Looking for the very best day trips from Kotor, Montenegro?
While I could spend days walking through Kotor and hopping between the old town and waterfront, I highly recommend that first-time visitors explore beyond the city too.
As someone who has traveled extensively around Montenegro and lived here full-time, I’ve explored almost every day trip possibility.
My curated list of top-day tours from Kotor includes both classic excursions and adventurous alternatives. These trips are all realistic, with most destinations reachable within 0.5 to 1 hour of driving, and none exceeding 2 hours each way.
Ostrog Monastery
This is a place you shouldn’t miss when visiting Montenegro. Ostrog is one of the most popular Montenegro places and is visited by over a million people from all over the world every year, and every May 12th, a river of people gathers at Ostrog.
Many of them come just to spend the night outside the monastery under the open sky. While I have never done it myself, I know many who have, and they say it’s an unforgettable experience.
This description will be a bit longer, but Ostrog deserves it.
Perched high up in the large rock of Ostroška Greda, the monastery is a serene yet striking sight. Built in the 17th century, it’s dedicated to Saint Basil of Ostrog, a revered figure in Montenegrin history.
What makes Ostrog Monastery unique is its location and architecture. The monastery is carved almost entirely into a vertical cliff, creating a dramatic and almost surreal appearance. This location was not chosen lightly; it’s said to represent a spiritual retreat, a place of peace and introspection away from the world below.
The monastery complex consists of the Upper and the Lower Monastery. The Upper Monastery houses the Church of the Presentation and the Holy Cross Chapel, where the relics of Saint Basil are kept. Pilgrims and tourists are often found here, drawn by the monastery’s spiritual significance and the breathtaking views of the Bjelopavlići plain.
The Lower Monastery, located near the bottom of the cliff, is home to the Church of the Holy Trinity, an important part of the complex with its own unique history.
It is believed that after his death on April 29, 1671, Saint Basil began appearing in the dreams of the Bishop of Ostrog, instructing him to open his coffin. When the monks complied, they found Saint Basil’s body uncorrupted. Since then, his relics have become a great holy object. A grapevine grew out of the rock near where he died, despite there being no soil, leading to a belief that its fruits cure infertility.
Ostrog has miraculously been preserved multiple times throughout its history. In the early 18th century, the Turks attempted to burn down the monastery, but a brother of the Montenegrin prince managed to save Saint Basil’s relics, as it was believed the saint made him invisible to fulfill this mission.
During World War II in 1942, fascists dropped a bomb on the monastery. The bomb split into two but did not explode. It is still kept in the monastery as evidence of the holiness of Basil of Ostrog.
The easiest way to visit Ostrog Monastery is through a day trip. Alternatively, you can rent a car or take a taxi to the monastery. Driving from Kotor to Ostrog takes about 2-2.5 hours.
For a more immersive experience of the monastery’s sanctity, there are several accommodation options available.
You can stay in the monastery’s guesthouses, located at the base of the upper mountain, near the Lower Monastery.
Another comfortable option is lodging in Bogetići village, at a place called Koliba (5 km from Ostrog Monastery). Here, you can stay in wooden bungalows situated at the start of the pilgrimage path leading to the great Orthodox holy site.
The trip to Ostrog Monastery is an experience in itself. The winding road leading up to it offers spectacular views, and the final ascent on foot through a narrow path is both humbling and awe-inspiring.
National Park Lovćen
Like a guardian, Mount Lovćen rises above Kotor. For Montenegrins, it represents the symbol of freedom and their identity. In 1952, it was declared a national park, encompassing its central and highest parts. The national park covers an area of 6,400 hectares, with its highest peak being Štirovnik.
What’s interesting is that this peak was always covered in snow until 10-15 years ago, even in summer. So, while lounging on any beach in the Bay of Kotor, you could see the snow-capped mountain. A similar sight could be seen in Zadar, too, as the peaks of Velebit were also snow-covered even in August.
Lovćen is famous for its viewpoints, as we experienced on the winding roads of Kotor, where the experience was truly incredible. But that’s not all; the view from this mountain extends in all directions – towards the sea, its rocky peaks, or the old stone houses that bear witness to different times. The panoramas on the serpentine roads were just the beginning of what awaited us.
After turning towards the national park, we took a narrow road that passed by old houses. The scenery kept changing; at one moment, we saw nothing but abyss, then meadows. There was also a shepherd tending to his flock, enjoying the sunshine and good weather. Wherever you look on Lovćen, you’ll witness unique scenes.
After the sign for the entrance to Lovćen National Park, we encountered a barrier and an entrance fee of 3 euros per person.
We passed the barrier and continued towards Njegoš’s mausoleum, which is the largest and most important monument in the national park and the highlight of our visit to Lovćen.
Mausoleum of Petar II Petrović Njegoš
On the second highest peak of Lovćen, Jezerski vrh, stands the mausoleum of one of Montenegro’s greatest writers and statesmen, Petar II Petrović Njegoš. When he was alive, Njegoš chose this place and built a chapel where he was later buried.
The original chapel was destroyed during World War I, and Njegoš’s remains were transferred to a monastery in Cetinje. It was later rebuilt, ensuring that the renowned thinker returned to rest where he had wished to remain forever.
A steep climb led us to the parking lot, but since parking spaces were limited, we, like most visitors, parked along the way.
To reach the entrance of the mausoleum, we had to climb 461 steps through a tunnel leading to the mountain’s peak. The ticket costs 5 euros, but once you’ve climbed those 461 steps, who could resist going inside?
Two statues made of dark stone guard the entrance to the mausoleum, symbolizing two Montenegrin women. In the central part, there’s a statue of Njegoš holding a book, with an eagle with outspread wings guarding his back, and above him, an arch with a mosaic made of 200,000 gilded tiles.
Descending marble stairs into the crypt, we reach the sarcophagus containing Njegoš’s mortal remains. I feel the cold marble under my fingers. Although the wind is howling outside, there’s a strange sense of peace inside.
Behind the mausoleum, a path leads to a viewpoint. They say that the most beautiful panorama of Montenegro can be seen from here, and I can understand why Njegoš wanted to remain here forever.
Perast
This is a city-museum where every street, house, staircase, and stone has its own story and history. The best testimony to its baroque architecture, most of which dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
It was built by reputable, wealthy seafarers, and many families had noble origins, so they nurtured culture and creativity. Perast still embodies this artistic, refined, and elegant spirit today – this energy colors this place with palaces, chapels, and churches. Here are a few must-visit spots in this town:
- The Church of St. Nicholas, dating back to 1616, stands in the heart of the city along the promenade and dominates the surroundings with its 55-meter-high bell tower. During the tourist season, you can climb the tower and capture perfect photos of Perast.
- The magnificent Bujović Palace from the distant year of 1694, now transformed into the Perast City Museum.
- A hundred narrow steps lead to the Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, built in 1678, which is a fusion of Baroque and Renaissance styles and offers a splendid viewpoint.
- Conte Restaurant is a delightful choice – I warmly recommend it for a romantic and pleasant seaside lunch. I also suggest having breakfast at Café Šijavoga, where they serve delicious fried pancakes and strong, homemade coffee.
From here, you can take short boat tours to the islands of Our Lady of the Rocks and the natural islet of St. George.
Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George Island
If you cast your gaze from Perast towards the narrowest part of the Bay of Kotor, known as the Verige, you’ll notice two small islands that seem almost surreal – Our Lady of the Rocks and the island of St. George.
The church from which Our Lady received her name is the result of centuries of legend and tradition intertwining. It was built with the help of diligent residents of Perast and neighboring towns in the Bay of Kotor.
According to legend, as two Perast fishermen (the Mortičić brothers) were returning from fishing, they saw a light on the reef near the town. As they approached, they noticed an icon with the image of the Virgin Mary and took it to Perast. Remarkably, the icon was undamaged when the brothers brought it to the church, despite being found in the sea.
On the same night it was taken to the church, the icon disappeared, and the next day, it was found on the same reef where it was initially discovered. Several times, the fishermen carried the icon to the church, and it inexplicably disappeared overnight, only to reappear on the same reef.
The people of Perast saw this as a sign from heaven and decided to build a church on that spot in honor of the Virgin Mary. Slowly, people began to pile stones around the reef, creating a small islet where they built the church.
On July 22nd, the feast day of St. Mary Magdalene, people celebrate the beginning of the church’s construction. On that day, the people of Perast, as well as those from all around the Bay of Kotor, take boats and sail around the island, tossing stones into the sea as a pledge to future generations.
To reach the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks, the only way is by boat or ship.
Budva
Probably the most popular tourist destination in Montenegro. Budva is a city with a history spanning around 2500 years and is one of the oldest towns on the Adriatic Sea.
The coastal area, known as the Budva Riviera, is the hub of Montenegrin tourism and is famous for its well-preserved medieval old town, sandy beaches, and nightlife. If you are interested these are the best beaches in Budva.
It’s safe to say that Budva is a true summer haven for the young at heart, as it not only hosts energetic night parties but also daytime beach gatherings.
But, Budva and the entire Budva Riviera are not just a place for those looking for a nightlife.
This is also a place to those who want to enhance their stay with sightseeing and visits to dozens of medieval structures and cultural-historical landmarks.
Tivat
They say that Tivat is the brightest city in the Bay of Kotor, with luxurious marinas, hidden beaches, and diverse cuisine. While there are many things to see in Tivat, Porto Montenegro is undoubtedly the most prominent.
During the day, popular activities include sailing and exploring nature, while at night, you can enjoy stunning sunsets and discover the local culture and flavors characterized by a perfect blend of traditional and modern elements.
Herceg Novi
Located half an hour away from Kotor when heading towards Dubrovnik, Herceg Novi is surrounded by many tourist attractions. The old town is particularly attractive, as well as the Kanli Kula fortress and numerous religious buildings.
An interesting fact is that out of all the cultural monuments in the country, which total 342, as many as 89 can be found in the municipality of Herceg Novi.
From personal experience, I can tell you that due to the large number of things to see in Herceg Novi, it’s not possible to explore it all in just one day, but you can certainly visit some of the main landmarks.
Dubrovnik
I think I don’t have anything new to say about Dubrovnik that hasn’t already been said or written online. It’s a city where the past meets the present in a really cool way. Walking through the Old Town with its ancient walls feels like stepping back in time.
There’s the famous Stradun street, and places like the Rector’s Palace have lots of history to them. Dubrovnik isn’t just about old stuff, though. It has great places to relax by the sea, and you can always find a good place to grab a bite. It’s a must-see if you’re into history, but it’s also just a nice place to hang out.
Sveti Stefan
This is a unique island resort in Montenegro, connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. Originally a fishing village, the island was transformed into a luxury hotel during the 1960s. Its old stone buildings, narrow streets, and pristine beaches make it a favorite among tourists seeking a blend of history and luxury.
The island is known for its exclusivity and upscale accommodations. While it’s now primarily a high-end resort, the charming architecture and environment of Sveti Stefan continue to attract visitors from around the world.
The Blue Cave
This is a natural sea cave known for its dazzling blue water, created by sunlight reflecting off the limestone floor. It’s a popular spot for swimming and boat tours.
To get there from Kotor, you typically need to take a boat tour as the cave is only accessible by sea. These tours often include other sights around the Bay of Kotor and provide a chance to swim in the cave’s unique, glowing waters.
Free Ferry Ride
Okay, so this might be more for kids and teenagers, but you could find this insider tip handy. The ferry between Lepetane and Kamenari is only chargeable for vehicles.
If you’re walking on, it’s completely free. As 12-13-year-olds, we loved this and used it a lot. It was one of those things we’d do just for fun.
