Looking for a destination that combines rich history, beautiful landscapes and access to super yachts and luxurious locations for your next luxury summer getaway? Then let us introduce you to Kotor in Montenegro.
Croatia’s somewhat lesser-travelled neighbour is a breath-takingly beautiful nation and Kotor is its proudest gem, with mountainous scenery, golden sandy beaches lapped by the warm waves of the Adriatic, and a vibrant cultural scene you won’t be able to get enough of.
Hotspots Kotor Old Town and Boka Bay offer everything you need for a dream holiday, and promise an experience you’ll never forget. Here’s how to spend an incredible luxury break here that’s fit for a celebrity.
Why Kotor is popular
Kotor is a city with a storied history behind it, and enjoys a prime location on Boka Bay – one of the most beautiful bays in the Mediterranean. With its quaint, cobbled streets, medieval architecture and impressive views of the mountains and the sea, it’s a thoroughly Instagram-worthy spot that offers plenty to see, do and learn, whether you’re seeking a packed itinerary or a relaxed and laid-back escape.
Luxury accommodation: Where to stay in Kotor
Kotor and its surrounding areas offer plenty of luxurious accommodation options that will satisfy even the most demanding guests. Our top recommendations are:
Hotel Forza Mare
Luxury boutique hotel Hotel Forza Mare is located right on the beach, which means you’re only ever just a few steps from the sand, and offers elegant, stylishly decorated rooms and impeccable service.
Prices for one week in a double room during summer are around 3000 EURs.
Regent Porto Montenegro
If you want to experience the utmost in Montenegrin luxury, Porto Montenegro is a well-known destination for high-end UK holidaymakers.
This luxury marina complex in Tivat, just a short drive from Kotor, offers lavish accommodation, a selection of great restaurants, and an array of sophisticated boutiques and yacht clubs.
Waking up in a room with a balcony and sea view will make your Mediterranean holiday perfect, and the opulent Regent Porto Montenegro is just the ticket. A double room for a week’s stay is around 3000 EURs.
Lustica Bay
Lustica Bay is another prestigious destination and luxury hotspot in Europe, and has been gradually built over the last 10 years. This modern complex offers beautiful villas, apartments and five-star hotels like The Chedi Lustica Bay, which is known for its high-level services, decadent dining options and raft of plush amenities.
A stay here will give you access to a private beach, a yacht marina, a golf course and various other facilities to enjoy during a relaxing break – plus it’s conveniently located just a 20-minute drive from Kotor Old Town.
What to see in Boka Bay
Old Town Kotor
If you’re eager to get out and about and explore what the region has to offer, then Old Town Kotor should be your first port of call. This medieval fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and comprises narrow streets, old churches and big bastion walls, and a stroll here is guaranteed to whisk you back in time.
Don’t miss a hike to the top of the fortress for a panoramic view from St. Ivan church, where you can take in the stunning Boka Bay in front of you, in all its glory.
If you have a little more time to spare in Kotor, take a cable car from Kotor to the National Park of Lovcen. A round trip comes in at 23 EUR for adults and 12 EUR for children.
Perast
The quaint little fishing village of Perast is another destination you won’t want to miss during your time in Montenegro. Known for its baroque palaces and churches, Perast offers a peaceful atmosphere and a wonderful view of the islands of Our Lady of Rocks (Gospa od Skrpjela) and St. George. Take a boat tour to the islands to explore their captivating hidden secrets. For lunch, try restaurant Content, one of the best restaurants in Boka Bay.
Porto Novi
Porto Novi is a new luxury resort located near Herceg Novi, less than an hour from Kotor. This modernly designed complex offers high-quality accommodation, wellness centres and exclusive restaurants, and there’s also a marina for yachts, making it the perfect choice for those who want to immerse themselves in luxury and elegance.
Excursions and activities in Kotor
Rafting in Montenegro
Rafting in Montenegro is a must try activity for the adrenaline junkie, and there’s no better place to try it than on the Tara River. The Modra Rijeka camp offers a great one-day trip to
Tara, known as the “Tear of Europe”, where you can enjoy one of the best rafting experiences in Europe. With the deepest canyon on the continent – and the second deepest in the world – it’s under the protection of UNESCO with wild nature, and the trip promises to be an a thrill-filled excursion that allows ample time to admire the untouched nature that surrounds you along the way.
Cruise along the Bay of Kotor
One of the best ways to explore the beauty of the Boka Kotorska is by boat, and renting a luxury yacht so that you can sail along the coast, enjoying the view of beautiful Montenegro, is a unique way to enjoy its sights from the water.
Doing so will allow you to visit hidden beaches like Dobrech or Rose, as well as various picturesque towns, all whilst experiencing the utmost in privacy and exclusivity.
Golf and Lustica Bay
For golf lovers, Lustica Bay offers a superb and modern golf course with a spectacular view of the sea. This course, designed to the highest standards, provides a unique golfing experience in a stunning area with seaside views.
Where to eat and drink in Kotor?
Exclusive restaurants
Kotor and its surrounding areas are known for being home to a variety of top restaurants that offer some truly unforgettable culinary experiences. Visit restaurant Portun in Kotor, where you can enjoy fresh seafood with a wonderful view of the bay. For something special, reserve a table at Al Posto Guisto or Gallardo restaurant in Porto Montenegro and enjoy a combination of local and international dishes along with friendly and attentive service.
Wine tour
Montenegro is famous for its wines, and the best way to try them for yourself is on a wine tour. You can visit one of a number of wineries around Kotor, such as the Savina winery, and taste some of the nation’s proudest types with expert guides who will show you all the secrets of Montenegrin viticulture.
Don’t miss wines like Vranac and Krstac, which are recognised around the world as Montenegrin autochthonous varieties of wine.
Wellness and spa
Regent Spa Porto Montenegro
For complete relaxation, visit the sumptuous Regent Spa in Porto Montenegro – a luxury spa centre offering a wide range of treatments, from massages to hydrotherapy, all in a wonderful setting with a view of the sea.
Spa Centre in Lustica Bay
The Chedi Hotel in Lustica Bay also offers a superb spa centre where you can enjoy various treatments for relaxation and revitalisation. With a sauna, steam bath and massages, as well as private beach access, here, you’ll experience complete peace and have the chance to unwind in a tranquil and beautiful setting.
Culture and Art
KotorArt
For culture lovers, KotorArt is one of the most important cultural events in the region. This international festival brings together artists from all over the world and offers a rich programme of concerts, performances and exhibitions.
Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum in Kotor is the perfect place for those who want to learn more about the maritime history of the region. Located in a prestigious 18th century palace, it offers a rich collection of exhibits that showcase the rich maritime tradition of Boka Bay.
