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Nestled into a serene bay along the Adriatic sits the ancient fortified town of Kotor, Montenegro. With a multi-ethnic population of about 13 000 (many locals hail from the neighboring countries of Serbia and Croatia), and a history that dates back thousands of years, the medieval town offers a wonderful taste of rugged and serene Balkan life. Visitors strolling along the old cobblestone streets can (literally) lose themselves as they gaze over at the dramatic view of the deepest bay in the Mediterranean area. The town boasts plenty of ancient churches and fortresses—indeed, it’s known to be the most well-preserved place throughout the Mediterranean, as its UNESCO designation will attest to. In Kotor, quaint cafes, restaurants and bars edge various town squares, offering plenty of chances for visitors to rest up and soak in the local culture. The best part is, it’s still inexpensive, with hotels starting at something like 50 USD / night.
While its popularity has grown since having topped Lonely Planet’s best in travel list for 2016, it’s still a place where visitors can come for some peace and quiet. Natural sites like Durmitor National Park are must-sees, and hiking old military fortresses like San Giovanni (St. John) remains a favorite activity and, although it can be challenging, the views of the bay once you get to the top are worth it. The structures that comprise the San Giovanni fortress are some of the best examples of in-situ architecture dating back to Byzantine and Illyrian cultures, as well as representing unique combinations of Venusian and Austrian building styles. Parts of the fortress area are literally embedded in the limestone slopes. The narrow stone staircase up to the fortress can be treacherous, so be sure to take comfortable shoes.
If you’re planning on arriving via air, the Tivat airport is 8 kilometers away. You can fly there from most central European / Balkan cities, as well as from London and Copenhagen. Podgorica and Dubrovnik each are at least an hours’ drive away, but service most major airlines through EU. Note that border waits can cause high taxi fares. Buses run from all nearby countries. Narrow mountain roads can be a little challenging to drive and the Old Town is pedestrian only, so walking or biking while in town is highly recommended.