I've been reading a fascinating novel by John Biggins, A Sailor of Austria. It takes place during WWI and is about a submarine commander's service in the Adriatic. The descriptions of the Bay of Kotor sent me to the web looking for pictures and wow was I impressed. I remember reading about Montenegro in the Nero Wolf novel, Black Mountain and becoming fascinated by Montenegro. Now, I'm wondering if anyone has traveled to Montenegro in general and more specifically to the Bay of Kotor. What was it like? What are the logistics? It looks like there could be wonderful walking. I think that this may have to go on my list of places to visit. Pam
When we were traveling through eastern europe we rented car in Dubrovnik and spent the day in Bay of Kotor. It was amazing, and we would have liked to spent more time, but our day was wonderful. Lots of hiking, you can drive all around the bay them take a ferry across to go back. Truly magical, go if you can. Its on my agenda again....
The Bay of Kotor is incredibly beautiful. The mountains seem to come up right up out of the water. Be sure to go out to "Our Lady of the Rocks", a little island in the middle of the bay. In addition to renting a car, you can also visit Kotor by bus from Dubrovnik. Or you can take a day trip via tour bus from Dubrovnik. From Kotor we traveled down the coast and visited Sveti Stefan, a picturesque little peninsula which was once a walled town but is now a hotel. We stayed in Budva, which is a larger city nearby. There's great hiking around Budva, and a well-developed beach with lots of hotels. All of coastal Montenegro is amazingly beautiful and well worth visiting.
There are also tours from Dubrovnik. I took an all-day motor coach tour that I purchased from Atlas Tours. I was picked up near the Pile Gate at about 7:30am and we got back about 7:00pm. The tour included a drive around the bay to a stop in Kotor, continued up to the old capital city where we visited the king's modest palace and finally a stop in Budva. The tour stops for lunch at a small inn, and although not included it was very inexpensive. I thought the tour was a good option for seeing Montenegro.
I would definitely recommend an overnight stay if time permits. That gives you a chance to go swimming in the bay as well as climb to the fort that sits behind the town. There is also a small chapel on the other side of the fort walls that you can scramble to get to.
I did the same tour as Frank. Was in Dubrovnik already and used Atlas for a day trip to Montenegro. LOVED it and now it is on my list as place to as destination in and of itself. I would have loved to stay longer. Bay of Kotor and Budva were wonderful, look forward to a return and exploring more of Montenegro.
Thanks for all the replies. I found a great trip report on Tripadvisor forum for Montenegro from a woman who visited last June. It really sounded wonderful. Now, if I can just get a new job with good time off. ; ) Pam
Not only is the Bay spectacular but if you are really interested in Montenegro, consider renting a car and driving inland to the plateau city of Zabljak and the mausoleum of Njegos. It is stunning! You could make it a circuit by driving from Dubrovnik to Cetinje, then Zabljak, then Mostar, and back to Dubrovnik.
Hello everybody, I am coming from Montenegro, but currently living in Toronto. I see you had a great experience over there. I just want to let you know that I am spending my summers over there. If any of you decide to come again. I can show around for a cheap price. Thank you very much