Activities after work
At Kotor Nest, we enjoy creating a vibrant community experience for our residents. We regularly organize a variety of activities and events, especially during the weekends. However, we understand that everyone has different interests and schedules. That's why we offer the flexibility for you to plan your weekdays according to your preferences and availability, you can also connect with someone from the community and organize something together.
To make it easier for you, we came up with some suggestions for you to explore. Our team is always here to assist you in making the most of your time, thus feel free to approach our team members for guidance and recommendations.
Hiking around Kotor
Hiking in Kotor is like exploring a beautiful mix of mountains and the sea. It's a chance to walk through stunning nature and discover old forts and hidden spots. Besides being good exercise, hiking here lets you enjoy fresh air and learn about Kotor's history. It's a great way to connect with nature and create wonderful memories in one of Europe's most charming places. The ideal seasons for hiking in Montenegro are autumn and spring when the weather is cooler.
While hiking in Montenegro is safe, it’s important to keep in mind the following things before and during your hike:
Stick to established, waymarked trails for a safe hiking experience, reducing the risk of getting lost. Be cautious with user-generated site guidance.
Do your research before starting your hike. Ensure you have all necessary information, including trail conditions, potential closures, and estimated hiking times.
Choose a trail that suits your fitness level and aligns with your interests.
Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the conditions.
Prior to your hike, inform someone of your plans, carry a fully charged phone, and have a map or GPS device handy for navigation.
Remember, hiking with a companion is generally safer and more enjoyable than hiking alone.
Be aware of the presence of snakes, including the nose-horned viper, in the mountains around Kotor.
Always carry enough water and some snacks to keep you energized during your hike.
Vrmac Ridge Trail
Difficulty | Easy
Distance | 8.5 km out-and-back
Time Needed | 3 hours
Trailhead | Fort Vrmac (parking area)
Elevation Gain/Loss | 282 meters
Minimum Elevation | 469 meters
Maximum Elevation | 765 meters
Vrmac is the elongated, barrel-shaped mountain situated between Kotor and Tivat. This mountain range serves as the central spine of the peninsula that effectively splits the Bay of Kotor into two distinct sections: a triangular-shaped "outer bay" and a fjord-like "inner bay."
Following an ancient military road constructed during the Austro-Hungarian era, the Vrmac ridge trail connects the ruins of Fort Vrmac to the highest point on the ridge, Sveti Ilija, which stands at 765 meters above sea level. The journey commences at Fort Vrmac, conveniently accessible via a short 17-minute drive from Kotor. Alternatively, if you're traveling without a vehicle, you can embark on a scenic hike from Kotor up to the fort.
As you venture along the Vrmac trail, you'll head northward, away from the Fort Vrmac ruins, and enter a captivating pine forest. Along this trail, it's not uncommon to come across free-roaming cows and goats, adding to the unique and picturesque experience.
Ladder of Kotor
Difficulty | 3/10
Distance | 14.1 km lollipop-circuit
Time Needed | 4-6 hours
Trailhead | 42.427211, 18.773356
Elevation Gain/Loss | 1009 meters
Minimum Elevation | 7 meters
Maximum Elevation | 950 meters
The Ladder of Kotor is a historic hiking trail that links Kotor to Krstac Pass. Dating back to the 19th century, this trail was constructed by the Austrians to establish a connection between Kotor and Njeguši, as well as Cetinje, which once served as Montenegro's royal capital.
Your journey along the Kotor Ladder hike begins at Tabačina Road, located just outside the fortified Old Town, near the River Gate (North Gate). The trail gradually ascends the mountainside, boasting a total of 70 switchbacks, all the while positioned between the Scurda Canyon and the protective ramparts of Kotor. As you progress, you'll come across two stone buildings offering refreshments to hikers. The higher of these buildings provides an opportunity for a detour to visit the Sveti Đorđe (St. George) chapel, situated within the abandoned village of Špiljari.
It typically takes about 2 hours to reach the Top of the Kotor Ladder viewpoint. This is where most hikers wisely opt to turn around and make their descent. For those looking to extend their hike, Trail 759 continues for an additional 40 minutes to reach Krstac Pass. Upon reaching the P1 road, you'll head right in the direction of Žanjev Do. Continue along the road, pass through a road tunnel, and then descend along Trail 753 toward Kotor.
Upon returning to the trail 759/753 junction, follow the familiar switchback trail as it leads you back down to Kotor.
Pestingrad Peak
Difficulty | 7/10
Distance | 5.7 km out-and-back
Time Needed | 2,5 hours
Trailhead | Etno Selo Sveti Georgije / Krstac
Elevation Gain/Loss | 243 meters
Minimum Elevation | 927 meters
Maximum Elevation | 1027 meters
This hike offers a challenging but rewarding adventure, providing breathtaking vistas of the Kotor region and the Adriatic coastline along the way. Ensure you're well-prepared for the hike with appropriate gear, snacks, and plenty of water. Begin your hike at Krstac Pass, where you can park at the roadside parking area facing the playground of Etno Selo Sveti Georgije (Sveti Đorđe).
Gravel Side Road: Opposite the parking area, you'll find a gravel side road leading to several rustic holiday homes. Follow this road, heading towards the cone-shaped Mrajankik mountain (1336 m).
First Junction: At the first signed junction, take a left in the direction of Derinksi Vrh (1 hour) and Pestingrad (1,5 hours).
Second Junction: At the next junction, turn right towards Pestingrad.
Forest Path: The trail continues undulating through the forest. During our hike, the path was slightly overgrown but still easily identifiable thanks to numerous waymarks.
Emerging from the Forest: As the trail emerges from the forest, you'll descend the exposed (but secured) western flank of Derinski Vrh, leading to the slender saddle between the two peaks.
Summit of Pestingrad: Hike up the saddle and ascend to the rocky summit of Pestingrad, marked with Montenegro's proud red and gold flag. From this vantage point, you can enjoy panoramic views of the fortified Old Town of Kotor, the entire Bay of Kotor, and the Adriatic Sea.
Return: Follow the same trail back to your starting point at Krstac Pass.
This challenging hike offers the opportunity to reach Pestingrad from Kotor, starting with the Ladder of Kotor and continuing on to the summit. It's essential to note that this is a lengthy out-and-back hike, covering approximately 20 kilometers and taking about 8 hours to complete.
Kotor Fortress and City Walls
Difficulty | Moderate
Distance | 2.5 km out-and-back
Time Needed | 1,5 hours
Trailhead | River Gate/North Gate, Old Town of Kotor
Elevation Gain/Loss | 254 meters
Minimum Elevation | 6 meters
Maximum Elevation | 260 meters
Entrance fee | 8 euro
The Kotor Fortress, also known as St. John's Fort or San Giovanni Fortress, is perched atop San Giovanni Hill at an elevation of 260 meters above sea level. It commands a commanding view over the picturesque Old Town of Kotor and the stunning Bay of Kotor.
This fortress, a crucial component of the medieval fortification system, encircles both the Old Town and the encompassing hillside. Its impressive fortifications encompass gates, bastions, towers, and defensive walls, collectively forming a protective network. Ascending the 1,350 steps leading to St. John's Fort typically requires about 45 minutes of hiking effort.
There are two accessible entry points within the confines of Kotor's Old Town, with the one closest to the River Gate (North Gate) being the most convenient to locate. Upon paying the 8 EUR entrance fee, you'll simply follow the well-maintained stone pathway. It leads you first to the Church of Our Lady of Remedy and then further uphill to the summit of the fort.
Other Activities
Luka's Oysters Farm
One of the unique experiences awaiting you in Kotor is a visit to Luka's Oysters Farm. Located within the scenic Bay of Kotor, this oyster farm offers an opportunity to savor some of the freshest and most delicious oysters and mussels.
To reach Luka's Oysters Farm, you have several convenient options:
By Bus: A local bus service that travels along the side of Risan provides a quick and economical way to get there. The bus ride takes approximately 10 minutes.
By Car: If you prefer the flexibility of driving, there are designated parking spots available at the farm, making it easy to reach by private vehicle.
By Foot: For those who enjoy leisurely strolls and picturesque scenery, you can also access the farm on foot, which takes approximately 40 minutes.
Cycling in Kotor
Cycling around Kotor offers some breathtaking opportunities to explore the beautiful Montenegrin coast and its picturesque surroundings. You can explore stunning landscapes, picturesque villages, and historical sites on two wheels.
You can rent bicycles from Travel Kotor. They offer a range of bike options, including mountain bikes and road bikes, to suit your preferences and skill level. Be sure to inquire about rental rates and availability.
Here are a few cycling routes and destinations you can head to from Kotor:
Kotor Bay: Cycling around Kotor Bay can be a leisurely half-day activity, depending on how many stops you make along the way. You can complete the loop in 2-3 hours of cycling.
Perast: Perast is just a short ride from Kotor, and you can reach it in approximately 20-30 minutes by bike.
Tivat: Cycling to Tivat is a relatively short and pleasant ride. You can reach Tivat in about 30-45 minutes by bike.
Herceg Novi: Herceg Novi is located at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, and cycling there can take around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your starting point in Kotor and your cycling speed.
Lustica Peninsula: Exploring Lustica Peninsula can be a day-long adventure. The time it takes to get there depends on your starting point and the specific location you want to reach on the peninsula. Plan for at least 1-2 hours to reach the Lustica Peninsula from Kotor.
Water activities in Kotor
Kotor, located along the stunning Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, offers a variety of water activities for visitors to enjoy its picturesque coastal surroundings.
The bay has generally very calm water all year around. That’s why is perfect for all kinds of boating, kayaking, sailing – and SUP. The water is usually calm here even when there's a swell on the Adriatic coast shoreline (from Lustica Peninsula to Ulcinj).
Boat Tours: Explore the beauty of Kotor Bay and its numerous islands with a boat tour. You can take guided tours that provide historical and cultural insights or simply hire a private boat to cruise at your own pace. Visiting Our Lady of the Rocks and the Blue Cave is a popular part of these tours.
🚣🏼Kayaking: Rent a kayak and paddle around Kotor Bay or explore the narrow canals and inlets of the bay. Kayaking allows you to get up close to the scenic shoreline and enjoy the tranquility of the bay.
🛶Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): Try stand-up paddleboarding for a fun and active way to explore the bay. Paddle along the calm waters and take in the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
🤿Snorkeling and Diving: Discover the underwater world of Kotor Bay by snorkeling or scuba diving. There are several dive centers in the area that offer guided dives, including the opportunity to explore underwater wrecks and marine life.
🎣Fishing: Join a local fishing excursion to experience traditional fishing methods and try your hand at catching some of the local fish species. It's a great way to enjoy the bay's tranquility.
⛵Sailing: Consider taking sailing lessons or chartering a sailboat to explore Kotor Bay from a different perspective. Sailing allows you to enjoy the bay's beauty while learning new skills.
Day tours
Skadarsko jezero (Skadar Lake)
Skadar is a karst lake, between four and six kilometers deep, with many islands on which there are traces of the rich, historical and cultural heritage of Montenegro. The shores of the lake are rich in numerous capes and coves overgrown with reeds, which gives the National Park a special and authentic look.
🚗 Transportation:
Rent a car: The simplest option is to rent a car and to go there.
A bus: You need to buy a ticket to Virpazar, but do not ask for a ticket to Skadar as they might misunderstand you and think you want to travel to the city of Shkodër in Albania. Once on the bus, notify the driver that you are going to National park Skadar and ask if he could let you out close to the entrance which will save you the 800 metre walk from Virpazar.
Stari Bar (The Old Town of Bar)
The old town of Bar, in the southeast of Montenegro, has seen its fair share of troubles. Over the centuries it was taken over by the Venetians, the Serbians, the Hungarians and the Ottoman Empire. The scene of a siege in 1877, it was finally reclaimed by Montenegro from the Turks after the locals bombed the aqueduct into the town and cut off the water supply.
One hundred years later, in 1979, that same aqueduct, since repaired, was destroyed again by a major earthquake and the community was abandoned. Today it lies in ruins.
🚗 Transportation:
Rent a car: Again, the simplest option is to rent a car and to go there. :)
A bus: You can buy a ticket to city Bar.
The old town of Stari Bar is about 5 kilometres from the centre of Bar and, even though it’s uphill, you should be able to walk it in about an hour.
A taxi from Bar should cost about €5, so that could be a good option if there are a few of you.
Otherwise there are irregular bus services that leave from near the train station and cost €1 each way.
Durmitor (city Žabljak)
Durmitor National Park stands as the largest among the five national parks in Montenegro, situated in the northern region of the country. A portion of its park boundary aligns with the border between Montenegro and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
This park boasts 18 glacial lakes, over 50 peaks that reach over 2000 meters in height, and, aside from Tara Canyon, there are two other breathtaking canyons here. Tara Canyon, Europe's deepest canyon, is home to the wild Tara River, known for its crystal-clear blue waters and exciting white rapids perfect for rafting.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Durmitor National Park. Here are some recommendations for exploring this area:
Hiking: Durmitor National Park offers some of the finest hiking experiences in the Balkans, boasting over 200 kilometers of trails suitable for all skill levels.
Black Lake: This is the largest lake in the park, with the Međed mountain (2287 m) rising in the background. You can either take a boat ride on the lake (approximately €8 for 1 hour) or enjoy a walk around it. The trail is approximately 3 km long, and a complete tour of the entire lake takes about an hour and a half.
Rafting on Tara: This is one of the best things to do in Durmitor. You can take a day tours from Kotor, or you can go just for a rafting from there.
Zipline: In addition to rafting, you can also explore Tara Canyon via a zipline that spans its width. The Extreme Zipline Tara, extending 1.05 kilometers, allows you to reach speeds of up to 120 km/h, and the thrill costs €25 per ride. Another option is the Red Rock Tara Zipline, spanning 350 meters with two parallel lines, enabling you to zip alongside a friend simultaneously for €10 per ride.
🚗 Transportation:
Rent a car: The country road P5, which runs from near Nikšić to the Tara Bridge, passes through Žabljak. The driving distance from Kotor to Žabljak is 164 km, which takes approximately 3 hours.
Bus: You can reach Žabljak from Podgorica or Nikšić by bus, but it can be a bit tricky. You'll need to buy a ticket to Podgorica or Nikšić and then purchase another ticket once you arrive there.
Biogradska gora
The National park Biogradska Gora is situated in the central part of mountain massif Bjelalasica, between Tara and Lima river. The park consists of numerous forests and water surfaces. There are 6 lakes in the park area, among which the greatest is the Lake Biograd.
This place is well-known among locals for its traditional cuisine. Typical dishes in the Bjelalasica area predominantly feature dairy products and meat due to the abundance of mountain pastures. Specialties like Cicvara and Kacamak, whether cooked or roasted, are popular choices. You can try all of these dishes in a restaurant near the Lake Biograd – and that is pretty much it.
🚗 Transportation:
Rent a car: Visitors mostly come by their own cars because currently there is no direct transport to the National park Biogradska Gora. The driving distance from Kotor to NP is 167 km, which takes approximately 3 hours.
Bus/train: The closest bus and train stops are in Mojkovac and Kolasin. Get off the train/bus in Mojkovac and get a taxi for ~5€ or hike for 5 kilometres:). Taxi fare from Kolasin will cost you around 10€.
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