Kotor Old Town Travel Guide

For UK visitors, Kotor is both accessible and affordable. It’s just a short flight from London, Manchester, or Edinburgh, with options via nearby Tivat, Dubrovnik, or Podgorica airports. It offers Mediterranean charm on par with Dubrovnik or Venice, but with fewer crowds and lower costs.

This expert guide will walk you through everything you need to know: history, top sights, practical travel tips, dining, nightlife, day trips, and insider advice to make the most of your visit.

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Why Visit Kotor Old Town?

Kotor is the crown jewel of Montenegro’s coastline. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your travel list:

• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Recognised for its cultural and natural significance since 1979.
• Spectacular scenery: Backed by towering limestone mountains and overlooking the Bay of Kotor.
• Unique history: A crossroads of Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman influences.
• Compact and walkable: Easily explored on foot, yet packed with things to do.
• Affordable compared to Croatia and Italy: Great value for food, accommodation, and activities.
• Gateway to Montenegro: Perfect base for exploring coastal towns, beaches, and national parks.

A Short History of Kotor Old Town

Understanding Kotor’s layered history will deepen your appreciation as you wander its streets.

• Roman Origins: The area was first settled as Acruvium, part of the Roman province of Dalmatia.
• Byzantine Influence: Fortifications were built to protect against Arab raids.
• Medieval Prosperity: Kotor thrived under the Serbian Nemanjic dynasty, developing as a trade and artistic hub.
• Venetian Rule (1420–1797): The Republic of Venice left the strongest mark—fortress walls, palaces, Gothic windows, and a maritime tradition.
• Earthquakes & Restorations: Major quakes in 1667 and 1979 devastated Kotor, but UNESCO led large restoration projects.
• Modern Era: Today, it balances booming tourism with preservation efforts, still retaining its medieval character.

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Visiting Kotor Old Town is like stepping into a living museum. Nestled in Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor, this UNESCO World Heritage Site combines dramatic mountains, Venetian fortifications, and medieval charm. It’s one of the most popular destinations in the Balkans, yet still retains an authentic atmosphere if you know when and how to visit.

Kotor Old Town is compact yet complex. It is enclosed by massive stone walls approximately 4.5 kilometres in length, some sections reaching 20 metres high and up to 16 metres thick. These walls run up the hillside behind the town and include multiple gates, bastions, towers, and fortresses.

Thanks to the restorations after the 1979 quake, many buildings have been reconstructed using original stones; generally speaking the Old Town feels authentic, weathered and atmospheric. UNESCO’s description notes: “a natural harbour … an important artistic and commercial centre … large number of monuments … town walls … Romanesque churches … restored largely with UNESCO’s help.”

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Top Things to Do in Kotor Old Town

1. Walk the City Walls and Climb St. John’s Fortress

• 1,300–1,350 steps from the Old Town to the summit (280m above sea level).
• Entrance fee: around €8.
• Best time: early morning (cooler, fewer crowds).
• Don’t miss Our Lady of Remedy Church halfway up for rest and views.

2. Explore St. Tryphon’s Cathedral

• Iconic twin-tower cathedral dating back to 1166.
• Houses relics of St. Tryphon, frescoes, and an impressive treasury.
• Entrance fee: small donation/entry ticket.

3. Visit the Churches of St. Luke and St. Nicholas

• St. Luke’s (1195): rare example of Catholic-Orthodox shared use.
• St. Nicholas: Orthodox church with striking icons.

4. Stroll Through the Squares

• Trg od Oružja (Square of Arms): central hub with cafés and the clock tower.
• Trg od Brašna (Flour Square): lined with palaces and restaurants.
• Trg od Katedrale: home to St. Tryphon’s Cathedral.

5. Step Through Kotor’s Historic Gates

• Sea Gate (main): built by Venetians in 1555.
• River Gate (north): crosses the Škurda River.
• South Gate (Gurdić Gate): dating back to the 9th century.

6. Dive into Local Museums

• Maritime Museum: celebrates Kotor’s seafaring past.
• Cats Museum: quirky and beloved, reflecting the town’s feline residents.

7. Sample Montenegrin Food & Wine

• Fresh seafood: grilled octopus, mussels, calamari.
• Local wine: Vranac (red) and Krstač (white).
• Don’t miss Njeguški pršut (smoked ham) and cheeses from the nearby mountains.

8. Experience Local Culture

• Attend Boka Night (August festival with boat parades and fireworks).
• Listen to live music in evening squares.
• Browse local artisan shops for lace, woodwork, and olive oil.

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