Kotor

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Kotor, Montenegro. Immerse yourself in a sailing adventure and explore the charming on-land experiences the region has to offer

Kotor

Kotor, Montenegro, is a stunning and historic destination that has been a popular tourist attraction for years. This small coastal town is nestled at the end of a long, winding bay, surrounded by towering cliffs and an imposing fortress. It is a city shaped by its maritime heritage and is renowned for its picturesque sailing opportunities. 

Whether you are an experienced sailor or a beginner, Kotor offers a truly unforgettable sailing experience. With crystal-clear waters, stunning scenery and a rich history to explore, sailing in Kotor is an activity to be noticed. The city provides ample opportunities for sailing, from day trips to longer voyages, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and magic of the area. 

Whether you prefer a leisurely sail or a more challenging excursion, you will indeed find the perfect sailing experience in Kotor. So pack your bags, hoist the sails, and get ready to experience the sailing adventure of a lifetime in Kotor, Montenegro!

Sailing in Kotor

Sailing in Kotor, Montenegro, is an unforgettable experience that will leave you breathless. This small coastal town, nestled in the Bay of Kotor, is surrounded by soaring cliffs and medieval fortresses, making it a true gem of the Adriatic coast. The clear waters and sheltered bays make for ideal sailing conditions, allowing visitors to explore the stunning coastline from a unique perspective. Whether an experienced sailor or a beginner, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to explore the beauty of Kotor from the sea.

One of the highlights of sailing in Kotor is visiting the Blue Cave, a natural wonder that glows with mesmerizing turquoise light. As you pass through, the sun shines through the crystal-clear waters, creating an ethereal glow that is simply breathtaking. This spectacular sight is best seen from the water, and sailing through the cave is an unforgettable experience.

Another must-visit destination is Our Lady of the Rocks, an artificial island located just a short sail from Kotor. This unique island is home to a beautiful church and museum, and the peaceful waters surrounding it make it an ideal spot to drop anchor and explore on foot.

For those who prefer to stay on the mainland, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the history and culture of Kotor. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a well-preserved medieval old town and a beautiful coastal fortress that offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Visitors can also stroll through the charming streets and alleyways, discovering the many churches, palaces, and other historical buildings that dot the town.

The History

Scientists and historians have yet to be able to date the exact moment when Kotor was established. Historians are sure that it’s ancient, but how old? It’s debatable. Some say there were settlers there as far as two millennia ago. Its name comes from the word “Dakatera” (from the old greek “Katareo”, meaning hot spring).

Written sources say that the Greeks were the first to conquer Kotor from the 7th to 4th century BC, taking them from the Illyrians. After them, many nations have had their fair share of Kotor, from Rome to the Goths. After them came the mighty Byzantine Empire and even the Kingdom of Serbia with the rule of Nemanjici, where Kotor experienced the most significant economic and cultural boom. After the fall of the Serbian kingdom, Kotor was briefly independent for around 30 years when after threats from the Ottoman Empire, they decided to join the Venetian. 

After some time, it entered the Austrian empire and was even briefly for a year ruled over by the Russian Empire. At one point, even France took over the city’s rule. During the first world war, it was a battlefield between Montenegro and the Austro-Hungarian empire, and after the war, it became part of Montenegro, where it still is today. 

It’s no wonder that after this dynamic historical period for Kotor, it displays parts of culture and historical riches that are a mix of the nation and nationalities that ruled over it. Every Civilisation that ruled over Kotor managed to leave its mark to make it as beautiful as it is today.

The Legend

Kotor is a city filled with many different stories, myths and legends. Almost every part of the city, every stone house, and every pebble walkway hide a story. Some might be true some might be just a spark of imagination. 

The people who used to live in Kotor believed that the city was so beautiful that gods had to be involved in its making. So as the legend goes, Kotor was founded by Phoenicians who were on a path to find the Golden Fleece.

This is just one of the many Legends of how this cosy medieval town came to be, but the good thing about Kotor is that its residents often have their myths and legends of how Kotor came to be, and all you have to do is ask, and they will be more than happy to share their story.

Kotor Today

Kotor is a city on the coast of the Bay of Kotor. This small town has only around 20.000 citizens. During the summer period, with tourists visiting it, it grows to twice that. This medieval town, with its charm, fascinates tourists from all over the world. Ancient yet modern, it remains one of the most beautiful summer destinations in Montenegro. Kotor will turn your summer vacation into something magical. 

One of the things people are drawn to is its original and mesmerising architecture and walls from the 12 – 14th century period. Unesco also protects Kotor as a world cultural heritage.

What to Visit In Kotor?

Kotor is one of the loveliest cities where you can take a walk and enjoy the scenery. Its rich history and medieval structures will for sure leave you breathless. Here are some exciting places that you can visit.

Old Town

Because of its long and complicated history, Budva collected some interesting historical sights over the years that tourists find fascinating. 

For starters, Venetian walls still surround the city, and a lot has crumbled over time, but the remains of the winged Lion of St. Mark, the very symbols of Venice, are still visible at the main entrance.

Romans left their mark on structures, and the remains of an ancient Roman necropolis can be found outside the gates and inside are ruins of an ancient Roman villa and a Roman bathhouse (thermae).

Old Town

The Old Town of Kotor is surrounded by fortifications built during the Venetian period, which dates back to the 9th century. Kotor’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and fortified walls. Visitors can stroll through the winding streets and admire the beautiful stone buildings, including the St. Tryphon Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century. You can also climb the city walls. For adventurous people, climbing up the city walls is a must-do. The walls offer panoramic views of the town and the Gulf of Kotor, and the climb is relatively easy and takes about an hour.

Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum is a must-see for history buffs. It is located in the old town and offers a glimpse into its rich maritime history, including traditional boats and navigation equipment displays.

Arms Square

The main Kotor square was an old Venician ammunition manufacturing and storage facility, and still standing is the Arsenal building. Today you can see the tower built in the 17th century, made partly in the Baroque style, while the northern and eastern facades were built in the Gothic style. During its history, soldiers who defended and guarded the city gathered in this square and equipped themselves with weapons. The city’s most famous defence lasted three days when the Turkish pirate Hajrudin Barbarossa attacked Kotor in 1539.

Gates

The main entrance to the old city of Kotor is the gate, also known as The Sea Gate or West Gate. Built-in the 16th century, it got its name because it was just above the coast when it was made, and it’s the biggest of the three gates surrounding the city. The River Gate (North Gate) and The Gate of Gudurić (South Gate) were made during the middle ages.

Hiking

A nearby mountain of St. John is the perfect place to go hiking. It offers a challenging but rewarding hike. The summit has a panoramic view of the town and the bay. You can sit at the mountain and enjoy the view for hours.

Explore

Take a day trip to the nearby towns: Kotor is also an excellent base for exploring the nearby towns, such as Perast and Risan, which offer a unique blend of Venetian and Mediterranean architecture and culture. Kotor Bay is a unique place where all along its shores, you will find hidden gems and beautiful small islands to explore.

What Can You Do?

  • Food

In Kotor, you will see a good number of restaurants. Prices are ok, and there is plenty of fish on the menu. If you are looking for Dalmatian and Balkan cuisine, it’s a good choice.

A cute, small green market is close to the old town’s main gate. Some say it’s as old as the city, which was always the place to exchange and trade goods. Today, its become the green market that offers organic and eco food at slightly higher prices.

  • Shopping

The old town is filled with numerous shops and markets. There are some high-end fashion designers, primarily from Italy. Still, the options are limited, so don’t expect too much.

  • Swimming

Kotor is a naval city, so expect many ships around. It has a few dedicated swimming beaches close to the city, and the beach is small and pebbly, with concrete slabs.

  • Nightlife

Nightlife in Kotor comprises a typical combination of nightclubs, bars and restaurants. Bars usually work until 1 am. After that, the party continues in the nightclubs. You can have fun in the old town and outside its gate on the other side of Kotor.