As stop number two along our European adventure we took a little jaunt from Croatia to Montenegro which is a short drive plus a ferry ride away. We rented a car in Dubrovnik and drove into Montenegro, which was about a 1.5 hour drive. You will have to cross at a boarder station by car from Croatia into Montenegro.
Tip: The boarder can get backed up so allow for ample travel time and have your documents ready! Allow an extra 45 – 60 minutes for boarder crossing to be safe.
It is a scenic trip in and out and is mostly a straight shot on one road OR you can ferry across the bay. We opted to ferry both ways.
The ferry ride itself was a part of the adventure. It was a short but beautiful means of travel. Also riding the tiny curvy roads in a little car was fun and sometimes nerve wracking, but overall very memorable and simply gorgeous.
Where We Stayed:
- Art Galathea Hotel (Prcanj 134, 85335-000 Kotor, Montenegro)
- The hotel was fairly small but provided what we needed: a room with one bed, one bathroom, instant espresso machine, parking, etc.
- We could sit outside in the mornings by the water and enjoy our espresso with an awesome view.
- Nearby there were also small cafes that served us seafood and wine by the bay as well.
- The hotel was fairly small but provided what we needed: a room with one bed, one bathroom, instant espresso machine, parking, etc.
Activities and Excursions in Kotor Bay
- Explore the Old City
- Hike to Saint Johns Castle
- Boat to Our Lady of the Rocks Church on an Island
Exploring Kotor’s Old City
Kotor Bay is a geographically stunning scene, surrounded by large mountains nearly all the way around. The city itself is an unusual blend of lively operating businesses and occupied homes mixed in with deteriorating ruins and old deserted buildings. One market we visited was even operating with open walls and window frames but without a roof, as vines and other plants seemed to be taking back the land.
Fun Fact: The city itself has been rated in the top ten cities of the world for cat lovers.
Mixed in with the ruble and town there is also a robust feline population. Stray cats roam the city like the own the place. They frolic freely and are unbothered by the passer byers. Although my husband had no interest in furry friends I must admit that I on the other hand was sneaking kitties left over tuna from our seafood platter at dinner.
Hiking St John Castle & Illyrian Fort
The view provided excellent views of the city and the bay. Along the hike up to the castle you pass a small church as well as ruins from a historic fort. Sprinkled in among the ruins were dazzling wildflowers and greenery. We were the in late May and these blooms added to the overall beauty of the scenery. In one area back in town there was a house completely covered in white Jasmin and that delicious scent still sticks with me to this day.
I highly recommend the hike to St. John Castle. Pack some water, sunscreen and a good camera. It is worth the climb!
Visit Our Lady of the Rocks
We hired a local boat to take us to the islet in the bay of Kotor, a tiny island within the bay only accessible by boat. On it stands a small Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Rocks along with a small museum. The island itself is man made by a combination of sinking old seized ships which were loaded down with rocks and additional rocks.
Legend states that the islet itself resulted over years of seamen laying rocks in the bay after having found Madonna and Child on the rock in July 1452. It is still a standing tradition for locals to take their boats out on July 22 each year and add rocks to the sea further the island.
Is Montenegro worth a visit?
In our opinion definitely yes! We thought it was a very unique city and much less touristy than some more crowded destinations in the region. With it being such a short drive from Dubrovnik it was a perfect addition to our trip.
We loved that it was less busy and very laid back. At some dinners we were the only ones dining and had a beautiful view of the bay to ourselves. So romantic!
My schedule for a day in Kotor Bay looks like this; start your day with an espresso by the bay. Then explore the old city, hike and take a boat excursion to the Lady of the Rocks. Relax with a seafood dinner and be sure to catch the sunset! Beautiful town from sun up to sun down!
