Kotor · Montenegro · Itineraries
Kotor in 3 days: a family itinerary
A good family itinerary for Kotor takes three days. Spend the first day on the town walls and the fortress above, the second day in the car-free Old Town with St Tryphon Cathedral and the Sea Gate, and the third day by boat to Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks. This is far more than the two hours cruise passengers usually get.
Day by day
- 1
Day 1: climb the town walls
The walls climb the mountain behind Kotor for about 1,350 steps up to the Fortress of St John, which is worth the effort for the view over the bay. Start early, because the hillside faces the sun and the steps are shade-free. Bring water and wear shoes with grip, since the stone is worn and uneven. Young children can turn back at the small church halfway up. Spend the afternoon at the waterfront, where the sea breeze takes the sting out of the heat.
- 2
Day 2: wander the Old Town
Kotor's Old Town is a walled medieval maze of stone lanes and small squares, and it is closed to cars. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enter through the Sea Gate, find St Tryphon Cathedral, consecrated in the twelfth century, and then let the family get lost on purpose. The streets are small enough that nobody stays lost for long. Cats are everywhere, which children love. Cafes and ice cream sit on every square, so use them as rest stops between wanders.
- 3
Day 3: take a boat to Perast
Perast is a baroque waterfront village a short drive or bus ride up the bay. From the quay, small boats run to Our Lady of the Rocks, an artificial island with a church, in a few minutes, and a second island close by. Go in the morning, when the water is calm and the cruise-ship crowds have not arrived. Walk the single main street, climb a bell tower if you like views, and have lunch at the water's edge. Return to Kotor by bus or taxi.
- 4
Where to base and when to go
Staying inside or beside the Old Town is the easiest choice, because you can walk everywhere and avoid parking. Dobrota, a few kilometres up the shore, is quieter and has better swimming access. The busiest hours in the Old Town are mid-morning to mid-afternoon on cruise-ship days, so do your wandering at breakfast and in the evening, when the town empties and the stone turns warm. May, June and September give the best balance of weather, sea temperature and crowds.
Plan it
- Best time
- May to June and September to early October are warm, calm and less crowded than midsummer. July and August are hot and busy, especially on days when cruise ships dock. Winter is mild but wet, and some places close.
- How long
- Three days is the right length for the walls, the Old Town and a day on the bay. Add a fourth day if you want a beach or a drive to a nearby town.
- Getting around
- Kotor's Old Town is walkable and closed to cars. Buses and taxis run along the bay to Perast, and short boat trips go from the quay. A car is useful for the wider region but not required.
Good to know
- Aim to be at the walls or the cathedral before the cruise passengers arrive, usually mid-morning.
- Shoes with grip matter more than anything else on the fortress steps.
- If you arrive by car, park outside the walls and walk in, because streets in the Old Town are too narrow.
Frequently asked
How many days do you need in Kotor? +
Three days is comfortable for a family. That covers the fortress walk, the Old Town and a boat trip to Perast, plus time for swimming. Cruise visitors see the highlights in a few hours, but miss the quieter mornings and evenings.
Is Kotor good for kids? +
Yes. The Old Town is car-free and compact, the bay is calm for swimming, and children enjoy the cats, the steps and the boats. The main challenge is heat and crowds in July and August.
How hard is the climb to St John's Fortress? +
It is a steep climb of around 1,350 steps that takes most people one to two hours return. Go early or late in the day, bring water and turn back at the church halfway if small children tire.
How do you get from Kotor to Perast? +
By bus or taxi along the bay, which takes around fifteen to twenty minutes. Some visitors rent a car. From Perast, boats go to Our Lady of the Rocks, and boat tours may also leave from Kotor.
