Croatia tends to steal the spotlight from its southeastern neighbor, Montenegro, but it’s a country well worth visiting with breathtaking mountain and seaside scenery along with many enchanting medieval Old Towns. Sitting on the borderline between east and west, its rich cultural history can be glimpsed in ornate churches, mosques with elegant minarets, elaborately painted monasteries, the mosaic floors of Roman villas, and fortresses that have stood the test of time.
Kotor has dropped an anchor between the gray mountains and the sea, and veiled its life behind the high and wide ramparts. Its bulwarks seem to have been eternally growing rock tendrils along the hill, up to the old fortress that overlooks the town.
It is a dramatic town where the present lives in the maze of medieval churches, cathedrals, Venetian palaces and pillars. Kotor is made up of contrasts – the old squares with modern cafes, the sounds of serenade and live music, the echo of the footsteps down the narrow cobblestone alleys and the lazy purr of cats lying under the balconies with wrought iron railings, decorated with petunias.
When to visit Kotor
The best months for good weather in Kotor are May, June, July, August and September. On average, the warmest months are July and August The shoulder seasons of May and mid-September through October often bring idyllic weather without the hordes of tourists. Swimming in the sea can usually be enjoyed through early October with the water warmed by the sun all summer.
Kotor FAQ
From
Matilda Your Croatia Expert
How many days do you need in Kotor?
Ideally, five days or longer is perfect, which is enough time to explore the coastal towns, relax in Kotor, and then go inland. Whether you have one day, two days, or more, we have some great ideas for how you can fill your time in this amazing country.
What are the essential sites to see in Kotor?
No matter if you spend only one day in Kotor or you will be there for a longer time, you can easily enjoy these great things to do in Kotor. The central part of the town is very compact and you can see everything in a few hours.But don’t limit yourself to Kotor Old Town only, use the rest of the time to see the surrounding area or relax on the Kotor beach. There are really more things to see in Kotor than it seems at first!
The Island Gospa od Skrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks) is one of two gorgeous islands in the bay of Boka Kotorska, which are situated in the sea across Perast in the Kotor municipality. The other island, which also should be visited, is the Island Sveti Djordje. That island is also called “the island of the dead captains”, because according to a legend one French soldier, by shooting from cannon towards Perast, has hit a house of his beloved girl and killed her. That legend was a motive for the master piece “The Island of the Dead” by the Switzerland painter Beklin.
Is Kotor worth visiting?
Even if you just have one day, perhaps visiting on a day trip from Croatia, Montenegro and Kotor are well worth making time for although you’re likely to be left wanting more. With its world-famous mountains and fjords, gorgeous beaches, glorious walled cities with cobbled streets, rich history, delicious cuisine, and friendly people, it’s truly not-to-be-missed. It’s one of those countries that offer it all and as it’s small you’ll be able to check off many of the highlights in one trip.
