If you’re considering a bespoke yachting holiday in Croatia to finally visit one of the world’s most gorgeous medieval towns, Dubrovnik, you might want to use the opportunity to visit Montenegro. Don’t tell anyone, but some of its main hotspots put Dubrovnik to shame - primarily the walled Venetian city of Kotor.
Although newly an independent country, Montenegro can be reached in under 30 minutes from chic Croatian port towns. Here, you will find hidden turquoise coves, majestic canyons, captivating historical towns, and fantastic restaurants that will leave you asking for more.
As arguably the most beautiful city in Montenegro, Kotor should definitely be on top of your travel bucket list. A place that always ends up exceeding the expectations of visitors, it flaunts majestic architecture that earned Kotor a place in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Each cobblestone of the streets of this marvelous city is drenched in history. The Old Town hasn’t changed its signature looks much since the 12th century, and proof of first residents go back to the prehistoric era.
Elegant, chic, and simply awe-inspiring, Kotor is located in one of the most stunning bays of Adriatic and was for a long time known as the home of merchants, sailors, and noble families.
The city has about 22 000 residents and consists of several different areas that were until recently considered separate towns, all with distinct characters and volumes of stories to tell. Prepare your most comfortable shoes - Kotor will enamor you enough to spend hours strolling, with regular stops at sophisticated restaurants and modern bars.
Best Things To See In Kotor
Cathedral Of St. Tryphon
The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon in Kotor, Montenegro, is one of two Roman Catholic churches in Montenegro, a predominantly Orthodox country. Built on the remains of a church from the 9th Century and established in 1166, the Kotor Cathedral is one of the best-preserved medieval monuments in the entire Adriatic. Today, it is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kotor.
Although not as famous as Milan’s Duomo or Notre Dame, the Cathedral Of St. Tryphon is actually older than both. It holds invaluable art and treasures, including the exceptional frescoes that any painting enthusiast will certainly appreciate.
From here, you can casually walk through the Old Town and allow yourself to vagabond through the maze of cobbled streets without checking the time.
Kotor Fortress
Hiking to the Venetian fortress that towers over this dazzling town is no small feat. Some 1,300 steps from the Old Town, and a vertiginous hike away, you will come across the St. Ivan fortress, with 4,000 meter-long fortifications. The hike will pay off when you view the panorama on a height of 280 meters above sea - don’t forget to bring your camera!
Dobrota
Until recently considered a separate town, Dobrota is a serene settlement with idyllic views where mountains seam to melt into the sea. At first glance, it may look like a painting of a 17th century resort town, or a holiday spot that mostly attracts painters. But infact, Dobrota has an intriguing history that goes back to the 3rd Century BC.
It’s hayday happened during the Venetian era, when Dobrota was a merchant powerhouse. Noble families and sailors settled many “captain palazzos” that still stand here to this day and bear testimony of Dobrota’s glory. One of the most notable palazzos is the Tripkovic Palace, considered the most astounding castles in Boka Kotorska (Kotor Bay). Built in the 18th Century, the shipowner mansion is open for visit and fully renovated.
The strongholds of Dobrota are an incorporated historical fortress framework that safeguarded the middle age town of Kotor containing defenses, towers, fortifications, entryways, strongholds, posts, storages, a palace, and subordinate structures and designs. They fuse military engineering design is predominantly of Venice, but with some traces of Illyria, Byzantium, and Austria. Along with the old town and its regular environmental factors, the strongholds were engraved in the rundown of World Heritage Sites in 1979 marked Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor.
Perast
A small village in the Kotor municipality with roots in the Neolithic era is certainly one of the most popular destinations of Monenegro, mostly because of its small islet that holds the Our Lady of The Rocks chappel, possibly the most intriguing attraction of the country.
The artificial islet was made by sailors who were committed to keeping an ancient oath after finding a depiction of Holy Mary at the bottom of the seabed. They kept bringing rocks, and to honor their strenuous effort, locals still keep throwing them into the sea, especially on the 22nd of July festival when rocks and boots are used to expand the width of this island. Inside the chappel, you will find notable baroque arts, but it is the famous votive tapestry embroidered by Jacinta Kunić-Mijović from Perast that steals the show. While waiting for her beloved sailor to return for 25 years, Jacinta has used silver, gold, and even her own hair locks to finish the work, eventually going completely blind. A real life Penelope!
Risan
Once the oldest town in the Boka Kotorska Bay and now a beguiling district of Kotor, Risan began as an artisanal, sailing, and merchant beacon of the Illyrian state. Tucked away in the majestic cliffs of the Orjen mountain, Risan is a natural harbor famous for both its strong history and natural setting.
Romans built their residences here in the finest imported marble and decorated them with sculptures and mosaic - one that acquired the most recognition is the one depicting Hipnos, as it is the only one in the world with the image of the Roman God of Dreams.
Best Beaches in Kotor
After spending hours exploring the innumerable cultural riches of the most beautiful fortified city in the Adriatic (sorry, Dubrovnik), you might want to hop back on your charter yacht to recharge with a swim. It is worth noting that since Montenegro is small, you don’t have to limit yourself to the beaches in Kotor - a few minutes on your luxury charter yacht will take you anywhere you like to go
Blue Horizons, Radovici
While the best sandy beaches are not in Kotor, Blue Horizons is located a stone throw away. Located by the tiny settlement of Radovici and about 8km from the Kotor’s center, this fine-gravel sand beach is a true insiders tip, as most tourists are condemned to swimming in the overcrowded city beach. The sand of this idyllic beach even has healing properties, but it’s the nature of this 8,5 km long beach that makes it the best swimming spot in the Boka Kotorska Bay. Pine trees and halm oak are scattered along the shores, giving visitors natural shade, although you could also rent a parasol in one of several cafes found here.
The beach was awarded witth a Blue Flag standard for cleanliness and organization.
Orahovac Beach
While the main city beach in Kotor is the most famous, we don’t recommend it - it gets pretty overcrowded and isn’t too clean. Those in the know will pack their parasols and head to the picturesque Orahovac Beach, a hidden jewel with fine sand, where majestic mountains mirror in the completely translucent seas.
Ljuta Beach
Another small beach with postcard looks is located in the Ljuta area, and has a perfect atmosphere for a romantic day with your special other, or sandcastle building with kids. Quiet, dreamy, and far from the tourist crowds, Ljuta Beach is the perfect spot to kick back and relax after a busy day in the gorgeous Old Town.
Best Restaurants in Kotor
When it’s time to fill up on some yummy meals, Kotor will completely spoil you with options. Whether you want to simply unwind in a casual gelateria, or are looking forward to a 5-course meal, the culinary scene of this magnificent town never disappoints.
Galion
A fine-dining option with splendid views of the marina, the bay, and the Old Town, Galion offers creatively presented dishes that blend national cuisine of Montenegro and modern gastro trends. Whether you opt for a tuna steak or the mouthwatering octopus (our sincere recommendations), the friendly staff will help you pair your dish with one of the wines in their list that includes hundreds of local and international bottles.
Mudra Art Cuisine
Planning a special date? Head to Dobrota’s Mudra Art Cuisine, where each dish comes on with an artful presentation and an explosion of flavor, just by the sea. The restaurant offers moorings and is becoming a popular option for yachting aficionados. The relatively new spot is perhaps the best option for a romantic evening, where you can treat yourself to some haute cuisine while absorbing the views.
Marenda Grill House
While seafood is incredibly healthy, we all know there can be too much of a good thing. If you find yourself yearning for a mouthwatering T-bone steak or a Fiorentina, book a table at Marenda Grill House. It’s worth noting that Montenegro’s meat is almost exclusivly grown in a free-range style, so you might be having the best steak of your life.
Konoba Scala
If you’re trying to avoid tourist traps while exploring the Old Town, your safest bet is the famous Scala restaurant which has kept the trust of visitos for decades with the freshest seafood and family-style service. The menu is big, with options for vegetarians and those following a gluten-free diet, but each dish is cooked to perfection - from the truffled gnocchi and steak wok, to the shrimp. If you come for dinner, you might enjoy some live music, as the restaurant often organizes events to please regular guests.
