The Bay of Kotor is the most beautiful and deepest bay on the Adriatic — so far inland that many call it the Mediterranean's only "fjord". Tall mountains drop straight into the sea, and the shore is lined with stone towns, fishing villages and churches centuries old.
For us, Boka is the first and primary region: it's where we are, where we live, and where we know best where to send you. This guide is your starting point — from here you jump to the towns, the beaches, getting around and the seasons.
What the Bay of Kotor is
Boka is made up of four basins joined by the narrow Verige strait — from the open sea at Herceg Novi, through the Bay of Tivat, to the inner Kotor–Risan basin. Kotor's old town and its surroundings are a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to the blend of nature, history and maritime tradition.
Everything is close: it's only about fifty kilometres along the coast from Herceg Novi to Kotor, but the coves and switchbacks make the drive longer than the map suggests — and that's part of the charm.
The four towns of Boka
Each town has its own character. Kotor is a medieval old town beneath a fortress; Tivat is Boka's modern gateway with the airport and the Porto Montenegro marina; Herceg Novi is the green "town of stairs" at the mouth of the bay; Perast is a baroque jewel with two islands.
- Kotor — the old town, the city walls and the Fortress of St John
- Tivat — Porto Montenegro, the airport and the Luštica peninsula
- Herceg Novi — Forte Mare, the Pet Danica promenade and Igalo
- Perast and Risan — Our Lady of the Rocks and Roman mosaics
What you shouldn't miss
If you only have a few days, these are the experiences you'll remember:
- Climbing Kotor's city walls before sunset
- A boat to Our Lady of the Rocks near Perast
- The Blue Cave and the beaches of Luštica (Žanjice, Mirišta, Rose)
- A waterfront stroll in Dobrota, Prčanj or along Pet Danica in Herceg Novi
- A seaside tavern with fresh fish and local wine
Getting around
The nearest airport is Tivat (TIV), a few minutes from the centre. The easiest way around Boka is by transfer or rental car, while the Kamenari–Lepetane ferry cuts across the bay and shortens the trip towards Tivat and Herceg Novi. Details are in a separate guide.
When to come
July and August are peak season — warm sea, but also the biggest crowds. May, June, September and October offer the best balance of weather, price and calm. There's more on the seasons in the "When to visit Boka" guide.
