Backpacking in Montenegro: Top 5 Sights in Kotor
Kotor and Budva were two of the most recommended spots in Montenegro on my tour of the south Balkans. I decided to skip Budva in the end (passed through it on bus) as it seemed to be a sleepy town in the winter and yet turns into a vibrant summer party resort. As I was there in December, I decided to tour Kotor and Poddy.
Backpacking in Montenegro: Top 5 Sights in Kotor
I’m such a hypocrite as I hate the way people shorten words related to countries and cities (I especially hate those who use “Oz” to describe Australia). But I do it myself now and especially for Poddy. Poddy is the capital city of Montenegro (Monty), better known as Podgorica. So I split my time evenly between exploring Podgorica where I stayed at the Hotel Keto and the astounding resort of Kotor, where I loved my stay in the Old Town Hostel in Kotor.
Staying in the Old Town Hostel in Kotor, Montenegro.
1. Bay of Kotor
The December sunshine baked down on the gorgeous Bay of Kotor. I was completely in awe of the beauty all around me. I was also pretty glad I was here in December time.
Lunch by Kotor Bay
The Bay of Kotor
2. St. Tryphon’s Cathedral
Old churches dominate the inner Old Town and the most magnificent is St. Tryphon’s Cathedral. You can go inside during the day time and when Mass is on.
St. Tryphon’s Cathedral, Kotor, Montenegro.
3. Maritime Museum
Having worked on ships before, a visit to the Maritime Museum was on the cards. It’s pricey though at €4 so try and blag a student entry for €1  like I did and you get a free postcard and can visit all the rooms.
Maritime Museum, Kotor
Maritime Museum, Kotor
4. St. John’s Fortress
The walk all the way up the city walls up the mountains to St. John’s Fortress is magnificent. If you are really pushed for time in Kotor, this is the one MUST DO. The climb is rewarding and relaxing.
St. John’s Fortress, Kotor, Montenegro.
The Magnificent views from the top of St. John’s Fortress
The views at the top are quite simply astounding and tremendous. The photos and videos on this article will never do it justice. Amazing place.
Enjoying the walk up to St. George’s Fortress.
5. Old Town
Instead of naming the individual sights, immerse yourself in the nooks and crannies of the streets of the old town. There are 3 walled entrances to the city which is based on the foot of the hill.
Walls of the Old Town in Kotor
Edge of the Old Town in Kotor
There are 3 big churches inside the walls and by nights some decent bars and restaurants.
St. Nicholas’s Church inside the Old Town Walls
St. Luke’s Church inside the Old Town Walls
We had a hostel night out organised by Marko and the guys at the Old Town Hostel Kotor where we visited a few bars and I even won a darts competition.
A hostel night out in Kotor, Montenegro
I won the darts competition down the pub in Kotor
Kotor is a gem of a city and my tip is don’t go in summer where no doubt it will be flooded with tourists.
Quiet Kotor in the Winter
Here are my videos from backpacking through Kotor, Montenegro:
This looks lovely! I think it is generally better to go to places out of season, as you have much more chance of seeing it as it really it. I went to the Isle of Skye a few weeks ago – not the first place people think of when they think of going on holiday in winter! – but it was beautiful and very peaceful without all the tourists. Apparently the pub next door to our accommodation which had maybe half a dozen people in each night we were there, caters for 120+ meals every night in summer!
Hi Avalon thanks for your comment. I haven’t been to the Isle of Skye – sounds more Scottish than Montenegrin though?! Safe travels, Jonny
Hi Jonny,
I’ve planned to visit montenegro in April via Istanbul. During your visit, is it easier to visit attraction place by foot? How about transportation?
Hi Muhammad, Montenegro is a bigger country than you think. Either hire a car or use the shared buses between each city. Safe travels. Jonny
Very cool and interesting post – learned a lot.
Next time, you should plan as well a visit to the Belgrade Derby – an attraction itself.
Though pay attention to be in the right block and to wear the right jersey of Red Star 🙂
https://www.serbianshop.com/sr/proizvod/dres-crvena-zvezda-makron-uefa-2019-20-crveno-beli
all the best
Hi Peter, Thanks for the comment and for checking my website. Apologies for the delay in response. Unfortunately I have been suffering from long-term depression caused by a liar and I wasn’t checking all comments and messages or replying. I hope you enjoyed my article on Montenegro, which is nearby to Serbia for sure. Stay safe. Jonny