Two millennia of history and a tangled mix of Greek, Serbian, and Austrian roots have shaped Kotor into this cultural melting pot in Montenegro. Taking position at the tip of the Bay of Kotor and framed by swooping sea cliffs, the waterfront city is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the gateway to southern Europe’s only fjord. A boat cruise around the bay is among the most memorable things to do in Kotor, along with visiting the clifftop castle and exploring the medieval Old Town.
Kotor is busiest in July and August when the small town can get overwhelmed with day-trippers, cruise passengers, and vacationers. To avoid the crowds, but still make the most of the beach weather, a visit in May-June or September-October can be a smart move. If you do brave the August crowds, time your visit for the International Summer Carnival to watch the spectacular costumed parades.
Boats of all shapes and sizes ply the shores of the Bay of Kotor, so there’s no excuse for not getting on the water. Hop on a ferry to reach the neighboring villages and beaches, or take a sightseeing cruise around the bay’s islands. In Kotor itself, the best way to explore the small town is on foot, but prepare to clock some miles as you wander the cobbled lanes and hike up to the hilltop fortress.
Cat lovers unite! Kotor lives up to its self-proclaimed nickname as the “City of Cats," and locals take good care of the large population of street cats, leaving food and water out on the main squares. Cute, cat-adorned souvenirs are sold everywhere, and there’s even a Cats Museum devoted to the city’s felines.
