Should You Visit Kotor?

Is Kotor worth visiting?

This coastal town is a good place to visit for three to four days. Kotor is a stunning walled town that sits dramatically along Montenegro's Adriatic coast. The coastline is lined with stunning limestone cliffs and the town is compact and filled with wandering lanes and vibrant squares. There are stone churches and cathedrals, as well as restaurants and cafes. You'll find kids playing in the street and hidden views of the striking blue water. We first visited in the summer of 2009 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with its authentic old town and beautiful atmosphere.

Kotor, Montenegro

Reasons to Visit Kotor

Food
Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

Historical Sights
The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Hiking
The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Beaches
Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Kotor might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Kotor here or see if Kotor is expensive here.

Authenticity
Kotor has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.

Is Kotor worth visiting in the Summer?

The high season for travel in Kotor is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat touristy, so in the high season it's usually busier.

The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 26°C (80°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 32°C (90°F).

The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. Don't miss the small town charm during summer. Just take some time to wander through the local shops and see the historic landmarks around town when the weather is nice. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable coastal town, especially in the nice weather. During this season it's fun to experience the beaches, the small town charm, and the hiking. Also, you'll be able to learn about the history of the town.

Is Kotor worth visiting in the Autumn?

Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during autumn, and temperatures hover around 17°C (63°F).

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Kotor, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.

Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. This is a great time of year to admire the wonderful scenery, admire the historic sights, and appreciate the quaint setting. Also, you can experience the hiking and the small town charm.

Is Kotor worth visiting in the Winter?

Winter is the low season for travel in Kotor. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.

The weather in Kotor can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 6°C (42°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to dine out at amazing restaurants and browse around the old town.

Is Kotor worth visiting in the Spring?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Kotor. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.

Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during spring, and temperatures hover around 14°C (58°F).

The scenery of the town this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. During this season it's fun to experience the quaint atmosphere, the beautiful scenery, and the small town charm. Also, you can check out the historic old town.

Things to Consider Before Visiting Kotor

Nightlife: Most people don't associate Kotor with a lively nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Related

What is Kotor most famous for?

Kotor is most famous for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. The coastal town is very popular for its food, historical sights, and hiking. And many visitors also come to this coastal town for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. It is often described as charming, historic, peaceful, remote, dramatic, scenic, and beautiful.

What is the most famous sight in Kotor?

The most popular sight in Kotor is The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral). You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Kotor on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral) and other attractions here.

How touristy is Kotor? Is it a popular coastal town to visit?

Kotor is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Private Tour: Custom Made (Charged per Hour): $98
• Blue Cave and Lady of the Rocks - Kotor tour up to 6 people (3hr): $293
• Private Speed Boat Tour to Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks - 3h: $261
• Lady Of The Rocks Island and Perast Old Town-Kotor tour (2 hours): $163
• Speedboat Tour to Lady of the Rock, Mamula and Blue Cave Swim: $47
• The Great GASTRO Tour of Montenegrian Wine and Montenegrian food: $201
• Blue Cave Group Tour in Montenegro: $46
• Food, wine and the best private walking tour of Kotor: $98

How long should I spend in Kotor?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Kotor is three to four days. Since Kotor has a variety of activities such as dining, historical sights, and hiking, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Kotor? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Kotor?.