Kotor

The walled town is situated next to the beautiful turquoise waters of the Adriatic, in a sheltered bay, which is framed by dramatic limestone cliffs and the mighty Mt. Lovcen. The town itself is famed for its rustic medieval streets, gorgeous Romanesque churches and the spectacular Kotor Cathedral. The city is relatively small, with a population of around 14,000, making it an ideal destination for a peaceful holiday amidst beautiful natural surroundings and a rich history.

Kotor has a temperate seasonal climate, which experiences hot summers and cool winters. The best time to visit is in June, July and August when the temperatures average above 25 degrees. Late spring and early autumn are also pleasant, although the chance of rain does increase slightly. The best swimming month is August, when the sea temperature is above 26 degrees.

Under the Romans, Kotor came to prominence, and they ruled the town from 168 BC until the empire’s collapse in 476 AD. It then passed to the Byzantines and remained essentially unchanged until 1185, when it became a part of the medieval Serbian state. It briefly became an independent state from 1391 to 1420 until it elected to come under Venetian rule, due to fears that the Ottomans would attack it. This state of affairs persisted until 1797, when the town passed to the Austro-Hungarians and eventually became part of the Yugoslav Republic after the Second World War. The city also experienced numerous natural disasters throughout its history, with several earthquakes striking between 1500 and 1800.

Perfect for active families who enjoy getting out and about to explore nature, the city is surrounded by hills and mountains, offering numerous great hiking and biking trails for those who want to discover the Montenegrin countryside amidst spectacular scenery. Combined with this are several excellent beaches that provide access to the sheltered bay of Kotor, along with the option to enjoy watersports like kayaking, ideal for family holidays. Families should be sure to climb the old town’s medieval walls, which provide a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

The Cathedral of St. Tryphon, famed for its Corinthian Columns and Romanesque architecture, is an impressive building that visitors are bound to enjoy. At the same time, the chance to wander around the beautiful old town with its 15-metre-high medieval walls should not be missed. The area is also excellent for kayaking, thanks to the sheltered nature of the Bay of Kotor, which is ideal for those who enjoy getting out and about. Finally, the beautiful old town of Perast, which is situated on the coast and offers spectacular views over the sea and the surrounding area, is a must-see during your time in Kotor.

Its nighttime scene is primarily centred around the old town area. There, visitors will find a variety of cafes, bars and clubs, playing music late into the night. This makes it perfect for those who want to wander up and down the cobbled streets, swapping from bar to bar. There are also plenty of nice restaurants closer to the seaside for those seeking something quieter.

The best shopping can be found in Old Kotor, where a large number of shops and boutiques offer fashion pieces from renowned Italian designers. Other things on offer include jewellery stores, antique shops and all the different things that you would expect to find in a modern tourist town. There is also a market held daily, located near the second entrance to the old town, selling both local produce and handmade products.