Our first week in Kotor has been nothing short of dazzling. Nestled along the Bay of Kotor and surrounded by the Dinaric Alps, the Old Town is like stepping into a living time capsule. Surrounded by medieval walls and dotted with Romanesque churches, Venetian palaces, and charming piazzas, it’s easy to get lost in both the labyrinth of stone streets and the city’s history.

Medieval Architecture That Feels Frozen in Time
Walking through Kotor’s Old Town is like walking through a storybook. The city was first fortified during the Byzantine Empire, expanded under Venetian rule, and has survived earthquakes, invasions, and centuries of change. Today, its UNESCO World Heritage status ensures that its stone gates, fortifications, and piazzas remain beautifully preserved. You can almost feel the centuries of history whispering through the alleyways. One of the crown jewels of the Old Town is St. Tryphon’s Cathedral, built in 1166. Dedicated to the patron saint of Kotor, this Romanesque masterpiece has survived multiple earthquakes, including a devastating one in 1667, which led to major reconstruction. The twin bell towers stand proudly above the town, and inside, the cathedral houses priceless relics and stunning frescoes. It’s a remarkable reminder of Kotor’s deep spiritual and cultural heritage. As an added bonus, it also reminds you of the hour with its ringing bells – starting at 6a.m.! It’s convenient for when you want to know what time it is while lying in bed, not ready to get up to check your phone!

Cats of Kotor
Something you can’t help but notice in Kotor: cats are everywhere. From café terraces to sunny staircases, they lounge and wander like the true rulers of the Old Town. Their presence dates back centuries—sailors once brought cats on their ships to control rodent populations, and many stayed behind, multiplying through the years. Today, they’re beloved by locals and visitors alike. The cats have even become unofficial mascots of the city, with shops selling cat-themed souvenirs and a small “Cat Museum” dedicated to them.

Lively Squares and Café Culture
Kotor has grown livelier over the past decade thanks to its popularity as a cruise ship destination. Every day, new visitors pour into the squares, cafés, and restaurants, adding to the energy. It’s a vibrant mix of locals and travelers, with music in the air, shop doors open wide, and the smell of wood-fired pizza drifting through the streets. Speaking of pizza, I had one of the largest—and tastiest—slices of pizza of my life here. A pepperoni slice roughly the size of my forearm, and honestly, one of the top ten slices I’ve ever had. Sometimes the simplest meals surprise you the most.

Boka Night Festival – August 25th
On the 25th, we were lucky enough to experience Boka Night, one of Kotor’s most beloved festivals. Originally a traditional celebration where decorated boats paraded through the bay, it’s grown into a modern spectacle of music, fireworks, and lights. We found ourselves dancing alongside fellow travelers as an EDM DJ turned the square into an open-air club. Fireworks burst above the fortress walls, and colorful lights illuminated the centuries-old buildings. It was unforgettable.

Dining Beside the Black Poplar
One evening, we dined at a café next to the Old Town’s legendary Black Poplar Tree, located in the Piazza of the Cinema. Planted after the devastating earthquake of 1667, the tree has stood as a symbol of resilience for centuries. Sitting beneath its branches, eating and drinking where countless generations have before us, was a uniquely grounding experience.

A Perfect Day on the Bay of Kotor
Yesterday we chartered a boat for a full tour of the Bay of Kotor—a day that felt straight out of a dream.

• Submarine Tunnels – Hidden along the coast, these abandoned Yugoslav-era tunnels were once used to hide and repair submarines during the Cold War. Exploring them was like peeking into a secret chapter of history.
• Blue Cave – A natural wonder where the water glows an ethereal shade of blue when sunlight filters through. Our captain took us inside and were left completely awestruck.
• Porto Montenegro – A luxury marina in Tivat, lined with superyachts, designer shops, and high-end restaurants. A stark contrast to Kotor’s medieval charm, but glamorous in its own right.
• Mamula Island – A small island fortress built in the 19th century by the Austro-Hungarians. During World War II, it was used as a prison camp. Today, it’s been controversially converted into a resort.
• Our Lady of the Rocks – A man-made island with a 17th-century church, created by sinking old ships and stones. According to legend, sailors started the tradition after finding an icon of the Virgin Mary on a rock in the bay.
• Saint George Island – A natural island next to Our Lady of the Rocks, home to a Benedictine monastery and a cemetery. Unlike its neighbor, it’s closed to the public, adding to its air of mystery.
• Perast – We cruised past the old village of Perast, a tiny baroque town with palaces and churches that speak to its Venetian past. The panoramic views of the mountains and bay from the water were breathtaking.

Casey even got to drive the boat, which made the day even more fun. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect—blue skies, warm breezes, and sparkling water all around us.

What’s Next
We still have another 10 days in Kotor and plenty on our list: visiting the bayfront aquarium, riding the new cable car and Alpine Coaster, day-tripping to Tivat, climbing the fort above Old Town, and heading into Lovćen National Park to see the mausoleum of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš and the mountain village of Njeguši (famous for its smoked hams and cheeses). Of course, we’ll also make time for relaxing, video games, catching up on TV, and lingering at more cafés and restaurants.

After Kotor, we’re off to the Budva Riviera for a couple of weeks before heading north to Sweden and Norway. If this week has been any indication, Montenegro is going to be an absolute highlight of our journey.