Best View of Kotor: Where to Get Great Photos
Kotor is a stunning town, surrounded by awe inspiring scenery. All the beauty it beholds means you’ll want to know where to go to get the best view of Kotor.
It’s such a picturesque location that you’ll be taking out your camera at every turn. I spent a week exploring Kotor from up above at the mountain high points, to down below at the sea level coastline. I’ve included details of the best vantage points to help you get an excellent view of Kotor.
The views from Kotor really are some of the best views I’ve experienced in Europe. There’s something about the shape and form of the landscape that’s so appealing, I could spend hours taking it all in. Follow these tips to find your favourite view of Kotor.
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Best view of Kotor
The natural scenery of Kotor combined with historic architecture means that you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to getting the best view.
Reaching these scenic spots in Kotor without a car is easier than you might think.
Here are my top tips and some Kotor photos to inspire your own photographic adventures in Kotor.
Kotor St John’s Fortress (San Giovanni Fortress)
For a classic Kotor view, visit St. John’s Fortress. There’s been a defensive structure on this site since Medieval times, and beyond.
Sometimes referred to as San Giovanni, Kotor’s fortress and Old City Walls are a must-see. Not only can you get the classic shots of the ancient ruins, as they blend into the mountainside, you can also experience one of the best Kotor views from up here.
Wander the fortress to find your best shot above the rooftops and enticing water of Kotor below.
If you don’t want to pay to climb up the many steps to reach the fortress itself, you can get great external views from the Ladder of Kotor hike, which is free.
Old Town
Aswell as the fortress, the Old Town in Kotor will provide you with plenty of photogenic opportunities. The beautifully restored buildings and maze of streets are a joy to wander.
Climb up the steps to the ramparts and walk as far as you can for gorgeous panoramas of Kotor. You’re likely to find a cruise ship in some of your photos, as they regularly dock at Kotor.
Kotor at night from Dobrota
As well as getting the best view of Kotor, you’ll want to know what part of Kotor to stay in. I recommend staying in the village of Dobrota, close to Kotor.
The advantage of staying here, as well as cheaper prices, is that you can get a classic Kotor at night view whilst on your trip. Dobrota is the next village along the coast from Kotor so you can get excellent photos looking back at Kotor at night from here.
Ladder of Kotor
Walking in Montenegro is one of the best outdoor activities you can do and one of my favourite reasons for a visit to Kotor. There are loads of hiking routes. It’s a great way to take in the views and get some awesome photos.
One of the best places in Kotor for walking is to head up the ancient Ladder of Kotor route.
I climbed this rough and read path all the way from just outside the River Gate (north of the city) to the panoramic views of Žanjev Do. The hike took around four hours, with lots of stops on the way.
I recommend you take a break at the ‘cheese shop’ near the St. Juraj Church. They sell drinks, there’s a toilet, and it is one of the most beautiful look out points.
Don’t miss out on a visit to Durmitor National Park on your trip to Montenegro for more stunning natural scenery.
Cable car
Kotor’s cable car is another brilliant photo opportunity. You can either take a return trip on the modern cabins or hike one way and cable car the other.
I decided to continue on to the cable car, after hiking all the way up the Ladder of Kotor. It added on another couple of hours to the hike and, as I arrived at the top station at sunset, gave me the most wonderful views of Kotor and Montenegro.
There are plenty of viewpoints near the cable car, which are marked on Google maps. I loved seeing the expanse of mountains and sea unfold below, as shards of sun shone through the clouds. Dusk up by the cable car is a special time.
Next to the upper cable car station there’s a bar, Monte 1350, which has a cool frame you can use in your photos. This has to be one of the most Instagrammable places in Kotor.
It’s also possible to hike to Lovcen national park from the upper cable car station, for yet more views of Kotor.
View Kotor by bike
One of my favourite activities I did in Kotor was to bike all the way around the Bay of Kotor. This circular route allows you to get out of the Old Town and experience more traditional villages along the waterfront.
There’s even the opportunity to take the short local ferry crossing over from Lepetane to Kamenari. Just before you get to the ferry, stop at the corner near Fort Verige for beautiful views of the iconic Island of Our Lady of the Rocks.
Rent a bike and go independently or join an organised boat and bike tour for even more fun and local knowledge.
Perast
One of the more popular spots on a trip to Kotor is the town of Perast. It’s easy to see why. Arrive by water, on a speedboat tour from Kotor, and you’ll get fabulous waterside views as the church tower and pretty buildings come in to view.
This village is great for wandering aimlessly, camera in hand, and seeing what you stumble across. Much of which is churches. Perast seems to have a high quota, all calling out to be photographed.
Vrmac Fort
On the opposite side of the Bay of Kotor to the Old Town, there’s a less well known hike up to the abandoned fort of Vrmac. This military relic would make a cool back drop to your photos of Kotor. That’s if you dare brave wandering around such an atmospheric place.