Kotor, Montenegro
Leaving Dubrovnik, I was really looking forward to getting to the Bay of Kotor. I expected that it would take 2 hours driving. However, it took me some 3 hours.
Crossing the border from Croatia into Montenegro
After the strict border control entering into Croatia, I have to say that the crossing into Montenegro was very relaxed. I noted a tremendous difference in the quality of the road and the rather grim looking buildings around. Many of them appeared unfinished or in ruin.
Circling the Bay of Kotor
The road took me through one town/village after the next hence it was a bit of a strenuous driving. At one point, my navigation system wanted me to take a ferry which did not make any sense.
Once at the Bay of Kotor the road became really narrow and curvy. It was flanked on one side by black menacing rocks hanging over the road and on the other by the sea. But that was alright as the landscape was certainly impressive.
Arriving to Kotor
Finally, I got to my destination. You can see the small enclosed and well protected port of Kotor in the photos. A number of small ships bring daily tourists from Dubrovnik. Locals told me that I was lucky no larger cruiser was in town as otherwise small Kotor gets totally overrun.
My accommodation
I was pleased to find that there is plenty of parking just outside the walls. In addition, I was given a voucher from the hotel that allowed me to park for free.
See the balcony on the picture? That is my Romeo and Juliette balcony in the fabulous hotel on the main square next to the Clock Tower. And thinking that my shabby accommodation in Dubrovnik was twice as expensive.
Old Town
Kotor and the surrounding area is prosperous compared to what I have seen of Montenegro so far. As it played an important role in history it is a very popular tourist destination.
Kotor was invaded and ruled by the Romans, the Saracens, Venetians, the Habsburg and Napoleon. In other words, rulers have changed hands for the past 2000 years.
The Arms Square in Kotor
The Old Town is a pedestrian only zone. Kotor passes for one of the best preserved medieval towns in the Adriatic. There are several historic buildings including Orthodox churches and the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon. Cats are the symbol of the town hence the many cat stores and the Cat Museum.
Kotor is very small
As Kotor is very just wander around the narrow roads and discover every angle of it. It will not take long and don’t worry of getting lost.
I found that in proportion to its size it has a considerable number of bars, coffee shops and pretty restaurants. I believe every square, be it small or large, has some establishment in it.
Fortification wall around Kotor
Kotor is surrounded by an ancient fortification wall zig zagging in the mountains high above town. It was built during the Venetian period. If into hiking, it is definitely something for you to do. Albeit, you will have to climb up some rather steep stretches during the the 4.5km walk.
Perast – an attraction close to Kotor
I drove the short distance from Kotor to the small town of Perast. Two tiny islets, Sveti Đorđe and Gospa od Škrpijela, lie just in front it. They are among the main attractions of this area hence don’t fail to visit them. I particular liked the small church “Our Lady of the Rocks”.
It is fairly easy to rent a small boat or dinghy to get to the islands.
Time to leave Montenegro
My time in Kotor was too short. Albeit it was time to get back into the car and drive to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. My GPS was again acting up but I eventually managed to get on the right track. The road took me high up above the Gulf and I got a last glance at the spectacular Bay of Kotor.
Concluding, I recommend to visit Kotor. If not into driving, get there by ship of take a bus. Several companies in Dubrovnik offer day trips to Kotor. Arriving by ship, you will cruise through this fjord like bay and I was told by locals that it might actually be the best way to see the Bay of Kotor.
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