Tag Archives: Kotor

Budva: A Vibrant Mix of Relaxation and Thrills

Exploring the Old Town

Budva’s Old Town (Stari Grad) is perched on a small peninsula that juts into the sea, surrounded by medieval stone walls that seem to rise straight out of the Adriatic. While it resembles Kotor’s Old Town in its winding cobblestone alleys, charming squares, and stone architecture, the vibe here feels different—”newer”, more polished, and even better maintained inside the walls. That’s not to take anything away from Kotor’s ancient, UNESCO-listed beauty, but Budva’s Old Town feels alive in a different way.

The history here stretches back over 2,500 years, making Budva one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic coast. Founded by the Greeks and fortified by the Romans, the Old Town has endured earthquakes, invasions, and centuries of transformation. Today, cafés spill into squares, boutiques hide behind heavy wooden doors, and bell towers peek above the walls. The sea laps right at its base, making the views from the ramparts unforgettable.

We visited three times—once for cocktails, once for dinner where we lingered for hours in a hidden courtyard (Casey finally got his Mexican dinner), and once for exploration and a lazy seaside lunch. Each time, the Old Town revealed a new layer of charm.

A Day at Dukley Beach Club

One afternoon we treated ourselves to Dukley Beach Club, and it felt like a little slice of Mediterranean heaven. Lounging under the sun with chilled cocktails in hand, we swam in the crystal-clear Adriatic, nibbled on fresh Mediterranean dishes, and watched parasailers drift across the horizon. Music played in the background, laughter echoed from the cabanas, and the day stretched out blissfully slow. It was everything a beach day should be.

The Road to White-Water Rafting

The day after our beach escape, we swapped cocktails for chaos and ventured into the Dinarides for a white-water rafting adventure on the Tara River. To get there, we hired a driver—an experience that turned out to be scarier (and far more entertaining) than the rafting itself.

We left at 6:30 in the morning and quickly realized our driver believed speed limits were a suggestion rather than law. On narrow, winding mountain roads, he hurled us around bends like he was auditioning for a Balkan Fast & Furious reboot. At one point, Casey and I were texting each other from the back seat, making jokes about how this story would end up in the blog. The texts provided much-needed comedic relief as our driver cursed every car in front of him, passed at impossible moments, and delivered death glares in multiple languages. By the time we stopped at Piva Lake, I was convinced we had cheated death.

But the view was worth it. Piva Lake is a man-made reservoir created in the 1970s with the construction of the Mratinje Dam. Surrounded by dramatic peaks and sitting at nearly 700 meters above sea level, its turquoise waters shimmer like glacial lakes in Iceland. It was breathtaking—calm and serene after the madness of our journey.

At basecamp, we were welcomed by the kindest host, who fed us a hearty breakfast of eggs, ham, cheese, and warm homemade bread. Over coffee, we chatted about her life in Serbia, her travels to America, and what it was like running a rafting company with her husband and sweet dog, Mila.

After suiting up, we hopped into a Land Rover Defender (Casey’s dream vehicle) and bounced our way up the canyon to the launch point. For four hours we rafted the Tara River—Europe’s deepest canyon and the second deepest in the world after the Grand Canyon. The canyon cuts a dramatic 82 kilometers through the mountains, reaching depths of 1,300 meters, with the river forming part of the natural border between Montenegro and Bosnia.

We hit 23 rapids, some smooth and some wild. Halfway through, Lucas, one of our fellow rafters, convinced me to climb 4 meters up the rocky wall and jump into the freezing water—an international leap from Montenegro to Bosnia. The shock of the icy current was exhilarating and something I’ll never forget.

After the rapids, we returned to camp for a meal of meat and potatoes—simple, hearty, and 100% locally raised. No imports here, and you could taste the difference. Tara Outdoor Adventure gave us an unforgettable day, and if you want to see a glimpse of it, click here for our video highlights: Tara Rafting Adventure.

Movie Nights in Budva

When we weren’t exploring or risking our lives in mountain drives, we relaxed with a lineup of movies. Here are my quick takes from a casual viewer’s perspective:

Weapons (2025)
Genre: Horror/Mystery
Starring: Julia Garner, Amy Madigan, Josh Brolin
Synopsis: A small town unravels after a series of bizarre murders tie back to a reclusive family and their eerie farmhouse.
My take: Weird and depressing but we liked it. Great acting, original story, and it deserves a sequel (especially about Aunt Gladys). 7.5/10

Life of Chuck (2025)
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Starring: Tom Hiddleston, Mia Sara, Karen Gillan, Mark Hamill, Jacob Tremblay
Synopsis: Based on a Stephen King novella, the story is told in reverse, chronicling the life of Charles Krantz as the world slowly unravels.
My take: Deep, moving, and a reminder of life’s fleeting beauty. A little preachy at times but it stuck with me. 8/10

Nope (2022)
Genre: Horror/Sci-Fi
Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer, Brandon Perea, Steven Yeun
Synopsis: Siblings discover a mysterious presence haunting their family ranch while they try to capture evidence of it.
My take: Nope. Hated it. By far my least favorite Jordan Peele film. 3/10

Talk to Me (2022)
Genre: Horror/Supernatural
Starring: Sophia Wilde, Zoe Terakes, Miranda Otto, Joe Bird, Alexandra Jensen
Synopsis: Teens discover they can communicate with spirits using an embalmed hand—until things go too far.
My take: Clumsy but entertaining. Not scary, but strong practical effects. 6/10

Dangerous Animals (2025)
Genre: Horror
Starring: Hassie Harrison, Jai Courtney, Josh Heuston, Ella Newton
Synopsis: A family vacation spirals into terror after they cross paths with a deranged killer in the wilderness.
My take: Original but uneven. Strong acting, weak CGI, lazy ending. 5/10

The Naked Gun (2025)
Genre: Comedy/Action
Starring: Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson, Danny Huston
Synopsis: A reboot of the classic slapstick detective comedy, full of over-the-top gags.
My take: Not my style of comedy, but Liam Neeson did well. Pamela Anderson was fun to watch. 4/10

A Nice Indian Boy (2024)
Genre: Comedy/Romance
Starring: Naveen Gavaskar, Jonathan Groff, Sunita Mani, Megha Gavaskar
Synopsis: A modern rom-com about an Indian-American family navigating love, tradition, and an unexpected relationship.
My take: Cute and heartfelt but uneven. Loved the representation and Megha Gavaskar stole the show. 6/10

Night of the Reaper (2025)
Genre: Horror
Starring: Jessica Clement, Summer Howell, Ryan Robbins
Synopsis: A masked killer stalks a small town, leaving clues that reveal their identity.
My take: Interesting but predictable. Casey wants to rewatch for clues—I won’t be joining him. 5/10

What’s Next

We leave on Friday for Sweden, where the pace of travel will pick up again. The next four weeks will be a road trip through Sweden and Norway, filled with long drives, short stays, and—if nature cooperates—the Northern Lights. We’ll also be spending a night in an igloo hotel, something we’re both really looking forward to.

After the slow and relaxing five weeks in Montenegro, we’re ready for a change of pace. This will likely be my last blog post for a couple of weeks, but I’ll be sharing photos on Instagram in the meantime. Follow along at @BrandOnTheRunBlog for updates.

Budva has been thrilling, beautiful, and at times terrifying (thank you, Mr. Speed Racer driver). But most of all, it’s been memorable. And that’s all we can really ask for.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Brandon E. Jacobs (@bj808sells)

Kotor: Aquariums, Movies, and Moving On

A Visit to the Aquarium on the Bay

Right on the edge of the water sits the Kotor Aquarium—a small but unique facility that highlights the marine biodiversity of the Adriatic. It opened in 2021 as part of the Institute of Marine Biology, which has been studying the region’s ecosystems since the mid-20th century. While the aquarium itself isn’t large, its location is spectacular—directly on the Bay of Kotor, with sweeping views of the mountains meeting the sea. The exhibits are intimate, focusing on native Adriatic species and raising awareness about conservation in this part of the world.

Taking It Easy

Our final week here was all about balance. We explored more of the winding stone streets, enjoyed simple pleasures like gelato (always a win), and tried a few new restaurants. But most importantly, we slowed down. Some days were spent wandering, others were spent just being. Every day included snapping photos of cats! After weeks of constant movement, this was exactly what we needed.

Movie Reviews: What We’ve Been Watching

One unexpected part of our downtime? Movie marathons. Casey’s a big horror fan, so naturally, a lot of our picks leaned into that genre. Here are my (very) casual takes—just one traveler’s perspective:

I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025)

Genre: Horror/Thriller
Starring: Madelyn Cline, Chase Sui Wonders, Tyriq Withers, Sarah Pidgeon, others
Synopsis: A group of friends is haunted by a dark secret from their past, with a killer stalking them one year later.
My take: Entertaining, but it didn’t live up to the original. The setup had potential, but the reveal of the killer(s) felt lazy. Still, the post-credit teaser gave me hope for a more exciting sequel. 6/10

Together (2025)

Genre: Drama/Horror
Starring: Dave Franco, Alison Brie, Damon Herriman
Synopsis: A relationship drama that slowly spirals into darker, more unsettling territory, mixing humor and horror.
My take: The story grabbed me early on but eventually unraveled into something a little too unsettling. The body horror was over the top, but I appreciated that the ending wasn’t wrapped up in a pretty bow. Life rarely is. 6.5/10

Until Dawn (2025)

Genre: Horror/Survival
Starring: Ella Rubin, Maia Mitchell, Peter Stormare, Belmont Cameli, Michael Cimino, Ji-young You, Odessa A’zion
Synopsis: A group of characters faces terrifying consequences while being hunted in an isolated location.
My take: The plot didn’t make much sense, but it was fun anyway. The kills were creative and sometimes even funny. I’ve never played the video game, and I don’t plan to, but I actually enjoyed the film. 7/10

Sinners (2025)

Genre: Crime/Horror
Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfield, Wunmi Mosaku, Miles Caton, Delroy Lindo
Synopsis: A crime story that twists into a dark horror narrative with layered characters and shocking turns.
My take: Fantastic movie. It started more like a gangster/crime flick but turned into a gripping horror film. The acting, especially by Michael B. Jordan, was phenomenal. Some thought it was too long; I would’ve loved an extra 20 minutes for more elaborate kills and backstory. 8.5/10

Bring Her Back (2025)

Genre: Psychological Horror/Drama
Starring: Sora Wong, Sally Hawkins, Billy Barratt, Jonah Wren Phillips
Synopsis: A chilling story of love, loss, and obsession that pushes characters into terrifying emotional territory.
My take: Disturbing in the best way. The acting was top-notch, the violence unsettling, and the emotions raw. I would’ve liked more origin detail, but the story was gripping from start to finish. 9/10

We’ve also been watching the new series Alien: Earth—and honestly, I think I might like it even more than most of the films. It’s smart, suspenseful, and delivers exactly what fans of the franchise (and the genre) are looking for. If you’re into the Alien movies, sci-fi, or horror in general, this one is a must-watch. 10/10 – Highly recommend!

Heading to Budva

As much as we’ve loved Kotor, we’re excited to head south to Budva for some beach time. The Budva Riviera is known for its stunning coastline, and we’re ready to trade medieval streets for sandy shores. Another perk? A wider variety of cuisine. Kotor’s restaurants are great, but the menus often repeat—fish, risotto, pasta, pizza, seafood. We love all of these things, but after a while, variety is welcome. Casey’s already staked out a Mexican restaurant in Budva and declared it our first stop.

Looking Ahead: Travel Plans for 2026

We’ve also been sketching out our travel plans for the first half of 2026. We’ve made some exciting changes from our original itinerary, and soon we’ll be sharing the details. I will say this though: we’ll be visiting two continents we’ve never been to before, instead of just one. The next chapter of this journey is shaping up to be even bigger than we imagined.

For now, though, it’s goodbye to Kotor. The cats, the bay, the history—they’ve left their mark. Next stop: Budva, beaches, and burritos.

Kotor, Montenegro: A Week in the Old Town

Leave a reply

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.

Brand On The Run

See the World. Be the Story.