Best Things to Do in the Kotor Cruise Port in Montenegro
Another country to cross off of my list is Montenegro, which is a hidden gem nestled on the Adriatic Sea coast. There were just enough things to do in the Kotor cruise port in Montenegro that we felt like it was a nice, historic, and relaxing stop. We loved that it is a smaller city at the end of a gorgeous sail through the fjords of Montenegro.
Let me tell you, if you arrive earlier in the morning, have breakfast delivered, and enjoy it on your balcony if you can. It was an amazing view! Foggy mountain tops, beautiful greenery, and lovely scenes all around.
Offering an enticing mix of historic charm, natural beauty, and unique cultural experiences, the Kotor, Montenegro cruise port is absolutely worth the stop if you find an itinerary heading there. Cruise travelers disembarking here are greeted with stunning landscapes, cobblestone streets, and a warm welcome from the locals. Let’s dive into what to expect and the best things to do when your cruise docks at this magical port.
About The Kotor, Montenegro Cruise Port
The port of Kotor is well-known for its scenic docking experience, as ships anchor in a picturesque bay surrounded by dramatic mountain cliffs and historic buildings. You’ll find yourself immediately enchanted by the setting, as the port is right beside Old Town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The port area is easily accessible by foot, allowing travelers to stroll directly into the heart of the city and begin their adventure without needing transportation.
Upon arrival, you’ll notice the port’s welcoming atmosphere, with local guides often on hand to offer information and point out landmarks. The docking area provides convenient access to the town, which is great for travelers looking to make the most of a shortstop.
Some cruise ships anchor in the bay and tender passengers to the port, which can offer a scenic first glimpse of Kotor as you approach by boat (more on this below!)
Things To Do In The Kotor Cruise Port
Once you step off the ship, you’ll be moments away from Kotor’s top attractions. A major benefit to the local is that Kotor has a small town, and a pathway along the water where there was a swimming area, pool for practicing water polo, a shopping center and a mall!
I was excited to see some things other than old fortresses after a few days of beautiful fortresses. We started the day walking the old town which was perfect.
Even though some of the cities we had already visited had the same general things, each one was still so different and worth visiting. The city of Kotor seemed to be more gothic and eclectic, which was neat to see after other places had so much old history in different ways.
The town had beautiful stone streets, small alleyways climbing the mountain, clothing drying from the rooftops, and walls surrounding the city. There were also kittens everywhere, I would have done anything to sneak one back onto the ship with us!
If you’re traveling with kids, Kotor has plenty to offer families, making it easy to entertain everyone in your group. Families will enjoy exploring the Maritime Museum, where exhibits showcase the region’s rich seafaring history. Kids can also explore the Kotor Cats Museum, a quirky spot filled with feline-themed art and memorabilia celebrating the city’s love for cats.
Here are some shore excursions you will not want to miss.
Walking Tour of Kotor’s Old Town
Start with a leisurely walk through Kotor’s charming Old Town and around the city walls. This area is a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets, charming squares, and centuries-old churches and palaces. Must-see spots include the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, built in 1166, and the Church of Saint Nicholas, with its striking Orthodox iconography. History buffs and casual travelers alike will enjoy the unique blend of architecture reflecting Kotor’s past under Venetian, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian rule.
You could also opt for a guided tour to get the most out of your time, learn about medieval architecture, hear local legend stories, and understand the historical heritage. In my opinion, his is one of the best ways to get to know a new town with a short amount of time.
Visiting the San Giovanni Fortress
For panoramic views of Kotor Bay and the surrounding mountains, a hike up to San Giovanni Fortress is essential. The climb can be challenging, with over 1,300 steps, but the payoff at the top is worth it. With beautiful views over the steep cliffs, it looks like something out of a movie. Pack comfortable shoes, water, and a camera to capture the breathtaking views along the way. Allow at least 1.5 hours to make the round trip and savor the scenery from the fortress.
Local Markets and Shopping
Near Old Town Kotor, you’ll find local markets selling handmade crafts, jewelry, and Montenegrin specialties like olive oil, wine, and honey. The market ambiance reflects the region’s culture, and it’s a perfect spot to pick up a souvenir or sample local produce. Be sure to check out the artisanal items that showcase Montenegro’s rich heritage and craftsmanship.
Sampling Traditional Cuisine
No trip to Montenegro is complete without savoring the local flavors. Stop at a family-owned tavern or café in Old Town to try dishes like cevapi (grilled minced meat), pršut (Montenegrin prosciutto), and buzara (seafood stew). Finish with a glass of local wine or rakija, a popular fruit brandy. Honestly, if you are cruising, be sure to have a glass of wine in each port!
Blue Cave Boat Tour
This tour is a very popular tourist attraction, and for good reason! Consider taking a family-friendly boat tour of Kotor Bay, which offers stunning views and a chance to see the iconic Our Lady of the Rocks church island. Many tours include stories about local legends, making it an engaging experience for children and adults alike.
Navigating The Kotor Cruise Port
Getting around Kotor is straightforward, as many attractions are within walking distance of the port. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your time.
- Getting Into Kotor: As mentioned above, to enter Kotor you will sail through the Fjords and have stunning views of the bay of Kotor, which is an incredible experience. Another detail about the port is that it is built for smaller ships, so most cruise lines with large ships will need to tender passengers into the Kotor port.
- Transportation Options from the Kotor Cruise Port: While the Old Town is walkable from the port, other options are available for those interested in exploring farther. Local taxis, guided tours, and rental bikes are readily available, offering flexibility to explore at your own pace.
- Helpful Tips for Getting Around Kotor: Keep in mind that Kotor’s Old Town is pedestrian-only, so comfortable walking shoes are a must. Also, bring cash, as some smaller vendors may not accept credit cards. For a less crowded experience, aim to visit popular spots like the San Giovanni Fortress early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
- Best Times to Visit Local Attractions: Mornings and late afternoons are ideal for enjoying Kotor’s attractions without the midday crowds, especially during the peak summer season. If you’re planning to hike, starting early will help you avoid the heat and provide a quieter experience.
Ideal Port Day Itinerary
Port days can often be busy when you want to do and see a lot in a short amount of time, thankfully Kotor is the perfect sized port town to check off great experiences. When visiting Kotor, Montenego I would focus on a few things during your time in port.
- Arrival: start with a hike. The views are absolutely incredible and well worth the hike, especially if you start earlier in the day when it isn’t as busy or warm. There may be an excursion option for this on your ship, but walking is easy and free!
- By early afternoon, I recommend a guided tour through the old town. You will learn everything you can in 1-2 hours. There are private tour options as well if you want to find specific things to tour, but I think a group guided tour is perfect.
- Be sure to stop for lunch at a local cafe and enjoy a glass of wine as well—you earned it.
- Before returning to the ship, walk along the water to soak in all of the views. If you have time, grab a few drinks and snacks, then sit on the promenade for a while. It’s a great way to end the day!
If you are traveling with other cruise passengers, be sure to know your Kotor cruise ship schedule. We arrived slightly earlier in the day, and the old city was empty as we were the only ship in port that day. We had a great time exploring the walled city and enjoyed the short walk to the Kotor Old Town, the shopping mall, and spectacular views from the promenade.
Kotor, Montenegro, is a delightful port stop that offers a unique blend of history, scenic beauty, and cultural charm. From exploring ancient fortresses to wandering the Old Town’s winding streets and sampling local cuisine, Kotor invites travelers to dive into its story. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or as a couple, there’s something memorable waiting for you in this enchanting town.
