Kotor

Kotor is a coastal town in Montenegro that is located in the deepest part of the Bay of Kotor. Spectacular fortifications erected during the Venetian period encircle the town, which is bordered by rich mountain landscapes, blue waters, and the Skurda River. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and invites tourists every year to experience not only its medieval history but also the waters and beauty beyond. When entering its port, one can only admire the town's splendor, whether during the day or at night, when the town is eerily lit up with beautiful lights creating an unforgettable reflection in the seas. 

Waters, Famous Beaches, and Settlements 

The weather in the town of Kotor is Mediterranean, with mild and wet winters and hot and dry summers. To take advantage of its summery weather guests should visit particularly in July and August when the temperature peaks at 89°F (32°C). The town is also blessed with calm, warm waters in the summer given its sheltering from the swell, with sea temperatures averaging around 79°F (26°C). Waters are known to reach 60 meters deep and are crystal clear where fish, crabs, and shellfish can be seen in the shallows. 

Despite the absence of local beaches in Kotor, its town does offer an excellent backdrop for swimming, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding in the neighboring towns and villages. Kotor Beach in Dobrota, to the north of the town, is an urban pebbled beach among the mountains, partially shaded by trees, and excellent for children with its roped-off swimming area. The nameless natural beach, located southwest of the port and where the water terminates, is an  unspoilt pebbled beach with spectacular views of mountains left and right just outside the town of Kotor. Paddleboarding and kayaking are also available at Muo, a little fishing town near Kotor Town with stunning views of the Adriatic.  

Kotor Harbor

The Port of Kotor is located at the end of the Bay of Kotor between the mountains of Orjen and Lovcen and is full of fortifications built during the Venetian period on the Adriatic Sea coast. Kotor's picturesque port, with its magnificent and breathtaking vistas, provides cruisers with both a marina to moor at and good anchorage a bit further out. The marina can accommodate up to 50 vessels of various sizes in depths ranging from 5 to 10 meters. For clear and safer docking, a short deck separates large cruise ships from smaller vessels. There is also power, water, and fuel accessibility. This anchorage also gives good shelter in all but very strong winds from the north. 

Places to Visit on Land

The town of Kotor is a charming, compact location where everything is within walking distance. Guests can visit the car-free town through one of its three gates and meander through its maze-like streets encircled by massive stone walls and small cobblestone roads, with an attraction around every corner dating back hundreds of years. The village, built by the Venetians, is so magnificent and historically significant that it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Visitors can see the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, the Churches of St. Luke and Saint Nicholas, the Lady of Health Church, and Napoleon's Theatre. A trip up St. Johns Fortress on the rising Lovcen Mountain provides panoramic views of Kotor and beyond. 

Kotor is also home to the Skurda Canyon. Tourists can hike via Lovcen Mountain to the canyon and climb down more than 800 m to swim in refreshing waters that lead out to Skurda River. Kotor also boasts a well-known open-air Food Market, which opens every morning at 7:00am on the open seashore near the Sea Gate. Visitors can immerse themselves in Kotor culture by purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese, or a small batch of wine or handmade Rajika. Guests can enjoy Kotor's fantastic restaurant selections and wine culture while touring the town. Kotors' speciality is seafood, although Italian and Turkish cuisine, as well as a glass of local wine, are also popular. 

Nightlife

Kotor is not only famous for its history, but also for its nightlife. Many carnivals take place throughout the year, as well as several nightclubs and bars for tourists to discover and enjoy. Tourists can begin their evenings on Kotor's famed Wine Street and enjoy an authentic setting while sampling the greatest Montenegrin and foreign wines. Considering music cannot be played in bars after 1:00am, guests can head over to Maximus, the largest and most attended nightclub in the city, which is packed with the young and mature who all share an interest in music, dance, and fun. 

Tourists also have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of festivals such as the International Summer Festival and Boka Night during the summer. The International Summer Festival entails a four day programme where everyone can hide behind masks. The last day of the programme is best as carnival groups from all around the world parade along the streets in front of Kotor and continue in a number of clubs and bars. Boka Night ends the festive season with locals decorating their own vessels. After judges decide on whose vessel is best decorated there are fireworks and the festival moves from the Kotor Harbour to inside Kotor’s walls where music and dancing will be underway until early hours of the morning.