Couple Overlooking Bay of Kotor Montenegro

Approaching the city of Kotor is an experience guaranteed to take your breath away. The Bay of Kotor is an unbelievably beautiful waterway surrounded by steep imposing mountains. The city is nestled below the mountains on the water’s edge. Kotor is a city that dates back over two thousand years. This history is etched into the city in its beautiful old town as well as its imposing fortress above. However there is so much more than history to experience in this charming city. Kotor is home to a wide range of high quality restaurants, boutique shops as well as beautiful beaches. It is also the perfect base for exploring Montenegro, with attractions like the town of Perast as well as Lovcen National Park only a short drive away. In this Kotor destination guide, we give you everything you need to know to plan your next trip to Kotor Montenegro.

What is Kotor Montenegro known for?

Kotor is a picturesque town located on the edge of the Bay of Kotor and surrounded by majestic mountains. It is known for its beautifully preserved architecture and is home to the UNESCO listed Kotor Old Town which is one of the top tourist attractions in Montenegro. It is also a popular cruise destination and during peak season Kotor welcomes up to 4 cruise ships a day.

Why you should visit Kotor Montenegro

View of Kotor Montenegro and the Bay of Kotor from the road to the Fort of St Ivan
View of Kotor Montenegro from the road to the Fort of St Ivan

Kotor is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Montenegro. It is perched on the side of the spectacular Bay of Kotor and is a short drive from many of the major attractions in Montenegro. It is also perfectly positioned as a day trip from Dubrovnik Croatia. The Old Town of Kotor is the best-preserved medieval town in the Mediterranean and is well deserving of its UNESCO world heritage listing. Exploring the ancient structures that make up Kotor Old Town will transport you back in time. Be sure to enjoy a meal at one of the excellent restaurants while you’re here. Also don’t forget to get some souvenirs from your stay at one of the charming shops that line the streets of the old town area.

Outside of the old town area, there’s plenty more to see and do in Kotor. There are a number of beautiful beaches along the Bay of Kotor that are perfect for relaxing on a sun lounger or having a refreshing swim. If you are after something more energetic, there are plenty of scenic hikes around the area including the hike up to the Fort of St Ivan. If you wish to explore further afield there’s local buses as well as tourist buses that can take you to some of the nearby attractions such as the pretty town of Perast.

Kotor Destination Guide: Know before you go

Basic info about Kotor Montenegro

  • City name in Montenegrin – Котор
  • Language – Montenegrin. Serbian is also spoken by a lot of people in the country. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, especially along the coast. However not everyone you meet will be able to speak English.
  • Currency – euro (EUR). This has been the official currency of Montenegro since 2002. Currency exchanges can be found in most cities and ATMs are also available widely throughout the country.
  • Population – 13,000 (2021)
  • Area – 335 km2 (129 sq mi)
  • Municipality – Kotor. Kotor is the administrative centre of this municipality.
  • Region – Coastal Region
  • Emergency number – 112
  • Police number – 122
Man using ATM in Kotor Montenegro
ATM Kotor Montenegro

Utilities in Kotor Montenegro

  • Electricity – Montenegro uses Type F power plugs. The country operates on a 230v supply voltage at 50Hz. Power outages are common in Montenegro but typically do not last for long.
  • Water – the tap water in Montenegro is safe to drink almost everywhere in the country. Water outages are common, so ensure you keep some bottled water on hand.
  • Toilets – sit-down flushing toilets are the most common type of toilet in Montenegro. Don’t flush your toilet paper, instead use the bins provided. Public toilets are common in the larger cities in Montenegro. However public toilets along the coast often have a charge for use. This is generally around 50 cents.
  • Telephone country code: +382

Where is Kotor Montenegro?

Kotor is in the municipality of Kotor in the Coastal Region of Montenegro. It is a port city in the Bay of Kotor on the Adriatic Sea.

Kotor is close to the border with Croatia as well as with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The closest major Montenegrin town to Kotor is Budva. Kotor is less than hour by bus from Budva.

Gurdić Bastion Kotor Montenegro
Gurdić Bastion Kotor Montenegro

How to get to Kotor Montenegro

Kotor destination guide: Arriving by land

Kotor Montenegro intercity land transport

The main transport options for travelling overland to Kotor Montenegro are:

  • Private vehicle
  • Private transport operator
  • Train
  • Bus
  • Bike
Kotor Main Bus Station Montenegro
Kotor Main Bus Station Montenegro

Driving to Kotor from within Montenegro

If you are driving to Kotor from within Montenegro, here are the travel times and distances:

  • Perast – 15 minutes (12km, 7miles) without tolls
  • Tivat – 16 minutes (11km, 7miles) without tolls
  • Budva – 28 minutes (23km, 14miles) without tolls
  • Herceg Novi – 51 minutes (43km, 27miles) without tolls
  • Lovcen National Park – 52 minutes (34km, 21miles) without tolls
  • Cetinje – 1 hour (54km, 34miles) without tolls
  • Durmitor National Park – 2 hours 43 minutes (166km, 103miles) without tolls
  • Ulcinj – 1 hour 36 minutes (86km, 53miles) without tolls
  • Podgorica – 1 hour 26 minutes (85km, 53miles) without tolls

Intercity trains to Kotor Montenegro

There are no trains to Kotor.

The Montenegrin national railway company for passenger transport in Montenegro is called Railway transport of Montenegro.

Intercity buses to Kotor Montenegro

Croatia to Montenegro Border Crossing with Flixbus, line of people waiting to board Flixbus
Croatia to Montenegro Border Crossing

A common way to get around Montenegro is by using intercity buses. These are a cheap and also convenient way to get around and the network is extensive. Intercity bus companies in Montenegro include Glušica Nikšić, Blueline MNE, Lazaro as well as FlixBus. It is possible to buy bus tickets online, however you need to pay an additional station gate fee at the station. Alternatively you can also buy tickets at the bus station.

Popular bus destinations from Kotor include:

  • Dubrovnik Croatia – travel time 2.5 hours. Tickets start from 16 euro one way.
  • Budva Montenegro – travel time 45 minutes. Tickets start from 3 euro one way.
  • Mostar Bosnia & Herzegovina – travel time 5.5-9 hours. Tickets start from 23 euro one way.
  • Podgorica Montenegro – travel time 2-3 hours. Tickets start from 6 euro one way.
  • Sarajevo Bosnia & Herzegovina – travel time 13.5 hours. Tickets start from 38 euro one way.

Kotor destination guide: Arriving by air

The nearest major airport to Kotor is Tivat Airport, Montenegro (Airport code TIV). This international airport is 4km (2miles) from the city.

Other nearby airports include:

  • Podgroica Airport, Montenegro (Airport code TGD). This airport is 40km (25miles) away.
  • Dubrovnik Airport, Croatia (Airport code DBV). This airport is 43km (27miles) away.
  • Mostar Airport, Bosnia & Herzegovina (Airport code OMO). This airport is 122km (76miles) away.

The national airline of Montenegro is Air Montenegro.

Kotor destination guide: Arriving by boat

Celebrity X Cruise Ship in Bay of Kotor Montenegro
Cruise Ship Kotor Montenegro

The city of Kotor is on the Adriatic Sea. Furthermore, the Port of Kotor is located in the Bay of Kotor. The port is located around 300 feet (90 metres) from the Kotor Old Town. Kotor is a popular cruise destination. There also used to be ferries from Kotor run by the ferry company Azzurra Line connecting to Italy, Croatia as well as Albania. But this service was suspended in 2011. However a local ferry called the Kotor Bay Ferry makes regular journeys across the narrowest part of the Bay of Kotor between Lepetane and Kamenari. Additionally, the journey only takes 5 minutes. For more information, see these websites:

https://www.montenegropulse.com/kotor-bay-ferry.html

http://bellaboka.me/

Lepetane - Kamenari Ferry Montenegro
Lepetane – Kamenari Ferry Montenegro

Kotor destination guide: How to get around Kotor Montenegro

Walking in Kotor Montenegro

Walking on Kotor City Walls Montenegro
Walking on Kotor City Walls Montenegro

By far the easiest as well as the cheapest way to get around Kotor is to walk. Additionally, most of the main attractions in the city area are within easy walking distance. Furthermore cars are not allowed within the old town.

Local buses in Kotor Montenegro

Local buses connect Kotor to other nearby towns. These services are operated by the city’s public transport service, Kotor Blue Line. For more information, see this website: http://blueline-mne.com/index.php/gradski-prevoz/gradski-prevoz-kotor-tivat

Blue Line Bus Kotor Montenegro
Blue Line Bus Kotor Montenegro

Kotor Cable Car

There are plans for a cable car connecting Kotor to Lovćen as well as Cetinje. If the plans go ahead, the route would span 15km (9miles) and the travel time would be 43 minutes. This would make it the longest cable car route in the Adriatic.

Kotor Sightseeing Bus

Kotor has a Hop On Hop Off sightseeing bus that operates on a circuit between major tourist attractions in Kotor, Risan, Perast as well as Bajova Kula. An adult ticket costs 25 euro (price as at 2022). For more information see this website: https://www.hoponhopoff.me/en/

Hop On Hop Off Bus Kotor Montenegro
Hop On Hop Off Bus Kotor Montenegro

Trams in Kotor Montenegro

Kotor does not have a tram system.

Local trains in Kotor Montenegro

Kotor does not have a local train service.

Metro trains (subway or underground) in Kotor Montenegro

Kotor does not have an underground train line.

Vehicle hire in Kotor Montenegro

A wide variety of vehicles can be rented in Montenegro. This includes:

  • Bicycles – you can hire a bike from a bike hire shop such as Montenegro+.
  • Electric scooters
  • Motorcycles
  • Cars
  • SUVs
  • Campervans
  • Boats

In Montenegro, you drive on the right side of the road.

Taxis in Montenegro

Taxis are common in Montenegro. Fares are regulated and are also usually metered. However outside of major cities taxis may not have meters. In this case the fare will be a fixed price. However in general your fare will include the following costs:

  • The pickup fee or minimum fee – this is charged as soon as you get into the vehicle.
  • Price per kilometre
  • Price per hour – this is a price that gets charged when the taxi is stuck in heavy traffic.

Taxi tariffs in Montenegro are set by the cities or districts.

Ride-share services in Kotor Montenegro

Uber, Lyft and Grab and other rider-share services do not operate in Montenegro.

Kotor destination guide: Is Kotor Montenegro worth visiting?

Kotor is one of the most breathtaking places we’ve ever visited and is certainly worth visiting. The dramatic landscape of the area with the steep mountains surrounding the town and the glistening Bay of Kotor immediately give you a sense of the importance of this place. The Old Town area is also really charming and adds to the overall experience. Additionally, all around the bay are beautiful beaches to explore and world-class waterfront restaurants serving fresh seafood and local cuisine at a fraction of the price you would pay for a similar experience in other parts of Europe. Overall, Kotor provides a fantastic experience which is why it is such a popular tourist destination.

Montenegro travel guide to travelling during Covid

Montenegro currently has no Covid specific entry requirements. Nor are there many Covid mandates when you are in the country. Officially there is a requirement to wear masks on public transport and in medical facilities and there are also social distancing requirements. However since early 2022 almost no-one wears masks in Montenegro. In practice, the only change from pre-Covid times is that some restaurants provide hand sanitiser at your table or at the entrance.

Kotor destination guide: How long to spend in Kotor Montenegro

Tourists in front of Clock Tower in Kotor Montenegro
Clock Tower Kotor Montenegro

Kotor is a popular day trip destination, particularly for cruises. It is possible to see most of the attractions in the old city within a few hours. There are plenty of excellent dining options within the Old Town as well as along the waterfront of Kotor Bay. Kotor is also an excellent base for exploring the wider area, with popular destinations of Perast, Budva as well as Lovcen National Park only a short drive away. You could easily spend a week in Kotor and fill your days by relaxing at the beach, eating the freshest seafood at waterfront restaurants as well as taking day trips to nearby scenic destinations. We spent 4 day in Kotor and enjoyed taking time to experience the various activities available in this scenic waterfront city.

Kotor destination guide: What to do in Kotor Montenegro

Woman Sitting on Wall of Ruins over Kotor Montenegro on road to the Fort of St Ivan
Sitting on Ruins over Kotor Montenegro on road to the Fort of St Ivan

Kotor is a beautiful Montenegrin city with many activities on offer. It has a range of great free activities as well as paid activities.

Kotor destination guide: Free things to do in Kotor Montenegro

There are enough free activities in Kotor Montenegro to keep you entertained for a weekend or even a leisurely week:

Saint Nicholas Church Kotor Montenegro
Saint Nicholas Church Kotor Montenegro

  • Kotor Old City
  • Bay of Kotor
  • City Walls
  • Best View of Kotor (at the Road Kotor-Lovcen)
  • St. Nikola Church
  • Piazza of the Arms
  • Church of St Luke
  • Gurdich Gate
  • Northern Gate
  • Sea Gate
  • Old Cotor Road
  • Pima Place
  • Karampana Well
  • Ulica 2 (sjever-jug) – street
  • Fort Vrmac

Kotor destination guide: Paid activities in Kotor Montenegro

Cat of Kotor Montenegro
Cat of Kotor Montenegro

A number of attractions in Kotor Montenegro charge an entry fee:

  • St. Tryphon Cathedral – entry fee is 2.50 euro for adults (as at 2022)
  • Cats Museum – entry fee is 1 euro for adults (as at 2022)
  • Maritime Museum – entry fee is 4 euro for adults (as at 2022)
  • Kampala Tower – entry fee is 8 euro for adults (as at 2022)
  • Lovcen National Park – entry fee is 2 euro for adults (as at 2022)
  • Boat trip to Lady of the Rock from Perast – 5 euro return for adults (as at 2022)
  • Entry fee to Lady fo the Rock – 1 euro per person (as at 2022)

Other paid activities in Kotor Montenegro include:

  • Boat tours
  • Fishing charters and tours
  • Sailing
  • Watersports
Boats to Our Lady of the Rocks and Saint George Island Montenegro
Boats to Our Lady of the Rocks and Saint George Island Montenegro

Weather in Kotor Montenegro

Kotor enjoys a warm temperate climate. Its climate is heavily influenced by the nearby Mediterranean area. It has cold winters, with average temperature range between 4°C and 12°C in the coldest month of January. Summers last from June to September and are hot and sunny, with the average temperature range between 19°C and 28°C in the hottest month of July. It is a windy city and experiences frequent and sometimes powerful winds. Snow is rare but not unheard of in Kotor. The month with the most rainfall is October with 7.0 days of rain on average and the driest month is July with an average of 1.8 rainy days.

Deckchairs overlooking Bay of Kotor Montenegro
Deckchairs overlooking Bay of Kotor Montenegro

Best time to visit Kotor Montenegro

When planning your trip to Kotor, it is important to consider the cruise schedule. Many people visit Kotor via cruise ship, and this will impact your experience regardless of whether or not you are a cruise passenger yourself. We’d suggest looking at the cruise ship schedule for the Port of Kotor to check how many cruise passengers are visiting Kotor on the day you’re planning to go. During peak cruise season, Kotor receives up to 4 cruise ships a day and when a cruise ship arrives, Kotor Old Town gets inundated with tourists. Therefore, the number of cruise ships and the number of cruise ship passengers will have a big impact on your daytime travel experience in Kotor. Most cruises go to Kotor from April to November, but there are cruises to Kotor all throughout the year.

Another consideration on when to visit Kotor is the weather. Most of the activities around Kotor such as walking around the Old Town of Kotor, dining al fresco and visiting the nearby beaches are best enjoyed during sunny weather. Kotor’s peak tourist season from June to August. However do keep in mind that as this is also the most crowded and also the most expensive time to visit Kotor. We personally prefer the shoulder season, when it is still warm enough to enjoy the beach without being overly crowded. Consequently, if you also prefer to travel in the shoulder season, we’d recommend you go to Kotor in May, June, September or October. We visited Kotor in May and thought that was a perfect time to visit.

Internet and mobile phones in Montenegro

There are three internet and phone companies in Montenegro – One Montenegro, T-Mobile Montenegro and m:tel.

5G has been in Montenegro since March 2022. 3G is expected to be switched off in Montenegro in December 2024.

Montenegro is ranked 48th fastest in the world for mobile internet speeds and 70th fastest for fixed broadband. For Fixed Broadband the average download speed is 61mbps and upload is 6mbps (as at March 2023).

Cell phone SIM cards can be bought in many places throughout Montenegro. These include phone stores, newsagents as well as online.

How much to budget for Kotor Montenegro?

Is Kotor Montenegro expensive?

Montenegro is one of the most affordable countries in Europe. However as one of Montenegro’s most popular tourist destinations, Kotor is relatively expensive compared to other parts of the country. That being said, prices are still generally cheap by European standards, especially when you compare it to its famous neighbouring city Dubrovnik Croatia. There are plenty of free or cheap activities to do such as visiting beaches, strolling through Kotor Old Town and hiking. However the cost for restaurants and accommodation is somewhat expensive, especially in peak tourist season. As with any tourist area, prices will be higher close to the popular tourist spots such as in Kotor Old Town. However we found a lot of very reasonably priced restaurants along Kotor Bay just a short walk from Kotor Old Town. You can dine at stunning waterfront restaurants for as little as 10 euro for a main dish.

Kotor destination guide: Daily spend for a couple travelling in Kotor Montenegro

As a rough guide, we recommend the following budgets for a couple:

  • Low-budget daily spend – 100 euro per day for a couple will get you budget accommodation, self catering and bakery meals, walking or catching local transport to get around the city as well as free or cheap activities.
  • Mid-range daily spend – 300 euro per day for a couple will get you mid-range accommodation, walking or catching local transport to get around the city, dining at reasonably priced cafes and restaurants as well as some paid activities.
  • Luxury spend – 1000 euro per day for a couple will get you a premium experience, staying at high end hotels, travelling by private transport, doing a range paid activities as well as eating at high end restaurants.

Kotor destination guide: Accommodation in Kotor Montenegro

There is a good range of accommodation to suit most budgets in Kotor Montenegro. Airbnb operates in Montenegro and we were impressed with the range of options available in Kotor.

Where to stay in Kotor Montenegro

When visiting Kotor Montenegro, you can choose to either stay in Kotor Old Town or along the Bay of Kotor. Both options have their advantages. Staying in Kotor Old Town is a charming experience. The Old Town of Kotor is one of the most beautiful old towns in the Mediterranean, and it’s lovely to be able to stay in a UNESCO heritage listed site. Furthermore, staying in the old town is convenient in terms of proximity to food, transport and attractions. However the Bay of Kotor is equally stunning and in warmer months you can also swim right in the bay.

Best accommodation in Kotor Old Town

We recommend the following accommodation in the Old Town of Kotor Montenegro:

  • Best party hostel in Kotor Old Town – Old Town Hostel is a very social hostel in the Old Town of Kotor. There are plenty of activities available and the people are very friendly. The hostel is in a prime location and the beds are very comfortable.
  • Best modern hotel in Kotor Old Town – Hotel Hippocampus is a beautiful oasis right in the heart of Kotor Old Town. This boutique hotels have spacious and modern rooms. Additionally, the hotel has a restaurant on its rooftop terrace which provides amazing views of the area.
  • Best historic hotel in Kotor Old Town – Boutique Hotel Astoria is located in Buca Palace. Its rooms are elegantly decorated and some have spectacular views of Kotor Bay. The staff provide top level service and the breakfasts are delicious.
  • Best value apartment rental in Kotor Montenegro – we stayed in Apartment Pela in Kotor Old Town. The apartment was very conveniently located near the start of the Old Town. It was spacious and the kitchen was well stocked. We also loved the views of the clock tower from our window.
Best accommodation on the Bay of Kotor

We recommend the following accommodation on the Bay of Kotor Montenegro:

  • Best party hostel on the Bay of Kotor – Montenegro Hostel 4U is an amazing hostel near the main beach of Kotor. It has friendly staff and a great atmosphere. There are plenty of events, games and activities and the common area is well utilised.
  • Best relaxed hostel in Kotor Montenegro – Pupa Hostel is a fantastic hostel with a chilled environment. The beds are very comfortable and the facilities include 2 kitchens as well as laundry facilities. It is only a short walk from Kotor Old Town and is also right next to the Bay of Kotor. The main downside is the bathrooms could be better and have a bit of a smell.
  • Best boutique hotel on the Bay of Kotor – Boutique Hotel Casa del Mare – Amfora is located right on the Bay of Kotor with amazing views of the sea as well as its own private beach. The staff provide exceptional customer service and the food is amazing. We recommend getting a room with a sea view.
  • Best luxury hotel on the Bay of Kotor – Blue Kotor Bay Premium Spa Resort is a first class adults only resort in a secluded spot on the Bay of Kotor. The facilities are amazing including a gorgeous semi-private beach. We visited the restaurant and were very impressed with the quality of the food and the ambience of the area.

How much is accommodation in Kotor Montenegro?

Accommodation Kotor Montenegro
Accommodation Kotor Montenegro

For short-term accommodation, a general price per night is as follows:

  • Budget accommodation – 14-80 euro for a bed in a dorm
  • Mid-range accommodation – 30-150 euro for a private room
  • Luxury accommodation – 200-600 euro a night for a luxury hotel
  • Rental property – 70-600 euro a night for a fully furnished 3-4 bedroom home

Kotor destination guide: Food in Kotor Montenegro

Being on the water, seafood is very popular in Kotor.

How much does food cost in Kotor Montenegro?

Our price guide for your food budget in Kotor Montenegro is as follows (prices as at 2022):

  • Restaurant meal – 10-25 euro for a main dish
  • Bakery food – 2-3 euro for burek, a slice of pizza or a slice of cake
  • Glass of wine – 4-8 euro
  • Coffee – 1.70-2.50 euro
Octopus Bonaca from Konoba Bonaca Kotor Montenegro
Octopus Bonaca from Konoba Bonaca Kotor Montenegro

Regional dishes in Kotor Montenegro

  • Thick fish soup – this is usually prepared with trout and has rice in it.
  • Frustula – a crunchy cookie in a rhombus shape.
  • Burek – popular in the Balkans, burek is a filo pastry stuffed with items such as spinach, cheese, meat and potatoes.
  • Seafood Buzara – a way of cooking shellfish which includes olive oil, wine, garlic, breadcrumbs and fresh herbs.
  • Njoke – a pasta specialty which is often served at Kotor carnivals.
  • Njeguški pršut – prosciutto.
  • Njeguški Stek – a thin slice of meat (usually veal but sometimes pork) folded over prosciutto and cheese. Usually served with fries and salad.
Njeguški Stek from Restaurant Bokeljski Dvori Montenegro, steak and fries
Njeguški Stek from Restaurant Bokeljski Dvori Montenegro

Cheap Eats in Kotor Montenegro

  • Pekaras (Montenegrin bakeries) are a great place to get cheap and delicious food. A loaf of bread is typically around 1-2 euro. Other common food that can be found in pekaras include burek, pizza and cakes.
Burek Kotor Montenegro
Burek Kotor Montenegro

Kotor Montenegro culture

Montenegro national holidays

  • New Year’s Day – 1-3 January
  • Eastern Orthodox Christmas Eve – 6 January
  • Orthodox Christmas Day – 7 January
  • Orthodox Christmas Holiday – 8 January
  • Orthodox Good Friday – the Friday before Easter Day, typically in April or May.
  • Orthodox Easter Day – typically in April or May.
  • Orthodox Easter Monday – the Monday after Easter Day, typically in April or May.
  • Labour Day – 1 May
  • Independence Day – 21 May
  • Independence Day Holiday – 22 May or the Monday following if the 22nd is on a weekend.
  • Sovereignty Day of Montenegro – 13 July
  • Sovereignty Day of Montenegro Holiday – 14 July

National symbols of Montenegro

  • Montenegro flag – a red flag with a gold border and the Montenegro coat of arms in the centre.
  • Montenegro coat of arms – a golden two-headed eagle wearing a crown. Its wings are raised in flight. In its right talon is a sceptre. There is a globus cruciger in its left talon. On its chest is a shield featuring a golden lion on a green field with blue sky.
  • National flower – mimoza
  • National bird – eagle
  • Montenegro’s national animal – Balkan lynx

Montenegro pastimes

  • National dish – brav u mlijeku
  • Popular drinks – rakija, Montenegrin wine
  • National sport – football
  • Religion – 72% Eastern orthodox, 3% Catholic (as at 2011)

Famous people from Kotor Montenegro

  • Famous people born in Kotor Montenegro – writer Marin Držić, writer Ivo Vojnović, mathematician Marin Getaldić, physicist Ruđer Bošković, poet Luko Paljetak, musician Tereza Kesovija, musician Ibrica Jusić, actress Jelena Perčin
  • Sports stars from Kotor Montenegro – Paralympic swimmers Mihovil Španja, Ana Sršen, Olympic water poloists Dragan Andrić, Marko Bijač, Miho Bošković, Andro Bušlje, Luka Ciganović, Vinko Cvjetković, Nikša Dobud, Veselin Đuho, Vladimir Ivković, Maro Joković, Marko Macan, Pavo Marković, Paulo Obradović, Goran Sukno, Sandro Sukno, Frano Vićan, Božo Vuletić, Olympic swimmers Sanja Jovanović, Mirjana Šegrt, Mario Todorović, chess grandmaster Petar Trifunović,

Is Kotor Montenegro Safe?

Montenegro travel guide: Safety in Montenegro

Perast Montenegro
Perast Montenegro

We travelled through Montenegro for 9 days and found the country to be extremely safe. Montenegro ranks 48th safest country on the Global Peace Index (as at 2022). As with any country, there are good areas and bad areas. Watch out for pickpockets particularly at crowded tourist attractions. Make sure no-one is watching whenever you are entering pin codes and never lose sight of your credit card when making a purchase.

General safety considerations in Montenegro

Other general safety considerations for travel in Montenegro:

  • Drinking water – Tap water is safe to drink almost everywhere in the country.
  • Mosquitoes – the tiger mosquito has been found in Montenegro. This type of mosquito spreads diseases such as Zika, dengue and chikunguya. Malaria was eradicated in Montenegro in 1973.
  • Altitude sickness – Montenegro has areas of high altitude. This comes with the risk of altitude sickness. If you are planning to visit any high altitude areas in Montenegro, be sure to allow sufficient time to acclimatise. If you experience any signs of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite or shortness of breath, get help immediately.
  • Road safety – Road accidents are a significant risk on Montenegro. The average number of road accident fatalities in the country is twice that of the EU. Road conditions are an issue, particularly in rural areas. A particularly dangerous stretch of road is along Moraca Canyon. Take care on the roads in Montenegro.
  • Water safety – If you visit any of the coastal areas or lakes, take care when swimming as currents and waves may be stronger than you expect.
  • Earthquakes – Montenegro experiences earthquake activity. If you experience an earthquake, stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls and anything that could fall. If you are inside get under a table, desk or solid furniture and hang onto it. Cover your head and torso to protect from falling objects. If you are outside, stay outside and go to an open area away from buildings.
  • Sun safety – Exposure to the sun can have adverse short-term and long-term effects on the skin, eyes and immune system. Sun protection such as sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses is very important to ensure you don’t get burnt.

As with any destination, take all of your normal safety precautions.

Kotor Destination Guide Video

For more information on visiting Kotor Montenegro, we also have a destination guide video about Kotor. Watch our Kotor Ultimate Travel Guide video below:

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