Kotor Old Town — Complete Visitor Guide
Kotor Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site at the head of Europe's southernmost fjord. Fifteen minutes from Krimovica, it is a labyrinth of medieval streets, Venetian palaces, and ancient churches — one of the best-preserved old towns on the entire Mediterranean.
Getting There from Krimovica
From Mata Apartments, turn right onto the main road toward Kotor. The drive follows the Bay of Kotor — one of the most scenic roads in Europe, with the mountains plunging into deep blue water on your left. After 12 kilometres you reach the outskirts of Kotor. Total drive time is 15 minutes without traffic, up to 25 minutes in peak summer when cruise ships are in port. The road is well-maintained but narrow in places, with occasional tunnels. There is no toll. If you are coming from Tivat Airport, Kotor is about 10 minutes in the opposite direction from Krimovica.
Parking — The Honest Truth
Parking is the single biggest frustration in Kotor. The main lot outside the old town walls charges €2 per hour in shoulder season, €4 in July–August, and fills by 9:30am when cruise ships arrive. There is a larger lot near the port — a 10-minute walk to the old town — that costs less and is more reliable. A multi-storey car park opened recently near the river, which has helped. Our honest advice: check the cruise ship schedule at kotor.me before you go. On days with no ships, parking is easy and the town is peaceful. On ship days (sometimes 3–4 ships bringing 8,000+ passengers), either arrive before 9am, come after 5pm when ships depart, or skip Kotor entirely and go to Perast instead. Staying in Krimovica with free parking means you can drive to Kotor on a whim and retreat if it is too crowded.
Inside the Walls — What to See
Enter through the main Sea Gate (Vrata od Mora), built in 1555, and you step into a different century. The main square has the Clock Tower (1602) and the Napoleonic Theatre. From here, the old town unfolds as a maze — getting lost is half the fun and impossible to do badly since the town is only 300 metres across. St. Tryphon Cathedral is the centrepiece — built in 1166, it is the oldest church on the Adriatic coast. The interior has 14th-century frescoes and a treasury of gold and silver relics (entry €3). The Maritime Museum in the Grgurina Palace tells the story of Kotor's seafaring history through model ships, weapons, and paintings (€4). Look for the cats — Kotor is famous for its street cats, and there is even a small Cat Museum near the north gate. The Church of St. Luke (1195) is remarkable for having both Catholic and Orthodox altars — a testament to Kotor's history of religious coexistence. Allow 2–3 hours to explore properly, more if you linger in cafes.
Climbing the City Walls
This is the defining experience of Kotor. The fortification walls climb 1,200 metres up the mountain behind the town, reaching the Castle of San Giovanni at 280 metres elevation. The climb involves 1,350 steps — it is genuinely strenuous, especially in summer heat. Entry costs €8 at the gate near the north end of the old town (free before 8am if the gate is unmanned — locals know this). Bring at least a litre of water per person, wear proper shoes (not flip-flops), and start early. The first third is the steepest. Rest at the Church of Our Lady of Remedy (halfway up) to catch your breath and enjoy the view. The panorama from the top is extraordinary — the old town directly below, the bay stretching to the sea, mountains on all sides, and the islands of Perast in the distance. On clear mornings you can see the entrance to the Adriatic. Budget 1–1.5 hours up, 45 minutes down. There is a back route from the village of Špiljari that avoids the entry fee, but it is steep, unmarked, and not recommended for casual visitors.
Where to Eat
The old town has dozens of restaurants, and quality varies enormously. The rule of thumb: avoid any restaurant with a picture menu displayed on the street, especially on the main square — these are tourist traps charging €15 for mediocre pasta. Instead: Bastion is Kotor's finest restaurant, set in a converted fortress bastion with bay views. The Mediterranean menu changes seasonally, mains run €18–30, and reservation is essential in summer. Galion sits right on the waterfront outside the walls — excellent seafood (the grilled orada is superb) at €12–20 per main, with tables practically in the water. For budget eating, Cesarica inside the walls does honest local food for €8–12. The bakeries sell burek (flaky pastry with cheese or meat) for €2–3 — perfect for a quick lunch. For coffee, skip the main square and find a table in one of the smaller squares deeper in the old town — same coffee, half the price, twice the atmosphere.
Boat Tours from Kotor
The Kotor waterfront is the departure point for bay tours. The most popular is the trip to Our Lady of the Rocks and Perast (€15–25 per person, 1–2 hours) — highly recommended. The Blue Cave tour goes to a sea cave near the bay entrance where sunlight creates an electric blue glow (€25–40, half day, best on calm sunny mornings). Full bay cruises circle the entire fjord with swimming stops and lunch (€40–60, full day). For something different, sea kayaking tours paddle along the old town walls and into hidden coves (€35–50, half day, no experience needed). Tours can be booked at the waterfront — no advance reservation needed for the island tours, but Blue Cave and kayaking should be booked a day ahead in peak season.
Avoiding the Cruise Ship Crowds
This is critical information that most guides skip. Kotor receives large cruise ships from April to October. On peak days, 3–4 ships dock simultaneously, flooding the tiny old town with 8,000+ passengers between 10am and 4pm. The difference between a ship day and a no-ship day is night and day — literally the difference between an unpleasant, shoulder-to-shoulder experience and a magical, atmospheric stroll through medieval streets. Check the schedule at kotor.me (updated regularly). If ships are in port, either go very early (before 9am), very late (after 5pm when passengers return to ships), or skip Kotor and visit Perast instead (25 min from Krimovica, rarely crowded). The old town after the ships leave is one of the most beautiful experiences in Montenegro — golden evening light, empty streets, the sound of your own footsteps on stone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Kotor from Krimovica?
Kotor Old Town is 15 minutes by car from Mata Apartments in Krimovica. The drive follows the scenic Bay of Kotor road — one of the most beautiful coastal drives in Europe.
Is Kotor Old Town free to enter?
Yes, entering the old town is completely free. The city walls climb costs €8 (free before 8am). Museums and churches have separate small entry fees (€2–4 each).
How long do you need in Kotor?
Allow 2–3 hours for the old town itself, plus 1.5 hours if climbing the city walls. A half-day trip from Krimovica is ideal. Combine with Perast (15 min further along the bay) for a full day.
When is the best time to visit Kotor?
Early morning or late afternoon, and always check the cruise ship schedule at kotor.me first. Days without ships are dramatically better. June and September have the best balance of weather and crowd levels.
Is the city walls climb worth it?
Absolutely — it is the single best thing to do in Kotor. The panoramic view from the top is extraordinary. But it is genuinely strenuous (1,350 steps). Start early, bring water, wear proper shoes.
Stay at Mata Apartments
3 apartments in Krimovica from €35/night. Free parking, WiFi, sea views.
