The Best Plans To Enjoy Kotor In Montenegro

Located off the coast of the Adriatic Sea, we find the city of Kotor, in Montenegro. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1979, it has become one of the favorite destinations for international tourism.

This walled city is more than 2000 years old and has a wide range of tourist activities. Do you want to know more about this fascinating medieval city? Here we tell you everything you can do during your visit.

Kotor, the little gem of the Balkans

Kotor is located in a small and closed bay of volcanic origin. The ancient volcano was the cause of the unique landscape of cliffs that surrounds it.

Its walls, its greatest symbol of identity, were built by Emperor Justinian I to defend itself from the attack of the Goths and Saracens. For this reason, like any walled city, it has narrow and steep streets, built to make it difficult for the enemy to pass.

Over time, the configuration of its irregular streets has become one of its most emblematic points. And it is that getting lost in these cobbled streets immerses the visitor in the history of the city, creating a timeless environment that seems to transport us to an ancient time.

Top things to do in Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor is one of the most visited cities in Montenegro. Its success lies, in addition to its privileged location, in the perfect preservation of the essence of the old Republic of Venice.

So much so, that in 2016 Lonely Planet, one of the best known publishers of travel guides, named it the number one city to visit in the world.

There are many cruises that include Kotor within their routes, but, luckily, the influx of tourism has not affected the charm of the city. Walking its streets, enjoying the exquisite architecture of its emblematic buildings and admiring its unique landscape are just the beginning of an unforgettable visit.

Start the visit by entering through the Puerta del Mar

Built during the Venetian conquest, the Sea Gate is the entrance to the city of Kotor. In it you can see the lion of San Marcos, a symbol of Venice. After crossing the threshold we will find several restaurants and the Clock Tower.

Stroll through the Kotor market and taste typical Montenegrin delicacies

The Kotor market retains all its original charm and is a must if you want to taste typical products of the region. Feel free to spend some time walking around it.

Contemplate and tour the city walls

Both the walls and the rest of the structures that made up the defensive system of the city of Kotor are in very good condition. Thanks to this, we can enjoy all the details of the Venetian architecture that surrounds the city.

The walls can be covered both from above, to contemplate the views, and from below through the different alleys. They close around the fortress of San Jovan, cover almost 5 kilometers and reach the top of the mountain, about 260 meters above sea level.

Climb to the fortress of San Jovan

Built in the 16th century, the fortress of San Jovan offers a viewpoint with unique views of the city landscape and the coast. It is advisable not to go up in hot hours, since the ascent has more than 1000 steps and can be a bit demanding.

Despite this, both the elderly and children will be able to climb without problems with patience and with the supervision of an adult.

Cathedral of Saint Trypho

It is one of the only two Catholic cathedrals that exist in Montenegro. The relics of Saint Tryphon, protector of the city, are preserved inside. In addition, it has a collection of elements typical of the popular culture of Kotor.

Visit the museums of Kotor, history and curiosities of Montenegro

On the one hand, we must mention the Maritime Museum, which exhibits a wide collection of nautical maps and other objects related to the history and relevance of the city of Kotor as a key point of the Venetian army and its commercial voyages.

The other museum worth visiting is the Museo del Gato. These animals are part of the typical landscape of the city, therefore, it is not surprising that they have their own museum.

In it there is a large collection of photographs, postcards and other objects related to cats. Part of the collection was donated by Countess Francesca di Montereale Mantica.

Walk or bike the Kotor Stairs

The Kotor Stairs is an ancient caravan route that connected the city of Kotor with the rest of the country. It is an ideal route for lovers of hiking and cycling.

As you can see, Kotor is not only a beautiful city, but also offers you endless different and attractive plans to enjoy it. You dare?