Kotor

Climb 1,355 steps up the medieval walls to the hilltop Fortress of San Giovanni for one of the most dramatic views in Europe — the entire Bay of Kotor laid out below, framed by the ancient battlements and the rooftops of the Old Town.

A perfectly preserved medieval Venetian walled city — wandering the labyrinthine stone alleys, piazzas, and Romanesque churches is deeply atmospheric. The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (12th century) is unmissable, and the resident cats of Kotor are legendary.

A tiny artificial island in the Bay of Kotor built stone by stone by sailors over 400 years — the Baroque church inside contains extraordinary ex-voto paintings and silver votive plaques. Reached by water taxi from the beautiful village of Perast.

The most beautiful village in the Bay of Kotor — a perfectly preserved Baroque seafront with 17 church towers and magnificent palazzos. Far fewer tourists than Kotor itself, with extraordinary views across to the Our Lady of the Rocks island.

The best fish restaurant in Kotor — on a small pier over the bay with spectacular fortress views. The fresh Adriatic sea bass, black risotto, and Montenegrin prosciutto are outstanding. One of the finest dining settings on the Adriatic coast.

A classic konoba in the Old Town square beside the cathedral — outstanding Montenegrin lamb, grilled fish, and the local cheese and prosciutto platter. A beautiful stone interior and a terrace perfect for people-watching.

Consistently excellent pasta and Adriatic seafood in a romantic Old Town stone house — the best-value fine meal in Kotor. The spider crab pasta and the veal with truffle are consistently excellent.

Set inside a historic stone bastion right on the main square of the Old Town — good Montenegrin and Dalmatian cooking at honest prices. The grilled lamb and the seafood risotto are the standout dishes.

The best late-night venue in Kotor — a small club inside the Old Town walls with a courtyard and live music. Montenegrin craft beers and a young local crowd make for a genuinely authentic evening.

A waterfront bar right beneath the Old Town walls with views across the bay — excellent local wine, cold Nikšičko beer, and a superb terrace. The sunset view of the fortress reflected in the water is one of the finest on the Adriatic.

A simple, excellent Old Town café serving strong Balkan coffee and fresh pastries — the best spot for breakfast before climbing the fortress walls. The burek and the local honey cake are outstanding.

Hidden in a quiet courtyard in the Old Town — excellent coffee, homemade cakes, and a peaceful escape from the main tourist squares. One of those rare genuinely locals-first spots. The carrot cake and cold brew are standouts.

A peaceful shingle beach in a quiet village on the inner bay — calm, clean water excellent for swimming and a good local konoba nearby. Far less crowded than anything closer to Kotor.

The best beach on the Montenegrin coast — a wide crescent of fine shingle with crystal Adriatic water, 30 minutes south of Kotor. The drive through the mountains above Budva is spectacular. Far superior to anything in the bay itself.

A half-day boat tour of the entire fjord-like Bay of Kotor visiting Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks, and the inner villages — the best way to experience the whole bay. Book directly at the quay for half the ship's tour price.

The 4.5km wall circuit from Sea Gate to the hilltop fortress is one of the finest hikes in the Adriatic. The 1,355 steps are demanding but the views over the bay from the summit justify every one. Start early to beat the heat.

A full-day tour covering the Bay villages, Lovćen National Park mountain with extraordinary panoramic views, and the old royal capital Cetinje — the best introduction to Montenegro beyond the bay.