Doing fun day trips from Kotor in Montenegro is a fantastic way to explore the surrounding sights. Kotor’s central location makes it a great base for visiting the Montenegrin Riviera, hiking the stunning national parks, and taking in nearby towns and attractions. You can even hop over to Dubrovnik in neighbouring Croatia!
In this article – we outline the best places to visit near Kotor, from natural beauty spots to enchanting historic towns.
We visited Montenegro in July 2023 and spent a week exploring Kotor Bay and the surrounding area. While Kotor itself was definitely one of the highlights, we were really impressed with the nearby towns and coastline too.
Top 10 Day Trips From Kotor
Kotor, nestled along the Adriatic coast in Montenegro, offers a perfect base for exploring the country’s diverse landscapes, historic sites, and natural wonders. Here are some of the best day trip options from Kotor…
- Perast
- Budva
- Tivat
- Lovćen National Park
- Cetinje
- Lake Skadar
- Dubrovnik
- Ostrog Monastery
- Herceg Novi
- Bar
Whether you want to take in the stunning coastline, explore cobbled back streets, or hang out with the super-yacht crowd, there’s something here for you. Let’s explore each of these day trips in more detail…
Perast
Perast is a tiny town just 12km (7.5 miles) drive from Kotor. It’s known for its well-preserved Baroque architecture and the picturesque islands of Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George. On a day trip here you can explore the town’s quaint streets and take a boat trip to visit the islands.
Travel Time: Perast is approximately 15 minutes from Kotor by car.
Budva
Budva is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Montenegro. The town is known for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and historic Old Town. Take a day trip here and stroll along the seaside promenade, visit the ancient citadel, and relax on its sandy beaches.
Travel Time: Budva is approximately 30 minutes (22 km/14 miles) from Kotor by car.
Tivat
We loved exploring Tivat when we visited Montenegro. It has beautiful beaches, leafy parks, and a luxurious marina, yet none of the tourist crowds that fill nearby towns. There’s plenty to do in Tivat if you’re there for a day, from admiring super-yachts along the Promenade to watching the sunset at Buddha Bar.
Travel Time: Tivat is just 10 km (6 miles) from Kotor which only takes 15 minutes (but there’s often traffic jams on the road between Kotor and Tivat so it’s worth leaving early to avoid them).
Top Tip – We based ourselves at the Casa Montenegro Residence Hotel, located between Kotor and Tivat, so that we had easy access to both towns.
Lovćen National Park
A short drive from Kotor, Lovćen National Park offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Kotor. You can hike to the summit of Mount Lovćen for panoramic vistas, explore the mausoleum of Petar II Petrović Njegoš, and enjoy the pristine nature.
Travel Time: The national park is approximately 40-45 mins from Kotor by car.
Cetinje
The other side of Lovćen National Park is Cetinje, Montenegro’s former capital. It’s an hour’s drive from Kotor and is known for its museums, monasteries, and cultural heritage. On a day trip here you can visit the Cetinje Monastery, the Biljarda Museum, and explore the town’s charming streets.
Travel Time: Cetinje is approximately 60 mins from Kotor by car.
Lake Skadar
Lake Skadar is the largest lake in the Balkans and an easy day trip from Kotor. It’s the perfect spot for a boat trip and a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. You can explore the lake’s unique ecosystem, visit charming fishing villages, and enjoy a relaxing day surrounded by stunning scenery.
Travel Time: Lake Skadar is a 75-min drive from Kotor.
Dubrovnik
Why limit yourself to Montenegro when neighbouring Croatia is on Kotor’s doorstep? It’s easy to take a day trip to Dubrovnik and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Town. You can walk along the city walls, and visit historic landmarks like Rector’s Palace and Sponza Palace.
Travel Time: Dubrovnik is around 2 hours from Kotor by car but border crossing times can vary so it’s worth allowing extra time for that.
You might also like… this self-guided walking tour of Kotor with step-by-step directions and helpful maps.
Ostrog Monastery
The Ostrog Monastery is a significant religious site in Montenegro. Built into the cliffs, the monastery offers stunning views and is an important pilgrimage destination (more so than a tourist site). It’s a steep walk up to the very top but you’ll be rewarded with far-reaching views in return.
Travel Time: The Ostrog Monastery is a 2-hour drive from Kotor.
Herceg Novi
Herceg Novi is another stunning town on the Bay of Kotor, located close to the border with Croatia. It boasts beautiful beaches, a historic Old Town, and the picturesque Savina Monastery. On a day trip here you can visit the town’s fortresses, relax in the seaside gardens, and explore the vibrant local markets.
Travel Time: Herceg Novi is a 60-min scenic drive from Kotor.
Bar
Bar is located further south on Montenegro’s coast and has good transport links to Podgorica (train) and Italy (ferry). It’s known for its historical Old Town, featuring ancient buildings and ruins, including the Bar Aqueduct and the Old Olive Tree (believed to be over 2000 years old!). The city also boasts the impressive Bar Cathedral, Bar Harbour, and scenic views of the Adriatic Sea.
Travel Time: Bar is an 80-min drive from Kotor.
Can You Visit Podgorica From Kotor?
It’s totally feasible to visit Podgorica from Kotor as a day trip as it’s just 90 minutes away by car. However, it’s not worth it in our opinion.
Despite being the capital city, there’s very little to see and do in Podgorica. The Millennium Bridge, historical Nemanja’s Street, and a few museums basically cover it all.
With so many awesome day trip options near Kotor, you’re better off spending your time and money doing one of those instead.
Kotor Day Trips – Summary
When it comes to taking day trips from Kotor, you really are spoilt for choice. There’s a diverse range of experiences on offer, allowing you to explore Montenegro’s coastal beauty, nearby cities, and even venture into neighbouring Croatia. They’re also perfectly doable from Tivat too since the two towns are so close.
Each destination provides a unique cultural and scenic adventure, which can make your stay in Montenegro even more memorable. Whether you’re interested in history, natural beauty, or simply relaxing by the sea, there’s a day trip on this list for you.
Other Montenegro travel resources: UK Travel Advice, Montenegro Tourism Org.
