Perast & Our Lady of the Rocks
Perast is a tiny baroque jewel on the Bay of Kotor — a single street of stone palaces facing two island churches. It is the quieter, more refined counterpart to Kotor, and the boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks is one of the most memorable experiences in Montenegro.
Getting to Perast from Krimovica
Drive toward Kotor (15 min) and continue along the bay for another 10 minutes. Perast is on the left, right on the waterfront. Total drive: 25 minutes. The road hugs the bay the entire way — mountains on your right, deep blue water on your left, stone villages clinging to the shore. It is one of the most scenic drives you will do, and it never gets old even after the tenth time. Parking is limited in Perast — a small lot at each end of town, €2 per hour. Arrive before 11am for a guaranteed spot. Alternatively, park in Kotor and take a taxi boat to Perast (€10–15, a beautiful ride across the bay).
The Town Itself
Perast is essentially one street — a waterfront promenade lined with 16 baroque palaces built by wealthy sea captains in the 17th and 18th centuries. At its peak, this tiny town of 400 people had four shipping companies, a naval academy, and enough wealth to build palaces that would not look out of place in Venice. Today it is beautifully preserved and remarkably quiet compared to Kotor — even in August, Perast feels civilised. Walk the promenade, admire the palace facades (each one trying to outdo its neighbour), visit the Perast Museum in the Bujović Palace (€2.50 — excellent collection of maritime artifacts, paintings, and weapons), and climb the bell tower of St. Nicholas Church for a view over the bay and islands that will stay with you long after you leave. The whole town takes 30–45 minutes to walk end to end, but the atmosphere invites lingering. Find a waterfront cafe, order a coffee or a glass of local wine, and watch the light change on the water. This is not a place to rush.
Our Lady of the Rocks — The Island Church
The island of Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Škrpjela) is one of only two man-made islands in the Adriatic. The story of how it was built is remarkable: beginning in the 15th century, local sailors returning safely from voyages would drop a rock into the shallow water at this spot as an offering. Over centuries, they also sank old ships loaded with stones. Gradually, an island emerged from the sea. The tradition continues to this day — every July 22, the people of Perast row boats loaded with rocks to the island in the Fašinada ceremony, one of the oldest maritime traditions in the Mediterranean. The church on the island dates to 1452 and contains 68 paintings by Tripo Kokolja, a 17th-century Perast artist whose work fills the walls and ceiling. The most remarkable object is a tapestry woven by a local woman named Jacinta Kunić-Mijović over 25 years, using silk, gold thread, and her own hair — you can see it change colour from dark to grey to white as she aged. Boat rides from Perast waterfront cost €5 per person and take 5 minutes. Boats depart continuously throughout the day; no schedule or booking needed. The island visit takes 20–30 minutes.
St. George Island
The second island, St. George (Sveti Đorđe), sits just 100 metres from Our Lady of the Rocks but could not be more different. It is a natural island, dark with ancient cypress trees, topped by a 12th-century Benedictine monastery that has been in continuous use for 900 years. The island is closed to visitors — the monks value their solitude — but it is hauntingly beautiful from the water, especially in late afternoon when the cypresses cast long shadows and the monastery walls glow in the golden light. The boat to Our Lady of the Rocks passes close by, and you can ask the boatman to circle it slowly for photographs. The contrast between the two islands — one man-made and bright, the other natural and dark — is one of the most photographed scenes in Montenegro.
Where to Eat in Perast
Perast has several waterfront restaurants, and the setting alone — eating fresh fish with the islands and mountains reflected in the still water of the bay — makes any meal memorable. Conte is the most upscale, with a terrace right on the water and a menu focused on creative seafood (the risotto with scampi is outstanding, mains €15–25). Konoba Školji is more casual, with excellent grilled fish and a relaxed atmosphere (€10–15). For something simple, the cafes serve good coffee and pastries. Prices in Perast are slightly higher than Budva — you are paying for the setting, and it is worth it. A lunch for two with wine and the view costs €40–60 at Conte, €25–40 at Školji.
Combining Perast with Kotor
The ideal day trip from Krimovica combines both towns. Drive to Kotor first (15 min), explore the old town and optionally climb the walls in the morning when it is cooler. Then continue to Perast (15 min from Kotor) for the island boat trip and a waterfront lunch. Return to Krimovica via the same scenic bay road (25 min). Total: a full day of the best Montenegro has to offer, all within 25 minutes of your apartment. If cruise ships are in Kotor, reverse the order — do Perast first (it is never crowded), then Kotor in the late afternoon after the ships leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Our Lady of the Rocks?
Take a boat from Perast waterfront — €5 per person, 5-minute ride. Boats depart continuously all day, no booking needed. The island visit takes 20–30 minutes.
Can you visit St. George island?
No, St. George island with the Benedictine monastery is closed to visitors. You can see it beautifully from the boat to Our Lady of the Rocks — ask the boatman to circle it for photos.
How long do you need in Perast?
Allow 2–3 hours: 45 minutes for the town, 30 minutes for the island, and time for a waterfront lunch. Combine with Kotor (15 min away) for a perfect full day from Krimovica.
Is Perast crowded?
Much less than Kotor. Even in August, Perast feels manageable. It is an excellent alternative on days when cruise ships make Kotor uncomfortably busy.
Stay at Mata Apartments
3 apartments in Krimovica from €35/night. Free parking, WiFi, sea views.
