Kotor cruise port guide

May 2024 · 6 minute read

Why go?

Sailing into Kotor, at the end of a fjord-like series of bays, is always an event. But the little medieval town at the end is no anti-climax. This walled jewel in Montenegro, likened to a mini Dubrovnik in neighbouring Croatia, is filled with characterful old stone buildings and camera-ready cobbled lanes.

Cruise port location

Kotor’s cruise pier is just a stone’s throw from the city walls, though it can only take one mid-sized ship; others anchor in the bay and use their tenders.

Can I walk to any places of interest?

You can be inside the city within a few minutes of stepping off your ship. The tourist office kiosk is beside the main Sea Gate entrance in the walls. There’s a small waterfront park just over the bridge in the opposite direction.

The Northern Gate, just outside the city walls of Kotor Credit: Getty

Getting around

Fairly regular buses leave for the beautiful small town of Perast about 20 minutes along the coast, or taxis are reasonably priced. There are several bike rental outfits in the harbour area.

What to see and do

Kotor city is a little marvel but it is tiny, so two hours will be enough for most for browsing and enjoying a drink in one of its squares or alleys. It can be extremely busy if more than one ship is in town. Make sure you check out the River Gate next to the picturesque canal-like river, where fewer visitors venture. This is a port where it is well worth splitting your day between the town and taking a trip to see more of Montenegro.

What can I do in four hours or less?

When you first sail into Kotor, you may not even notice the two arms of the city wall climbing incredibly steeply up the slope behind the town as they blend into the rocky landscape. Climbing the 1,350 steps (£7) to the fortress of St John is a major undertaking, especially in the heat of summer, but it’s tantalising for anyone fit enough. The views all the way are incredible.

Some cruise lines (such as Norwegian Cruise Line) offer an organised walk up but you really don’t need a guide. Slightly less strenuous is biking or kayaking around the lovely bay. Most cruise lines offer guided activities (Royal Caribbean International is among those listing the kayaking), though both forms of transport can be rented independently.

Keen bikers should consider a trip to the nearby Lustica Peninsula for a countryside tour, offered by Cunard among others. You can then explore the city on your own or take a guided walk of two hours maximum booked through your ship.

The Lustica Peninsula effectively separates Tivat bay from the Adriatic Credit: iStock

Alternatively, join a half-day excursion to the appealing medieval seaside resort of Budva. Many cruise lines combine this with a brief guided look at Kotor – try Viking Cruises and Princess Cruises.

Another recommended half-day outing is to the manmade isle called Our Lady of the Rocks, which you will have noticed on the sail in, boasting a remarkable church. The excursion, offered by many cruise lines including Fred Olsen Cruise Line, is combined with a call at Perast, filled with baroque palaces.

You can do this trip independently by boat from Kotor harbour, though beware of unlicensed operators. MSC Cruises runs an interesting visit to inspect a 1960s submarine in a maritime museum along the coast.

Read more: Telegraph Travel's Mediterranean Cruise Guide

What can I do in eight hours or less?

If you want to see more of Montenegro – and you should – then do your homework carefully on your itinerary’s excursion options because most cruise lines offer variations on the same theme. The shortest ‘overview’ tour (P&O Cruises and others) is up the 25 hairpin bends that climb out of the valley towards the Lovćen National Park, followed by a sampling of local ham and cheese at the hill village of Njeguši.

Boats moored in Budva, noted for its natural beauty and historic monuments Credit: iStock

The latter is nothing special but the view from the top of the bends is stupendous, with your ship looking like a bathtub toy below. The most popular tour, of five to six hours, adds the old capital of Cetinje, which has many fine buildings, followed by a drive-past of the Budva Riviera – unfortunately, you rarely get to stop here. A few lines, such as Oceania Cruises and Costa Cruises, pass through Cetinje to allow time to explore Budva.

It’s also possible through some companies, such as Holland America Line, to do the shorter trip on a 4x4 vehicle, bouncing around in the rocky wilderness of the national park for an hour or more. If you’ve been to Montenegro before, you may have the chance (try Seabourn Cruise Line) to visit the huge Skadar Lake, one of Europe’s most important reserves for pelicans and other birds, which involves a very scenic drive.

Silversea has a tour here that includes stops at a couple of traditional villages. Another choice for seasoned travellers is to the Lipa Cave complex, which is on the way to Skadar, offered by Princess Cruises and others. There are various gastro-themed tours, such as to a winery, an olive farm (Marella Cruises) and visits to locals’ homes (Azamara Club Cruises and Star Clippers), but make sure you have enough time to explore Kotor.

Eat and drink

Kotor’s main square has a selection of restaurants in a fine setting, but check out the atmospheric back-street cafes for a beer or glass of wine (local reds are good), accompanied by smoked meat or cheese. For a more substantial meal, there are far too many pizza and pasta outlets. But you’ll also find calamari, grilled octopus and fish, such as bream or sea bass served whole. Fishy risottos are also popular. Pljeskavica (meat patties) make tasty snacks.

Those with a sweet tooth should be able to find lemon and almond tart and a layered chocolate and walnut cake. Despite the large numbers of tourists, eating and drinking in Kotor can be very good value.

Sample the local pljeskavica patty, a mixture of pork, beef and lamb Credit: iStock

Don’t leave Kotor without…

Buying a cat-related souvenir. Kotor is crammed with stray felines, though local groups try to look after them, and souvenir shops are cat crazy. Embroidered goods and model ships can also be found among the mainly Italian apparel in the shops.

Need to know

Flight time from the UK

A direct flight to Tivat, the closest airport to Kotor, takes around three hours. 

Safety

Negotiating crowds in the old town at certain times will be your biggest problem; be aware of pickpockets.

The baroque clock tower in Kotor's old town dates back to 1602 Credit: Getty

Best time to go

A summer festival held in late July or early August inevitably puts more pressure on the confined city. August also sees spectacular fireworks displays, though most ships leave before these start.

Tenders

Note that a fairly long tender ride may be required to get ashore depending on your ship’s allocated position. 

Currency

Despite not being part of the EU, Montenegro has adopted the euro as its currency.

Read more: Telegraph Travel's Mediterranean Cruise Guide

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