Montenegro was the fourth stop on our Balkan trip, and Kotor, also known as Cattaro, was the country’s showpiece. The well-preserved town, tucked into a dramatic bay and surrounded by steep mountains, blends medieval history, postcard‑perfect views and relaxed coastal life.
Getting there from Podgorica
We took the Perović Line bus from Podgorica to Kotor, booking online for the 10:15 departure. The journey took about two hours and thirty minutes, arriving at 12:45.
Note a few practical points:
- Must print your ticket at the station (€1.50 per ticket).
- Pay €1 per piece of luggage on the bus.
- Settle the tourist tax (€1 per person per day) at the tourist centre in the old town if your accommodation doesn’t handle it.
Accommodation
We booked a place in Muo with Airbnb. A taxi from the old town to the apartment cost €6. Villa Sofiya (Home in Muo) is reachable by a back road and also on foot via a stone staircase from the main road; it provided a wonderful backdrop to the bay and a clear view of the Old Town.
The rooftop was a great hangout with sundecks and umbrellas; on our last day, after checking out at 11:00, we spent a few hours there relaxing.
A slight inconvenience was the limited selection of restaurants and shops nearby, possibly because we visited during a public holiday.
The nearest alternative restaurant, besides the next-door accommodation restaurant, was about a 25‑minute walk toward the old town. If you travel during long weekends or national holidays, be aware that supermarkets may be closed; on National Day, our only options were the bus station shop and a petrol‑station store.
Things to Do in Kotor
Hike to San Giovanni Fortress
The top things to do here in Kotor are to hike the Fortress of San Giovanni, also known as St. John’s Fortress. It’s a historic defensive structure in Kotor. Instead of paying the €15 gate fee, we took the historic Ladder of Cattaro trail. A free, zigzagging gravel path behind the city walls that rewards you with epic panoramic views of the bay from just a slightly different angle.
The trail starts near the bridge, and right before reaching the ruined buildings and an abandoned church, we had a pleasant conversation with the caretaker of an old house who was also selling cold drinks.
We saw the window for the entrance to the fortress, but there was no ladder or rope to get across. The stump and ledge looked slippery and precarious, so we abandoned the idea of trying to clamber over. Not risking our lives for it, LOL.
Stroll Around Old Town
The Old Town of Kotor is car‑free and pedestrian‑friendly. A beautiful maze of cobbled streets and historic squares. Spend at least an hour wandering through the Sea Gate to discover iconic landmarks such as the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, the Clock Tower and Flour Square (Trg od brašna), among many others.
Relax at the Beach and Pontas
Cool off in the calm waters of the Bay of Kotor from the town’s local beach or from the docks (pontas). Avoid swimming directly from the main marina or cruise‑ship port because of heavy boat traffic and water pollution.
Food and Drink Highlights
Marenda Steak House
We ate here often and tried most of the pasta dishes, except for the vegetarian one; everything was tasty, the staff was friendly and the internet was fast. Its proximity to the bus station made it convenient on arrival and before our departure to Trebinje, Bosnia.
Dekaderon Lux Apartment – Mediterranean Nights
When we visited this place, the server told us that they only serve dinner. Maybe it’s because of the public holiday. The service was a little slow, but worth the wait.
Food quality was great, no additional praise about the view as we only live next door. So, same fabulous view! Dinner for two with two glasses of pomegranate juice costs €47.
Bucko Halal Pizzeria & Grill
A practical, cheap fast‑food option when choices were limited; meals were under €15 for two.
Little Bay – Busy in the late afternoon with swimmers and fishers; service rules meant you couldn’t use the nicer seats without ordering food. Two 500 ml Tuborg draughts with service charge came to €9.46.
Restaurant & Bar Jet Ski – We could see our apartment across the water and even pick up a weak Wi‑Fi signal. We watched kids jump off the platform and cruise ships leave the bay. Niksicko 500 ml €4.50; Somersby 330 ml €4.00.
Caffe 365 – The cheapest option we found for drinks: Zaječarsko 330 ml €3.00. Other prices we noted: Niksicko 330 ml €2.80; Tuborg 330 ml €3.20; draught 500 ml €4.00.
There is no shortage of bars along the bay. The main difference is the angle of the view and a euro or two on the price per pint, depending on the beer. So, take your pick!
Whether you’re climbing fortress walls, savouring seafood in a fancy restaurant, or chilling at a bar along the bay, Kotor has a way of slowing you down in the best possible way. We spent three nights here but could easily have stayed a week!
Travel Date: 13th July – 16th July 2025