Kotor
Food | Wine | ArchitectureKotor Travel Guide: Things to Know Before You Go
Kotor, a hidden gem nestled on the coast of Montenegro, offers a captivating blend of culinary delights, exquisite wines, and mesmerizing architecture.
We spent a month in Kotor during December. Although it was winter, the Old Town was filled with holiday spirit. We enjoyed our stay and want to share what we learned about this fantastic town.
Steeped in rich history, Kotor boasts a magnificent Old Town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its narrow, cobblestone streets wind through ancient stone buildings, revealing centuries of architectural marvels. From the imposing medieval walls that encircle the town to the ornate facades of churches and palaces, every step in Kotor is a journey through time.
When it comes to cuisine, Kotor offers a delectable array of seafood dishes that reflect its coastal location. Feast on freshly caught fish, succulent prawns, and mouthwatering mussels prepared with authentic Montenegrin flavors. Indulge in local specialties like black risotto and octopus salad, tantalizing your taste buds with the flavors of the Adriatic Sea.
To complement the exquisite cuisine, Kotor is also known for its exceptional wines. The region’s vineyards produce a variety of wines, from full-bodied reds to crisp whites. Take the opportunity to visit a local winery and sample some of Montenegro’s finest vintages, experiencing firsthand the passion and craftsmanship that goes into each bottle.
Below is a guide to our favorite food, wine, and architecture in Kotor, plus some additional travel tips and resources we picked up along the way. We hope this information will inspire you to plan your next trip!
This website contains affiliate links that may earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Kotor Food
Traditional dishes in Montenegro are divided into three regional styles: the mountains, the coast, and the central area. Check out our Montenegro Food page for more information.
Being a coastal town, Kotor food naturally focuses on fish and seafood. However, there’s no shortage of meats and cheeses.
The restaurant menus and markets are filled with seafood, local cheese, cured meats, and other seasonal products.
Kotor Wine
The vast majority of local wine in Montenegro is produced by Plantaže winery, located south of Podgorica. Check out our Montenegro Wine page for more information.
If you want to try something other than Plantaze, the Crminica wine region is approximately 1hr south of Kotor, with several wineries offering tasting options. Alternatively, the Podgorica wine region is about 1 1/2 hours east of Kotor.
If you prefer to stay in town, there are wine bars in Kotor that sell a wide selection of wines from Plantaze and other local wineries.
Kotor Architecture
Kotor has numerous architectural attractions. The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon is a magnificent testament to Kotor’s architectural heritage. With its intricate design and towering presence, it is a sight to behold for any admirer of historical architecture.
But the cathedral is not the only architectural marvel that Kotor has to offer. The ancient walls, stretching for miles above the city’s Old Town, tell tales of a bygone era and provide breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
As you wander through the narrow streets, you’ll come across charming stone buildings adorned with ornate balconies and colorful shutters. Each corner holds a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by those who appreciate the beauty of architectural craftsmanship.
Where Is Kotor Located?
Kotor is located at the base of Mt. Lovćen in a secluded part of the Bay of Kotor. It’s about 1 1/2 hrs west of Podgorica, Montenegro’s capital city, and only 20 min west of Tivat, where the primary airport to access the Montenegrin coastal towns is located.
Where Is the Best Place To Stay In Kotor?
Hotels in Kotor
There are many great places to stay in Kotor. For the best experience, we recommend staying inside the Old Town (the castle marker on the map below is a great square inside the Old Town).
Below is an interactive map with hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.
Book your stay now!
What Is The Best Time To Visit Kotor?
The best month to visit Kotor depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want the best weather, fewer crowds, or the best value? Following are our suggestions for each.
Weather
The best weather is a personal preference. We find the best weather for exploring a city is around 55° F and sunny. The weather in Kotor during the summer can be very hot, but sunbathing, swimming in the Adriatic Sea, and boating are the most popular activities.
Below is a chart showing each month’s average high and low temperatures so you can decide what is best for you.
Shoulder Season
The time of the year with good weather and fewer crowds is often called the shoulder season. The shoulder season in Kotor is April, May, September, and October. For many, this is the best time of the year to visit.
Kotor is a popular tourist destination in the summer and can get very crowded. You will find fewer crowds in the shoulder season.
We spent a month in Kotor in December. The weather was cold and rainy on some days but warm and pleasant on others. It’s worth noting that Kotor gets limited hours of sun during the winter due to the nearby mountains. However, it’s still a relatively mild winter weather destination.
Best Value
January and February are good months to visit Kotor for the best value and no crowds. If you visiting during this time, you should expect cold weather and pack accordingly.
FAQs About Kotor
Is Kotor, Montenegro Worth Visiting?
Kotor, Montenegro is definitely worth visiting! This charming coastal town offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. The Old Town of Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its medieval architecture, narrow streets, and picturesque squares. You can explore the ancient city walls, visit historic landmarks such as St. Tryphon’s Cathedral, and enjoy stunning views of the Bay of Kotor.
Additionally, the surrounding area offers opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking in the nearby mountains or taking a boat trip to the nearby islands. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of a beautiful coastal town, Kotor has something to offer for everyone.
We explored this question in depth in our article “Is Kotor, Montenegro Worth Visiting?”
Is Montenegro cheap or expensive?
Kotor, Montenegro is cheaper than other popular tourist destinations like nearby Dubrovnik, Croatia. However, the cost ultimately depends on the level of luxury required. We prepared a Budget for a Month in Kotor that analyzes all the necessary expenses.
What Is Kotor Famous For?
Kotor, Montenegro is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich history. The town is particularly known for its stunning Bay of Kotor, which is often referred to as Europe’s southernmost fjord. With its towering mountains and crystal-clear waters, the bay offers a picturesque setting that attracts visitors from around the world.
Kotor is also famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Town. This well-preserved medieval town is a treasure trove of historical and architectural wonders. From the impressive city walls that date back to the 9th century to the iconic St. Tryphon’s Cathedral, Kotor’s Old Town is a captivating destination for history enthusiasts. Its narrow streets and charming squares are filled with centuries-old buildings that tell stories of the city’s past.
What is special about Kotor?
Kotor is a charming coastal town in Montenegro with a rich history and stunning natural beauty. What makes Kotor special is its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the ancient city walls surrounding the town and the beautiful churches, palaces, and squares within. The old town of Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s past.
In addition to its historical significance, Kotor is situated at the end of a breathtaking fjord-like bay known as Boka Bay or the Bay of Kotor. The combination of mountains and crystal-clear waters creates a picturesque setting that attracts visitors from around the world.
Overall, the unique blend of history, natural beauty, and outdoor activities make Kotor an extraordinary place to visit.
Is Kotor Pretty?
Yes, Kotor is undeniably beautiful. With its towering mountains and crystal-clear waters, the Bay of Kotor offers a picturesque setting that never fails to mesmerize visitors. The town itself, with its well-preserved medieval architecture, adds to the charm and beauty of the overall landscape.
From the moment you set foot in Kotor, you’ll be captivated by its breathtaking scenery and enchanting atmosphere. Whether you’re exploring the old town’s narrow streets or gazing out at the stunning fjord-like bay, you’ll find that every corner of Kotor exudes beauty and tranquillity. It’s no wonder that Kotor has become a popular destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking a serene escape.
How Many Days in Kotor Is Enough?
You will need one day to walk the Old Town of Kotor and see its famous sites. For a list of the best things to see and a suggested walking tour, check out our article “X Best Things to See in Kotor.”
Is 1 day in Kotor enough?
Is Kotor in Montenegro or Croatia?
Kotor is located in Montenegro, not Croatia. Montenegro is a small country on the Adriatic coast, known for its rugged mountains, beautiful coastline, and charming towns like Kotor. On the other hand, Croatia is a neighboring country to Montenegro and offers stunning coastal towns and cities of its own.
What Region Is Kotor In?
Kotor is located in the Coastal region of Montenegro.
How to Get to Kotor?
If you fly into Tivat Airport, you can take a short 10 min. taxi ride to Kotor.
If you fly into Podgorica Airport, you can take a 1 hr. 20 min. transfer to Kotor.
If you need door-to-door service, then a taxi from the airport to the front door of your hotel is best. To arrange a taxi or private transfer, we recommend GetTransfer.
Other Things to Know About Kotor
Airport
Tivat Airport (code: TIV) is the international airport serving the Montenegrin coastal town of Tivat and the surrounding region. There are no direct flights from the United States to TIV. Most connecting cities are in Germany. The airport is only 5 miles from Kotor and takes approximately 10 minutes by car.
Podgorica Airport (code: TGD) is an international airport serving the Montenegrin capital of Podgorica and the surrounding region. There are no direct flights from the United States to TGD. However, there are seasonal flights from several European cities to Podgorica.
Time Zone
Central European Time (GMT +1) / Central European Summer Time (GMT +2)
Currency
Euro €
Language
Montenegrin is the official language of Montenegro. However, English is widely spoken in Kotor.
Visa
Citizens from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia don’t need a visa to visit Montenegro if they stay 90 days or less. For more information on visa-free travel in Montenegro, check out our article on traveling visa-free.
Electricity
Montenegro’s power plug sockets are of type F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. Travelers from the United States will need an adapter.
We recommend a travel power strip with multiple USBs and standard plug-ins if you have many items to plug in. Using a power strip, you will only need one adapter to plug the strip into the wall.
SIM Card
Travelers will want a SIM card for Montenegro. You can get either a local SIM card or an eSIM card.
To get a local SIM card, you have to find a local cellular service provider, often stand in line for assistance, show your passport, and complete some paperwork. The SIM cards work great, but purchasing them is somewhat inconvenient. This option is best if you need more than 5GB of data.
We use eSIMs exclusively because they can be purchased through an app prior to arrival in a new country and activated when you hit a cell tower in the country. We use Airalo eSIMs. They work great, and I recommend them if you plan to use less than 5 GB of data during your stay or if you need internet immediately on arrival.
Car Rental
The lack of a train system in Montenegro makes rental cars necessary for most destinations. In addition to the major car rental companies found in the United States, Sixt and Europcar are common throughout Europe. For a comparison of rental car offers from large, international brands and smaller regional brands, we recommend Discover Cars.
Kotor Blog Posts
Best Beaches in Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor is widely considered the most picturesque town in Montenegro and it certainly lives up to its reputation. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town has a lot of well-preserved medieval architecture that blends perfectly with the...
Archives
We also visited Kotor in May 2012…
