clear days, the view extends to the open Adriatic. The old town of Kotor is a Venetian jewel: Narrow alleys between stone palaces open onto secluded squares with Romanesque churches and bubbling fountains. The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon from the 12th century houses golden reliquaries, and the Maritime Museum tells of the seafaring tradition of the bay, which dates back to the Middle Ages. Beyond Kotor, the villages along the bay invite exploration: Perast, a sleepy Baroque village with only a few hundred inhabitants, overlooks two tiny islands — the artificially created Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks) with a votive church full of sailor's gifts, and the Benedictine island Sveti Đorđe with its cypress silhouette. Herceg Novi at the entrance to the bay delights with lush gardens, fortresses, and a lively promenade, while the Luštica Peninsula on the opposite side offers hidden coves and olive groves.