We all have some special places, those that we dream about visiting, that we fall for and finally that we consider the most beautiful in the world. For me one of such destinations is Kotor, Montenegro.

Kotor – my dream destination

From the moment I saw some Kotor pictures online I knew I have to visit the place, one of the Balkan highlights. Sharp mountains dramatically getting down to the blue water of the bay looked just surreal. I didn’t believe that any place can be that beautiful!

Finally in September 2012 one of my travel dreams came true and I visited Kotor. And guess what! It was even more stunning and breathtaking than on the Kotor pictures I’ve found online!

Of course the very first place I went to were the fortifications! Getting to the top of St. John castle can be very challenging (especially on the hot day with numerous tourists sharing your idea) but so rewarding.

The view from up there is mind-blowing and worth every effort! I literally could have sit there for hours and just stare at the landscape around me, it’s simply perfect!

Kotor in December

I returned to Kotor 4 years later and again the place took my breath away, maybe even more than during my first visit. It was the very beginning of December, the weather was really good (warm and sunny) and there very only very few people around (hint: Kotor off season is a perfect idea!). That’s when I could fully appreciate how beautiful Kotor is.

Again I started with climbing 1350 stairs to the top of the fortifications to see the view – and it was as perfect as it has been in my mind for years. On the way down I could witness the beautiful sunset that put the pink light onto the place – it really looked photoshoped then yet it was all happening right in front of my eyes!

The most beautiful old town at the Adriatic coast

But while everyone (including me) raves about the landscape, the old town in Kotor is very special too! Full of history, legends, beautiful palaces, details and cats is the most beautiful town in the Adriatic coast, winning over nearby Dubrovnik big time (at least for me).

Strolling around the place is a pleasure – Kotor old town is rather small, you will keep passing the same buildings for all the time yet you will never stop falling for them. I’m talking from my own experience!

Perast – the most picturesque village

When you think it can’t get any more beautiful you visit Perast, around 10 kms down the bay from Kotor. And you’re amazed again!

Perast, a small village with the long and intriguing history, again makes your jaw drop, it even might be one of the most picturesque places you will ever see! The view of tall church tower and dramatic mountains in the background is just epic!

From here it’s just a short boat ride to the small artificial island in the middle of the bay with Our Lady of Rocks church – visit there is a must!

Kotor – one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen!

I really find it difficult to describe how beautiful Kotor Bay is so let me just tell you this: I’m lucky to have been to many places in over 60 countries at 5 continents. I’m rather reserved when it comes naming a place “my favorite” or “the most stunning I’ve seen”. Yet I’m not afraid to use these words for Kotor. After two visits this is the place I call one of the most beautiful in the world and I’m sure next time I go there I will say the same thing! Kotor is definitely more than just one of Dubrovnik day trips.

But Kotor is not the only beautiful place in Montenegro. The country is small but packed with attractions: amazing coast, breathtaking Durmitor or Lovcen mountains, wild Tara river perfect for rafting or pristine Skadar Lake. I even dare to say it’s probably the most diverse country in the Balkans!

The good news is – you can visit all the best that Montenegro has to offer while being based in Kotor! 360 Monte offers great day trips from Kotor at affordable prices where you can visit all these wonderful places and even more! Public transport to most of these wonders is often very limited so the tours solve the problem and you can really use your time in the country to the fullest! I will do a good use of the 360 Monte offer during my next trip to Montenegro (that is already planned) too!

Kotor pictures

Soon I will write a proper article about Kotor – the town and the area are just so interesting and much more than just the amazing views! But before it happens I will just leave you with couple of Kotor pictures to prove you my words! By the way, in only 2 days I took almost 800 pictures – you can imagine how difficult time I had when choosing only these 50ish you see below!

Kotor City Walls

Popular cafe just outside the City Walls

Inside Kotor Old Town

Rooftops of Kotor Old Town

Kotor from above

On the way to St.John castle

Kotor Fortifications

On the other side of the fortifications

Kotor getting ready for Christmas

One of the famous Kotor cats

Orange trees in Kotor Old Town

Perast

Our Lady of the Rocks church

Kotor Bay

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Further reading

I published many articles about Montenegro that you might find useful when planning your trip there. Here are some of them:

• 22 Amazing Places to Visit in Montenegro
• Montenegro Itinerary – Plan Your Perfect One Week in Montenegro
• 19 Amazing Things to Do in Montenegro
• 15 Wonderful Things to Do in Kotor, Montenegro
• 15 Cool Things to Do in Podgorica, Montenegro
• Perast, Montenegro – the Gem on the Adriatic Coast
• Visit Cetinje – the Former Capital of Montenegro
• and more!

If you are looking for articles about a specific destination – check out the map with all the articles I’ve published (and their locations). You can also join my Facebook group about traveling in the Balkans and ask your questions there.

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