Hidden at the end of Europe’s southernmost fjord from the Adriatic Sea lies the idyllic city of Kotor, Montenegro’s most famous travel destination.

The Bay of Kotor has long been a hotspot for cruise ships and day trippers from nearby Dubrovnik. But, I’m here to convince you that there are numerous fun things to do in Kotor that you should visit for a few days at least!

25 Best Things to do in Kotor

1. Hike the Ladder of Kotor

The Ladder of Kotor is a famous hiking trail behind Kotor Old Town and San Giovanni Fortress. Its many winding switchbacks lead up to a mountain viewpoint overlooking the Bay of Kotor at approximately 940 meters above sea level.

This hike is one of the best attractions for adventurers chasing incredible views. From the top, you can see the cruise ship-lined bay, Old Town, Vrmac rang–, and even all the way out to the Adriatic Sea!

2. Explore San Giovanni Fortress

If there's one thing to do in Kotor, it's taking a walk up the rugged fortified walls of San Giovanni Fortress, also known simply as Kotor Fortress.

This is a set of historical fortifications protecting the medieval town via a series of walls, ramparts, towers, citadels, bastions, and forts leading all the way up the mountain range to the Castle of San Giovanni.

Travelers can access the fortifications near the North Gate to the Old City. Entrance costs 8 euros per person, which is quite fair being the main attraction in Kotor and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Take a Boat Trip to the Montenegro Blue Cave

The Blue Cave also called the Blue Grotto, or Plava Spilja in Montenegro is an amazing sea cave that is one of the most popular attractions on the coast near Kotor. It gets its name from the beautiful blue glow of the water, which reflects inside the cave walls, creating a spectacular scene.

The cave is accessible via a short boat trip from Kotor, which also usually stops at other popular attractions in the bay such as the Submarine Tunnel and Lady of the Rocks.

In the summer months, the Blue cave is also a great place to swim in the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic!

Book the Blue Cave Boat Trip

4. Visit Our Lady of the Rocks

Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Škrpjela) is one of two small islands just off the coast of nearby Perast in the Bay of Kotor. This is a very picturesque artificial island housing a beautiful blue-domed Roman Catholic church and museum.

Travelers can get to Our Lady of the Rocks island and the adjacent Islet of the Dead (Sveti Đorđe) on the popular Kotor Bay Boat Trip, or by taking the 5-euro ferry from the dock at Perast town.

5. Kayak or SUP in Kotor Bay

Whether you're fresh off the cruise ships or still at home planning a visit to Kotor, one of the best ways to explore the beautiful Boka Bay is to rent a Kayak or stand-up paddleboard.

Rentals are available near the Old Town harbor. However, for roughly the same price, travelers can also book a 2.5-hour kayak tour which includes a guided route to some of the nearby fishing villages and off-the-beaten-path beaches.

Boka Bay Kayaking Tour

6. Kotor Beach

Being a sea inlet, Kotor isn't exactly known for its sandy beaches like nearby Budva. However, Kotor does have one stretch of soft white sand called "Sunshine Beach". You'll find this just a short walk north of Kotor's Old Town.

On warm summer days, one of the absolute best things to do in Kotor is head down to the beach and take a swim in the refreshing, deep waters of the bay. Additionally, there are many sun umbrellas and sun chairs here available to rent cheaply, around €15 for the whole day.

7. Sea Gate to Kotor Old City

The main gate to the Kotor Old City is the Sea Gate, a historic entrance dating back to 1555 and built by the then-ruling Venetians.

For a long time, this gate served as a symbol of the Venetian Republic, with a winged lion of St. Mark's once carved above the gate. Today, this gate now displays the Yugoslavian coat of arms.

The Sea Gate is located directly in front of the port. Therefore, it's a common meeting point for many of the walking tours through the narrow streets of the old town.

8. Hike to Fort Vrmac

Looking for things to do in Kotor that go beyond the typical attractions? While many tourists will hike the old city walls and even the Ladder of Kotor on the east side of the bay, hardly anyone explores the opposing Vrmac side.

The Fort Vrmac hike starts just a short walk from the Old Town and leads up the Vrmac ridge to an abandoned Austro-Hungarian fort. The fort itself is free to explore, although a bit creepy. Additionally, views of Kotor Bay and the medieval cities below are incredible, and an opportunity to get a unique perspective that most people will miss.

9. Wander Through Kotor Old Town (Stari Grad)

Many of the attractions in Kotor are found within the fortified walls of the Old Town, otherwise called Stari Grad.

This is the main tourist area in the city and holds many historical monuments, churches, cathedrals, palaces, museums, and unique, medieval buildings. Most of the best restaurants in Kotor are also within the walls, some offering live music in the evenings.

The best way to learn about the Old Town of Kotor is by joining the famous Old Town Walking Tour. This tour runs daily and includes detailed information from an experienced local guide.

Join: Old Town Walking Tour

10. Kotor Bazaar

Located within the walls of Old Town Kotor is a unique Bazaar within the long-abandoned Dominican monastery. This small street stall mostly sells items for tourists and is much like a gift shop.

However, due to the interesting surroundings, photographers will want to visit the Bazaar as there are plenty of great photo opportunities.

11. Kotor Bay Cruise (Boka Kotorska)

Looking for the best way to see all of the beautiful places in Kotor Bay? Check out this highly-rated Kotor Sightseeing Bay Cruise, stopping by many of the attractions further up the bay, including:

• Our Lady of the Rocks
• Perast
• Tivat
• Mamula Island
• Blue Grotto

This boat trip allows travelers to see all of the beautiful islands and stone churches dotting the unique villages in Boka Bay.

12. Visit Lovcen National Park

While not as big as the famous Durmitor National Park or Lake Skadar, Lovćen National Park is one of the most biodiverse places in Montenegro and is easily accessible from Kotor on a day trip.

The most popular place to visit in the park is the Lovcen Summit. This towering peak rises 1749 meters from the Adriatic basin. The result is stunning views of the surrounding area and pretty much the whole country!

Lovcen Day Trip from Kotor

13. Kotor Semi Sub

Families looking for things to do in Kotor with kids will want to check out the famous Kotor Semi Sub trip. This fun red semi-submersible boat is one of the most iconic attractions in the bay, offering a unique and unusual tour.

The lower decks of the sub have clear windows, allowing you to see through to the bottom of the fjord!

Book the Kotor Semi Sub

14. Drive the Serpentine Road Behind Kotor

The Serpentine Road, also known as the 25 bends, is 8.3 kilometer stretch of road twisting up the mountain range in hairpin turns above Kotor.

While slightly nail-biting in some sections, this road is one of the most unique in the country. It's fun to drive, but it's even more fun to photograph with the drone!

How to Get Around in Montenegro

Rent a car! Montenegro is very safe for motorists, & you can drive across the entire country in less than 3 hours! Best of all, rental cars are very cheap (starting at €30) & easy to book by comparing rates across dealerships in Kotor and Budva using DiscoverCars.

Compare Rental Deals

15. Photograph the Bell Towers & Kotor Churches

History buffs visiting Kotor will love all of the great stone churches and stone architecture scattered throughout the narrow streets of the small city.

If you're up for a bit of sightseeing in Kotor, head down to the Old City and check out these beautiful buildings.

• Cathedral of Saint Tryphon - commonly referred to as Kotor's most impressive building. This is one of two Roman Catholic cathedrals in Montenegro (number 18 below)
• Church of Our Lady of Remedy - an iconic 16th-century church perched atop the hilly slopes above the fortified city
• Kotor Clock Tower - a historic 1602 grey-stone clock tower near the main entrance.
• Church of Saint Nicholas - Serbian orthodox church in Saint Luke's Square

They make for excellent photography subjects as well!

16. Go White Water Rafting in Tara Canyon

One of the most adventurous day trips you can take from Kotor is the epic Tara River White Water Rafting excursion.

At 1333 meters, the Tara River is Europe's deepest river canyon, and the second deepest in the world after the Grand Canyon in the USA. As you might expect, this UNESCO-protected river system is the perfect place for whitewater rafting!

The tour runs for 12 hours and includes all transport from Kotor, making it yet another reason to extend your visit to Kotor!

17. Day Trip to Budva

Struggling to plan your itinerary to both Kotor and Budva? The good news is that Montenegro is a very small country. This means you can easily visit Budva on a short day trip from Kotor.

We did this by renting a car and driving to Budva, which takes just 30 minutes!

Budva is well-known for its sandy beaches and beautiful coastline, making it the ideal place to visit during the warm summer months.

18. Kotor Cathedral (Cathedral of Saint Tryphon)

Perhaps the most beautiful building in Kotor, the Kotor Cathedral, or Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, is an impressive double-towered ornate cathedral first consecrated as far back as 1166.

Entrance to this must-see attraction costs just 3 euros! However, I think the best scenes of this icon are from the fortress walls.

19. The Kotor Farmer's Market

Passing the old walls near the cruise ship terminal, you'll undoubtedly see the traditional farmer's stalls set up each morning.

Here you can support locals by stocking up on some delicious fresh fruits and vegetables. You'll also find some interesting things like homemade pickles and sauerkraut.

20. Visit Perast from Kotor

Perast is a small town just a few kilometers northwest of Kotor. This idyllic village is full of history and charm, and definitely worth visiting either by road or a quick boat trip.

In Perast, there is a great museum, a picturesque sandy beach called Pirate, and some traditional restaurants serving amazing prosciutto, wine, and cheese.

If you plan on visiting Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks, then I recommend booking this speed boat trip for €20, which combines both from Kotor in 2.5 hours.

21. Go Museum Hopping in Kotor

Fans of history and culture looking for interesting things to do in Kotor will definitely want to check out one or two of the popular museums in the heart of the Old Town.

Some of the best museums in Kotor include:

• Kotor Cats Museum - the most unique museum in Cattaro, dedicated to the history and Montenegrin love of cats
• Maritime Museum - located on the Square of the Boka fleet, the Maritime Museum is a long-running exhibition of the country's nautical history
• Lapidarium - located on square Kina, a church transformed into an exhibition showcasing a rich collection of stone objects

22. The Kotor Bay Submarine Tunnels

Travelers who've spent a bit of time exploring the coastal regions of former Yugoslavia might have stumbled upon these unique submarine tunnels.

The Yugoslav Army carved these huge tunnels into the face of cliffs in attempts to conceal submarines from spy planes. Today, travelers can freely explore these historical tunnels, which you'll find in the Bay of Kotor near the village of Rose.

Travel tip: Many of the boat trips running to the Blue Cave will stop by the Submarine Tunnels!

23. See the Old City Walls at Night

Looking for something unique to do in Kotor? Grab your camera and head down to the waterfront at night time. Looking up at the impressive forts, you'll see the epic San Giovanni Fortress lit up in a beautiful fashion.

For the best view, I recommend walking over to the other side of the bay, or even over to Muo to see it in all its glory.

24. Stop By Tivat

Tivat is another coastal town located over the Vrmac range from Kotor. This quiet beach town is an idyllic destination known for its great seaside restaurants and beach bars.

To get here from Kotor, rent a bicycle, drive, or take the bus past Muo and around the headland. If you're looking for another beach area to visit from Kotor, I recommend checking out Herceg Novi as well.

This little beach town is closer to the bay's mouth into the Adriatic Sea and has some great beaches for swimming.

25. Walk Around the Bay to Muo

During my last visit to Kotor, I lived in the small village of Muo, a quieter residential area with some of the best restaurants in Kotor.

There are a few apartments and nice hotels on this side, but the vibe is much more relaxed with a local charm. Even if you're staying near the Old City or Dobrota and looking for things to do in Kotor in the late afternoon, take a stroll around the bay to Muo!

Where to Stay in Kotor

The best places to stay in Kotor are the Old Town, Muo (west side of the bay), or Dobrota (east side of the bay). Below is a quick roundup of the top-rated picks and recommendations for every budget.

• Blue Premium Spa Resort -An Amazing adults-only luxury spa resort overlooking Boca Kotorska.
• Apartmani Art Karampana - A beautiful apartment in the Old Town district. Rated 9.7 out of 10 with hundreds of reviews.
• Centrum Hostel - With hundreds of reviews, this is still the best-rated hostel for its location and vibe in Kotor Old Town.

More on Booking.com

What is the Best Way to get to Kotor?

The closest airport to Kotor is Tivat Airport, just a short 15-minute drive away from the Old Town. This airport has several connections to countries in the Balkans and other hubs in Europe.

While flying is the easiest way to get here, travelers staying in nearby Dubrovnik can get here by taking a bus, arriving in just over two hours.

Alternatively, travelers short on time can also visit Kotor on an organized day trip from Dubrovnik, which is a very popular option.

Read These Montenegro Travel FAQs Before You Visit Kotor

More Balkans Travel Guides & Adventure Inspiration

I hope this detailed travel guide featuring the best things to do in Kotor, Montenegro has inspired you to explore the highlights and lesser-known hidden gems of this epic European destination.

Before you head out, make sure to check out some of my other travel guides to Montenegro & the Balkans.

• 15 Awesome Things to do in Omiš, Croatia - Complete Guide
• 25 Best Things to do in Split, Croatia in 2023
• 45 Awesome Things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia in 2023
• 9 Things to Know Before Visiting Lovcen National Park, Montenegro
• Blue Cave Croatia (Biševo Blue Grotto) - Complete Guide
• Blue Cave Montenegro (Kotor) - Ultimate Guide
• Complete Guide to The Ladder of Kotor Hike in Montenegro
• Starigrad Fortress Hike (Omiš Castle), Croatia

The post 25 Awesome Things to do in Kotor, Montenegro appeared first on We Seek Travel.

Nestled at the end of Europe’s southernmost fjord and encapsulated by stunning mountain ranges, Kotor is undeniably one of the most scenic villages in the Balkans.

Adventure travelers looking for the best possible views of this stunning landscape have to check out the ever-snaking switchback trail known as the Ladder of Kotor. This is my favorite hiking trail in Kotor, and offers incredible views of Boka (Bay of Kotor), the Old City, the opposing Vrmac mountain range, and even glimpses of the Adriatic Sea beyond.

However, what you might not know is that there are two primary ways to hike this switchback trail. In this updated hiking guide, I’ll detail both options, give you a quick rundown of my experience, and include some inspiring photos from my hike up the Ladder of Kotor.

About the Ladder of Kotor

The Ladder of Kotor is a rocky path made up of at least 65 switchbacks snaking its way up the mountain range to the east of Kotor Old Town. The trail wraps its way behind the small crest that the Kotor Fortress City Walls are built on and leads all the way up to the Krstac Pass to an altitude of 940 meters above mean sea level.

This trail is both significant and historic, and for centuries served as the only route connecting Kotor to Njegusi village and the region of Cetinje. The constant switchbacks allow for a less steep ascent, enabling travelers to navigate over this mountain range with livestock and goods.

The Ladder of Kotor Hike

• Hiking Distance: 6.5 kilometers one way | 13 kilometers return
• Duration: 3-5 hours
• Elevation: 940 meters
• Difficulty: Moderate - Hard

Those hiking the entire Ladder of Kotor trail to the top of the pass will finish their hike at the P1 road, just after the Kotor Serpentine leading to Lovćen National Park. The trail ends nearby the Restaurant Nevjesta Jadrana. Since this is just a primary motorway, there isn't really an option for public transport, unless you leave your car by the restaurant or arrange a taxi in advance.

Furthermore, the views are just as good once you hit an elevation of around 600 meters, marking the end of the switchback ladder, and marked as "Top of the Old Kotor Fort Trail" on Google Maps.

As a result, the majority of hikers beginning the walk in Kotor will finish at this viewpoint.

There are also two main options for hiking up to this viewpoint via the Kotor ladder. The first begins beside the old hydroelectric power plant and follows the entire rocky path to the top.

The second option, and the one I took and would recommend to most, is to instead form a loop by walking up the Kotor Fortress, and then taking the small shortcut through the wall, and descending back down the Ladder of Kotor.

Below is a small illustration marking the two routes. However, I'll go into more detail below as well.

Hiking tip: The path is easy to follow and you'll find small red and white markers along the trail indicating the route.

Option 1: Up and Down the Ladder of Kotor

The first and most straightforward way to tackle this hike is to begin near the Old Hydroelectric Power Plant. The trailhead is easy to find, and you can simply plug in "Start of the Ladder of Kotor" in Google Maps.

The benefit of taking this out-and-back trail is that you will not need to pay the entrance fee for the city walls. Furthermore, the trail is easy to find and follow, with a clear rocky path leading all the way to the top of the mountain at Krstac Pass.

Option 2: Shortcut Via Kotor Fortress City Walls

The second option is to begin your hike at the entrance to the Kotor Fortress.

There is an entrance fee payable to pass this access point costing €8 between 8am and 8pm from May to September. However, if you visit earlier than this, there won't be a guide and you can technically walk up for free.

Following the city walls, you'll be able to walk all the way up to the Castle of San Giovanni, a famous hilltop castle with panoramic views over the Bay of Kotor. Then, from just below the San Giovanni Fortress, you'll find a small shortcut with a wooden ladder leading to a trail that quickly merges with the Ladder of Kotor Trail. Keep reading for the exact location of this shortcut.

The benefit of this option is that you will be able to tick off the Kotor Fortress walls and the Ladder of Kotor on the same day. Furthermore, the hike turns into a semi-loop by taking the Ladder of Kotor path back down to the North Gate, meaning you won't have to follow back on the same trail.

How to Get Around in Montenegro

Rent a car! Montenegro is very safe for motorists, & you can drive across the entire country in less than 3 hours! Best of all, rental cars are very cheap (starting at €30) & easy to book by comparing rates across dealerships in Kotor and Budva using DiscoverCars.

Compare Rental Deals

My Experience Hiking the Ladder of Kotor

To help you better understand what to expect on the trail, I've given a quick recap of my hike, along with some photos that I took on the way up during the early afternoon, and photos from the Kotor Viewpoint at the top during sunset.

25+ More Epic Things to do in Kotor

Don't miss my comprehensive guide to the top 25+ best things to do in Kotor, Montenegro.

Read the Guide

Climbing the Old City Fortress Walls

Since we were beginning the trail at around 4:30 pm the security guard at the city walls gate asked us for the entrance fee.

So, we paid, walked through the turnstile gates, and began climbing the stone steps up the 14th-century stone fortifications. Along the way, there were plenty of places to stop and enjoy breathtaking views over the Old City.

Shortcut to the Cattaro Ladder

While it wasn't necessary to walk all the way up to the Castle of San Giovanni, we decided to anyway as this was the first time we had walked the walls. Then we descended back towards the city walls shortcut.

At first, this is slightly difficult to find. But, what you want to look for is the large opening in the stone wall in the area just below San Giovanni castle.

The exact coordinates are 42°25'24.0"N 18°46'29.8"E.

I've been told that sometimes there is a security guard patrolling this shortcut. I believe that they are usually more concerned with people trying to access the city walls for free by first walking up the Ladder of Kotor– rather than the other way. However, when we went up there were no security guards.

So, we continued down the wooden fixed ladder and followed the beautiful hiking trail passing the small catholic church named Chapel of St Ivan to our right (marked as Sveti Juraj on Google Maps).

Next, the trail veers around, passing a local house and merging back onto the Ladder of Kotor hiking trail. This is roughly the halfway point of the many switchbacks and you'll now have the option of returning back down the ladder, or continuing to the top viewpoint.

Hiking Up Endless Switchbacks

From the fork, the endless switchbacks continue for roughly 3.3 kilometres until you reach the Kotor viewpoint, climbing an additional 350 meters of elevation gain.

While it might seem tempting to turn around at this point, I highly recommend continuing up as the views improve the higher you get.

It took us roughly 45 minutes or so to get to the top from the fork at a decent pace and carrying heavy camera gear. The path is rocky and seems to become more so as you make your way up. However, overall it is well-graded and you can reach the top without any scrambling.

Bay of Kotor VIewpoint

If you're not interested in walking all the way up to the P1 highway like we weren't, then a good turnaround point is the Bay of Kotor Viewpoint, marked as "Top of the Old Kotor Fort Trail". We went a bit off the trail here and found a large rocky outcrop where we sat and admired the phenomenal views of the Bay of Kotor as the sun set behind the Vrmac Ridge and the Adriatic Sea beyond.

Below us were the small houses and tiny old buildings which form one of Montenegro's most beautiful medieval towns. And, of course, the iconic anchored cruise ships which now resembled miniature model boats from our high perch!

Descending to Kotor Old Town

When it was time to descend back to Kotor Old Town, the sun had well and truly set. So, we donned our headlamps and began the long, winding descent down the Ladder of Kotor. Of course, there are no street lights here, so a reliable light source is required if descending in the dark.

Full route: My Strava

• Our Hiking Distance: 9.75 kilometers return
• Duration: 2.5 hours moving time
• Elevation: 664 meters elevation gain

Where to Stay in Kotor

The best places to stay in Kotor are the Old Town, Muo (west side of the bay), or Dobrota (east side of the bay). Below is a quick roundup of the top-rated picks and recommendations for every budget.

• Blue Premium Spa Resort -An Amazing adults-only luxury spa resort overlooking Boca Kotorska.
• Apartmani Art Karampana - A beautiful apartment in the Old Town district. Rated 9.7 out of 10 with hundreds of reviews.
• Centrum Hostel - With hundreds of reviews, this is still the best-rated hostel for its location and vibe in Kotor Old Town.

More on Booking.com

When is the Best Time to Hike The Ladder of Kotor?

It is possible to hike the Ladder of Kotor all year round. The best time for hiking in the coastal regions of Montenegro are Spring and Summer, from March to September. However, during peak season summer months, expect hot and sunny hiking conditions. During winter, the trail can be cold and icy.

While this isn't an arduous hike by any means, it can be challenging, especially if you do not have a decent level of fitness. As a result, you'll definitely want to prepare by bringing plenty of water.

Photography tip: for the best lighting conditions, hiking up the Ladder of Kotor is a better option in the early morning, as the sun will illuminate the bay. In the afternoon, the majority of the bay is darkened by the opposing range.

Read More Travel & Adventure Guides to Montenegro

I hope you've enjoyed this hiking guide to the Ladder of Kotor trail in Kotor, Montenegro.

Take a pick from the below articles for more Montenegro travel guides and adventure inspiration!

• 25 Awesome Things to do in Kotor, Montenegro
• 45 Awesome Things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia in 2023
• 9 Things to Know Before Visiting Lovcen National Park, Montenegro
• Blue Cave Croatia (Biševo Blue Grotto) - Complete Guide
• Blue Cave Montenegro (Kotor) - Ultimate Guide
• Fort Vrmac Hike in Kotor, Montenegro

The post Complete Guide to The Ladder of Kotor Hike in Montenegro appeared first on We Seek Travel.

The Blue Cave also called the Blue Grotto, or Plava Spilja in Montenegro is an amazing sea cave that is one of the most popular attractions on the coast near Kotor.

Famous for its alluring blue glow and crystal clear waters, a visit to this remarkable sea cave should be on everybody’s list of things to do in Kotor or Budva.

In this guide, I’ll detail everything you need to know about visiting the Blue Cave in Montenegro, including how to get here, what to expect, and some photos from my trip!

About Montenegro's Blue Cave

While everybody knows about Croatia's Blue Cave near the island of Vis, the Blue Grotto in Montenegro doesn't receive anywhere near the attention. At least not as much as it deserves!

For adventure travelers, this is a blessing, as you'll often get these amazing sea caves all to yourself and won't have to share it with a dozen other tour boats!

Similarly to the Croatian Blue Cave, the Montenegro Blue Cave gets its name from the beautiful blue glow. This is produced by the sun reflecting through the crystal-clear waters and lighting up the cavern interior. This natural phenomenon is spectacular to witness, and even more amazing to swim in!

Also, the cave entrance is quite small and only accessible with small boats. It's also a good idea to time the tide because at high tide it's almost impossible to enter (or escape).

Tip: To get the best experience and the most radiant blue light, try to visit on a sunny day!

Where is the Blue Cave in Montenegro?

The Blue Cave is located on the Lustica Peninsula near the popular tourist regions of Kotor, Tivat, Budva, and Herceg Novi.

The cave entrance is found just south of the entrance to the Bay of Kotor. From the outside, it is quite inconspicuous and almost impossible to find unless you know where to look.

Furthermore, there is no access to this cave from the land. This is due to the steep cliffs on this part of the Montenegrin Coast.

As a result, in order to get to the grotto, you'll need to enter via the sea.

How to get to the Blue Cave From Kotor

There are two main options to get to the Blue Cave from popular tourist destinations like Kotor Bay (Boka Bay), Tivat, or Budva.

Option 1: Kotor Boat Tour

This is by far the best-value option for getting to the Blue Cave from Kotor and the option that I took.

The boat tour includes all of the highlights of Kotor Bay and the surrounding coastline, including a visit to the Submarine Tunnel, Lady of the Rocks (artificial island with a church), Mamula, and the Blue Cave.

This trip runs for just over 3 hours, making it excellent value for money. And, with convenient meeting points, it's easy to join if you're stopping by for the day on a cruise ship (also cheaper than the cruise excursions).

Book now: Kotor Boat Tour (includes Blue Cave & highlights)

Travel Tip: I always book with GetYourGuide (above) you'll get a full refund in the case of bad weather.

Option 2: Boat Taxi from Igalo Beach

This second option is great for budget travelers looking to save some money. However, it will require some public transport (or having your own vehicle) and you will miss out on other highlights in the above tour.

Firstly, you'll want to make your way to Igalo Beach, located at the mouth of Kotor Bay, near the border of Croatia. From this beach, you will find many local boat trips departing daily.

These trips cost only 5 euros, and will also stop at the beautiful beach of Janica, as well as several other smaller sea caves.

Travel Tip: Montenegro is a small country! One of the best ways to explore the many highlights is to rent a car. I recommend comparing prices on DiscoverCars to get the best price across multiple dealers in Kotor, Budva, and Tivat.

Don't Miss: Ladder of Kotor Hike (Epic Viewpoint)

What to Expect at the Blue Cave (Blue Grotto)

Interested in more photos and to know what it's actually like to visit the Blue Cave in Montenegro? Here's a rundown of my recent experience on the Kotor Boat Tour linked above.

Entering the Grotto

At first, the entrance to this beautiful cave doesn't look like much more than a narrow hole in the cliff face. As we approached in the speedboat, we noticed that the tide was already quite high, and were a bit worried about whether or not we could squeeze through.

Luckily, our boat driver has been working on the Adriatic Sea for his entire life, and knew exactly how to enter.

It took a couple of seconds for our eyes to adjust. But, after a few moments had passed, we were engulfed in a sparkling natural dome of aquatic blue. The blue light emenantes from the sandy bottom of the deep, saltwater cave, lighting up the entire cavern in a spectacular way!

Swimming inside the Grotto

If you're visiting the Blue Cave, you just have to swim inside! Only smaller ships can enter, which means it is safe!

The water is crystal-clear and quite deep, which means you can swim and explore the blue water cave at your own will.

The Back Entrance

After a quick visit, our driver wanted to show us the rear entrance to the cave. This section was a little more difficult to manouver due to strong currents pulling in and out. However, when we exited, we were shown a series of caves just around the corner.

Each were spectacular, with amazing turquoise waters and steep, green cliffs. However, being much smaller than the Blue Cave, we couldn't enter with our boat.

Travel Tip: Where to Stay in Kotor

The best places to stay in Kotor are the Old Town, Muo (west side of the bay), or Dobrota (east side of the bay). Below is a quick roundup of the top-rated picks and recommendations for every budget.

• Blue Premium Spa Resort -An Amazing adults-only luxury spa resort overlooking Boca Kotorska.
• Apartmani Art Karampana - A beautiful apartment in the Old Town district. Rated 9.7 out of 10 with hundreds of reviews.
• Centrum Hostel - With hundreds of reviews, this is still the best-rated hostel for its location and vibe in Kotor Old Town.

More on Booking.com

More Montenegro & Balkans Travel Guides

I hope that this quick guide to visiting the Blue Cave in Montenegro has inspired you to experience this unique and amazing natural attraction in this underrated country.

If you liked this blog post, you'll find many more guides and inspiration for your own adventures below.

• 25 Awesome Things to do in Kotor, Montenegro
• 45 Awesome Things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia in 2023
• 9 Things to Know Before Visiting Lovcen National Park, Montenegro
• Complete Guide to The Ladder of Kotor Hike in Montenegro
• Fort Vrmac Hike in Kotor, Montenegro

The post Blue Cave Montenegro (Kotor) – Ultimate Guide appeared first on We Seek Travel.

Looking for a unique, hidden gem adventure offering incredible views and some insight into Kotor’s fascinating history? Today I’ll let you in on just that, an epic short hike on the Vrmac mountain range ending at the best-preserved Austro-Hungarian fort in the Bay of Kotor.

About Fort Vrmac

Fort Vrmac is a former fortification situated on the limestone mountain range called Vrmac. This is the mountain immediately west (opposite) the famous Kotor Fortress (St John's or San Giovanni Fortress).

The Austrians built this fort between 1894 and 1897 in their attempts to strengthen their defenses against Montenegrin rebellions. It features an impressive stone and concrete structure situated right on the top of the Vrmac mountain (785 m/2,575 ft).

While it is abandoned today, it did play a role in several conflicts throughout the past century, including action during World War I.

The fort is completely open to the public and there is no fee to enter or explore its surrounds or interior chambers.

Don't Miss: Best Things to do in Kotor, Montenegro

How to get to the Fort Vrmac Trailhead in Kotor

While it is possible to drive to Fort Vrmac via the road from Troica to Gornja Lastva in Tivat, I recommend instead taking the short but steep hike from Muo, just opposite Kotor Old Town.

Not only is this a fun hike, but you'll also get the best possible views of Kotor Old Town from across the Boka (Bay of Kotor).

The trailhead begins at the end of a short cul de sac road shared by the local police. Below I've pinned the exact location of the trailhead to help you find it.

Once you reach this point, continue up the road for about one hundred meters before you reach the concrete steps. Begin following these steps up the hill, passing some local houses on the way.

There'll be a series of steps to take and many wrap behind some residential homes. Don't worry, this is a shared walkway.

Soon, just before the last steps leading up to the P22 road, you'll see an unambiguous trail to your right. Follow this path and begin the series of switchbacks to the top of the Vrmac Ridge.

Alternatively, for those with a car, you'll find a small place to park your car at the sharp bend on P22. From here, walk down one set of concrete steps and continue straight (don't turn right down the next set of steps).

How to Get Around in Montenegro

Rent a car! Montenegro is very safe for motorists, & you can drive across the entire country in less than 3 hours! Best of all, rental cars are very cheap (starting at €30) & easy to book by comparing rates across dealerships in Kotor and Budva using DiscoverCars.

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The Fort Vrmac Hike

• Hiking Distance: 8.5 km (5.2 mi) return
• Duration: 2-3 hours return
• Elevation: 510 m total elevation gain
• Difficulty: Moderate

This hike is technically quite easy as the trail is well-graded and wide throughout the walk. While you will be climbing up the steep ridge for the majority of the hike, the trail features a series of continuous switchbacks all the way to the top.

This is very similar to the Ladder of Kotor hike on the other side.

Climbing the Vrmac Mountain

After some initial confusion, we finally found the correct trail leading up to Fort Vrmac.

The elevation on this climb isn't very steep due to the long, winding turns. While nothing crazy, the ground is mostly rocky, with small-medium-sized stones on the inside of larger boulders forming a terraced trail.

The first section of the trail begins in dense forest but quickly breaks out to an exposed area. As you climb higher, you'll get increasingly better views of Kotor. We made several photo stops on the way up.

Eventually, the trail leads back into a forested section. There are a few shortcuts visible here. As a result, you can save some time by walking straight up on some sections.

Soon after entering the forest, you'll come to a derelict signpost indicating the way to the little-known Kotor Viewpoint and of course, Fort Vrmac.

The Kotor city Viewpoint

We decided to take the short, 5-minute detour to the Kotor Viewpoint before hiking all the way up to the fort.

We were very happy with this decision as the views here were phenomenal. The path leads out to a completely exposed area devoid of any trees blocking the view.

From here, you can see all of Kotor Bay, Muo, Kotor Old Town, and the famous fortress walls snaking up the hillside.

After admiring the view, we doubled back and continued up to the fort.

Exploring Fort Vrmac

I'm not going to lie, exploring Fort Vrmac was a little bit scary. It definitely had a haunted vibe, with nature almost completely engulfing its dark, stone walls.

After walking around to the base of the ditch, we found the entrance and decided to explore the interior. As you might expect, it's completely dark in there, and some local bats gave us a bit of a fright.

There are many hallways and rooms to explore, each a little eerier than the last.

What we didn't expect to find up at this fort was another set of ruins directly opposite it. These are a series of concrete buildings with graffiti and smashed windows. They looked a little newer than the fort, and I'm not sure if they were built during the same period.

Here, strangely we met lots of domestic farm animals, including potbelly pigs, cows, goats, chickens, and a few dogs. While we didn't see anyone around, we assumed that somebody lives up here with these animals.

Sunset from Mount Vmrac

Easily the highlight of this unexpected hidden gem was the view! From the top of this range, we were able to see over Kotor, the Troica Pass, and the Župa valley and all the way out to the Adriatic Sea.

We spent a good hour snapping some photos and admiring the incredible sunset behind the mountains.

Where to Stay in Kotor

The best places to stay in Kotor are the Old Town, Muo (west side of the bay), or Dobrota (east side of the bay). Below is a quick roundup of the top-rated picks and recommendations for every budget.

• Blue Premium Spa Resort -An Amazing adults-only luxury spa resort overlooking Boca Kotorska.
• Apartmani Art Karampana - A beautiful apartment in the Old Town district. Rated 9.7 out of 10 with hundreds of reviews.
• Centrum Hostel - With hundreds of reviews, this is still the best-rated hostel for its location and vibe in Kotor Old Town.

More on Booking.com

More Montenegro Travel Guides & Inspiration

I hope you've enjoyed this quick guide to hiking up Fort Vrmac in Kotor, Montenegro.

Below you'll find some more useful travel guides and inspiration for your adventures in this beautiful Balkan country.

• 25 Awesome Things to do in Kotor, Montenegro
• 9 Things to Know Before Visiting Lovcen National Park, Montenegro
• Blue Cave Montenegro (Kotor) - Ultimate Guide
• Complete Guide to The Ladder of Kotor Hike in Montenegro

The post Fort Vrmac Hike in Kotor, Montenegro appeared first on We Seek Travel.

Whether you’re road-tripping through Montenegro, or simply visiting nearby Kotor or Budva for a day our two, you’ll want to add the beautiful Lovcen National Park (Lovćen) to your list of things to see.

In this quick guide, I’ll reveal to you 9 things to know before visiting, which should answer most of your questions about how to get here, what to expect, and more!

2. You Can See Almost All of Montenegro from the Lovcen Summit

Did I mention this country was small? Okay, you get it. But, from the top of Mount Lovcen, you’ll truly see almost the entire country!

Mount Lovćen rises 1749 meters from the Adriatic basin and its summit offers uninterrupted, 360-degree views across Montenegro.

Views from the summit stretch from Kotor Bay in the northwest, all the way to the Albanian Alps in the East. On a clear day, the Durmitor mountains dominate the northern horizon, and you’ll have expansive views across the azul waters of the Adriatic to the south.

3. Mount Lovcen is Also Called the Black Mountain

Did you know that Mount Lovcen inspired Montenegro’s contemporary (and Italianized) name? Montenegro, or Crna Gora in the local tongue, literally translates to Black Mountain.

The roots stem from Lovcen National Park’s incredibly dense forests, which form a dark color. Undeniably, these mountains are a significant landmark for the Montenegrin people.

4. You Will Find Petar II Petrović-Njegoš Mausoleum at the Summit

Today, most locals visit Lovcen National Park for a chance to pay respects to the famous former prince-bishop Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, or better simply known as Njegoš.

Njegoš is perhaps the most famous poet, philosopher, or ruler in Montenegrin history. He’s best known for his poetic philosophy and role in defending Montenegro against the Turks.

Today, his body rests at the summit in a beautiful purpose-built mausoleum that is definitely worth a visit.

5. There are two separate Entrance Fees to the National Park and The Mausoleum

If you wish to enter the Lovcen National Park, you will need to pay a 2 euro (per person) entrance fee at the base of the mountain. This grants access to the hiking trails and other attractions in the park.

However, if you wish to visit the very summit of Lovcen, you’ll need to pay an additional 5 euros (which includes the mausoleum entry). However, students can pay 2.50 euros for the mausoleum (with no discount for the general entry).

6. There Are Over 2000 Plants in Lovcen National Park

Lovcen National Park is one of the most biodiverse places in Montenegro. It’s said that over 2000 plant species grow here and the park is home to over 85 butterfly species and more than 200 different types of birds.

7. Lovcen National Park is Great for Hiking

Lovcen National Park has several well-marked trails for hiking. Some of the most popular include the Wolf Trail & Babina Glava, Ivanova Korita to Krstac, and the Kuk Loop (usually from Ivanova Korita).

Don’t Miss: Ladder of Kotor Hike (Epic Viewpoint)

8. There are Many Adventure Activities to Do

Hiking isn’t the only activity on offer in Lovcen National Park. Visitors also have the option of renting ATVs, buggies, and mountain bikes.

While I haven’t been, there’s also a small adventure park in Ivanova Korita as well.

9. Visitors Can Stay Near the National Park

More Montenegro & Balkans Travel Guides

If you’ve enjoyed this quick travel guide to Lovcen National Park in Montenegro, then make sure to check out some of my other blog posts below!

• 25 Awesome Things to do in Kotor, Montenegro
• Blue Cave Montenegro (Kotor) – Ultimate Guide
• Complete Guide to The Ladder of Kotor Hike in Montenegro
• Fort Vrmac Hike in Kotor, Montenegro

The post 9 Things to Know Before Visiting Lovcen National Park, Montenegro appeared first on We Seek Travel.