Travel Guide to Montenegro: A visit to Kotor, Budva and Perast
Written by: Orad Eldar Bar
For many tourist around the world, Montenegro
remains a mystery. Even though during the summer months
the tiny country is crowded with tourists and the roads
are busy, there is still a feeling that they have not
yet fully discovered all its historical treasures and
secrets.
You can get to Montenegro by flying to the
Tivat airport close to Kotor. Or you can get there via
the nearby Dubrovnik city or on flights from a variety
of European destinations, such as Italy.
Montenegro
is also a popular destination for many cruises in the
Mediterranean Sea, stopping at the Kotor harbour which
is considered as one of the most beautiful harbours in
the region.
In this article we will describe a day
trip from Kotor, which was written up in the Lonely
Planet Magazine as the most recommended destination for
2016. So, 2016 has gone already and if you have not yet
reached that destination, this is your opportunity.
Kotor
Kotor is a very ancient city, mentioned in
Roman writings as early as the fifth century BC. The
city lies on the of Kotor Bay on the Adriatic Sea.
Although many tourists call it
a “fjord”, it is not that by definition. The city is
surrounded by a wall, spread 4.5 kilometers long, 20
meters high and 15 meters wide. You can find in the city
walls three gates, which the largest and most famous
amongst them is the Sea Gate. When you enter through the
gate, you can find the main square of the old city, with
plenty of restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops. This
square is called the “Weapon Square” and there stands
the “Pillory”, where they used to put criminals and
humiliate them.
The ancient city of Kotor is included
in the list of the UNESCO sites as a global cultural
asset.
Recommended Hotels in Kotor
Hotel Forza Mare
A
5-star boutique hotel, with a private beach, is located
3 kilometers from the center of town.
The hotel
includes swimming pools , a bath-house, a gym and spa, a
restaurant, bar and a minimarket. The parking and
internet are free to its guests.
Hotel Casa Del Mare – Amfora
A 4-start hotel with a private beach is located on the edge of Kotor Bay. The rooms overlook a magnificent view of the Bay. The hotel includes a restaurant, a bar, a spa with a jacuzzi and a sauna. The internet is free.
Palazzo Drusko Deluxe Rooms
A 4-star hotel, six minutes walk from the beach, is located in a 600 year old building that was renovated and restored. The antique furniture is about 150 years old. The hotel has a common kitchen for the guests, bicycle rental (for an extra charge), parking and internet are free.
Apartments Corovic
An apartment hotel which has one bedroom and a living room and two bedrooms and a living room. Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen. The hotel has a private beach and is located 3 kilometers from the center of town. Internet and parking are free.
Apartments Residence Portofino
A high quality and luxurious apartment hotel with a swimming pool and free bicycle rentals for its guests. Each apartment has an fully equipped kitchen. The penthouse is suitable for 6 people. Internet and parking are free.
PERAST
A drive along the Kotor Bay will lead you to its intriguing neighbor, Perast. The town has a narrow road and alongside it, were built a few impressive villas for the ships captains who lived here in the 18th and 19th century. The town was built to serve the sailors, fisherman and seafarers. In the heart of the Kotor Bay and across the Perats, you will notice two islands: one island is natural and the entrance to it is forbidden, but the island close to it (you cannot miss the azure dome of the church) is artificial and it is highly recommended to sail there from Perats.
Located on the island is
the Our Lady of the Rocks Church, whose story goes back
to the early 18th century. Then, the work of the sailors
was considered as dangerous. The sea was stormy and
whomever went out there, it was not sure they would come
back. The sailors prayed to St. Mary to protect them on
their way and protect them from the troubles the sea
holds. Those who managed to survive the journey, saw
that it as a real miracle carried out by St. Mary. As a
sacrifice and thankfulness, they would bring gifts, most
of which expressed the hardship they experienced along
the way: high waves, storms etc. Over the years, the
tradition of the gifts has expended and today it stands
in the center of the church. Any person who struggles
with difficulties in their lives such as an illness,
infertility, marital problems, financial or other
problems, prays to Maria. When his problem is solved, he
brings a gift to the church and today it is flooded with
exciting gifts, painting, sculptures, jewelry and other
objects of art.
Due to the exciting
story and history of the church, many couples prefer to
get married in the church since it is considered a good
luck for marriage. For the many weddings will testify
the dozens of dried bouquets of flowers hanging on the
church wall.
Budva
Another very special city close to Kotor is Budva. Budva is a historical city built about 2,500 years ago. It is considered as the country’s tourism capital and is located in the center of the coastline of Montenegro. Like in Kotor, also here you will find narrow streets, churches from the 7th century and ancient towers from the 15th century. But what characterizes Budva today it is its popular beaches. Budva is considered a real gem, in the heart of the Montenegrin Riviera. Between the green mountains and the red rooftops of the city, the sea waters look especially clear and the beaches are wonderful. The Mediterranean weather is comfortable all year round and during the summer months the sandy beaches are crowded.
In addition to
bathing on the beaches, which is a must, it is
recommended that visitors in Budva also walk in the
streets of the old city, and especially, along the walls
of the city. From there you can also overlook the
alleys.
The Village of Njegusi
After a visit in the old cities, the best, we certainly kept for last. From Kotor there is a winding road that goes up toward the village of Njegusi. The road goes up to 900 meters and in order to get to the top, you will come across 26 curves.
It is highly recommended to take this road with a local experienced driver, who will take you towards spectacular views of Kotor and the bay.
The village is
located high between the mountains and its special
location offers breathtaking views over the coastline.
Guided Tour
Whether you are coming to
Montenegro for a few days or a day trip during a cruise,
it is highly recommended to travel in Montenegro with
experienced guides. The fascinating history of the place
can only be told by a professional who will add great
value to the spectacular views. The Kotor Tour company
offers a wide variety of suitable tours for everybody:
they are “tailored made” tours in Kotor, Budva, Perast
and its surroundings. They are tours designed especially
for your trip and highly recommended.
Website:
https://kotor.tours/en. You must book in advance, can be
reached by email: info@kotor.tours
