Most tourists wanting to take advantage of the Adriatic Sea’s shoreline will head to either Croatia or Italy. But the underrated and somewhat unknown coastal town of Kotor in Montenegro is definitely worth a look. This destination has numerous sights and sounds to make the most of while also benefiting from a favorable Mediterranean climate. But what are some of the other reasons to visit?
The scenery
Surrounded by mountains, the Bay of Kotor’s scenery is as pretty as a picture. In many respects, it resembles the Norwegian fjords with turquoise waters, rocky cliff faces and plenty of greenery. But you won’t have to endure the glacial Scandinavian weather to experience Kotor’s mesmerizing views.
The history
Kotor was first colonized by the Ancient Greeks, but rose to prominence in the twelfth century. Much of this history can still be explored in the Old Town (Stari Grad), which features a maze of narrow streets and some charming architecture. Highlights include the old Rector’s Palace and a leaning clock tower, St Tryphon’s Cathedral and the main square Trg od Oružja.
The activities
In addition to learning about Kotor’s past, you can participate in a number of activities. You can, for instance, climb the Upper Town Walls, which takes about an hour, for a superb view of Kotor. Alternatively, you can raft on the Tara river, paraglide off one of the surrounding cliffs or hike to Krstac, located in Serbia.
The food
Montenegro cuisine might not be the most famous in the world, but Kotor’s geographic position means that you can sample some delicious fresh fish dishes. However, understand that restaurants inside the city walls can be a bit more expensive and crowded during peak times, so head outside of the Centre for some affordable fare.
The price
Kotor is remarkably good value for money. Regardless of your budget, you’ll have a better choice of accommodation and can dine out in fancy restaurants more often too.
For these reasons, Kotor in Montenegro makes a lovely European holiday. It provides lots to see and do and doesn’t put a serious dent in your budget. You can see more of Montenegro with Saga Travel, who also offer Budva as one of their destinations in Montenegro. Wherever you choose, though, you can be sure you’ll enjoy yourself!
Image by MrSnooks, used under Creative Commons license
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