Kotor Bay Travel Guide

Kotor Bay, located in southwestern Montenegro, is the deepest fjord in the Adriatic Sea. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Surrounded by mountains, this natural harbor is centered around medieval towns and ancient Roman ruins, blending Romanesque, Byzantine, and Venetian architectural styles. It is often referred to as the "open-air museum of the Mediterranean." Must-Visit Attractions 1. Kotor Old Town: Climb the 4.5-kilometer-long ancient city walls to St. John Fortress for panoramic views of the fjord, especially stunning at sunrise and sunset. Within the old town, landmarks like St. Tryphon Cathedral and the Sea Gate Church bear witness to the historical struggles between the Venetian and Ottoman empires. 2. Perast Town: Visit Our Lady of the Rocks, a small island with a 12th-century church housing precious icons. The island is accessible by a 20-minute boat ride, during which you can admire 17th-century aristocratic villas along the way. 3. Skadar Lake: For 100 euros, you can carpool to Europe's deepest freshwater lake, where you might spot flocks of flamingos. The lakeside castle ruins provide a perfect backdrop for vintage-style photography. Unique Experiences • Sunset Boat Ride: Sail through the fjord at dusk, where the cliffs bathed in sunset hues and the illuminated old town create a magical scene. • Culinary Delights: Try the seafood platter at Bastion 3 restaurant (around 35 euros per person), enjoy a filling pizza at Pronto for just 6 euros, and don't miss the ice cream coffee at Conte Restaurant in Perast.