Kotor
Montenegro
Backpacking Kotor
Information on Kotor, sights to see, nightlife, activities and more.
Kotor is a small Town on the Adriatic coast in the south west of Montenegro. The coastline around Kotor in this region of Montenegro forms a stunning natural harbor and combined with the mountains, the surrounding area has made for a strategically located settlement for centuries. The medieval old town of Kotor is one of the best you will find in the region thanks to the cluster of orange terracotta rooftops nestled at the bottom of a lush green hill, framed by dramatic cliff sides and the sparkling, smooth-as-glass bay. Kotor dates back to the Middle Ages, and its preserved old town has earned it a spot on UNESCO’s World Natural and Historical Heritage Site list. Backpackers love exploring through the maze of cobblestone streets and hidden passageways that wind past stone churches, restaurants and boutiques, gazing out at the nearby islands from a rooftop perch, tackling the steep trail to get up to the fortress or people watching at an outdoor cafe.
Must See
Old Town - After passing through the historic gates you will be in Stari Grad (old town). The epicenter of activity around these parts, it’s easy to spend an entire day enjoying the atmosphere found within the walls where you can spend hours just wandering from place to place drinking coffee and watching the world go by. Everywhere in Kotor Old Town has outdoor seating where you can just soak up the sun, have a beer and take in the beauty of the place. A worthwhile stop on your tour of Kotor Old Town should be Kotor Bazaar.
Kotor Beach - is a pebble beach, like most in the region, however it’s clean and you can enjoy the stunning views of Boka Bay and there are a couple of nice restaurants where you can enjoy a drink and a bite with the stunning mountain views. The beach is just a 5-10 minute walk from the Old Town.
Must Do
Hike up to Kotor Fortress - The imposing Castle of San Giovanni (also known as St. John’s Fortress) is located 280 meters above the old town, serving up mind-blowing, panoramic views of the stunning bay below. First built during Illyrian times, it has been rebuilt throughout the centuries, withstood multiple earthquakes and scared off many a would-be intruder. Today, visitors are welcome to wander among its grass-covered ruins and view the picturesque scene below.
Climb the Old Town Walls - The old town walls in Kotor are a beautiful sight, if you are looking for stunning medieval old town architecture. The walls of Kotor stretch up behind the town into the mountains for many kilometres and provided protection in medieval times from attacks. The view from the top is spectacular so make sure to take some pictures.
Nightlife
Kotor Old Town is definitely where the action is. The area is usually jammed with people. There is an incredible variety of bars and clubs hidden into the winding side streets of the Kotor Old Town. The best bars are Evergreen and Havana and are open until 1am. Then people go to the big club in town called Maximus which is the largest in Montenegro.
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