For many, the Bay of Kotor doesn’t immediately invoke the same waterfront panoramas like similar destinations such as Lake Como or Capri, but that’s simply because not many travelers know about it. Nestled upon the Adriatic coast of southwestern Montenegro, this hidden gem of the Balkans is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.

Seamless Access to the Bay

While many travelers choose to snag a rare flight to a local town or fly into the south Croatian town of Dubrovnik before taking the 3-hour bus ride down to Kotor, small-ship scenic cruising offers a more seamless and immersive experience.

No matter ow you arrive, once you’re in the bay, you’ll likely spend your first few hours gawking at the picturesque mountains lining the pristine waters below before eagerly wondering what else this paradise has to offer.

Step Back in Time in Extraordinary Perast

Ask anyone who’s been to the Bay of Kotor and they’ll say Perast should be at or near the top of your list of can’t-miss locations in the area. This small coastal village holds more history than most modern-day libraries. A quick stroll through the town and you’ll be instantly noticing the prominent lack of just about anything modern in sight. This dedication to antiquity is partly why Perast has been distinguished as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along with the awe-inspiring 16 Baroque palaces and 17 Catholic churches in the small village alone, Perast features gorgeous architectural feats on the islets lying just off the coast like St. George Island and Gospa od Skrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks).

Old Town: The Jewel of Kotor

The Old Town of Kotor is the most popular part of the bay. If you’re not spending time gently winding down the thin pedestrian-filled arteries and alleyways, you’ll surely be eating at a side-street cafe or shopping inside a popular boutique shop. This part of the bay might be more crowded than some others, but there’s plenty of history to justify the extra bustle. Visit ancient palaces, cathedrals, museums, fortresses, and more. Hotel Cattaro was once a guard tower built by Napoleon. Palazzo Drusko is a 600-year-old stone house (formerly owned by Montenegrin nobility) that lies less than 500 feet away from St. Tryphon’s Cathedral, one of Old Town’s most popular sights.

Kayak the Bay, Starting in Herceg Novi

Nowadays with so many Euro-travelers seeking out popular nightlife, several more picturesque locales are left for the more relaxed traveler to enjoy. One such place is Herceg Novi. This beachside town lies right off the Adriatic Sea at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor. While Herceg Novi has plenty to offer within the city limits, its kayaking benefits are what make it especially compelling for anyone traveling to the west side of Montenegro.

The Eclecticism of Budva

Just within arm’s reach of the Bay of Kotor is the Adriatic town of Budva. While not technically in the bay, this town provides more than enough incentive for any type of traveler to make the 45-minute bus ride. While Budva has plenty of beaches and nightlife, one of the best things to do in this Mediterranean getaway is to immerse yourself in the wilderness by skipping the beach crowds and boating to Sveti Nikola Island. With only deer and other wildlife permanently calling it home, there’s not much going on here — except the opportunity for some well-deserved rest and relaxation.