Trip to Montenegro: Visiting Kotor, Budva and Perast
To many tourists from all over the world, Montenegro remains somewhat of a mystery. In the summer months, the small country is indeed bustling with travelers and the roads are busy, but there is still a feeling that all of its secrets and treasures, both historical and contemporary, have not yet been fully discovered.
Montenegro is also an accessible destination for Israelis - during the summer season (starting from April) there are direct flights by Israir or Arkia to Tivat Airport near Kotor, Kotor.
♦ Booking a private transfer from the airport to Kotor from the Viator website:
Private Transfer from Tivat airport to Kotor
♦ Private guided walking tour in Old Town Kotor:
Private Kotor Old Town Walking Tour
♦ Private tour and cruise to book from the Viator website:
Montenegro Private Tour: Kotor, Perast, Our Lady Of The Rock, Budva
During the rest of the year, it can be reached via nearby Dubrovnik or via flights from various destinations in Europe, such as Italy. Montenegro is also a popular destination in many Mediterranean cruises, where they stop at the port of Kotor, considered one of the most beautiful ports in the area.
In this article, we will describe a day trip from Kotor, Kotor, which was defined by the Lonely Planet magazine as the most recommended destination for 2016. So 2016 is already over, and if you still haven't managed to get to this destination, this is your opportunity.
♦ For more information about Montenegro: Montenegro Guided Tours - recommendations for additional trips, recommended guided tours, hotels and more.
♦ Car rental from the reliable and convenient Booking website: Booking.com
Kotor
Kotor is a very ancient city, mentioned in Roman writings as early as the 5th century BCE. The city is located on the shore of the Kotor Bay of the Adriatic Sea.
Although many tourists call it a "fjord", it is not according to the definition. The city is surrounded by a wall, stretching along 4.5 km, 20 meters high and 15 meters wide. In the city walls you will find three gates, the largest and most famous of which is the Sea Gate. When you enter through the gate, you will find the main square of the old city, which has an abundance of restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops. This square is called "Armory Square" and it features the "Pillory", where wrongdoers and criminals were placed and humiliated.
The old city of Kotor is included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites.
Recommended hotels in Kotor
A 5-star boutique hotel with a private beach 3 km from the city center
The hotel features pools, a hammam, gym and spa, restaurant, bar and minimarket. The hotel offers free parking and free internet to its guests.
A 4-star hotel with a private bathing beach located at the end of the Kotor Bay. The rooms overlook a wonderful view of the bay. The hotel has a restaurant, bar and spa with a jacuzzi and sauna. Free internet. Free parking.
A 4-star hotel a 6-minute walk from the beach, located in a renovated and preserved 600-year-old building. The antique furniture is about 150 years old. The hotel features a shared kitchen for guests, bicycle rental (for an additional fee), free parking and free internet.
An apartment hotel featuring one-bedroom apartments with a living room and two-bedroom apartments with a living room. Each apartment has an equipped kitchen. The hotel has a private bathing beach and is located 3 km from the city center. Free internet, free parking.
Apartments Residence Portofino
A high-quality and pampering apartment hotel with a swimming pool and free bicycle loan for its guests. Each apartment has an equipped kitchen. The penthouse can accommodate 6 people. Free internet, free parking.
Perast
A drive along the Kotor bay will lead you to its intriguing neighbor, Perast Perast. The town has a narrow road alongside which several impressive villas were built by the ship captains who lived here in the 18th and 19th centuries. The town was established to serve sailors, fishermen and seafarers. In the heart of the Kotor bay and opposite Perast, you will notice two islands: one island is natural and entry to it is prohibited, but the island adjacent to it (you cannot miss the blue dome of the church) is artificial and it is highly recommended to sail to it from Perast.
On the island stands the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks, whose story goes back to the beginning of the 18th century. Back then, the work of sailors was considered dangerous. The sea was turbulent and whoever went out was not sure to return. Sailors prayed to the Holy Mary to watch over them on their way and protect them from the troubles harbored by the sea. Whoever managed to survive the journey saw it as a true miracle performed by the Holy Mary. In praise and thanksgiving, they would bring gifts, most of which express the hardships they went through along the way: high waves, storms and more. Over the years, the tradition of gifts expanded and it currently stands at the center of the church. Anyone dealing with hardship in their life such as illness, fertility problems, marriage problems, financial problems or others, prays to Mary. When their problem is solved, they bring a gift to the church and today it is flooded with touching gifts, paintings, statues, jewelry and other works of art.
Due to the moving and historical story of the church, many couples prefer to get married in the church as this is considered a good omen for married life. The many weddings are certainly attested to by the dozens of dried flower wreaths hanging on the church wall.
Budva
Another very special city near Kotor is Budva Budva. Budva, a historical city founded about 2,500 years ago, is considered the tourism capital of the country and it is located in the center of Montenegro's coastline. Like in Kotor, here too you will find narrow streets, 7th-century churches and ancient towers from the 15th century, but what currently characterizes Budva is popular beaches. Budva is considered a true pearl, in the heart of the Montenegrin beach riviera. Between the green mountains and the red roofs of the city, the sea water looks exceptionally clear and the beaches are wonderful. The Mediterranean weather is pleasant throughout most days of the year and in the summer months the sandy beaches are crowded. It is recommended to stay a few days in Budva to enjoy the wonderful beaches and trips in Budva and its surroundings.
Recommended hotels in Budva:
A high-quality 4-star boutique hotel with 8 spacious rooms, most of which overlook the view of the bay and sea. The hotel has private parking, a swimming pool and the service is personal and excellent. The hotel is close to the beach (in Becici) and a long promenade abounding with restaurants, stalls and shops.
The view from the Meridian Hotel to the beaches of Budva:
A 4-star hotel in a central location near Slovenska Beach and the marina and a short walking distance from the old city. The hotel has a pool, gym, spa, bar and restaurant.
Splendid Conference & Spa Resort
A 5-star resort in a central location on Becici beach, with a private beach, swimming pool, large and luxurious spa center with indoor and heated pools and jacuzzis. The hotel has a bar and restaurant
In addition to bathing in the beaches which is a Must, visitors to Budva are also recommended to walk in the streets of the old city and especially along the city walls, where you can overlook the alleys as well as towards the beaches and the bay.
The village of Njegusi
After visiting the ancient towns, we definitely saved the best for last. From Kotor, a narrow and winding road ascends towards the village of Njegusi. The road reaches a height of 900 meters and to reach its peak, you will need to pass 26 switchbacks.
It is highly recommended to embark on this road with a local and experienced driver, who will take you towards spectacular viewpoints over Kotor and the bay.
The village is located high among the mountains and its special location offers breathtaking views of the coastline.
Guided tour
Whether you are coming to Montenegro for a trip of several days or whether you arrived for a port day during a cruise, it is highly recommended to tour Montenegro with experienced guides. Only a professional can tell you the fascinating history of the place and add a lot of added value to the spectacular landscapes. Kotor Tours offers a wide variety of tours suitable for everyone: both tailored trips in Kotor, Budva, Perast and its surroundings, and trips that will be customized specifically for your journey. Highly recommended.
For more information: Montenegro Guided Tours
Article by: O. E. Bar