16 Photos of Kotor, Montenegro's Tranquil Bay

The Bay of Kotor is dotted with pretty villages, like Perast (pictured below). While Kotor is a town that’s a bustling tourist attraction, these villages exude Mediterranean charm and are idyllic places to stay. From boutique hotels to private villas, visitors are sure to find the perfect spot. With beaches and seaside restaurants usually within walking distance, and ever-changing sea views, it’s easy to see why visitors rave about the Bay of Kotor.

In the picturesque Bay of Kotor, life revolves around the sea. For Bokelji, or Bay of Kotor residents, the bay provides everything they need for life. Fish and seafood for the table, a place to cool off during the scorching summer months, and enough beauty to inspire a thousand poets.

Around the bay, boats bob in the tranquil waters while fishermen joke with their friends as they wait for fish to bite. There’s no reason to hurry here. Family, friendship, community – these are the core values of Montenegrin society. Walking along the seaside with friends is the perfect way to while away an afternoon, whether you’re eight years old or 80 years old.

Deep in the heart of the Bay of Kotor, the walled, Venetian old town of Kotor is a must-see. The 15th century stone town is backed by sheer mountainside, while the town juts out into the bay. Walk the ancient walls of the San Giovanni Fortress to get breathtaking views of the town and bay.

Inside the walls, the town is just as idyllic as the rest of the bay. Each turn of the winding alleyways reveals ancient churches, art galleries, and museums. The piazzas, which used to be marketplaces, house restaurants where locals leisurely sip on espresso and tourists buy gelato. The front of the old town is home to Kotor’s farmers’ market. This is the place to pick up fresh, local and mostly organic produce from around Montenegro.