Things to do in Kotor: a guide

As your ship glides through the narrow Strait of Verige, limestone mountains rise almost straight from the water and medieval stone walls come into view, climbing the hillside above Kotor's red-tiled rooftops. Long before you step ashore, the destination has already begun to impress. Once your tender reaches shore, the UNESCO-listed Old Town is just minutes away, and the best things to do in Kotor start the moment you pass through the gate. Beyond its ancient gates, Princess® shore excursions make it easy to discover the Bay of Kotor, mountain landscapes and coastal landmarks.

Kotor's greatest advantage as a cruise destination is how much there is to experience within easy reach of the pier.

Exploring the Old Town

Step through the Sea Gate and into one of the best-preserved medieval towns on the Adriatic. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kotor Old Town is just a short walk from the cruise pier. Smooth marble lanes wind between centuries-old stone buildings before opening onto lively squares, where cafés spill onto the pavement and Kotor's famously friendly cats lounge in sunny corners.

One of the Old Town's architectural highlights is St. Tryphon Cathedral, whose Romanesque interior dates to 1166. Inside, guests can admire a gilded altar, centuries-old frescoes and a collection of Venetian art from the 14th century. The cathedral is featured on the Kotor, St. Tryphon Cathedral, Budva & Scenic Drive excursion. Nearby, the Maritime Museum, housed in the 17th-century Grgurina Palace, traces Kotor's rich seafaring history through historic navigation instruments, naval artifacts and exhibits spanning centuries, including World War II.

San Giovanni Fortress

Guests exploring independently can climb the medieval city walls to San Giovanni Fortress, high above the Old Town. The stepped path passes stone gateways and a small hillside chapel on the way up, and the panorama at the top stretches across red-tiled rooftops, the sheltered bay and the limestone mountains beyond. The route runs about 1,350 stone steps and takes most guests 45 minutes to an hour each way, so allow around two hours round trip and wear supportive shoes with good grip. There's a small entrance fee at the gate, payable in euros. Mornings are the coolest time to climb, and the light on the bay is at its best.

The Bay of Kotor: on the water

While Kotor Old Town is easy to explore on foot, seeing the bay from the water gives you an entirely new perspective on this stretch of the Adriatic.

Boat tours, Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks

A cruise across Boka Bay is a relaxing way to experience Kotor's dramatic surroundings. During the Perast and Boka Bay excursion, guests spend about an hour cruising the deep blue waters before arriving at Our Lady of the Rocks, a man-made islet crowned by a historic church. Originally established in 1452 and rebuilt in 1632, the church houses 68 paintings by celebrated 17th-century artist Tripo Kokolja. It serves as both a place of worship and a museum.

The excursion also visits Perast, one of Montenegro's best-preserved Baroque towns. Once home to four shipyards and a fleet of nearly 100 ships during its 18th-century maritime peak, Perast is lined with elegant stone homes and historic churches, including the Church-Museum and Treasury of St. Nicholas. Guests looking for a broader introduction to the region can choose the Best of Montenegro excursion, which combines Perast with a guided walk through Kotor Old Town, a visit to the Maritime Museum and lunch overlooking the bay.

Kayaking in Boka Bay

Guests looking for a more active way to experience the bay can paddle its calm waters on the Adventure Kayaking in Boka Bay. This three-hour excursion follows approximately 10 kilometers of coastline past quiet villages backed by rugged mountains, with opportunities to swim and snorkel in the clear Adriatic. No previous kayaking experience is required, though guests should be in good physical condition for the full 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) of paddling. Water is provided along the way. It's a rewarding choice for guests who'd rather see the bay at water level than from a deck.

Beyond Kotor: Lovćen, Blue Cave and Budva

Within a drive or boat ride of the Kotor cruise port, guests can hike through mountain landscapes, visit a sea cave lit by brilliant blue water or explore another of Montenegro's historic coastal towns.

Lovćen National Park

The Hike and Picnic at Lovćen National Park introduces guests to a different side of Montenegro. After a scenic drive to the base of Mount Lovćen, the trail winds through meadows and rocky paths in a protected landscape that's home to native bird species, including falcons and eagles. The park stretches across roughly 24 square miles of forest and limestone and is crowned by two prominent peaks — Štirovnik, rising to 5,738 feet, and Jezerski vrh at 5,436 feet. A picnic lunch completes this full-day experience immersed in Montenegro's natural beauty.

Blue Cave and Žanjice Beach

One of the most visually striking excursions from Kotor is the Blue Cave Speedboat Adventure. A speedboat follows Montenegro's rugged coastline to the Blue Cave, a sea grotto carved into the Luštica Peninsula that's accessible only by water. As sunlight filters through the cave's entrance, it transforms the water into vivid shades of electric blue. The excursion also includes time at Žanjice Beach, where guests can swim or relax along the pebble shoreline. Water shoes are recommended for added comfort.

Budva

Guests interested in Montenegro's history and coastal culture can continue to Budva, a medieval town with more than 2,500 years of history on the Montenegrin Riviera. During the Kotor, St. Tryphon Cathedral, Budva & Scenic Drive excursion, a guided walk introduces the town's narrow streets, stone churches and lively squares before free time to browse local shops. The scenic coastal drive back to Kotor is part of the experience, with views of the Adriatic accompanying the return journey.

Planning your time ashore in Kotor

Princess shore excursions are the easiest way to experience Kotor's medieval history and coastlines in your limited time ashore. As you decide how to spend your visit, keep these tips in mind:

• Start your day early. Kotor Old Town is especially inviting in the morning, when the marble streets are cooler underfoot and the soft light highlights the city's centuries-old stone architecture.
• Choose an excursion that matches your interests. Excursions on the water explore the Bay of Kotor in about three hours, while full-day adventures to destinations like Lovćen National Park allow more time to discover Montenegro's natural beauty.
• Wear comfortable footwear. Smooth marble streets, uneven stone paths and the climb to San Giovanni Fortress are best explored in supportive walking shoes. If your excursion includes Žanjice Beach, water shoes are recommended for the pebble shoreline.
• Carry a few euros. Most restaurants, cafés and shops in Kotor Old Town accept major credit cards, though smaller vendors may prefer cash.
• Leave time to experience the local culture. Enjoy fresh Adriatic seafood at a waterfront restaurant or learn more about food in Montenegro. If you'd like to add time by the water, our guide to the beaches near Kotor offers more inspiration.

The medieval walls may first draw your attention, but they're only the beginning of Kotor. The bay, historic villages and mountain landscapes all lie within easy reach, giving guests the opportunity to experience several sides of Montenegro, especially with Kotor shore excursions.

Book a European cruise and explore Kotor Montenegro cruises to see these beautiful sites in person.

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