Kotor is located on the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro, it’s also known as Boka Bay or Boka Kotorska. It is one of the hottest destinations in the last few years, due to its immense fjord, calm turquoise waters, the medieval old town and variety of activities like hiking, kayaking, boat trips and beach days. If you’re figuring out where to stay in Montenegro, Kotor should be near the top of your list
The beauty of Kotor doesn’t creep up on you silently, it practically smacks you in the face. I was in awe when the bus entered Kotor Bay, the silvery mountains and glittering waters make for a melodramatic backdrop. The mountain peaks were almost too perfect to be real. I was just staring out the window with excitement bubbling in my belly. After spending the previous year in big cities, the lack of a skyline was refreshing. I knew I was in for a memorable time here.
Although other guides recommend many areas, I am going to be real with you and suggest the most logical areas that ensure you are not stuck in a car for the majority of your trip.
At first glance, the Bay of Kotor feels almost unreal, a fjord-like sweep of deep blue water framed by sun glistening grey peaked limestone mountains. The shoreline is scattered with stone towns and quiet fishing villages, including Kotor, Dobrota, Muo, Prčanj and Perast, strung along the calm waters of the inner bay.
But Boka isn’t just one bay, it’s a series of connected inlets that unfold gradually as you travel through it. The innermost Bay of Kotor flows into the Bay of Risan, then widens toward the Bay of Tivat, before finally opening into the Bay of Herceg Novi and the Adriatic Sea beyond. Rising steeply above Muo and Prčanj, the Vrmac ridge forms a natural barrier, quietly separating the inner, fjord-like heart of the bay from the waters near Tivat.
I’ve written a detailed guide of the best things to do in Kotor based on my 2 month stay.
Last updated: March 2026
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Before You Go
Tourist Tax All tourists to Kotor staying less than 30 days need to pay a tourist tax within 48 hours of arrival. It costs €1 per day. The office is located here and it will be checked when you leave the country, if you don’t pay you could be fined up to €150.
Insurance: I recommend True Traveller for EU/UK citizens and World Nomads for anyone else. Both are highly reputable and reliable travel insurers.
Mobile data: Airalo is a super convenient eSIM that you can just download to your phone and go!
Car Rental: DiscoverCars for a large selection and competitive prices.
Getting Around Kotor
It’s important to note that Montenegro does not have the best infrastructure. Although everything looks close on the map, traffic during peak season dramatically extends travel time.
It’s best not to rely on public transport as the buses do not stick to a schedule. The timetable says 9 AM. You might not see the bus until after 10 AM. I actually never got a bus that was on time in Kotor. If you’re in holiday mode that’s ok, but if you have somewhere you need to be then it’s far from ideal.
My advice is to rent a bike for towns around the bay like Dobrota and Perast. They are not too far away, the road between Dobrota and Kotor has a separate cycling/walking track. You will just have to use the main road for 9 KM between Dobrota and Perast.
For towns outside of Kotor like Herceg Novi, Budva and Tivat there are frequent Blueline buses. You can book tickets on busticket4.me. Buses between Perast, Dobrota, Muo and Kotor can be paid for with cash on board. Tickets are only €1.
If you rent a car it’s critical to find accommodation with a parking space. There is a shortage of public car spaces around Kotor, I saw so many cars clamped on a daily basis.
Water taxis are also available, they are a speedy alternative to Kotor’s congested roads. You can find them mainly at Kotor harbour and Perast. However, they are expensive costing around €40 for a 20 minute journey across the bay. The boats are small and go fast, therefore they are not suitable for anyone with motion sickness.
Map Of Where To Stay In Kotor
| From Old Town To | Walking | Driving | Bus Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dobrota | 25–35 min | 5–10 min | Yes |
| Muo | 30–40 min | 7–10 min | Yes |
| Prcanj | 1 hr 30 min | 15–20 min | Yes |
| Perast | 3 hrs | 20–25 min | Yes |
Where To Stay In Kotor
Whether you’re looking for luxury hotels in Kotor or budget apartments, the area you choose matters more than the property itself. Here’s a quick overview of each place to stay in Kotor depending on your travel style.
| Travel style | Best area to stay in Kotor |
|---|---|
| First-timers | Old Town + Dobrota |
| Budget travelers | Muo + Prcanj |
| Peaceful | Muo, Prcanj + Dobrota |
| Nature & scenery | Dobrota + Muo |
Where To Stay In Kotor With No Car
Old Town Kotor
Best place to stay in Kotor for: first-timers, nightlife, convenience
Kotor Old Town is the best place to stay in Montenegro for first-time visitors. It offers the best of the bay on your doorstep.
This UNESCO World Heritage site has perfectly preserved medieval buildings and streets, hidden away beside large city walls that wrap around the town.
I found the town to have such a romantic atmosphere. As you wander around the cobblestoned paths you’ll notice the mountains peeking out from behind the buildings. It’s a town that begs you to slow down, grab a glass of wine and soak up its atmosphere.
Staying in the old town also means you’re perfectly placed for adventures beyond the walls. The Kotor Ladder hike winds steeply up the mountain behind the town, rewarding you with views that make the climb feel worthwhile. Beaches sit just minutes from the city gates and the streets themselves are lined with enough restaurants and bars to fill several evenings (and bellies).
Regular buses and boat tours connect you to the other towns dotted around the bay, each with their own quieter, unhurried charm that makes for a lovely contrast to Kotor’s bustle.
What’s the catch?
Kotor is a cruise ship destination, during peak months 3 cruise ships can dock here daily which can bring around 9,000 extra visitors per day. The majority of visitors remain in the old town which makes it crowded. This can dilute the atmospheric nature of the place as you’re weaving in and out of large tour groups, which feels more frustrating than whimsical and romantic.
If you are a light sleeper Kotor has a lively nightlife. People spill out onto the street, it’s great fun when you are part of it, but if you’re looking for rest then be sure to choose accommodation that has good insulation to block out the noise from the street. Most hotels will have this but it’s a good idea to cast your eye over the reviews. However, all bars close at 1AM so it’s not horrendous.
Lastly, this is a small caveat but if you are travelling with heavy luggage the old town will be difficult to navigate. Many apartments and hotels have steep cobbled steps to the entrance, elevators in apartments are also a rarity.
Best Hotels In Kotor Old Town
$$$
from $380 per night
Kerber-Graz
1860
Tucked inside Kotor’s ancient walls, this newly renovated boutique hotel pairs centuries of history with cloud-soft beds, stunning finishes, and every modern comfort you could ask for. It’s intimate, elegant, and the kind of place you’ll wish you’d booked for longer.
$$
from $200 per night
Hotel
Vardar
Wake up to views of Kotor’s most atmospheric square from elegantly
appointed rooms that mix
classic style with modern comfort. You’re right in the heart of the
Old Town, steps from everything:
restaurants, the city walls, the waterfront.
Stone walls, rustic character, and a buzzing social scene make this the best budget base in the Old Town.
A great crowd, a prime location, and a price that leaves
plenty
left over for wine and day trips.
Dobrota
Best place to stay in Kotor for: beach days, scenic walks, slow pace, long stays
Dobrota offers visitors a happy medium, tranquil enough to properly unwind, convenient enough that you never feel cut off. Quieter and less crowded than the old town, this stretch of the bay is dotted with small beaches and has a neighbourhood feel that Kotor itself can’t offer.
It’s close enough to the old town that you don’t miss out, a 20-30 minute stroll along the coastal path connects the two, and it’s one of the nicest walks in the area. The path hugs the bay for around 5km, with the mountains rising on one side and bright water on the other. Cars have largely moved to the newer main road inland, so you can walk or cycle without the interruption of traffic.
I recommend against staying on the main road due to large amount of traffic and the noise pollution that brings. Make sure your accommodation is not on the road marked E80/E65.
Traditional Montenegrin house, restaurants and cafes line one side of the road while the other side is a picture perfect panoramic view over the Bay of Kotor. A low rumble of a speed boat in the distance and the sound of cutlery from eateries are the only sounds you’ll hear. I loved it and came here as much as possible.
Choosing Dobrota as a place to stay in Kotor allows you the best of both worlds. Kotor is easy to reach but you aren’t confronted with the crowds on the days you want to relax.
What’s the catch?
Getting around beyond walking distance requires some patience. The local Blueline bus connects Dobrota to Kotor, Perast, and Tivat, running roughly every hour. However, traffic in the bay area can be severe and buses rarely stick to their timetable, waits of an hour or more aren’t uncommon in peak season. If you’re staying in Dobrota, walking or cycling is the most reliable way to get around.
It’s also worth noting that Dobrota is quieter by nature. If you’re only in the area for a night or two and want to be in the thick of things, the old town might suit you better. But for those who want easy beach access, beautiful walks and a slower pace without fully sacrificing convenience, Dobrota is a strong choice.
Best Hotels In Dobrota
$$$
from $400 per night
HUMA
Hotel
This sleek five-star retreat sits right on the water with a private beach, infinity pool, and sweeping bay views that never get old. Spend your days between the sun loungers and the waterfront restaurant, then stroll into Kotor along the coastal path at sunset.
$$
from $200 per night
R
Palazzo
A bright, breezy stay with sparkling sea views, direct beach access
and a garden restaurant serving fresh Mediterranean
dishes. Lounge by the pool, wander the shoreline and fall into a slower, more effortless pace of life.
Cosy rooms and apartments, many overlooking the bay
with a private beach and a
terrace restaurant serving fresh-caught fish. It’s calm, sun-soaked and genuinely good value for a spot this close to the water.
Muo
Best place to stay in Kotor for: peace, swimming, long stays, budget
Directly across the bay from Kotor Old Town is the tranquil Muo. This is a quiet stretch of apartments and hotels lining a small road that overlooks the mountainous bay.
Stay here if you want pure peace, the only sound is the gentle waves lapping against the shore’s pebbles. It’s a place to sunbathe, swim, kayak and totally replenish yourself.
Surrounded by dramatic grey mountains, you are on the foot of Fort Vrmac, a moderate hike with views of the Bay of Kotor and Tivat Airport.
Most of the accommodations in this area come with a view. You won’t find hotels here, mainly apartments and villas. Many accommodations have small piers adjacent to their property that act as a private beach that you can lounge on. if you enjoy swimming, this is the best place for you.
There are also very small beaches dotted along the road but they fill up fast.
The local Blueline bus between Kotor and Tivat also goes past here stopping at Prcanj which is another small town not too far from Muo.
What’s the catch?
There are no restaurants or shops here, you will have to walk around 20 minutes into Kotor Old Town. This is fine in the day but something to consider at night, the roads are winding therefore not the safest in the dark of night.
It’s best for long term stays, if you only have 1-2 days in Kotor it would be wasteful to stay here as you’re away from most of the action. But if you’re here for a week or more then the quietness is a blessing.
Best Hotels In Muo
$$$
from $240 per night
18th Century
Villa
A beautifully restored villa with generous living spaces, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with jaw-dropping views over the bay. Ideal for families or groups who want their own slice of the Montenegrin coast in style.
$$
from $140 per night
Heated Pool
Apartment
A bright, modern apartment with a private pool, sunny garden, and fully equipped kitchen, everything you need for a relaxed stay with nothing left to chance. Perfect for couples or small families wanting privacy and comfort.
Spacious, modern rooms with a fully equipped kitchen, hydromassage shower, and a terrace to soak up the bay views.
Quiet, well-priced,
and more comfortable than you’d
expect at this price point.
Where To Stay In Kotor With A Car
Perast
Best place to stay in Kotor for: luxury + romance
Perast sits at the northern end of the bay, a tiny and charming fishing village that feels a world away from the bustle of Kotor. It remains authentic despite increasing tourism.
The entire village lines a single promenade overlooking the water, with dramatic mountains rising behind it and the bay stretching out in front. It’s one of the most picturesque spots along the entire bay.
You can explore the whole village in a couple of hours, which tells you everything you need to know about its scale. A handful of lovely waterside restaurants make for a relaxed lunch or dinner, and the atmosphere is genuinely peaceful.
What’s the catch?
Perast is very small, and that’s both its charm and its limitation. If you’re here for more than a day or two you may find yourself wanting more options for restaurants and bars than it can offer. Kotor is around a 15 minute drive away, but unlike Dobrota and Muo, Perast isn’t walkable from the old town as the main road makes the journey difficult on foot.
For those wanting easy access to Kotor’s old town, Muo or Dobrota are the stronger base. But if you’re after total tranquility, genuine charm, and don’t mind having a car to hand, Perast delivers something the other areas simply can’t.
Best Hotels In Perast
$$$
from $340 per night
Heritage Grand
Perast
Perast’s finest address offers spa, sauna, hammam, and fitness centre alongside a buffet breakfast and cocktail bar with front-row views of the bay. Luxurious, unhurried, and completely unforgettable, this is the benchmark for the entire region.
$$
from $170 per night
Conte
Hotel
A charming, characterful hotel with an on-site restaurant specialising in fresh fish, plus a tour desk and laundry service to keep everything running smoothly. Quiet, full of personality, and attentive in all the ways that matter most.
Air-conditioned rooms with sea and mountain views, a sun terrace, garden, shared kitchen, and free private parking.
It’s hard to find better value in Perast. Attentive hosts and stunning scenery make this one a genuine find.
Prcanj
Best place to stay in Kotor for: value, swimming, exploring the outer bay
A small seaside village nestled on the west side of Kotor Bay around 4.5 km from Kotor Old Town and 3 km from Muo. Like Muo, Prcanj is a stretch of quiet road along the bay.
However, unlike Muo, Prcanj has a bit more going on with a few hotels, bars and restaurants. A small supermarket and minimart which allows you some freedom in not always hopping to Kotor for essentials.
Staying in Prcanj puts you at a 15 minute drive from the Lepetani ferry which will take you across to the village of Kamenari in about 10 minutes. It allows you to explore the outer Bay of Kotor with relative ease.
What’s the catch?
Although a bus does pass here between Tivat and Kotor, it’s not walking distance to Kotor, therefore a car is essential unless you’re happy to spend most of your time gazing out over the Bay of Kotor.
Best Hotels In Prcanj
$$$
from $230 per night
Hotel
Libertas
An 18th-century stone house right on the water in Prčanj, with a private beach just ten metres from the door, an outdoor pool, and buffet breakfasts packed with local specialities. Rooms are well-equipped and the staff are repeatedly singled out in reviews for going above and beyond.
$$
from $170 per night
Apartments
Saxo
A recently renovated 4-star apartment tucked inside a historic building, with a private beach, sun terrace, and a garden restaurant serving everything from fresh Mediterranean dishes to evening cocktails. Family rooms with sea-view balconies make it a strong pick for groups.
A peaceful guesthouse perched above the bay with balcony views that stop you in your tracks. Guests return again and again for the scenery and the genuinely welcoming host. Practical extras like a hot tub, private parking, and a fully equipped kitchen make it as comfortable as it is scenic.
Where To Stay In Kotor FAQ
How long does it take to walk around Kotor Old Town?
You can easily see Kotor Old Town in half a day. It’s a small town that is easy to walk around. However the surrounding areas of Lovcen National Park, Vrmac Fort, Dobrota and Perast are also worth visiting so it’s recommended to extend your itinerary to 2-3 days.
How far is the Kotor port from the town Centre?
Kotor port is conveniently located just outside the city walls. It’s about a 2-3 minute walk once you disembark your ship.
What is the prettiest town on the Bay of Kotor?
Kotor Old Town takes the prize for the prettiest town on the Bay of Kotor. It has romantic cobblestoned alleys, mountain and bay views along with charming wine bars.
Are hotels expensive in Kotor?
Yes, Kotor is not a cheap destination. The average price of a hotel is $150 per night. But you can find budget options from $80 if you book early.
What is the best area to stay in Kotor?
Kotor Old Town and Dobrota are the best areas to stay in Kotor. Both are within walking distance of each other but offer visitors different experiences. Kotor Old Town is lively with large crowds of day trippers and cruise ship passengers, it has shops, restaurants and is tucked behind city walls. Whereas Dobrota is outside the city walls along the bay. It’s quiet with a handful of restaurants with most people in the area to sunbathe.
In Kotor for 1-2 days then stay in the old town but Dobrota is best for longer stays.
Is Kotor worth visiting?
Yes, Kotor immerses you in nature, surrounded by mountains and water you can spend your days outdoors climbing to viewpoints, swimming or just sunbathing. It is also a buzzing town with heaps of culture, small cafes nestled down narrow alleys with yummy local pastries and a fun nightlife. It’s an excellent trip that offers something for everyone.
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