Top Things to Do in Bay of Kotor, Montenegro
- Mandy Brown
- Aug 18
- 3 min read
By Mandy Brown
My husband and I spent six magnificent days in The Bay of Kotor, Montenegro – a country that completely charmed us.
We stayed just outside the bustling town of Kotor at Palazzo Radomiri in Dobrota, a beautifully restored waterfront palazzo. The property offers everything from sea view rooms and suites to apartments. It’s family-owned and run, and you really feel it – not only are the family often helping with drinks and dinner service, but the entire team feels like part of the family: warm, welcoming, and always ready to help.
One of the highlights was the private jetty. By day, it was our sunbathing and swimming haven; by night, it transformed into a romantic dining spot overlooking the bay. The water was crystal-clear, deep, and so refreshing – if we weren’t out exploring, we were right there, swimming or soaking it all in.
We were glad we rented a car, as it gave us the freedom to explore Montenegro’s coastline and towns at our own pace. Here are some of the top things to do in Bay of Kotor, Montenegro that made our trip unforgettable:
Kotor – a lively medieval town with winding cobbled streets, Venetian architecture, and a spectacular fortress climb for sweeping views of the bay. And for something a little quirky – yes, Kotor even has a Cat Museum dedicated to the town’s many feline residents. (If you’re a cat lover, this is your moment. If not, the cats will still find you!)
Tivat – often compared to a smaller Saint-Tropez, with stylish marinas and waterfront cafes.
Budva – we only drove through, as it was packed with people and lined with high-rise hotels.
Sveti Stefan – the famous Aman resort island is stunning from a distance. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch gazing at it, though opted not to stay for a swim (beach access prices were €50–100 depending on which side you chose). In summer, you’ll even find a Nobu restaurant popping up on the beach here, adding a splash of international glamour. Still, we were happy to retreat to our Palazzo’s jetty for our own slice of paradise.
Perast & Our Lady of the Rock – from this charming village we took a short boat ride out to the tiny man-made island of Our Lady of the Rock, crowned by a lovely 17th-century church. Inside, it’s filled with intricate paintings by local artist Tripo Kokolja, silver votive tablets donated by seafarers, and a small museum that tells the story of the island’s creation. It’s a little gem packed with history and devotion.
The Bay of Kotor itself was unforgettable – a fjord-like landscape where towering mountains meet the sea. Cruise ships sailed in and out daily, bringing crowds into Kotor town, but it was always a joy to watch them depart as we sipped a drink on our jetty, the bay quieting again into its magical calm. For those feeling energetic, the walk up the mountain behind Kotor to the old fortress is one of the most rewarding things to do in Bay of Kotor Montenegro, with breathtaking views waiting at the top.
Montenegro is a destination that beautifully balances exploration and relaxation, and for us, it was simply perfect.
This wonderful journey was arranged by Kerry from The Private Travel Company. If Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor has sparked your wanderlust, Kerry would be delighted to help you plan your own trip and share her expertise in creating journeys like this.
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