Kotor is a medieval treasure, located in the stunning Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. For cruise travellers, it’s a perfect spot to spend a day filled with history and breathtaking views. Known locally as Luka Kotor, the port hosts nearly 500 cruise ships and millions of visitors annually, placing you right next to Kotor’s UNESCO-listed Old Town.
Step off ship, and within minutes, you can be wandering cobbled streets, or climbing up to St John’s Fortress. Kotor’s compact layout means you can cover a lot on foot in day or less.
I spent a wonderful week discovering all there is to do in Kotor. So this guide will help you with all the essentials for your day in Kotor, from where the ship docks to the must-see sights and activities.
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Where do cruise ships dock in Kotor?
A cruise ship docked at Kotor, Montenegro
There is a cruise ship berth in Kotor, at the Port of Kotor, also known as Luka Kotor.
This is a super convenient location, as it is just a short walk from the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Kotor. You can step off the ship and be walking through the beautiful streets in less than five minutes.
I saw many passengers enter Kotor’s Old Town via the impressive Sea Gate. Take a look at the decoration as you step through it and emerge into the main square of Kotor.
From here you can see the main square and imposing Kotor clock tower, complete with a pillar of shame.
For a less busy introduction to Kotor, walk over to the Gurdić Gate (8 minutes’ walk from the port) and wander along the quieter alleys, making your way back to the centre.
As well as docking in front of the old town, ships can also dock in one of three anchorages in the Bay of Kotor and tender passengers over to Kotor.
Cruise ship at the Port of Kotor
Map
I’ve created a map to show where cruise ships dock in Kotor, along with the other places mentioned in this guide. Click the arrow icon to the left of the map heading to view the name of each place.
Kotor cruise port schedule
A cruise ship docked in Kotor Port
You can find the cruise ship port schedule for Kotor port on the cruisemapper website.
Kotor port key distances
- Distance of Kotor port from Kotor Old Town = 100 m
- Distance from Tivat airport = 8 km
- Distance from Podgorica airport = 85 km
Getting around Kotor
Kotor Old Town Gurdić Gate
Kotor is a very walkable destination, with most attractions within a short distance. I thoroughly enjoyed wandering aimlessly through the narrow, cobblestone streets and stopping for an ice-cream, or two.
As Kotor is a historic medieval town (significantly restored since the 1979 earth quake) the surfaces are uneven and can be slippery when wet.
Taxis
Taxis are useful to explore beyond the Old Town area of Kotor. Although there is no Uber in Montenegro, you can easily book a taxi via WhatsApp. I used Red Taxi Kotor for several journeys in and around Kotor.
Communication was in English and they replied almost instantly. The price was affordable, costing a few euros less than taxis in the UK.
A taxi us a convenient way to visit Perastif you have limited time in Kotor.
Kotor bus station
Kotor bus station
If you need to take a bus when you’re in Kotor the bus station is only a ten-minute walk from the cruise port. It offers good connections to other parts of Montenegro. I travel without a car so used buses a lot for my trip.
The website busticket4me is invaluable for planning your bus trips.
One day in Kotor from cruise ship itinerary
There are many reasons to visit Kotorand whilst you can’t cover them all in a day, you can plan a great itinerary for your day on shore.
Morning in the Old Town
Step off the ship and dive straight into Kotor’s historic Old Town, just a short walk from the port. Begin with a visit to St Tryphon Cathedral, a 12th-century landmark with Romanesque architecture and frescos.
If you’re up for a climb, head to St John’s Fortress. The walk starts about 10 minutes from the port and snakes up Kotor’s ancient city walls. I’ve marked the start on the map above. This climb is not for the faint-hearted – it will feel like you’ve done your morning workout and then some.
View of Kotor from the fortress
The panoramic views of Kotor Bayand red-roofed town below are what make it worthwhile. Wear sturdy trainers and bring plenty of water.
La Catedral Pasta Bar, Kotor
After the climb, recharge at La Catedral Pasta Bar with a fresh pasta dish. This was my top meal during my time in Kotor. I liked it so much, I went twice.
Then, treat yourself to an ice cream at Moritz Eis, the funky flavours here are a refreshing change.
If you prefer to get to know all about Kotor’s fascinating history from an informed guide, take a 90-minute walking tour to explore Kotor.
Afternoon in Dobrota or Muo
Cruise ship in Kotor Bay, view from Dobrota
Spend your afternoon exploring the nearby villages of Dobrota or Muo. Both are easy to reach by taxi, or by foot, and offer a peaceful break from the Old Town’s busy atmosphere.
Enjoy a leisurely waterside walk and marvel at the stunning views. For a more active option, rent a bike orkayak to explore the bay.
Wrap up with a bite at a waterfront spot in either village, where you can enjoy local food or a glass of Montenegrin wine, a perfect end to your day in Kotor.
This itinerary packs the best of Kotor into a single day, perfect for making the most of your shore visit.
Kotor Bay boat tours
Speedboat tour of Kotor Bay
Another great activity to do in Kotor which is super convenient for the cruise port, is to take a boat tour of the gorgeous Bay of Kotor. Famous for its similarities to Norwegian fjords, there are two main options for a boat trip to explore it.
Boat tours depart from right next to the cruise ship dock, at Park Slobode, making it easy to join a tour as soon as you set foot in Kotor.
The boat tour of Kotor was one of my most fun activities that I did whilst visiting Kotor for a week. And that’s despite the fact that it was very grey and unseasonably cold during the day I went.
Tour options
- 2-hour boat tour – visit the picturesque town of Perast and spend time on the Our Lady of the Rocks Island. Ideal if you have limited time.
- 3-hour Kotor boat tour– takes you further out to sea, including visits to the iconic Our Lady of the Rocks Island, Mamula Island and a visit to the Blue Cave.
Pro tip: when choosing your boat trip, be aware that windy weather might mean the blue cave option is cancelled.
FAQ
Is Kotor walkable from cruise port?
Yes, Kotor is very walkable from the cruise port. The port is located right next to Kotor’s Old Town, so you’ll be able to step off the ship and start discovering its streets, landmarks, and squares within minutes.
How far is the cruise port from Kotor, Montenegro?
The cruise port is right next to Kotor’s Old Town, meaning there’s no need for additional transportation. Once you disembark, it’s less than five-minutes stroll away from the entrance to Kotor’s medieval walls, making it easy to maximize your time.
Is Kotor Montenegro a tender port?
Kotor is tender port for cruise ships but it also has a cruise ship berth in the centre. When I visited I saw a mix of cruise ships docking directly at the main port and anchoring in the bay and tendering passengers to shore, depending on conditions and ship size.
Can you walk around Kotor?
You can walk around Kotor. In fact, the Old Town is closed to cars, so you will need to explore that part on foot. The small layout is easy to find your way around.
Do cruise ships go to Kotor?
Yes, many cruise itineraries include a stop in Kotor, Montenegro. Kotor Bay is very beautiful and is an appealing place for ships to dock at.
Where is the beach in Kotor?
Kotor doesn’t have a large sandy beach, but there is a small beach space about 10 minutes’ walk from the cruise ship port. There are also lost of jetties and swimming spots dotted around the bay.
What currency is used in Kotor Montenegro?
Kotor, like the rest of Montenegro, uses the Euro currency. I found that most shops, restaurants, and attractions in Kotor accepted credit or debit cards, but it was useful to have cash on hand, as not all did.
Wrap up
Kotor is a gem for cruise travellers, with its mix of history, dramatic scenery, and easy access right from the port. From wandering the Old Town’s ancient streets to soaking up panoramic views at St John’s Fortress, there’s so much to experience in a single day.
To make the most of your time, plan ahead and consider booking any tours or activities in advance, especially boat trips or guided walks. With a bit of preparation, you can enjoy a seamless day in Kotor, experiencing the highlights without feeling rushed.
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