Cruise Port Guide · Mediterranean
Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor sits at the very end of a dramatic, fjord-like bay, with mountains rising straight out of the water and a walled medieval Old Town right beside the ship. For DeeAnn, it was the stop that took her breath away.
Kotor at a glance
“If there was one stop that took our breath away, it was Kotor.”
Our top picks in Kotor
Our recommendations on what to see and do, based on our own experience in port.
Sail into the Bay of Kotor
Your day starts before you even get off the ship. Sailing into this fjord-like bay was a moment of pure awe for DeeAnn, with the mountains rising dramatically all around, straight from a postcard. Get up early and find a spot on an outside deck.
- When
- Early morning sail-in
- Where to watch
- An open top deck
- Cost
- Free!
- Bring
- Your camera and a coffee
Kotor Old Town
Kotor’s walled Old Town is a maze of stone lanes, little squares, churches and cafés, right beside where the ships come in. DeeAnn spent her morning exploring its charming streets before heading out on the water.
- Distance
- Steps from the ship
- Cost
- Free to wander
- Good for
- A morning stroll
- Wear
- Comfy shoes for the stones
Speedboat to the Blue Cave
DeeAnn’s favourite experience of the whole trip! An exhilarating speedboat tour took her group into hidden submarine caves and on to the glowing Blue Cave, where they went swimming. It was an unforgettable day on the water, and one of the best things they did on the entire cruise.
- Stops
- Submarine caves and Blue Cave
- You can
- Swim in the Blue Cave
- Also visits
- Our Lady of the Rocks
- Bring
- Swimsuit and a towel
Our Lady of the Rocks
This tiny island church sits in the middle of the bay near Perast, and DeeAnn’s speedboat tour stopped here too. Legend says the island was built up by local sailors, one rock at a time. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Montenegro.
- Where
- Near Perast, in the bay
- Getting there
- By boat only
- How DeeAnn went
- On her speedboat tour
- Good for
- Photos and history
Read DeeAnn’s 10-night Starry Nights in Greece & Croatia sailing on Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady: Santorini, Bodrum, Mykonos, Dubrovnik, Kotor and Corfu.
More ideas for your day in Kotor
Popular things to do that we book for clients.
PerastThis little waterfront town of stone palaces and churches sits right across from Our Lady of the Rocks. Many boat tours stop here, and it’s a lovely spot for lunch by the water.
Climb the city wallsKotor’s walls zigzag up the mountain behind Old Town to a fortress with huge views over the bay. It’s a steep climb on a lot of steps, so go early and bring water.
Coffee in a squareOld Town’s little squares are full of cafés. Grab a seat in the shade and watch the town go by before you head back to the ship.
Know before you go
- Get up for the sail-in: It’s free, and it’s one of the highlights of the whole day.
- Book boat tours ahead: Speedboat tours to the Blue Cave are popular and can sell out.
- Montenegro uses the euro: so there’s no need to change money.
- Best months: Late May, June and September are the sweet spot: warm sea, fewer crowds. July and August are the hottest and busiest.
- Bring your passport: Passport valid for at least six months past your return date (the safest rule of thumb).
Kotor FAQs
Quick answers for your day in port
What is the best thing to do in Kotor on a cruise?
DeeAnn’s favourite was a speedboat tour to the submarine caves, the Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks. Pair it with a morning in Old Town.
Can you walk to Kotor Old Town from the cruise port?
Yes, Old Town is right beside where the ships come in.
Can you swim in the Blue Cave?
Yes, DeeAnn’s group swam in the glowing water on their speedboat tour. Bring your swimsuit.
What currency does Montenegro use?
Montenegro uses the euro.
Do I need a passport for a Mediterranean cruise?
Canadians must travel with a valid passport, and we recommend it be valid for at least six months past your return date. Some destinations only require three months, but six months is the safest rule of thumb.
Does it cost more to book a Mediterranean cruise with a travel agent?
No, there’s no fee to book a cruise with Travitude Travel Group. You get a consultant who has actually sailed these ports and can help with pre-cruise hotels, private tours and transfers.
Start planning
Ready for an Adriatic cruise?
We’ve been there, and we’d love to help you plan every port, from tours and transfers to extra nights before or after your cruise, including Kotor.