Kotor, Montenegro’s most iconic town, is an absolute must-see while you’re there. Without a doubt, Kotor is going to impress you whether you’re just stopping there for the day on a cruise or whether you choose Kotor as your base for a longer vacation.
Clock tower in Kotor’s old town in Montenegro
Kotor reveals Montenegro’s culture through its charming alleys, museums, churches, cafes, and hidden treasures. Kotor’s beauty lies in the experience of its plazas and walls. Hiking the Kotor City Walls is a 4.5-kilometre, challenging hike up 1,355+ steps to St. John’s (San Giovanni) Fortress for breathtaking views of the bay and Old Town.
Kotor: Sea Gate (or in agreement) (Google Maps)
According to the itinerary
Enjoy a half-day tour of Kotor’s old town, strolling through its large squares and winding lanes and climbing its walls, making it an unforgettable experience. Admire its towering walls, explore the museum, visit the historic churches and cathedral, and sample the local food.
You’ll see, among others, all three gates, the Square of Arms, the Square of Saint Tryphon with the famous St Tryphon Cathedral, the Orthodox Church Square (St Lucas and St Nicholas), etc. Hiking the Kotor City Walls is a highlight of a visit to Montenegro, offering a steep but rewarding climb to the St John’s (San Giovanni) Fortress with panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor.
Highlights of the tour:
The tour guide will meet participants at the “Sea Gate”, which is the main entrance to Kotor’s old town, and then lead them on a sightseeing tour of the city’s most significant attractions. Our half-day strolling and hiking tour of Kotor’s old town begins by having a brief introduction at the Sea Gate, the city’s most prominent entryway.
A knowledgeable guide will lead you on a fascinating tour of the town, allowing you to discover its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. The tour focuses on the Old Town of Kotor’s most significant sights. Expect to spend anywhere from one to two hours on the 2.5-kilometer out-and-back hike. The stairs lead uphill, and the difference is 254 meters. The hike will be more challenging in the summer because of the heat. The reward is scenic viewpoints on the Bay of Kotor.
After the Sea Gate, we visit the Square of Arms, the main square of the old town, as well as the Clock Tower from the 16th century. From there we come numerous palaces that belonged to the famous noble families from Kotor, such as Byzantine Palace, Beskuca Palace, and Pima Palace.
Explore the Square of Saint Tryphon, which is home to the well-known St Tryphon Cathedral (a visit to the cathedral is optional), the Orthodox Church Square, which features St Lucas and St Nicholas, the Maritime Museum Square, which features Karampana Fountain, and the North Gate. From there, we will return to the main gate to conclude the sightseeing tour and begin the hike.
The well-marked zigzag pathway climbs the mountainside through 1,355 stone steps, giving views of the bay below. You may stop and take photos of the ancient town walls along the path. About halfway up, you’ll visit the 16th-century Church of Our Lady of Remedy, built to honour the Virgin Mary‘s plague protection. With stone benches in front of the church and bay vistas, the walls are perfect for resting.
Climbing continues to San Giovanni Fortress at the hilltop, where you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Kotor Bay, surrounding peaks, and the red-roofed old town. Take an overview over the fortress walls and explore ancient barracks and defensive structures. The aged stones narrate stories of Venetian rule and armed forces, while strategic viewpoint positions demonstrate why this location was important in protecting the seaport and bay.
This wonderful half-day sightseeing and hiking tour ultimately comes to an end upon leaving Kotor’s ancient town in front of the Sea Gate.
We hope that your tour was excellent, and you are more than welcome to come back again.
Doviđenja! Goodbye!
