Few seem to venture beyond the walls of Kotor, one of Montenegro’s most popular destinations along the Adriatic coast. With plenty to offer in this fortified town nestled in a fjord-like bay and backed by the Dinaric Alps, you’ll have time to explore upon your return. Your departure from Marina Kotor will bring you to Perast, a UNESCO-listed Baroque town just a short sail away in the Bay of Kotor. One of the prettiest along the bay, admire the Venetian architecture, including 17 former palaces, and 16 churches. To learn more about its seafaring traditions and maritime history, visit the Maritime Museum. Don’t miss the chance to climb the bell tower at St. Nicholas Church. Your reward is a panoramic view of the town and Kotor Bay.

One of the top attractions in Perast is the artificial islet known as Our Lady of the Rocks, topped with a 17th-century church and museum. Accessed via a short boat ride, it’s one of the country’s most photographed landmarks, framed by towering mountain peaks and the cobalt sea. The museum displays collections related to the region spread over two floors. Explore everything from Neolithic artifacts (including a weapon collection) to votives and paintings. Back in Perast, sample the fresh local seafood alongside a glass of Montenegrin wine.

Herceg Novi is a fortified city at the entrance of the Bay of Kotor. Yachts of up to 50 meters can dock at the central Port Herceg Novi near the town center. For an ultra-luxe experience, Portonovi Marina in Kumbor is a popular spot for superyachts up to 120m. 

Often referred to as the “City of Sunshine” for its frequent sunny days and mild climate, Herceg Novi is a gateway to hidden coves and breathtaking beaches. Raffaello Beach, a stretch made up of pebbles and sand, offers clear blue waters for swimming and offers umbrellas and deck chair rentals for relaxation. 

Beyond the shoreline, be sure to wander the atmospheric Old Town. It’s a maze of stone streets built atop a steep hill that overlooks the sea. Discover colorful historic buildings and stairways that lead to hidden squares and landmarks like the Venetian-built Forte Mare and Kanli Kula Fortress with an open-air amphitheater and spectacular views. After exploring the Old Town, you might visit Savinia Monastery, about a 20-minute walk away. Dating back to 1030, it features three churches, a treasury, and panoramic views of the bay. Savina Winery is on the grounds and offers guided tastings.

Stretched between the sands of Plavi Horizontio to Rose, a historic fishing village and one of Montenegro’s most charming places, the Lustica Peninsula offers a rare sense of seclusion away from the big cruise ship crowds. Dock at the state-of-the-art Lustica Bay Marina in Trašte Bay, where you’ll find mooring near the promenade, or enjoy a quieter spot for traditional mooring at the tip of the peninsula. The peninsula is ideal for enjoying a more slow-paced side of life in the Mediterranean, but that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of things to do. 

One of the top attractions is the Blue Cave. Visit in the morning to experience the intense electric blue to turquoise glow that fills the interior when the sun hits the water at the perfect angle. If you’re into diving, there are outstanding sites that include shipwrecks, submarine tunnels, coral, and marine life. 

For a refined experience on the beach, the shoreline is strewn with beach clubs, offering something for everyone from the luxurious Almara with its lively superyacht scene to The Rock Beach Bar & Lounge at The Chedi, providing a stylish, high-end experience with DJs and sophisticated dining.

The Budva Riviera is a 22-mile-long strip of coastline that spans from the town of Budva to Sveti Stefan. The beaches in the north are known for their more lively experiences, including Mogren. Located near Budva, the nightlife capital, during the summer, there’s almost always something happening. That includes festivals and beach bars hosting world-class DJs and live music. At the south end, you’ll find more tranquil beaches ideal for sunbathing in a more peaceful setting. 

Swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and paddleboarding are just a short list of activities on and in the water. Plus, you’ll find plenty on land, including scenic hiking and mountain biking trails. You’ll be at the heart of it all by docking at Dukley Marina Budva, a full-service marina for yachts of up to 70 meters in the heart of the town of Budva, right against the Venetian walls. 

The Old Town has an over 2,500-year-old history that makes it well worth exploring, with narrow streets and ancient landmarks, including churches and the Citadel.

Located on the southern coast, Bar is your last stop before making the return toward Kotor. Marina Bar is the primary place to dock, providing close proximity to town and essential amenities, accommodating vessels up to 35 meters. Stari Bar, or the Old Town, is like an open-air museum with its medieval vibe and ancient ruins dating from the Roman era through Venetian and Ottoman rule. There are over 240 buildings to discover, including palaces and churches, set on a steep, rocky cliff. 

Don’t miss the iconic Old Olive Tree. The oldest in Europe still bearing fruit, it’s protected by law and was analyzed to be at least 2,200 years old. Bar also offers several picturesque beaches for lounging in the sun and enjoying refreshing dips in the sea, including Sutomore and Susanj. When you’re ready to dine, you’ll find seaside eateries along the waterfront serving fresh fish and seafood dishes.

The perfect stop while sailing back to Kotor, the fishing village of Bigova is surrounded by lush hills, while providing a serene transition point from the open sea. Grispolis, a local family-owned restaurant, offers buoy moorings on the southeast side of Traste Bay to diners. It’s renowned for its fresh catch, including mussels, crab, squid, and fish prepared in traditional Boka Kotorska style. 

Visitors can also relax on the pebbly beach, swim or snorkel in the clear turquoise waters, or explore one of the hiking trails that wind through the hills overlooking the bay or travel along the coast. The rocky coastal paths are ideal for spotting Mediterranean shorebirds, seabirds, and various migratory species. It’s also worth wandering through the village’s narrow streets to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while admiring the traditional stone homes.

Once you’ve reached the end of your journey, you can disembark to explore Kotor and its magnificent Old Town. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is encircled by medieval walls and backed by the Dinaric Alps. Stroll the narrow streets that lead to lively markets and squares like Arms, the main square near the Sea Gate. It includes highlights like the medieval Pillar of Shame, Rector’s Palace, the Venetian-era Arsenal, and the Clock Tower, built in 1602 with two clocks and a bell that rings on the half-hour. St. Tryphon’s Cathedral is not to be missed as a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture with 12th-century bells. 

Feline enthusiasts can even visit the Kotor Cats Museum, with a collection that dates from the 16th-century through 1970. It features all sorts of cat-related memorabilia, including antique books, vintage postcards, old newspapers, artwork, and much more. Those up for a steep trek should walk the ancient walls to the Church of Our Lady of Remedy and St. John’s Fortress for a stunning view of the Old Town and the Bay of Kotor.