Montenegro is quickly becoming one of Europe’s most enchanting destinations: a place that still feels like a secret compared to its neighbors Croatia and Italy, yet rivals them in beauty. Tucked between rugged mountains and the Adriatic Sea, it offers a breathtaking mix of medieval towns, crystal-clear swimming coves, and a slower rhythm of life that feels both refreshing and restorative. At the heart of it all is the Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site and truly the crown jewel of Montenegro. Kotor itself is a dreamy blend of old-world charm and effortless coastal living. Mornings can be spent wandering cobblestone streets shaded by centuries-old stone buildings, afternoons on the water discovering hidden corners of the bay, and evenings with a glass of wine as the sun sets behind the mountains. During my time here this summer, it genuinely felt like stepping into another world, and it was a kind of quiet luxury that’s hard to put into words.
Below is my complete guide to Kotor, including tips for visiting, the best places to visit, things to do, where to swim, day trips, restaurants and more.
Getting To (& Around) Kotor
The easiest way to reach Kotor is by flying into Tivat Airport, just a 15-minute drive from the bay. Once you arrive, the most seamless way to get around is with a private transfer, which is far more comfortable than navigating buses or negotiating taxis. I always recommend booking with Daytrip, which pairs you with a vetted driver and a comfortable car, so you can simply relax and enjoy the scenery. Once you’re in Kotor Old Town, it’s very walkable, and having a car is not necessary. If you need to venture out for a day trip to Perast or nearby towns around Montenegro, you can always lean on your hotel’s concierge for a shuttle, or, book affordable transfers through Daytrip.
Things To Do in Kotor, Montenegro
Wander Old Town
Behind its fortress walls, Old Town Kotor feels like stepping back in time. Its narrow alleys twist and turn, opening onto sunlit squares filled with cafés and boutiques. Ivy spills over stone facades, church bells echo in the distance, and every corner feels like it could be the setting of a painting. Grab coffee at one of the tiny piazzas, shop for local artisan pieces, and soak up the atmosphere. For dinner, book a table at Astoria, housed in a 13th-century palace, or stop at Ladurée for a Parisian-style indulgence of macarons and espresso.
Climb the City Walls
For the best view of the bay, hike up Kotor’s fortified walls. The path winds steeply up the hillside, but the payoff is unforgettable: terracotta rooftops spilling down to the glittering bay, framed by soaring mountains. It’s especially magical at sunset when the light softens across the water.
Visit Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks
Just a short drive away, Perast is one of the most romantic towns on the Adriatic. Once a wealthy Venetian outpost, it’s lined with baroque palaces and a serene waterfront promenade. If you’d like to experience Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks in the most memorable way, I recommend booking this private boat tour below that combines this legendary islet with some of the bay’s most stunning natural wonders. The journey takes you across Boka Bay on a sleek speedboat, with stops at the church and maritime museum on Our Lady of the Rocks. From there, you’ll circle the historic Mamula Island, and arrive at the famous Blue Cave. There’s time to swim in the crystal-clear lagoons, and if you wish, your captain can even arrange a stop at one of the bay’s best waterfront restaurants.
Where To Swim in (& nearby) Kotor
Kotor doesn’t have sandy beaches in the traditional sense — instead, its charm lies in the calm coves and waterfront promenades that line the bay. Along the shoreline, you’ll find elegant stone platforms and piers that double as sunbathing spots, with ladders leading directly into the Adriatic. The water is glass-clear and calm, framed by mountains that rise dramatically in the distance. It feels serene, chic, and wonderfully low-key.
For some of the best swimming in Kotor, head to Dobrota, a residential stretch just beyond Old Town. Here, the waterfront is dotted with stylish boutique hotels, little cafés, and sun-soaked coves where locals and visitors alike spend their afternoons. Instead of crowded beach clubs, you’ll slip into the sea from stone steps or piers, then lounge in the sun with sailboats drifting past. It’s swimming at its most elegant — peaceful, picturesque, and effortlessly luxurious.
While Kotor itself is best known for its coves and stone piers, you’ll also find a few intimate beaches dotted around the bay. These aren’t wide sandy stretches, but rather charming pebbled shores that give you easy access to the water and incredible views of the mountains all around.
Bajova Kula Beach (near Perast): A chic little spot with a restaurant, loungers, and a jetty for diving straight into the sea. It feels more private than Kotor town and has a relaxed, upscale vibe.
Huma Bay Beach (Dobrota): Part of the Huma Hotel & Villas, this modern beach club offers loungers, service, and a stylish setting — perfect if you prefer a more polished atmosphere.
Morinj Beach: A quieter option about 30 minutes from Kotor, set in a small fishing village. Surrounded by greenery, it feels secluded and authentic while still offering a few local restaurants nearby.
Where To Eat & Drink in Kotor
Pastries & Gelato
Marshall’s Gelato (Old Town): Widely considered the best gelato in Kotor, with flavors ranging from classic pistachio to local fruits. It’s the perfect way to cool off after climbing the city walls.
Moritz Eis (Podgorica-based, often in coastal towns): Known for organic, artisanal gelato that’s very much worth the hype. I tried their lavender gelato, and it was incredible.
Lunch Spots
Konoba Scala Santa (Old Town): One of the oldest restaurants in Kotor, tucked into a stone alley with tables spilling into a charming square. The seafood risotto and octopus salad are perfect for a light yet satisfying lunch between sightseeing.
Ombra Restaurant (Old Town): A chic little spot in Kotor’s Old Town that makes an ideal pause for lunch, with shaded outdoor tables and a menu that feels fresh and Mediterranean. The atmosphere is relaxed but refined, perfect for escaping the bustle of the squares while still soaking in the Old Town charm.
Dinner Spots
Konoba Portun (Dobrota): An atmospheric waterfront restaurant where the tables sit almost at the edge of the bay. Order fresh fish or seafood pasta and linger over Montenegrin wine as the sun sets.
Bonazza (Dobrota): Known for its terrace overlooking the bay and its impeccable seafood. Go for the daily catch, grilled simply with olive oil and lemon, and enjoy one of the most beautiful settings in town.
Where to Stay in Kotor
Kotor’s magic lingers long after the sun sets, and staying overnight allows you to soak in its quiet elegance. The bay is dotted with boutique hotels that balance intimacy with luxury, each offering its own take on Adriatic charm:
Huma Hotel & Villas (Dobrota)
A contemporary retreat with a private beach club, sleek waterfront suites, and panoramic views of the bay. It’s polished yet relaxed, perfect for travelers who want a modern take on coastal living.
Hotel Forza Terra (Dobrota)
With its refined interiors, spa, and curated wine cellar, Forza Terra feels like an intimate sanctuary — a blend of Montenegrin tradition and contemporary design.
Hotel Astoria (Old Town)
Housed in a 13th-century palace, this historic gem places you right within Kotor’s walled city, surrounded by centuries of history and evening piazza life.
…. Closing thoughts
What makes Kotor so enchanting is its ability to feel both timeless and undiscovered. Luxury here isn’t about flashy resorts or crowded clubs — it’s about the understated pleasures: slipping into the Adriatic from a stone pier or waking to church bells echoing through the Old Town. It’s a destination that whispers rather than shouts, proving that true luxury lies in simplicity, privacy, and a sense of place.
For travelers seeking a European escape that still feels like a secret, Kotor is one of the Adriatic’s last true hidden gems — a quiet luxury worth experiencing before the world fully catches on.
