{"id":6882,"date":"2017-06-13T17:17:42","date_gmt":"2017-06-13T09:17:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rearviewmirror.ruqa4eh2-liquidwebsites.com\/?p=6882"},"modified":"2023-01-17T13:49:58","modified_gmt":"2023-01-17T05:49:58","slug":"kotor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rearviewmirror.tv\/kotor\/","title":{"rendered":"Kotor: One Day Itinerary and That View!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Driving through the western Balkans, down to Dubrovnik then across the border to Montenegro, you are faced with two alternatives, hop on the car ferry shortcut across the bay or take the winding detour through the UNESCO-listed town Kotor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each time I chose to save time and took the ferry. And I loved it. Crossing the fjord-like bay on the calm, deep blue water with those imposing rocky mountains on all sides. It’s quite the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But that meant I always missed Kotor town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Kotor<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I first learnt about Kotor from friends who love travelling in the Balkans. I had seen their photos and that famous view blew me away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’m sure you’ve seen it too. The view that looks down over Kotor Old Town and the narrow bay, usually with a massive cruise ship in port.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The view is impressive in photos but believe me, it’s even more so in person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now that I have finally been myself I can confidently say Kotor, from St John’s Fortress, has the most beautiful view in the Balkans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Kotor:<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Don’t make the mistake I did and think Kotor is not worth the time. If you can’t take a dedicated trip to Montenegro at least take a day trip from Dubrovnik or a detour from elsewhere in the Balkans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kotor One Day Itinerary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I spent a few days in Kotor but honestly, you don’t need long to discover the best things to do, a one day itinerary should have you covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hike up to St John’s Fortress<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The view from St John’s Fortress is what brings most people to Kotor and honestly, there\u2019s not much point in visiting Kotor if you don’t walk the 1350 steps to the top. If you’re unfit, it is definitely challenging but there are plenty of places to stop and rest as you go up. Don\u2019t miss this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The hike takes around 45 minutes and the entrance fee is \u20ac3 (unless you enter before 8am when the entrance is open). I think it’s nicest to visit first thing in the morning when you can have the place to yourself but I’m sure it’s lovely at sunset too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Kotor:<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"1,350<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Kotor:<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"View<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Kotor Old Town<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kotor\u2019s Old Town is like a mini-Dubrovnik with (slightly) fewer crowds and more warmth and character, not to mention the stunning mountain backdrop. Kotor feels more lived-in and less \u2018perfect\u2019 than Dubrovnik although who knows how long it will stay that way. Montenegro is changing fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Kotor<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Kotor's<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Streets<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Visit the Main Market<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Just outside the city walls is Kotor\u2019s main fruit, veggie and flower market. The produce is excellent and if you buy local the prices are reasonable (don’t bother with mangos or avocados!). It\u2019s the best spot to get picnic supplies if you want to prepare your own meals or just to have a look around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Kotor<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When I first read about Perast I thought it was going to be an idyllic tourist-free paradise but actually, it’s as touristy as the rest of the Montenegrin coast. Unless you’re visiting in winter, there’s not much you can do about that. It’s definitely worth visiting though, especially to wander the streets of the old town but also to visit the little island in the bay, Our Lady of the Rocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bay of Kotor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are all kinds of boat trips you can take around the bay, either in a group or on your own. I haven’t done this because I get seasick just thinking about getting on a boat but you can get information from the tourist office at the city gate. The most popular boat trips are to Kotor, Perast and the Blue Cave<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Bay<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Day Trip to Budva & Sveti Stefan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Budva is one of the oldest towns on the Adriatic coast, colonised or ruled by the Greeks, Romans and Byzantines but the most noticeable influence is from the Venetians who loved a good city wall and Budva’s beautiful ones are still standing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Budva<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As you can see, Budva\u2019s Old Town is gorgeous but as Montenegro\u2019s main tourist trap<\/del> hotspot, it’s massively popular with Russian and other European tourists. As usual, I suggest visiting early in the morning to avoid the crowds and returning to Kotor for lunch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cafes right on Budva’s main beach are great for a relaxing drink but I found most of the restaurants to be a bit of a tourist trap. However, I hear very good things about Konoba Stari Grad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A little further south is Sveti Stefan, an islet just off the coast, reachable by a rocky walkway. Unfortunately, I\u2019ve never set foot there and I don\u2019t know anyone who has. It\u2019s home to a private five-star resort and if you\u2019re not a guest you can\u2019t enter. Rooms start at around \u20ac850 which could be worse and actually it is worse because there’s a minimum two-night stay. Maybe one day…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Sveti<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Sveti<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Even if you have your own car I suggest taking the bus or a taxi (which are inexpensive) to Budva as parking is a bit of a nightmare close to the Old Town or be prepared to walk (which isn\u2019t a bad thing). On the other hand, Sveti Stefan is easiest to get to with your own car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hike Mount Lovcen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The final thing to do in Kotor, which I sadly haven\u2019t done, is the hike to the top of Mount Lovcen. Ok, maybe not the top but high enough to get even more spectacular views over the bay. I did a little research on this for my next visit (so don\u2019t quote me on this) but from what I hear you can continue on up past St John\u2019s Fortress onto the slopes of Mount Lovcen or if you prefer, the main trail starts from the Old Town. You might also be able to drive up there. Ask at the tourist office to be sure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"St<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Where to Eat in Kotor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I usually stick to vegetarian dishes but my travel companions raved about the seafood in Kotor which of course makes sense being located on the sea. Here\u2019s my mini food guide to Kotor as well as my wish list for when I return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Caffe Del Mare<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

We stumbled upon this restaurant but it turned out to be our best meal in Kotor with a perfect waterfront position and friendly staff. I imagine the seafood is fresh everywhere in Kotor and that was definitely the case here. They have a separate vegetarian menu with good options like veggie risotto and big salads with different cheeses. Caffe Del Mare is a little out of the old town but worth the 15-minute walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Letrika<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The closest you\u2019ll get to a hipster cafe\/bar in Kotor is Letrika. The cute, eclectic furniture lines the surrounding streets where you can drink coffee, cocktails and local beer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On my Kotor wish list:<\/p>\n\n\n\n