Is Kotor Walkable? How To Get Around Kotor, Montenegro

Is Kotor walkable? Absolutely. The medieval town is a pedestrian’s dream, with its car-free Old Town, cobbled streets, and Venetian architecture. During my week in Kotor, I explored everything on foot, from courtyard restaurants to an epic hike up to the cable car’s upper station.

From walking along Dobrota’s promenade to what to look out for as you stroll the Old Town, you’ll find inspiration for the best walking in Kotor here.

This walking guide will help you navigate Kotor’s Old Town and activities beyond, all without a car. So, let’s explore Kotor, one step at a time.

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Can you walk around Kotor?

The quick answer to the question of can you walk around Kotor is, yes.  Kotor is incredibly walkable, and its compact size is a great feature, particularly if you’re travelling around Montenegro without a car. 

Unlike sprawling European metropolises like Madrid, Kotor is small, easy to navigate, and tailor-made for exploring on foot.

In fact, the Old Town of Kotor is car-free and pedestrian-friendly.  It’s a beautiful maze of cobbled streets and historic squares. Its compact size makes it an ideal location for a day trip from Dubrovnik or elsewhere in Montenegro.

So you don’t need to worry about traffic, as there’s none within the Old Town walls.  Instead  you can focus on taking in the sights and soaking up the atmosphere. 

You can walk from one side to the other of the Old Town in around 10 minutes (without stopping).

One of my favourite discoveries while walking around Kotor was the oh so cute cat park.  You can find loads of cats and kittens playing and cuddling up to visitors.  The park is located to the right as you pass through the River Gate, in the north of the Old Town.

Another reason I loved walking around Kotor is how flat it is.  It’s ideal for many travellers.  Although, if you’re planning to venture up to St. John’s Fortress (and you should – the amazing views of Kotor are worth it), be prepared for a steep and challenging walk. 

In just a couple of hours, you can get a real feel for the town, explore its historic corners, and even fit an ice-cream stop along the way. 

So, grab your comfiest trainers and hit the cobbles – Kotor is best discovered on foot. 

Pro Tip: visit Eis Moritz for some fab ice-cream flavour combinations.

Key things to see walking around Kotor

Kotor’s Old Town, also known as Cattaro, has roots tracing back to Roman times. However, much of its architectural style and layout comes from its Venetian heritage.  From the imposing city walls, designed for defence, to the Sea Gate’s winged lion of St. Mark, keep your eyes peeled for Venetian influences.

In 1979, Kotor was struck by an earthquake that caused significant damage.  After the earthquake there was a huge effort to restore Kotor, in order to preserve the town’s heritage. 

Sights to look out for

• The three main gates – start at the Sea Gate, the town’s grand entrance, or head to the River Gate or the quieter Gurdic Gate, where you can climb the ramparts. I loved the peaceful atmosphere up here at night, when there were only a handful of others.
• Squares and streets – stroll through the maze of cobbled streets and discover the main squares like Arms Square, with its elegant Clock Tower and lively cafés.
• The Maritime Museum – located in a baroque palace, this museum brings Kotor’s seafaring history to life, complete with model ships and tales of sailors.
• Don’t miss the 12th century Cathedral of St. Tryphon, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture.

Refuelling stops

Walking Kotor will work up an appetite.  For a leisurely lunch, La Catedral Pasta Bar serves delicious fresh pasta dishes, so good I went there twice. Pržun restaurant offers hearty Montenegrin and Italian classics in a romantic setting.

If it’s a quick refreshing treat you’re after, grab a gelato from Eis Moritz – I can vouch for their unique flavour combinations.

If you’re arriving by cruise, you’ll be pleased to know that Kotor is very walkable from the cruise ship dock.  Which means you can maximise your time without worrying about transport.

How to find your way around the Old Town

Kotor is so small it’s easy to navigate with Google maps or Maps.me.  Being so small means it’s fun wandering without a destination in mind and finding your way around by points of reference like the Cathedral and main squares. 

The streets of Kotor are lined with gift shops and cafes, perfect for a break from a walk when you need one.

The beautiful palaces make each corner of Kotor a joy to stumble across.   

Pro Tip: Kotor gets busy.  Head away from the main square to Gurdić Gate for more peaceful alleyways to wander. 

Challenges of walking in Kotor

While Kotor’s Old Town is mostly a pedestrian’s dream, there are a few challenges to keep in mind before setting off on your walk.

Kotor’s medieval streets are paved with uneven cobblestones, photogenic but not so forgiving on your feet.  You’ll want to opt for comfortable footwear.

In summer, Kotor gets hot, with temperatures soaring above 30°C (86°F).  So make sure you plan in plenty of rest breaks and use the the shaded courtyards and café terraces to cool down in.

Kotor is no longer quite the hidden gem it once was.  In fact, it’s a key stop on many a cruise.  So, during the day in summer, the Old Town can feel a bit crowded, making it harder to fully enjoy. To avoid this, visit in the evening when cruise crowds have thinned out. 

Despite these challenges, walking is the only way to explore Kotor’s Old Town, as cars are off-limits within the ancient walls.  It’s part of what makes the town so special and ensures its historic appeal remains intact.

What else to see beyond the Old Town of Kotor

The Old Town isn’t the only interesting thing to do in Kotor.   There are loads of other activities that are walkable in Kotor.  These include:

Hiking the Ladder of Kotor

For a fun hiking challenge, the Ladder of Kotor is a must.  This ancient zigzagging trail once connected Kotor with Montenegro’s interior and offers breathtaking views of Kotor Bay as you trek up.  It’s less crowded than the popular Fortress of St. John climb, making it perfect if you want a more peaceful adventure.

Climb the old city walls up to the Fortress of St John

The iconic activity to do in Kotor.  The climb to the Fortress of St. John (also known as San Giovanni) involves over 1,300 steps, but the panoramic views at the top are absolutely stunning. 

Stroll along the promenade to Dobrota

For a more leisurely walk, follow the bay along towards the village of Dobrota.  The promenade here is a scenic route with dedicated walking and cycling paths, dotted with cafés, the terracotta-coloured St. Matthias Church, and even an aquarium.

I stayed in Dobrota during my visit, and loved its tranquil vibe, stunning bay views, and budget-friendly accommodation.  It’s only a 15-minute walk to Kotor’s Old Town, so staying in Dobrota is a great option for a quieter base.  You can carry on the waterside walk all the way up to the  Školjke Boke Oyster Farm.

Visit Kotor beach

Need a break from all the walking?  Take a short stroll to Kotor Beach, where you can lounge by the water or dip your toes into the bay.  It’s a small spot to unwind and cool off, with views of the surrounding mountains.

Walk to Muo

For a change of pace from the busy Old Town, cross the bay to the tranquil village of Muo.  This quiet stretch of waterfront is perfect for a peaceful walk, with fewer crowds and a more local feel. I loved it here, admiring the traditional stone houses and stopping to sample the delicious pastries at a local bakery. 

Other ways of getting around Kotor

Whilst Kotor is walkable, if you travel without a car, as I do, you can combine walking with other transport for even more adventures.  Here are some great options: 

Boat trips

Hop on a boat tour and see the Bay of Kotor from the water. Popular routes include visits to Perast, the gorgeous baroque town, and the iconic Our Lady of the Rocks island.

For something longer, join a tour to the Blue Cave, where you can swim in dazzling turquoise waters.

Rent a kayak

If you prefer to get out on the water at your own pace, rent a kayak and paddle your way along the bay.

You can even reach hidden beaches, like Galebova stijena, where you’ll enjoy a peaceful spot and refreshing water. 

Bike hire 

To cover more ground, bikes are a fantastic option. Cycle along the bay to Perast, taking in the scenery, or venture further into the peaceful countryside surrounding Kotor.  I loved my time completing a loop of the whole of the bay of Kotor on a bike. Visit the Multisport Shop and Cafe in Dobrota for e-bike and other bike hire.

Local bus 

Kotor’s local buses are an affordable and efficient way to get around. Use the Blueline buses to explore nearby villages or attractions along the coast. 

National bus network

For longer trips, Montenegro’s national buses connect Kotor with some incredible destinations. Visit Durmitor National Park for dramatic mountain scenery, take a relaxing trip to Lake Skadar, or indulge in the beaches and nightlife of Budva.  You can even travel from Budva to Dubrovnik by ferry.  

Taxi 

Taxis are handy for certain trips, for example I took one to get to Tivat airport and to get back from Kotor Cable Car.  You can use Red Taxi and book via WhatsApp.

Uber doesn’t operate a service in Montenegro.

Best walking tours of Kotor

To get more details about the history of Kotor, book a walking tour with a knowledgeable guide. This helps you make a deeper connection to the city. A walking tour is also a good way to meet others if you’re traveling solo. 

These are two highly rated walking tours in Kotor:

Kotor: Private Guided Walking Tour

A one and a half hour private tour that covers over 2500 years of history. Your guide will really help you understand more about Kotor. Also includes a visit to the Maritime Museum.

Kotor: Private Walking Tour with Wine and Food Tasting

If you love discovering local food, book this walking and food tour. Ask questions from your friendly guide, visit the food market and savour a taste of the real Kotor.

Benefits of walking around Kotor

There are plenty of benefits to walking in Kotor:

• See more: discover hidden corners, quiet courtyards, and intricate details you’d miss otherwise.
• Feel the atmosphere: enjoy the scent of fresh pastries, the sound of church bells, and sunlight glinting off the terracotta rooftops.
• Slow down: walking lets you truly appreciate Kotor’s uniqueness, from the playful cats to the quieter back streets near the Gurdić Gate.
• Stay active: explore while getting in some exercise.
• Budget-friendly: walking is free, making it perfect if you’re on a budget.

So take it slow and let Kotor unfold at your own walking pace.

What to pack for walking in Kotor Montenegro

A little preparation can make your walks around Kotor more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Comfortable trainers: essential for navigating cobbled streets and climbing fortress steps. 
• Reusable water bottle: stay hydrated, especially in summer.
• Sunscreen: protect yourself from the sun while wandering.
• Hat: extra sun protection, particularly if completing any of the hikes in Kotor.
• Rucksack: carry your essentials without being weighed down. 
• Power bank: keep your phone charged for maps, photos, and that all-important Kotor view selfie. 
• Seating mat: perfect for breaks along the Ladder of Kotor or by the bay. 

Wrap up

I hope I’ve inspired you to grab your trainers and set off to explore Kotor. There’s so much to see on foot in Kotor that you can easily spend a week here. To get a better feel for activities in the area, check out my film on YouTube to see what walking the Ladder of Kotor is like.  

I’d love to hear what your experience of walking around Kotor was like.  Is there somewhere that you loved that I’ve missed out? Drop me a line in the comments below.