We are headed back to the Mediterranean region this week. How can you go wrong there?

Montenegro is a beautiful place and while we didn’t have it high on our list of places we wanted to go, we were thrilled to be there. We stopped in Kotor on a cruise and it was wonderful.

Most places are hard to full experience on a cruise because you don’t have a much time and you are confined to places near the port. But some places are all about the area around port. The moment you dock in Kotor, no wait, even before you dock, you have a special feeling.

Kotor is located in an unimaginably stunning bay and if you are traveling by water, you must watch the trip in from the Adriatic Sea. It’s breathtaking. It inspires a feeling of natural beauty like no other.

You'll see limestones mountains and Venetian fortifications everywhere as you sail in. It pays to learn a bit about the history so you know what you’re looking at.

The timing of ancient Kotor’s first settlement is not known but it was first mentioned as a city with a different name (Acruvium) during Roman times. We read that it had some 30 different affiliations over the years; Roman, Byzantine, Bulgarian, Serbian, Hungarian, Venetian, just to name a few.

The Venetian Republic lasted until 1797. After that, many European countries claimed the area until Yugoslavia was disbanded in 1992. The republic of Montenegro existed until 2006 and now, Kotor is in the country simple named Montenegro.

If you’re going to do some research before visiting, it makes the most sense to learn about the Venetian times because much of the city is filled with architecture and landmarks from that time. This was a period of major fortification.

The first thing we thought when our tender boat sailed into the Kotor’s port was how Kotor reminded us of Norway. The Bay of Kotor, with the steep mountains on either side, made it feel like we were cruising through a Norwegian fjord.

It was stunning.

The Bay of Kotor forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Below are some places not to be missed. But before we get into that, you should know that Kotor is affectionately known as “Cat Town.” You’ll see stray cats all over, especially in the Old Town.

For centuries, cats were used by sailors to control the population of rats and mice aboard the ships. The cats settled around the port.

Today, cats have become an unofficial symbol of Kotor. You'll find cat-themed souvenirs, artwork, and even a Cat Museum in the Old Town.

Local groups also work to feed, sterilize, and provide medical care for the city's cats. Many of the cats enjoy being petted (trust us, Trisha tried petting them all) and can easily be seen strolling in the streets and sunbathing.

Enter Kotor's medieval Old Town through the Sea Gate and explore its narrow stone streets, historic squares, churches, and Venetian-influenced architecture. Kotor's fortifications stretch for about 4.5 kilometers around and above the city.

The Old Town forms part of the UNESCO-listed Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor.

Arms Square serves as the main square inside Kotor's Old Town.

The 1602 Clock Tower stands here alongside historic buildings and the remains of a medieval pillory. The square also provides a starting point for exploring the surrounding streets.

The walls climb the mountainside from the Old Town to St. John's Fortress, also called San Giovanni.

The route to the top includes roughly 1,350 steps and rises about 260 meters above the town. The climb takes most visitors around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on pace and stops.

The trail has uneven stone steps and limited shade, so water and sturdy shoes are important. You need to buy tickets at the entrance and there are ticket checkpoints along the way.

Located in the heart of the Old Town, St. Tryphon's Cathedral dates to 1166. The Romanesque cathedral holds relics associated with St. Tryphon, Kotor's patron saint.

Earthquakes have damaged the cathedral several times, but restoration has preserved much of its historic architecture.

Kotor's long history as an Adriatic port comes to life at the Maritime Museum. Exhibits focus on the area's seafaring traditions, naval history, ships, and maritime culture.

Kotor's connection with Venice goes beyond its architecture. Shops in the Old Town sell Murano-glass jewelry, decorative pieces, and other glass artwork.

Archaeologists have also found historic glass vessels of Murano provenance in Kotor dating from the 15th and 16th centuries.

If you're looking for a small souvenir, you'll find Murano-glass pieces alongside traditional Montenegrin crafts and cat-themed items in the Old Town.

About 20 minutes from Kotor, the small town of Perast sits along the Bay of Kotor. Two islands sit offshore, including Our Lady of the Rocks, a man-made island topped by a church. Local boats carry visitors from Perast across the water to the island.

Mountains surround Kotor, and Lovćen National Park offers another way to experience the landscape.

The park includes the Njegoš Mausoleum at Jezerski Vrh, one of Montenegro's best-known mountain landmarks. The road from Kotor to the park also passes through the mountain village of Njeguši, known for its smoked prosciutto and cheese.

Refer a friend using your referral link at the bottom of this email so they can see it too. In addition, you’ll get a copy of our “Wonders of the World” eBook if it’s your first referral.

By cruise ship: Kotor is an important cruise port on the Adriatic. Cruise ships can dock close to the Old Town, while some ships anchor in the bay and use tenders to bring passengers ashore.

The port sits directly beside the historic center, so cruise passengers can reach the Old Town on foot after leaving the ship.

As mentioned above, the approach provides stunning views of the Bay of Kotor before you arrive. The port receives hundreds of cruise ships each year and ranks among the major cruise destinations in the Adriatic.

By air: The closest airports include Tivat Airport, about 10 kilometers from Kotor, and Dubrovnik Airport in neighboring Croatia. Podgorica Airport also provides another option for travelers arriving from farther away.

By bus or car: Buses connect Kotor with other cities in Montenegro and neighboring countries. Travelers can also reach Kotor by car along the Adriatic coastal roads.

Historic Hotel Boutique Cattaro - located in the Old Town, breakfast buffet included

Hotel Monte Cristo - buffet breakfast included, on-site car rental available

Solaris Lux Apartments - apartment with kitchen and washing machine

Royal Blue Resort and Residence - apartment with kitchenette

Kotor's cuisine combines Mediterranean seafood with traditional Montenegrin mountain dishes.

Try Njeguški pršut, a smoked and air-dried ham from the mountain village of Njeguši, often served with local cheese and bread.

For seafood, look for black risotto, made with squid or cuttlefish ink, grilled Adriatic fish, octopus salad, mussels, and buzara, a preparation that commonly combines shellfish with wine, garlic, and herbs.

For something heartier, try kačamak, a traditional dish made with cornmeal and potatoes, or lamb cooked under a sač, a slow-roasted preparation popular in Montenegro.

For a sweet snack, look for priganice, small pieces of fried dough often served with honey or powdered sugar.

Pack comfortable walking shoes for Kotor's stone streets and the climb toward St. John's Fortress. Bring a refillable water bottle, especially if you plan to climb the fortress.

A light jacket or sweater can help in the evenings and on boat rides through the bay. For summer visits, pack sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and breathable clothing. A small day bag works well for carrying water, sunscreen, a camera, and anything you pick up while exploring the Old Town.

Here are a few of our affiliate links to help you when in Kotor. It’s no extra cost to you and helps us keep this email free for everyone. 😀

See you next week,

Trisha & Bob