FORTRESS OF PARADISE

Cruise to Kotor, Montenegro

Looking at a map of Europe, you might be forgiven for missing Kotor — a tiny port in the already-tiny country of Montenegro. But from the moment your Kotor cruise docks, you'll enter a larger-than-life world of mighty forts and towering sea cliffs, the air filled with the refreshing smell of the ocean. With a Montenegro cruise, you can explore the attractions inside Kotor's fortified Old City, one of the Mediterranean's best-preserved medieval towns. Don't miss the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, an ornate church first consecrated in 1166. Then, scale St. John's Fortress — the hilltop fortifications, dating back to the 6th century, offer the best views of the city, the harbor and the surrounding mountains.

National Language Montenegrin

Currency Accepted Euro (EUR)

Things To Do in Kotor

Saint Nicholas Church in Kotor, Montenegro

Old-Town Exploration

After entering through the Sea Gate, which dates back to 1555, discover all the attractions inside Kotor's compact Old Town. Say your prayers at the 11th-century St. Tryphon's Cathedral or in front of St. Nicolas Church, one of Kotor's best examples of Orthodox architecture. Alternatively, learn about the long history of seafaring in this important port at the Maritime Museum, which is housed within a Baroque-era palace.

Aerial view of Kotor, Montenegro

Fort Hike

Want to get your blood pumping? Hike up the Fortifications of Kotor, a serpentine wall and UNESCO World Heritage site that protected Kotor during its violent past. Reaching the top, which not only affords you a panorama of Kotor Bay but also the iconic Church of Our Lady of Health, takes about an hour if you hike at a moderate pace. Follow signs throughout the Old Town to find the trail head, or simply ask a friendly local.

Gain Another Perspective

Want to enjoy a great view of Kotor and not get winded? Take a taxi or public bus across the bay to Prcanj, where you can see Kotor (and the fortifications rising above it) from across Kotor Bay with your Montenegro cruise. If the water is calm, you'll notice in its reflection that the Fortifications of Kotor form a heart shape — that should make for a worthy photo.

Black rissoto with squid served in a white bowl

Local Cuisine

Not surprisingly, seafood is the star of the culinary show in Kotor. Head to the Old Town to enjoy Montenegrin dishes like octopus salad or mussels stew. Or seek out the local favorite "black risotto," named for the color it takes from the ink of the cuttlefish that flavors the dish.

Various ceramic souvenirs for sale in Kotor, Montenegro

Shopping

Shop a quirkier take on traditional Kotor souvenirs with a visit to Cats of Kotor, which features cat-themed Montenegro keepsakes. Cruise to Montenegro and stop in at Efesya Souvenir, where you can explore handmade ceramics, jewelry, lighting fixtures and textiles made by artisans from in and around Kotor.