What to Do on a Trip to Perast, Montenegro, from Kotor

Perast may be small, but it packs a punch when it comes to beauty and historical charm.  Located in the heart of the Bay of Kotor, this gorgeous little town is a must-visit if you’re in the area.

Its stunning location, with the mountains rising dramatically behind it and the waters of the Adriatic in front, makes it feel like something straight out of a postcard.

Whilst Perast is compact, there is enough to keep you entertained for at least half a day.  Wandering aimlessly through Perast is one of the greatest things to do here, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time, as every turn reveals another stone church, palace, or beautiful view of the bay.

The charm of Perast is undeniable – with its waterfront lined with inviting cafés and restaurants, it’s the perfect place to relax, enjoy a meal, or sip a glass of local wine as you take in the stunning views. Whether you’re here for a couple of hours or a whole day, Perast will capture your heart with its laid-back vibe and natural beauty.

Perast has a certain kind of appeal, with its waterfront lined by inviting cafés and restaurants.  This is a place to slow down, relax and soak in the scenery.  So join me and discover why Perast should be part of your Montenegro itinerary.

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Is Perast, Montenegro worth visiting?

The gorgeous little town of Perast is worth visiting when you’re in Montenegro.  Whilst it’s only a small place, its location in the Bay of Kotor means you must include it on any visit to Kotor. It’s close enough to visit even if you’re on a shore day from a cruise to Kotor.

What it lacks in size, Perast makes up for in sheer charm.  The Venetian-style architecture and the cleanliness of the buildings, not to mention the waterside restaurants, make Perast a wonderful place to spend time. 

How much time to spend in Perast?

Due to its petite size, you can walk from one end of Perast to the other in about quarter of an hour.  However, to enjoy more of the local atmosphere and things to do in Persast, I suggest allowing at least half a day. 

For maximum relaxation, make a day trip out of it and take time to stretch out on Perast’s beaches.

Top 10 things to do in Perast

Climb the bell tower

The bell tower of St. Nicholas Church is one of the most iconic landmarks in Perast, and climbing it is worth the €1 fee (provided you don’t have a fear of hights).

It’s a bit of a climb, but once you reach the top, you’ll feel on top of the world, gazing across the panoramic views over the terracotta rooftops and the glimmering bay.

Take a self-guided photo tour of Perast’s back streets

Perast’s winding, narrow streets are full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. As you stroll through the cobbled alleys, you’ll come across numerous churches and former palaces tucked away in quiet corners.

I loved simply following my nose and wandering without a map, camera in hand, and stumbling upon interesting buildings at each turn.

Sip on a glass of local wine

Perast is the perfect spot to relax with a glass of local Montenegrin wine.  For something a little different, try the pomegranate wine available at the waterfront bars.

The main promenade offers numerous places to sip and savour while watching the boats drift by.

Eat seafood

If you’re a seafood lover, Perast is the place to be. The local restaurants serve up fresh fish straight from the Adriatic.

However, if like me, seafood isn’t your thing, you’ll find plenty of pasta dishes on the menu to fill you up.  There’s no better way to enjoy a meal than with views of the bay and the mountains beyond.

Visit Our Lady of the Rocks Island

The artificial island of Our Lady of the Rocks is one of Perast’s most famous attractions.  Hop on a boat from Perast to visit the small church and museum on the island. Or, if you have more time, take a boat tour from Kotor that includes stops at both Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks, as well as other locations in the bay.

The legend behind the island is as intriguing as the island itself. It’s said to have been created over centuries by local sailors laying rocks in the bay.

Go on a tour to the Blue Cave

For something a bit more adventurous, consider a boat tour to the Blue Cave, a sparkling, natural phenomenon where sunlight turns the water an ethereal shade of blue.

Keep in mind that this tour is best on calm days, as the cave is close to the open sea and tours won’t run there when it’s windy, which happened to me.

Tours depart from both Perast and Kotor, and it’s a fantastic way to experience the area’s natural scenery.

Discover Perast’s maritime history

To get an understanding of Perast’s history, visit the Perast Museum, housed in the impressive Baroque Bujovic Palace.

The museum showcases the town’s maritime traditions, with exhibits that trace the history of seafaring in the region.  It’s a quiet place to spend some time away from the heat.

Take a dip in the Bay of Kotor

As well as the Perast Museum, if you’re visiting during the warmer months, don’t miss the chance to cool off from the sun with a refreshing swim in the Bay of Kotor.

There are small pebbled beaches where you can take a dip.  Nothing beats the feeling of the cool, clear water with the dramatic backdrop of the mountains to accompany your swim.

Hire a kayak

For a bit of an active adventure, renting a kayak is a fantastic way to see Perast and the Bay of Kotor from a different perspective.

Paddle around and enjoy the tranquillity of being out on the water.  It’s a peaceful way to soak up the beauty of the place at your own pace.

Go on a day trip from Perast to Kotor

Perast is the perfect base for a day trip to nearby Kotor. Just a 20-minute drive or a quick boat or bus ride away, Kotor offers plenty of reasons to visit.  You won’t want to miss the lively old town and incredible views from the old city walls.

It’s easy to head over for the day and return to the quieter, more relaxed atmosphere of Perast in the evening.

How to get to Perast from Kotor

There are several ways to travel from Kotor to Perast, each offering a different experience depending on your preferred way to get around Kotor.

By Bus

The local Blueline bus from Kotor to Risan stops in Perast and is an affordable way to travel. The journey takes about half an hour. Tickets are just a couple of euros, making this a good option if you’re on a budget or prefer not to drive.

However, be aware that the local Blueline buses are not always on time, so you may be hanging around whilst you wait for the bus.

By Bike

For the adventurous, hire a bike and cycle from Kotor to Perast.  It’s a good way to explore at your own pace. The 12 km route takes around 40 minutes on a bike, and the coastal road is mostly flat, offering stunning views of the bay.

You can ride along the quieter waterfront for the first half of the trip, from Kotor to Orahovac. After that, be aware that you join the main road and its fast traffic, until you reach Perast.

By Car

Hiring a car in Montenegro and driving is the most flexible option, taking just 20 minutes.  The coastal road is easy to navigate, and you’ll be treated to beautiful views along the way. There are parking spots at the edge of Perast, where you must leave the car, as Perast is car-free. Space may be limited, especially during peak season.

By Taxi

Taxis are available in Kotor and will get you to Perast in about 20 minutes. I found taxi fares to be reasonable and slightly cheaper than in the UK, making it a hassle-free option if you want a direct ride without worrying about bus schedules.

Be aware that there is no Uber in Montenegro.

How far is Perast from Kotor?

Perast is only 12 km from Kotor, making it a quick and easy trip of around 20 minutes by bus or car.

If you prefer biking, you can reach Perast in about 40 minutes (or faster if you hire an e-bike).  On the way you’ll get to enjoy a flat route and stunning Bay of Kotor views.

For a unique experience, book one of the boat tours from Kotor to Perast.  The 20 minute ride to Perast is loads of fun, it’s a great way to experience the bay, with incredible views.

Can you swim in Perast?

Yes there a several areas to swim in the sea from, at either end of Perast.  The beach spots provide space to get into the water from.  They’re not really beaches in the typical (sandy) sense of the word.  However, the concrete platforms do provide a beach-like atmosphere in summer.

Where to stay in Perast, hotels and accommodation