If you’re short on time and want to know is Kotor worth visiting, then the simple answer is a massive yes, Kotor is worth visiting.
Kotor is a UNESCO-listed town on the Bay of Kotor and is known for its stunning mountainous surroundings.
Although impacted by an earthquake in 1979, Kotor has been carefully restored to its former glory. There are delicious restaurants, historic palaces and a lovely atmosphere to soak in.
During my own trip I realised that Kotor is much more than just a trip to the Old Town fortress walls. The unique setting of Kotor means that there are plenty of outdoor activities available, making it a great destination for travellers looking for a bit of adventure.
With so much to offer, Kotor is becoming a more and more popular destination, with regular cruise ship visits. So get your visit in now, before it gets even busier.
In this article I’ll share with you the very best reasons why I recommend Kotor and why it’s worth visiting in 2025.
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Summary of why Kotor is worth visiting
I’ll go into more detail below about the top things to do in Kotor but if you just want a quick summary of reasons to visit Kotor then this section is for you.
Medieval history and architecture
The well-restored Old Town in Kotor is a top attraction in Montenegro. With its cobblestone streets, Venetian architecture, historic palaces and churches, like St. Tryphon’s Cathedral, it’s a picturesque place to spend time.
I much preferred Kotor’s Old Town to Dubrovnik, which, whilst also beautiful, feels more hectic and over run with people.
Stunning natural setting
The Bay of Kotor is truly gorgeous. Surrounded by mountains and the water of the calm bay, Kotor is a special place to experience if you love the outdoors. There are multiple mini beaches to cool off at and an inviting sea to swim in.
Hiking and outdoor adventures
Whilst the historic streets are worth seeing, Kotor is even more fun if you want to enjoy some outdoor adventures.
The proximity to the mountains and the sea means there’s hiking, biking, kayaking and a whole lot more extreme activities you can get stuck into on a trip to Kotor.
Cats, cats and more cats
Finally, a quick mention of the cats of Kotor. Whilst it’s a bit of a myth that Kotor was named after our furry feline friends (it wasn’t), it is true that there are loads of them.
I loved the cat park, where you’ll encounter loads of friendly cats and kittens. there’s also a ‘cat museum’ which is worth a quick look but is not worth making a special trip for.
Mild climate
Kotor has a typically mild climate, with temperatures in September still averaging around the low 20s (Celsius).
Unfortunately, on my own trip there was an unseasonably cold spell and torrential rain. So, whilst the weather can be great in early autumn, it’s not guaranteed.
Planning a trip to Kotor? Check out these key services
📱 How to get online
Unlike many countries in Europe, Montenegro is not included in roaming for many mobile phone providers. So you’ll need to get an eSIM to connect to mobile internet whilst there.
🚖 How to book an airport transfer?
Get picked up at Tivat or Podgorica airport and go directly to your location in Kotor with Kiwitaxi.
📌 What’s a great site to find tours and experiences?
Check out the best tours and activities in and around Kotor with Get Your Guide.
🚗 How to hire a car?
Explore Montenegro at your own pace with a rental car from Discover Cars.
🛌 How to find hotels?
Find a great deal for your accommodation in Kotor with Booking.com.
Is Kotor Old Town nice?
Yes, Kotor is a beautiful old town to visit. It’s renowned for its beauty, atmosphere and history, making it a top reason visitors are drawn to Kotor.
There are so many other things to do in the area that Kotor serves as a good place to base yourself for a trip to Montenegro. You might only need to spend a day or two in the Old Town itself, then you can discover all the other fun activities in and around Kotor.
Best things to do in Kotor
Hiking
Hike the Ladder of Kotor for totally amazing panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor. The hike starts just outside the River Gate to the north of the Old Town.
Follow the trail all the way up for stunning views, taking time to stop at the family run ‘cheese shop’ on the way. Taking a drink break at this rustic bar is a little slice of paradise.
You can also hike the lesser-known trail to visit the abandoned fort at Vrmac, on the opposite side of the Bay of Kotor.
Water activities
Explore the Bay of Kotor on one of the brilliant speedboat tours. Or put in some serious arm exercise and take a kayak or paddleboard out around the bay.
Cycling
For a fabulous way to spend a day or half day, hire bikes and do a loop of the whole bay. To complete the circular route you’ll need to take a short ferry ride between the peninsulas at Lepetane and Kamenari.
Explore Kotor’s Old Town
Enjoy spending time wandering through the historic streets of the Old Town in Kotor. Get local souvenirs in the shops and markets and take in the impressive architecture.
Climb the Old City walls
One of the most popular activities to do in Kotor is to climb up the many steps to the mountainside St. John’s Fortress.
This is a paid-for activity and requires a good level of physical fitness. If you don’t fancy the steep walk (or price), the lower sections of the bastions in the Old Town are easier to access and free.
Go to the beach
Kotor is not a typical beach destination. But while Kotor itself doesn’t really have sandy beaches (there is a small one called Kotor beach), you can swim at pebbly spots around the bay or head to nearby towns like Dobrota for better beach access from various pontoons.
Canyoning and via ferrata
If you want more extreme outdoor activities you can have a go at canyoning and a via Ferrata in Kotor.
Skurda canyon is located right next to Kotor city and is used by various companies to run canyoning trips.
The canyon was closed due to heavy rains when I visited, so I had a go at canyoning in nearby Budva instead.
Cable car
The Kotor cable car is great fun. The trip lasts about 10 minutes and is very steep. You’ll glide along the mountainside, taking in the beautiful surroundings. Tickets cost from €15 one way (and cost more in peak season).
At the top there are immense views right across the whole of the Bay of Kotor and beyond. These were some of my absolute favourite views in the whole of Montenegro.
Is Kotor a party town?
Kotor is more known for its cultural and historical vibe than for parties. There are some youth hostels that provide social events, with organised evening activities, like barbeques. In Kotor Old Town there are several bars with music and a fun atmosphere.
Is Kotor a good base for exploring Montenegro?
Kotor’s strategic location makes it an ideal base for day trips to places like Perast, Lovćen National Park and Herceg Novi.
Head further down Montenegro’s coast for only half an hour and you’ll reach the Budva riviera complete with sandy beaches.
Don’t miss a trip to Durmitor National Park and Lake Skadar. You can reach both by bus from Kotor or book a day trip for maximum convenience.
It’s even possible to take a bus, taxi or drive to Dubrovnik, Croatia, for the day from Kotor.
Costs and affordability – is Kotor expensive to visit?
Kotor can be affordable depending on your travel style, with reasonably priced accommodation, food and activities.
You can do free hikes, rent bikes for a low cost and just enjoy walking around Kotor town and the bay to keep costs down. There are takeaway and street food options, for cheap eats.
However, there are more luxurious places to eat and stay, if that’s what you’re looking for.
You can also expect to pay from £80/$90 upwards to participate in organised outdoor adventures like canyoning, via Ferrata or paragliding.
When to visit Kotor
The ideal time to visit Kotor is in the shoulder season, as it gets busy in summer with cruise ships. Spring and early autumn have fewer tourists and cooler weather which is better for hiking than the hot summer sun.
Summer gets busy and hot but the warm weather is perfect for outdoor activities like swimming in the sea and boat trips.
Winter is much quieter, with some places closing completely, although you will still find places open. This time of year is more affordable and some outdoor adventures will not be operating, although you can go skiing in other parts of Montenegro.
How easy is it to get around Kotor without a car?
Kotor is compact and walkable, especially the Old Town, which is pedestrian-only. I travel without a car and found plenty of options for exploring other parts of Montenegro by public transport.
There are no trains to Kotor itself, but you can use the train to visit Lake Skadar and Podgorica from Sutomore, near Budva.
Taxis are useful to use in Kotor for the occasional journey. For example, if you want to go to the cable car in Kotor, which is not on a direct bus route.
Negatives of visiting Kotor
I enjoyed my trip to Kotor, despite the ‘variable’ weather. Whilst there are mostly positives to visiting Kotor, there are a few things to be aware of.
The Old Town of Kotor is on many cruise ship routes, so it gets busier when they’re in town. In the peak of summer this may be a little too much for you if you don’t like crowds.
Kotor also gets pretty hot in the summer months. This might not be a negative for you but check that your accommodation has air con if it is an issue.
Visit Kotor outside of July and August to get sunny and warm weather at more manageable temperatures. I visited in September and got both torrential rain and bright sunshine.
Finally, another reason not to visit Kotor is if you have an aversion to cats (and cruise ships).
FAQ
Can You Walk Around Kotor?
The Old Town of Kotor is very walkable, with passageways and picturesque historic landmarks which are all easy to explore on foot. In fact, cars are not allowed in the Old Town, so you’ll have no choice but to walk around.
Are There Beaches in Kotor?
Kotor does have a beach, just five minutes’ walk to the north. However, don’t expect big things from it, it’s a small affair.
There are many more beach spots along the coast, on either side of Kotor Bay. These are mostly little spits of sand or pontoons to jump off. There’s a little place at Galebova Stijena, that feels more like a traditional beach, with a sliver of pebbly sand and a curved bay.
Should I Stay in Kotor Old Town?
The Old Town is a good place to stay if you only have a few days in Kotor. Staying inside the Old city walls means you can make the most of your time. However, it can get noisy and busy, so I recommend staying in nearby Dobrota instead.
Is Kotor Too Touristy?
Overall, whilst Kotor can get busy, especially when cruise ships dock, I found that it is much more enjoyable for a multi-day stay than nearby Dubrovnik in Croatia. The streets seem less rammed with people and there are so many other activities to do that you don’t have to spend all your time in the Old Town of Kotor anyway.
What Currency is Used in Kotor, Montenegro?
Surprisingly, although Montenegro is not part of the European Union it does use the Euro currency (since 2002).
Is English Spoken in Kotor?
Montenegrin is the official language of Kotor and Montenegro. Many people also speak other languages, and Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian and Albanian are also recognised officially. I found that English is spoken by many people in Kotor, and everyone I encountered in restaurants, tours and taxis spoke it.
What’s the Best Way to Avoid the Crowds in Kotor?
Visit Kotor during the shoulder seasons to avoid the high-season tourist rush. Some of the cruise ships leave in the evening, so wait until then to wander the Old Town with less people around.
Wrap up
So, is Kotor worth visiting? Absolutely, yes. With its awesome views, fun adventure activities, and stunning Bay, Kotor has plenty to offer.
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, history, or a unique destination, this beautiful city will leave you with great memories.
I recommend you combine a trip to Kotor with other areas of Montenegro. You can even make it a two-country holiday, with a visit to Dubrovnik from Montenegro.
