The Bay of Kotor and Montenegro's coastline are some of the world's most geographically beautiful places. From beautiful mountain views to sun-soaked beaches and historic old towns, Montenegro feels like a hidden treasure!
This FREE mini-guide to Montenegro's Bay of Kotor is your compact, yet insightful passport to the basics of visiting Montengro. For a more extensive guide with 80+ recommendations, more places to visit, logistical information, and everything you need to know, we also offer a guide for purchase.
In this FREE mini-guide guide we cover:
💬 Basic information (language, currency, etc.)
🗺️ 2 towns to visit
🛏️ Where to stay
🏰 Must-see sights & things to do
🍲 Dining recommendations
+ 1 idea for a day trip!
It's useful for all travelers, whether you're planning to visit Montenegro for a few nights or an extended period!
🌱 We found Montenegro to be moderately vegan/vegetarian friendly.
🐾 Montenegro is very dog-friendly.
🏳️🌈 Montenegro is moderately LGBTQ+ friendly.
‼️ If you're looking for more detailed information regarding places to spend time outside the Schengen Region or long-term travel to Montenegro, feel free to reach out or set up a consultation call.
CONTACT
Email: caitlyngordon@gmail.com
IG: @winston.the.wanderpup
The official language of Montenegro is Montenegrin, which is a dialect of Serbian. Nearly everyone at restaurants and establishments speaks English.
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ Travelers
While Montenegro has more LGBTQ+ friendly laws than other countries in the Balkans, they are not considered a progressive country.
Same sex partnership unions are legal, but gay marriage is not. While we didn't personally encounter any negative attitudes, it's worth noting that we did not seen any visible signs of LGBTQ+ presence, such as pride flags, gay bars, or open displays of affection.
Budva is known for its beaches and nightlife, but it has so much more to offer. From a fortified Stari Grad with ancient ruins to high-end restaurants, Budva is a city that weaves together the old and the new.
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Things To Do & See
・Stroll the Stari Grad & Walk the Walls
Walking the 8th century Stari Grad walls is a fun way to spend an afternoon. For 2€ per person, you can walk around the fortress perimeter for stunning views of the sea and the charm of the stone buildings and gardens within the walls.
The entrance to the walls is near the Citadela. Be charmed by the sea views, gardens, and restaurants within the Stari Grad that you pass along the way.
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・Spend a Day at the Beach
Nestled near the Old Town, Mogren 2 is one of Budva's beloved beaches. Set against a backdrop of rugged mountains, the views are almost as beautiful as the views of the Adriatic Sea.
Nestled near the Old Town, Mogren 2 is one of Budva's beloved beaches. Set against a backdrop of rugged mountains, the views are almost as beautiful as the views of the Adriatic Sea.
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・Take a Boat to Sveti Nikola
Sveti Nikola, the largest island off the coast of Montenegro, sits just a few meters away from Budva's shoreline. No need to book the boat in advance; there are plenty of boats at the docks that will be happy to take you for a small fee.
Sveti Nikola, Montenegro's largest island, is just a few meters away from Budva's coastline. A beautiful beach, fondly referred to as Hawaii, is a marvelous place to spend the day on the island.
Akacia Coffee is a specialty coffee shop that does not disappoint, despite our high standards! The cold brew is delicious. They have free wifi and allow you to work on your laptop, which is an added plus.
Pasta Bar is our favorite restaurant in Budva. The pesto, homemade pasta, and salads are divine. It's hard to find a good salad with lots of leafy greens in Montenegro, and the one here does not disappoint!
This open-air coffee and cocktail bar is a must-visit! The craft cocktails are interesting (& delicious!). The atmosphere is a vibe!
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Where To Stay
・A Stylish Boutique Hotel
For a boutique hotel located inside the UNESCO Stari Grad, La Villa is perfect. It's in a historic building but has been updated with modern amenities, cute furnishings, and is steps away from basically everywhere you'll want to go in Budva.
🐾 Pets are allowed upon request with no additional charges.
La Villa is a boutique hotel located inside the UNESCO Stari Grad that's been updated with modern amenities, cute furnishings, and is steps away from basically everywhere you'll want to go in Budva.
Kotor, located on the interior of the Bay of Kotor, is a wonderful place to spend a few days. With a Stari Grad and beautiful views of the mountain-lined bay, it doesn’t get much better.
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Things To Do & See
・Kotor-Lovćen Mountain Cable Car
The Kotor Cable Car takes you up Lovćen Mountain and into Lovćen National Park. At the top, you can embark on several hike routes, or enjoy drinks and a meal at the restaurant. However, it only operates seasonally (exact dates tend to vary, but it's typically open from April thru October).
This experience is new to the region! The Kotor Cable Car takes you up Lovćen Mountain and into Lovćen National Park. At the top, you can embark on several hike routes, or enjoy drinks and a meal at the restaurant. However, it only operates seasonally (exact dates tend to vary, but it's typically open from April thru October). Make sure to check the calendar on their website for availability. And note, this experience runs weather-permitting.
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・Kotor Fortress Hike
Hiking to St. John's Fortress, which sits above Kotor's Stari Grad, is a must-do activity. There are two routes: the more difficult, but free, Ladder of Kotor OR the City Walls hike which is the route we took. The 1.5 mile/2.5 km hike is over 1300 steps, but this steep journey is rewarding with the breathtaking views of the Bay of Kotor.
The hike to St. John's Fortress is a must-do activity in Kotor. The 2.5 km/1.5 mile hike offers spectacular views of the Bay of Kotor. En route, you'll encounter the picturesque Church of Our Lady of Remedy which is a great stopping point for photos. The entire trip takes roughly 1.5-2 hours depending on how frequently you pause to enjoy the views.
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・Visit St. Tryphon's Cathedral
The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, a majestic masterpiece dating back to 1166 (on the grounds of an earlier church from 809), stands as the crown jewel among Stari Grad's numerous churches and monasteries.
The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, a majestic masterpiece dating back to 1166 (on the grounds of an earlier church from 809), stands as the crown jewel among Stari Grad's numerous churches and monasteries. It is one of Montenegro's most renowned cathedrals.
The staff at Ladovina probably got sick of us, as we frequented this adorable restaurant at least once a week. The pizza was divine, the service was fabulous, and the atmosphere was comfy & cozy. Enjoy a lovely meal at reasonable prices here!
For drinks, Kotor Pub is a staple. It's not just your typical pub, boasting a full menu of specialty cocktails at reasonable prices.
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Where To Stay
・A Historic Boutique Hotel
Nestled within the UNESCO-protected historic Buca Palace in the Stari Grad walls, this charming 9-bedroom hotel offers both timeless charm and contemporary comfort.
This quaint 9-bedroom hotel is located inside the UNESCO-protected former Buca Palace in the Stari Grad walls. This boutique hotel has beautiful elements like stone walls to show its history, but it also has the modern day amenities you'd expect at a hotel property like wifi and AC.
This small, but charming fishing village along Kotor Bay has so much to offer. Perast, a UNESCO-protected site, opens directly onto the water with beautiful views.
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Things To Do & See
・Visit Our Lady of the Rocks & St. George Island
Our Lady of the Rocks is a unique artificial island in the Adriatic, housing the sole church in Europe built on a man-made island. You can get a boat from any dock in Perast to take you on a tour. They will drop you off at Our Lady of the Rocks where you can explore the small island by foot and step inside the marvelous church.
Our Lady of the Rocks is a unique artificial island in the Adriatic, housing the sole church in Europe built on a man-made island. In 1452, Venetian sailors witnessed the face of the Virgin Mary on a rock emerging from the sea. This sacred rock led to the gradual construction of the island using old shipwrecks laden with stones.
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・Stroll the Waterfront
Exploring Perast by wandering along the 1.5km seafront promenade is a delightful way to spend time. The preserved old town has many historical gems like former palaces, churches, and plazas along the main street. As you wander, pathways and staircases lead uphill, which you can peruse for breathtaking views of the bay.
Exploring Perast by wandering along the 1.5km seafront promenade is a delightful way to spend time. The preserved old town has many historical gems like former palaces, churches, and plazas along the main street. As you wander, pathways and staircases lead uphill, which you can peruse for breathtaking views of the bay.
Armonia is a great spot that's popular with the locals. Hang out, have a coffee and a piece of Perast Cake (local almond cake), or enjoy a leisurely lunch. There are plenty of vegetarian options!
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Where To Stay
・A Historic Bay-View Hotel
Hotel Conte is the place to stay should you choose to spend the night in Perast. The property is made up of 5 former Baroque palaces, so the atmosphere is beautiful and unique. Plus, the restaurant is one of the very best in the region with lots of vegan options.
For a delightful night in Perast, Hotel Conte is your go-to. Made up of 5 former Baroque palaces, the property exudes a unique and beautiful atmosphere. The staff will help you arrange visits to Our Lady of the Rocks and the pool has spectacular views of the bay. The restaurant is one of the bests in the region with plenty of vegan options.
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Wanting more in-depth information about Montenegro?
This mini-guide is just a small fraction of what's offered in our jam-packed, mega guide to Montenegro! If you're serious about booking a trip, the mega guide has EVERYTHING you need to know.
For $20, you'll get ALL of the following with TONS more suggestions:
🚘 Logistical travel information
🗓️ Sample routing (how many days to spend in each place)
⏱️ The best times to visit
💬 Basic cultural information (language, currency, food overview, etc.)
🛏️ Where to stay
🤓 Historical information
🏰 Extensive list of must-see sights & things to do
Hi, we're travel enthusiasts Cait & Lyndsay Church! We're a married couple in our 30s with an adorable rescue mutt, Winston, who comes with us everywhere we go. 🧳 🐶
We met while living in Nashville, TN but are currently in the process of relocating abroad. We're both passionate about travel and enjoy more off-the-beaten-path spots.
We're here to share our love of unique experiences and the joy of getting lost in new places while respecting the cultures we visit.
✅ You'll like our guides if you're looking for... dog friendly travel, LGBTQ+ friendly, mid-range budget, quality coffee shops, cozy wine bars, art & museums, historic/cultural tours, and vegetarian-friendly travel.
❌ Our guides are not the best fit for... outdoors/hikers/campers, clubbing/partying recommendations, or luxury/high-end travel.
👉🏻 Be sure to follow along with us on Instagram @winston.the.wanderpup for cute, dog-focused travel content!
