We can freely say that Kotor Montenegro has everything – clean water of the Adriatic Sea, rich history, impressive mountain ranges, and the largest bay of the Adriatic Sea – the Bay of Kotor.
Therefore, Kotor is the perfect destination for all types of people – adventurers and real hedonists. Visiting the mountains Lovćen (1749 meters), Orjen (1895 meters) and Dobrostice (1570 meters) is an essential activity if you like adventurous activities. You will enjoy the natural beauty of Kotor, and the view of the Bay of Kotor will remain in your memory long after this trip!
For those who like a more peaceful tour of the Balkans, as part of the Balkan trip, you will visit the well-preserved remains of the old city of Kotor, the baroque city of Perast and you will feel the spirituality of Our Lady of the Rocks island.
Tourists all over the world are very happy to visit Kotor Montenegro, and what are the main reasons for that, you will find out in the continuation of our colorful blog!
Baroque Perast
Although Perast is a small coastal settlement located 12 km from the municipality of Kotor, a large number of people visit this settlement. Its beauty is reflected in the baroque style that adorns it. Architecture in Perast has not left anyone indifferent, so neither will you!
Everything you need to see in Perast is in the central part of this small town. The narrow stone streets you pass through will give you the impression that you are walking through history! Everything you see in this part of the town remains the same as before.
The baroque palaces surrounding Perast once belonged to rich merchants and captains. What sets them apart is the imposing architecture and details such as opulent facades, wrought-iron windows, and luxurious courtyards. A Balkan trip cannot go without visiting this kind of unreal architecture!
While walking the streets of Perast, you will see elements of Venetian, Renaissance, and Neoclassical architecture. This is an indication that the town has a rich history, and together with the monasteries and churches, the authenticity and diversity of the town stand out!
Mysterious Lady of Škrpjela
What we forgot to mention is the beautiful view of the Bay of Kotor from Perast. This small town not only leads us down the path of a long history but also allows us to look at the largest bay of the Adriatic Sea.
But that’s not all that this small but very important town gives us. Nearby there is a church and a monastery named Gospa od Škrpjela. The church is located on an artificial island and is one of the most revered shrines in the region.
The legend of Our Lady of Škrpjela
How was this artificial island created? Of course, as in every place you will visit during the Balkan trip, the legend writes his own words. Once upon a time, this place was called an old ridge, which the locals called Škrpjela. Two brothers who often passed by this reef when they went fishing, noticed a small icon of the Mother of God with a baby Jesus.
They took the icon to a nearby church, but every time the icon returned to the place where they found it. After some time, they realized that it was time to build a church where this icon would have its home.
After that, residents and fishermen left stones at the place where the church is located, and over time, due to the large amount of stones, it became an island! Every year, on July 22, the local population celebrates the feast of Our Lady of the Scallop with a ceremony known as Fasinada. During this ceremony, local fishermen and villagers in traditional boats throw stones into the sea around the island, which symbolizes the continuation of a tradition that has lasted for centuries.
Bay of Kotor Montenegro – The Jewel of Montenegro
We also reached the Bay of Kotor – the largest bay of the Adriatic Sea, which makes all the surrounding places special because they are located right near this bay. Therefore, the biggest secret of the beauty of Gospa od Škrpjela, Perast from other towns in the area is their proximity to the Bay of Kotor.
It is made up of four bays: Kotor, Risan, Tivat and Herzegnov. As we said at the beginning of our blog, mountain ranges rise above the narrow coast of the Bay of Kotor and play a major role in protecting this area from the cold continental climate. And he succeeds in that!
The best way to get to know the Bay of Kotor is to go on a boat tour. Kotor Bay Cruise will take you and show you every corner of this southernmost fjord in Europe.
Kotor Montenegro: Tour the beauties of the Old Town
One piece of information captures the beauty and importance of Kotor Montenegro: The entire city has been on the UNESCO list of protected world cultural heritage since 1979. The city is surrounded by walls that are even more than 2000 years old! Of course, the walls served to defend against enemies.
You can enter Montenegro through the Sea gate. They got the name Sea Gate because the water level reached them. There are a total of three Sea Gates, and they date back to the reign of Venetians. So, just entering Kotor Montenegro, we can see the influence of many reigns!
The old look of Kotor Montenegro is what makes it special. The architecture and buildings that remained preserved thousands of years after their construction, the tower, the cathedral, the church, and the old stone house, will be something that will leave you speechless!
An interesting fact about narrow streets
The biggest feature of the Old Town is the narrow streets paved with durable stone. However, the stone and their narrow space are not the only things that make them unique. These streets do not have official names! Locals have given unofficial names to the streets, and one of the most famous streets is “Let me pass Street”. You have the right to guess why it got that name!
What is interesting is that you cannot get lost between these streets. Walk, wander, explore everything these alleys hide and you’ll always know where you are and how to get back to your starting point.
Maritime Museum
The successful development of shipping in these areas is shown in the Maritime Museum. The Grgurina Palace, showcasing the baroque style and archaeological significance of Kotor Montenegro, houses and arranges the museum.
By visiting this maritime museum, you will get to know models of sailboats and ships, the way the captain’s wives dress, and the homes where famous Kotor sailors and statesmen lived.
At the very entrance to the Maritime Museum, you will be greeted by two volumes. But you have no reason to be afraid! The two cannons standing at the entrance are a symbol of the constant battle between sailors and pirates!
Kotor Montenegro and Festivals
Kotor Carnival
The Kotor Carnival takes place in February. It is specific in that the carnival participants sew and design different masks months in advance, with which they will then walk through the streets of Kotor Montenegro. The masks have to portray a parody of reality, and every year the masks are getting funnier!
This carnival is traditionally called “Festival”. Many carnival groups from Europe and the world walk through the streets of Kotor, and a large number of children also participate. With music, several thousand people enjoy a good time!
International meeting of Klapa
The international Klapa meeting takes place at the end of August. During this period you can hear great music and performers because this is a music festival where they compete in club singing. Do you remember the small town of Perast? This event is taking place in this small town!
The event usually lasts three days and has a competitive spirit, so if you like watching competitions, this is the event for you!
Conclusion
Thanks to the historical buildings, the natural beauty of the Bay of Kotor, and the festival, there is no doubt that the Kotor tour in Montenegro, as part of the Balkan trip, encompasses everything – adventure, history, culture, and unforgettable moments that remain etched in memory.
Kotor, with its outstanding cultural heritage, untouched nature, and rich history, is a true treasure of Montenegro and the Balkans. Therefore, do not miss the opportunity and create for yourself an unforgettable experience that is created in the Balkans!
Hi, I’m Mike—co-founder of Balkland and your on-the-ground tour leader. I’m involved from the first message to the final farewell, making sure everything feels effortless and every day feels designed around you.