Kotor Day Trips: Top 5 Must-See Spots for an Amazing Getaway
Kotor, that shining pearl of Montenegro, is really, really more than just that pretty town tucked into the bay. It is true; the town grabs you with ancient walls, narrow lanes, plus, that feeling like you’ve stepped back in time, it’s almost magical, that place. But get this: the *real* treasure? It’s those little spots sprinkled around Kotor, ones that make amazing day trips, spots, very worth escaping for an afternoon, it’s true. So, that being said, you want to experience more than what’s within those age-old walls, here is a guide to top day trips from Kotor. I’m talking amazing views, ancient towns, maybe even just that quiet beach, far from crowds; those trips are the stuff dreams are made of.
1. Perast: A Pocket-Sized Paradise
Alright, you guys. Perast is this very, very tiny town a quick drive, plus, short boat ride away from Kotor, really, you might blink and miss it, it’s almost ridiculously small. Very do not let size fool you! This little place really does pack a punch. So, what’s so special, you might be asking. Is that, for one, it’s possibly outrageously pretty. It’s true that it has this very sleepy, old-world feel, amazing Venetian architecture, really nice views looking out to two tiny islands: St. George, plus, Our Lady of the Rocks.
Now, you totally need to take a boat to Our Lady of the Rocks. That island has that man-made church sitting smack in the middle, really it is one of those places, you have to see to believe. So, too the story goes, local sailors over centuries, that’s very old, dropped rocks there after, too, every successful voyage, so, actually over time, building the island. Basically, the inside is covered in paintings, too, tapestries, it is rather interesting. As I was saying, Perast itself? It is too charming, actually just strolling along the waterfront, maybe enjoying seafood. I am saying, definitely get a gelato while watching the boats bob in the bay; really it’s the simple things, you see?
Read our full review: Perast Montenegro Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Check availability in Perast)
2. Budva: Beaches and Beyond
Okay, alright. Budva? It is, that is, just a bit more well known than Perast, that’s what, plus it has almost that different vibe going. Too it’s maybe around 30 minutes by car from Kotor, like, I mean if the traffic isn’t acting up, really, I swear, you have to factor that stuff. Actually, Budva is this much livelier town with great beaches, a walled Old Town, it does has something for pretty much everyone.
Is that you can bake yourself on Mogren Beach, is this actually just two smaller beaches linked by a tunnel, very it’s maybe some of the nicest sand in the area, pretty I have been told. Maybe you wander through that Old Town, very similar feel to Kotor but yet its different way, too there’s twisting streets, shops, plus, cafes bursting out onto every corner. Basically, when evening comes, you can find beach bars, plus, clubs, that area, they just turn up the music, that’s it, getting that party really properly started.
Plus, Budva’s surrounding areas offer even more exploring. Is that you want to check out Sveti Stefan, maybe it is a picturesque island village connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus; rather that’s the spot from tons of those postcards you always see. Anyway, that is, it’s just that bit glamorous. It is like people-watching there is next-level, very rich tourists are visiting there. And I’m serious that exploring around Budva, that can really eat up a full day, really in a way.
Read our full review: Budva Montenegro Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Discover Budva today)
3. Lovćen National Park: Views From the Top
You guys, listen. If it is those views that you’re chasing, Lovćen National Park has actually just got to be on your list. You might get this: The drive up there is kind of that adventure in itself, as I was saying it has hundreds of hairpin turns winding up the mountain, that is one, rather crazy, fun journey, that part. Then that view opens up? That’s some pure magic, actually really.
Anyway, at the peak, actually sits the Njegoš Mausoleum. Then I’m saying it’s like this tomb of Montenegro’s most really important ruler and poet, Peter II Petrović-Njegoš. Actually you hike to the top, then the view from there? Oh man! Very it’s of Montenegro spread out before you, a big patchwork of mountains and coastline. And by the way, you don’t even just need those amazing views. Like, I mean there’s all kind of trails winding through the park, it is great for, too, a hike, maybe you pack that picnic, just you make an afternoon, actually.
Read our full review: Lovćen National Park Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Plan your Lovćen adventure)
4. Lake Skadar: Nature’s Masterpiece
You know, just really trade that coast for something inland for a day, just check out Lake Skadar, maybe that’s the way. Anyway that is the largest lake in the Balkans, that means the space between Europe and Asia plus a total different kind of beauty, as I was saying to Lovćen’s peak, the contrast couldn’t very be more extreme!
Actually get yourself that boat trip; it’s almost a must. Anyway those trips that take you weaving through that water lilies, by the way reeds. Actually just keep any eye out for, too, all sorts of birds, it’s too a birdwatcher’s actual kind of heaven here. If, by the way, you are a keen nature buff? That’s a dream. Anyway you could visit that little village of Virpazar, pretty the launch point for that boat trips, then maybe it just grab a bite there, too.
And honestly, those peaceful vibes there at Lake Skadar, really maybe there’s nothing like it, is that’s a way to recharge your batteries away from those crowds, it can sometimes get around Kotor. And there, in a way it is that slower pace, I find.
Read our full review: Lake Skadar Montenegro Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Explore Lake Skadar by boat)
5. The Blue Cave: An Underwater Wonder
Listen, I would like, mean who doesn’t almost appreciate the really, truly secret grotto? Okay. Now, is that Blue Cave, too, might just be that one spot. You might actually take a boat trip to get here; it is accessible that way. Very when the sun does hit that water just so, is this inside this cave, too, it is glows this almost crazy, magical shade of blue.
Like just a heads up that swimming in the Blue Cave? You definitely need this. The light makes that water look just that bit unreal, almost surreal. Plus that’s one cool place, basically take some photos. Actually a lot of those boat trips to The Blue Cave usually combine with some other cool stops around the bay, so you can kind of make that day of really getting out, plus, exploring all that coastline; then it is well very worth, to give it a go.
Read our full review: Blue Cave Montenegro Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Visit The Blue Cave)