What can you see in and around the port of Kotor during a cruise stop? How do you make the most of your day ashore, and what local dishes are worth trying? I've visited Montenegro multiple times—both on cruises and land trips—so I know the country well and have plenty of tips to share.
One of Kotor’s biggest attractions is the journey itself—your ship’s early-morning sail into the breathtaking Bay of Kotor. I highly recommend waking up early and heading out to the balcony or an open deck to witness the approach. It’s truly unforgettable.
Often called the southernmost fjord in Europe, the Bay of Kotor is actually a submerged river canyon, but its dramatic scenery easily rivals that of Norway’s famous fjords. The winding passage through steep mountains, dotted with red-roofed villages, is a highlight in its own right.
Smaller cruise ships, like the MSC Armonia, are usually able to dock directly at the port. Larger vessels, however, anchor in the bay and use tender boats (typically the ship’s own lifeboats) to bring passengers ashore.
During the summer season, it's common to see two or even three cruise ships visiting Kotor on the same day, but only one can dock at the pier—the rest must tender.
|
|
Whichever way you arrive, you’ll find yourself just 100 meters from the entrance to Kotor’s Old Town and its historic city gates. That’s exactly where I recommend starting your day: with a walk through the medieval heart of Kotor.
Kotor’s Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean. Its layout has remained remarkably intact since the 12th–14th centuries, featuring a maze of narrow alleys, small squares, and countless historical buildings that earned it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
The town itself is compact, making it perfect for exploring on foot. You can enter through any of the three city gates and start wandering the winding streets—each corner reveals another glimpse of Kotor’s layered history and charm.
One of Kotor’s most beloved quirks? Its cats. These fluffy locals roam freely through the narrow streets of the Old Town, lounging in doorways or sunbathing on stone walls. Tourists adore them—and they’ve become a kind of unofficial mascot of the city.
Despite popular belief, though, the name "Kotor" has nothing to do with cats. It actually comes from the Latin name Cattaro—but let’s be honest, the feline vibe is part of what makes this place so special.
Towering 280 meters above sea level, St. John’s Fortress (also called the Kotor Fortress) rewards those who tackle the 1,400+ steps with breathtaking panoramic views of the Old Town and Bay of Kotor.
The climb is steep and the steps can be slippery in places, so wear good shoes and bring water. I recommend starting in the early morning to avoid the intense midday sun. Set aside at least two hours for the round trip.
As of 2025, the entrance fee is €15 per person—which feels pretty steep, considering it's just a walking path and not a cable car. When I first visited Kotor back in 2014, the fee was only €3.
You’ll find the ticket kiosk right where the trail begins (yes, you’ll need a ticket even just to start). If you’re not planning to do the full hike, you can still snap a few scenic shots from just before the checkpoint—like the one below.
Some travelers choose to take an unofficial hiking path that starts a bit outside the main Old Town area. This trail also leads up to the fortress, and it's free to access. However, there are a couple of important things to know:
You’ll have to enter the fortress through a small window. Yes, really. It’s a known workaround (you can even find photos on Google Maps), but it does require some light climbing.
You’ll need to descend the same way. If you try to exit through the official path, staff will check your ticket—and without one, you won’t be allowed through.
So while this route can save you €15, it’s not the most convenient option. Still, for experienced hikers or budget travelers, it’s an adventure worth considering.
If climbing to the fortress sounds like too much, don’t worry—there’s an easier way to get some scenic views. Kotor’s Old Town is entirely surrounded by Venetian-era fortifications, and parts of the city walls are accessible for a relaxed stroll.
|
|
From the top of the wall, you’ll get great vantage points over the terracotta rooftops and a picture-perfect view of your cruise ship docked below.
Looking for a fun souvenir? You can’t go wrong with anything cat-themed—magnets, T-shirts, tote bags, and accessories featuring Kotor’s feline icons are everywhere. Many are surprisingly creative and make for unique gifts.
|
|
|
|
For something more local and edible, check out the regional specialties like Njeguški pršut (a dry-cured ham from the Montenegrin mountains), aged cheeses, or homemade honey.
Personally, I find Njeguški pršut a bit saltier than Italian prosciutto, but it’s still worth trying while you’re here.
Since the cruise ship is docked just steps away, it’s tempting to head back onboard for lunch. But if you’d like a taste of local flavors without committing to a sit-down meal, stop by a bakery in the Old Town.
Try a burek—a savory pie made with flaky dough and filled with cheese or meat. It’s a popular street food across the Balkans. Locals often pair it with drinkable yogurt, which is sold alongside and makes for a perfect on-the-go combo.
If you’ve already explored the Old Town and still have time to spare, there are a few great nearby spots worth checking out—though getting to some of them may require a bit of planning.
One of the newest attractions in the area is the Kotor Cable Car, a 4.5-kilometer ride that takes you up to Mount Lovćen. At the top, you’ll find a scenic viewpoint with sweeping panoramas of the Bay of Kotor, surrounding peaks, and—on clear days—much of Montenegro itself.
But there’s a catch: getting there isn’t easy. The cable car’s lower station is located on the far side of Vrmac mountain, reachable only by car through a long tunnel. There are no sidewalks or bike lanes, and traffic inside the tunnel is heavy, so walking or cycling isn’t an option.
The best (and really only) way to get there is by taxi. Expect to pay around €15 one way—likely more during cruise days. You can find official ticket prices and details on the cable car’s official website.
Montenegro may be small, but getting around efficiently—especially during a cruise stop—takes a bit of planning. Taxis are relatively expensive, so if you want to explore beyond Kotor, renting a car or using public transportation are your best options.
With a rental car, you could technically see most of Montenegro’s coastline in a single day—from Herceg Novi near the Croatian border to Ulcinj near Albania, it’s just over 100 kilometers.
At the very least, consider driving around the Bay of Kotor. The scenic coastal road offers some of the best views in the country—and you’ll have the freedom to stop in charming villages along the way.
For a more affordable option, buses run frequently from Kotor to nearby towns like Tivat and Budva. The travel time is short, but keep in mind that traffic can get heavy in summer, so it’s wise to allow extra time for your return to the ship.
Bus schedules and tickets can be found online at busticket4.me, and Kotor’s main bus station is, just a short walk from the Old Town. You can usually buy tickets directly at the station. However, if you choose to book online, note that you’ll need to print your ticket in advance. If you don’t have access to a printer, the ticket office can do it for you for a €1 fee. Additionally, before boarding, there’s a small platform fee of €1 to €1.50 that must be paid at the station.
As of 2025, the Kotor bus station only accepts cash, so make sure to have some euros on hand. This is different from Budva’s station, where card payments are generally accepted.
— Currency: Euro (€)
— Language: Montenegrin (a South Slavic language, similar to Serbian and Croatian)
— Sundays: Most shops—including grocery stores—are closed. However, restaurants, bakeries, and gas stations remain open.
The best value offers from various booking systems. Selected manually. Updated daily.
© Copyright CruisePanda 2022. Made with by CruiseTips
