I never expected the highlight of my most recent trip to Europe to be a medieval town I’d never even heard of. Tucked away between a fjord-like array of lush mountains, Kotor sits patiently, waiting to be discovered by those lucky enough to find it.
While most travelers might opt for the classic France–Italy–Spain route on an extended European escapade, a journey through the Balkans remains an underrated path that’s finally gaining the attention it deserves.
Montenegro is a land of emerald peaks plunging into sapphire seas, otherworldly national parks, and people who radiate pride for their corner of the earth. If you’re planning a solo trip, a visit to Kotor might be for you.
My Stay in Kotor, Montenegro
I spent three amazing days in Kotor, a quaint coastal town and UNESCO-protected heritage site, along with the entire Bay of Kotor. While I was there, I couldn’t help but notice the abundance of solo travelers filling the town squares and restaurants – far more than in any other city I’d visited so far.
Kotor was a favorite destination for not only me but also my two other friends, with whom I was traveling. We all agreed it was the perfect mix of beautiful scenery, a showcase of national culture, and an effortless sense of wanderer-friendly ease that makes it ideal for solo travelers for so many reasons.
Old Town Kotor is Car-Free
First, Kotor’s old town is easily navigable, with no cars being permitted inside the ancient stone walls. Transportation can be a barrier for new solo travelers, but Kotor eliminates this challenge entirely.
I stayed in the city center, making each day as simple as stepping outside the front door. You can cross Old Town in about 30 minutes, and I knew my way around the winding alleyways by the end of my stay.
Feeling Safe and Welcome in Kotor
I also felt very safe in Kotor as a younger woman and appreciated how respectful, friendly, and genuinely engaging the locals were. We spent time talking to local artists and shop owners, learning their stories and the unique techniques used to hand-paint each souvenir.
Lunches and dinners became mini adventures, with servers turning into instant friends and offering their best recommendations. We dined at Konoba Scala Santa and Pescaria Dekaderon, which both served amazing crispy calamari, creamy pasta, and fresh seafood dishes.
With only a little over 1,000 people living inside the town walls, the communal pride and care for Kotor radiate from every corner.
Kotor’s Hostel Culture is Perfect for Solo Travel
Kotor has a rich tradition of backpackers and solo travelers, with legendary hostels and a young nightlife scene that rivals even its larger neighbors. Unlike up the coast in Dubrovnik, where our hostel options seemed endless, Montenegro’s hostels tend to be more concentrated and boutique-style, making it incredibly easy to meet people.
I’ll never forget going out one night and meeting a group that had met in a hostel and had only known each other for a few days at that point. The way they laughed and danced together made it seem like they were lifelong friends.
Immediately, it became clear to me that these hostels in Kotor were a hotspot to meet amazing friends. One of them even told me he had purposely missed his flight home because he couldn’t find it in himself to leave Kotor just yet.
In my trek around the surrounding countries, I hadn’t experienced a town like Kotor – alive with youthful energy and spontaneous connections everywhere you turn. We all danced the night away at an outdoor DJ set tucked in an unsuspecting alley, making new friends along the way.
Read More: Surviving and Thriving in Hostels: What Every Traveler Needs to Know
Cats Everywhere
If you thought Greece was overflowing with cats, wait until you visit Kotor. Old Town is truly full of friendly felines; just make sure to wash your hands after petting them.
We ventured over to Tree Square and found a litter of kittens all nursing in the sunshine. These babies are a part of the city just as much as the people, and yes, they’ll even accompany you and climb all the way up to the Fortress.
Enjoying that Beautiful Bay
The Bay of Kotor offers an endless array of opportunities to explore more or simply relax along the water.
You can book a wine tasting with Kraken to taste wines that have been aged under the bay of Kotor for 365 days. There are also a variety of speedboat tours that will show you the most incredible parts of the Bay of Kotor, including a natural Blue cave and church-island Our Lady of the Rocks.
If you’re looking for a beach club with impressive views, head to Plažni Bar “Mandrać” Kotor and lounge at the beach all day.
The bay is also perfect for swimming, with crystal-clear water and calm conditions. Just be prepared with flip-flops or water shoes to wade in because those beaches are definitely rocky!
Easy Day Trips from Kotor, Montenegro
While farther away, Durmitor National Park in northern Montenegro is still doable as a full-day trip. Just outside the small mountain town of Žabljak, this park is home to the Black Lake, a stunning glacial feature and a must-see for all nature lovers.
If you’re looking to splurge, Aman’s property on the island of Sveti Stefan is on my bucket list. Even if you aren’t a visitor to the resort, you can still rent a beach chair and admire the postcard-worthy view.
Even More to Explore in Kotor
Kotor isn’t without its quirks, and that makes the town even more charming.
Did I mention it’s Christmas year-round? Kotor specializes in hand-carved Santa statues, and shops across town sell a myriad of hand-painted figurines from two famed clans of wood carvers who’ve passed down the tradition for generations.
If you’re feeling bold, take the steep hike up to the Old Kotor Fortress, a structure fortified since Illyrian times and later reconstructed under the Byzantine emperor in the 6th century. The Fortress hike shares the most stunning views of the bay, and I would advise trekking up right before sunset.
If you’re up for even more of a hike, take a day trip to Lovćen National Park – this natural sanctuary is known as the best viewpoint in all of Montenegro, with scenic hiking trails and even an alpine coaster that takes you over the cliffs of Kotor.
Kotor – Timeless and Enchanting
Kotor is a Balkan gem that reveals more beauty the longer you look. It exemplifies the uniqueness and understated magic that Montenegro holds. Even the name “Kotor” sounds like the capital of a regal medieval land. The city is truly alive with wonder around every corner.
This little town has so much to offer, from the welcoming locals to tasteful restaurants, and absolutely deserves its place on every traveler’s map.
If You Go:
- Stay in the Old Town: Everything you need is pretty much right here, and it makes for an easy starting point if you plan to venture anywhere nearby.
- I can’t stress enough the friendliness and willingness to help that the locals displayed – if you’re ever in need of directions or need a recommendation on what to do, just ask someone!
- There are tours of the old town, but it’s so easily accessible that I would skip the tour and spend an afternoon exploring at a leisurely pace. Save the tour for a visit to a nearby park or town.
- Montenegro uses the euro and many shops still prefer cash rather than card payments.
- Every night of the week, the alleyway near Caffe Bar Letrika and Old Town Pub absolutely lights up with partiers around 11 pm. If this is your scene, this is the best place to meet fun people!
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Author Bio: Monique is a freelance travel writer based in San Francisco, California. A natural spontaneous soul and adventure-lover, Monique writes curated pieces based on firsthand experiences, focusing on personal interactions and unique aspects of travel around the world.
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