While we didn’t get the chance to spend numerous days in this country, the small glimpse that I had made me want to plan another trip already.
We did a day trip to Montenegro, a small Balkan country next to Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, where we spent the entire day exploring. We booked a private transfer from our accommodation in Dubrovnik which made the excursion completely seamless. Within a couple of hours we were crossing the border and descending toward the Bay of Kotor. Although technically a ria, a submerged river canyon shaped by rising sea levels, the bay is often described as a fjord because of its dramatic mountains, glassy waters, and medieval towns that surround the shoreline. Our first look at it felt like stepping into a painting.
One of the bay’s most famous sights is Our Lady of the Rocks, a man made islet near the town of Perast. Legend says that in 1452, local sailors discovered an icon of the Virgin Mary on a rock in the sea and to honor her they began sinking old ships and dropping stones at the site slowly creating an island that still grows each year. A striking 17th century Baroque church now stands on the island, its blue dome rising above the water.
Our main destination of the day was Kotor, a medieval town enclosed by towering stone walls. Its cobblestone lanes twist into hidden courtyards and sunlit squares where cats nap.
High above the old town sits the San Giovanni Fortress which turned out to be the toughest but most rewarding part of our day. The climb is no small feat: more than 1,300 steep stone steps zigzagging up the mountainside. Even starting around 9 AM, the heat was relentless and I’ll admit it was a workout. Along the way we passed remnants of crumbling walls, tiny chapels, and lookout points that reminded us of the fortress’s long history as Kotor’s defensive stronghold dating back to Byzantine era. At the summit, the effort was worth it where panoramic views of the bay stretched below us with the red rooftops of the old town framed by rugged peaks. It was one of those views that feels unforgettable.
After a few hours of hiking and exploring, we made our way back into Kotor before heading to our final stop: Tivat. Unlike the other towns around the bay, Tivat feels sleek and modern. At its heart is Porto Montenegro, a glamorous marina lined with yachts, luxury boutiques, and stylish cafés. While it’s not exactly my scene, I found it fascinating to see the sharp contrast between Porto Montenegro’s cosmopolitan energy and the medieval charm of Kotor.
Even though our time in Montenegro was just a day, it left a lasting impression. From the legends of Our Lady of the Rocks to the challenging climb up San Giovanni Fortress and the modern glitz of Porto Montenegro, the Bay of Kotor offers an incredible mix of history, culture, and scenery. It’s a destination that feels both timeless and surprising and one that definitely deserves more than a single day.