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Kotor

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Landmark
—°13
Kotor (Montenegro)

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Kotor is one of the most spectacular coastal towns in the world, tucked away at the farthest point of the Boka Bay, a submerged river canyon that resembles a Nordic fjord. The UNESCO-protected Old Town is a perfectly preserved medieval labyrinth of stone alleys, hidden piazzas, and grand palaces built during the centuries of Venetian rule. Surrounding the town are massive fortification walls that snake 4.5 kilometers up the vertical cliffs of Mount Lovćen. A hike to the San Giovanni Fortress is the ultimate Kotor experience; climbing the 1,350 steep steps rewards visitors with a striking bird's-eye view of the bay and the red-tiled roofs below. The centerpiece of the town is St. Tryphon's Cathedral, a Romanesque beauty dating back to 1166. Kotor is also famously known as the 'City of Cats,' with feline residents lounging on every corner and even a dedicated cat museum, adding a quirky charm to the historic atmosphere. The town serves as a major cultural hub, hosting events like the Summer Carnival and the Kotor Art Festival. Its harbor is a popular stop for large cruise ships, creating a cosmopolitan vibe amidst the ancient stones. Dining in Kotor often involves fresh seafood and local Vranac wine served in sun-dappled courtyards. Whether you are exploring its maritime history or sailing the fjord-like waters, Kotor provides an unforgettable mix of natural drama and architectural elegance.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C45812162024241914106
Rain mm15615213810389674243116138187178

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Kotor is open to visitors year-round. The old town is walkable and accessible at any time, with no entry fee.
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Typical hours
The old town is accessible 24/7. Museums and churches typically open from 9 AM to 6 PM, depending on season.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the old town. Flash is typically restricted in churches and museums to protect exhibits.
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Time needed
Allow at least 3-4 hours for the old town. For hiking the city walls, plan a full day.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with a boat trip to Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks.
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Getting there
Kotor is accessible by car or bus from Budva or Tivat. Parking is located outside the old town walls.
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Insider tip
Climb the fortress walls at sunset for an unforgettable view over the Bay of Kotor.

Geography

Population
5,345 (2013)
Coordinates
42.42539, 18.77119

Facts

  • UNESCO World Heritage
  • Location: Boka Bay
  • 1,350 steps to fortress
  • Iconic animal: Cat
  • St. Tryphon Cathedral
  • Style: Venetian-Gothic
  • Major cruise ship port
  • Summer Carnival in August

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Napoleon Theater KotorNapoleon Theater Kotor<1 km · NEExplore →
Upper Vrmac FortressUpper Vrmac Fortress2 km · SWExplore →
DobrotaDobrota3 km · NExplore →
NjegušiNjeguši3 km · EExplore →
Vratlo PassVratlo Pass4 km · NEExplore →
PrcanjPrcanj4 km · NWExplore →
Tivat AirportTivat Airport4 km · SWExplore →
Lovcen National ParkLovcen National Park4 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Kotor (13)

Church of Our Lady of Remedy📍 landmark

Baroque church on the hill of St. John above Kotor with panoramic views of the bay.

River Gate (North Gate)🛡️ fortress

The River Gate serves as the historic northern entrance into the fortified walls of Kotor.

Sea Gate (Main Gate)🛡️ fortress

The Sea Gate is the majestic main entrance leading into the historic Old Town of Kotor.

Gurdić Gate🛡️ fortress

Gurdić Gate is a city gate in the fortifications of Kotor.

Crkva Svete Klare / Svetog Antuna⛪ religious

Crkva Svete Klare / Svetog Antuna in Kotor is a Catholic church dedicated to Saint Clare.

Đerinski vrh🌿 nature

Đerinski vrh is a mountain peak near Kotor.

Volujak🌿 nature

Volujak is a mountain near Kotor.

Fort Kavač (1878-1886)🏰 castle

A fort built 1878-1886 overlooking the Bay of Kotor.

Škaljari Fortress🏰 castle

A Venetian-era fortress above the Škaljari suburb.

Galerija nives🏛 museum

An art gallery in an old stone building in Kotor's old town.

🕒 Mo-Su 10:00-17:00

Laništa barracks🏺 historical

Former Austro-Hungarian barracks from the 19th century in Kotor.

Giant Stone Arch📍 landmark

A natural stone arch in the cliffs near Kotor.

Kampana Tower📍 landmark

Medieval tower on the main square of Kotor's old town.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When do the Kotor city walls open?
In season, they are usually accessible from 8:00 to 20:00.
How much does the climb to San Giovanni fortress cost?
The entrance fee is about 8-15 euros, depending on the season.
Are the old town alleys accessible?
The old town is flat and easy to navigate, but the climb to the fortress has many steps.
What is the best photo spot in Kotor?
The view from the walls over the bay and the rooftops of the old town.
How long does a walk through the old town take?
A leisurely walk takes about 1 to 2 hours, excluding the climb.
Kotor: where is it located?
Kotor is located in Montenegro.
Kotor: what is there to see?
Highlights include Church of Our Lady of Remedy, River Gate (North Gate), Sea Gate (Main Gate).
Kotor: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Kotor: why is it worth visiting?
Kotor is one of the most spectacular coastal towns in the world, tucked away at the farthest point of the Boka Bay, a submerged river canyon that resembles a Nordic fjord.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Herceg Novi — Kotor (Montenegro)
Herceg Novi
The 'City of Sun' at the entrance of Boka Bay, known for its botanical diversity, historic fortresses, and countless stairs.
Budva — Kotor (Montenegro)
Budva
The heart of the Montenegrin coast, combining a charming medieval old town with a modern lifestyle and some of the best beaches on the Ad…
Tivat — Kotor (Montenegro)
Tivat
A modern coastal town in the Bay of Kotor, famous for its luxury marina Porto Montenegro.
Dobrota — Kotor (Montenegro)
Dobrota
Dobrota stretches along the sunniest side of the Bay of Kotor, famous for its grand captain's palaces and baroque churches.
Igalo — Kotor (Montenegro)
Igalo
A coastal town near Herceg Novi recognized for its therapeutic sea mud and rehabilitation institutes.
Prcanj — Kotor (Montenegro)
Prcanj
An elegant maritime town known for its monumental Renaissance church and healing sea air.
Becici — Kotor (Montenegro)
Becici
An upscale resort area famous for its expansive, award-winning 2 km pebble beach and high-end hotels.
Rafailovici — Kotor (Montenegro)
Rafailovici
A former fishing village celebrated for its excellent seafood restaurants and relaxed Mediterranean vibe.
Przno — Kotor (Montenegro)
Przno
A charming former fishing village known for its stone architecture, olive groves, and upscale dining.
Sveti Stefan — Kotor (Montenegro)
Sveti Stefan
A world-famous island hotel on a rocky peninsula, connected to the mainland by a narrow tombolo and its pink pebble beaches.
Milocer — Kotor (Montenegro)
Milocer
An exclusive royal resort surrounded by a lush botanical park and world-famous beaches.
Perast — Kotor (Montenegro)
Perast
A quiet, baroque-style waterfront town in the Bay of Kotor.
Lovcen National Park — Kotor (Montenegro)
Lovcen National Park
The symbol of Montenegrin freedom, home to the spectacular Njegoš Mausoleum on the Jezerski Vrh peak.

History & landmarks

Cetinje — Kotor (Montenegro)
Cetinje
The historical capital of Montenegro, the honorary seat of the President, and a living museum of monasteries and palaces.
Risan — Kotor (Montenegro)
Risan
The oldest settlement in the Bay of Kotor, famous for its ancient Roman mosaics and Illyrian roots.
Njeguši — Kotor (Montenegro)
Njeguši
A historic mountain village at 900 meters altitude famous for its air-dried prosciutto and cheese.