13 Best Day Trips From Kotor: Detailed Trip Itineraries From a Local

Nestled in Kotor Bay, Kotor is the perfect launchpad for an array of day trips that will show you this country's stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Despite its small size, Montenegro is incredibly diverse and you’ll be able to find a range of experiences on achievable day trips from Kotor.

Dive into crystal-clear waters on idyllic beaches on the Budva Riviera.

Experience authentic culture and the abundance of wildlife in Montenegro’s heartland, Lake Skadar.

Explore majestic mountain landscapes in UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durmitor National Park.

The choice is yours!

We live in the Bay of Kotor and have explored every corner of Montenegro on day trips, both with and without kids. Here is a round-up of my favorite itineraries, including suggested activities and restaurant recommendations.

These itineraries are easiest to do if you have a rental car (check out Localrent for the best deals), but don’t worry if you don’t have one. There are day tours and public transport from Kotor that will take you to these destinations and I’ve listed those too.

Contents

Bay of Kotor

Budva Riviera

Kotor Bay Boat Tour

Lovćen National Park and Cetinje

Lake Skadar National Park

Durmitor National Park

Tara Canyon Rafting

Ostrog Monastery

Luštica Peninsula

Montenegro in a Day

Bar and Ulcinj

Dubrovnik

Trebinje

13 Best Day Trips From Kotor

1. Discover the Bay of Kotor

The Bay of Kotor is stunningly beautiful and spending a day exploring it is a must-do while you’re here.

This Kotor day trip takes you to some of the highlights, like Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks, but it also gives you the chance to experience the authentic Boka Bay seaside hamlet atmosphere at Rose fishing village, one of my favorite spots for coffee and swimming.

Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks

This day trip from Kotor starts with a short drive from Kotor to the picturesque town of Perast. This charming coastal town, with its baroque architecture and serene waterfront, is a perfect introduction to the bay's beauty. Stroll along the waterfront and admire the stone-crafted villas and their history.

A must-visit is the iconic Our Lady of the Rocks, an island off the coast of Perast. A short boat ride (€5 per person return) will take you to this man-made island with its beautiful church and museum. You can take a guided tour through both for €2.

Lunch

For lunch, experience the flavors of Kotor Bay at Ćatovića Mlini Restaurant. Try fresh seafood and local cuisine surrounded by lush gardens and rushing water in this converted watermill.

Herceg Novi Old Town and Rose Fishing Village

Make your way to the old town of Herceg Novi. Wander through the narrow streets, visit Kanli Kula (the Bloody Tower) to learn about the history of the town, and walk down to the waterfront.

From the marina, take the Loro taxi boat from Herceg Novi marina to the quaint fishing village of Rose (€7 return per person). Here, you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the Adriatic's clear waters and relax with a drink in the idyllic surroundings.

Return Journey

As the day wanes, catch the boat back to Herceg Novi marina and then take the Kotor Bay Ferry from Kamenari to Lepetane (€5 per car).

Dinner

End your day with a walk and dinner at Porto Montenegro in Tivat. This luxurious marina offers everything from pizza and pasta to fine dining with a backdrop of yachts and a vibrant atmosphere. 

Walk Jetty 1 to see some of the world’s most impressive super yachts and experience Tivat’s lively nightlife.

Return to Kotor

Drive back to Kotor via the Vrmac tunnel.

Ways to Do This Day Trip

By car: Hire a car in Kotor to follow this itinerary

By bus: Catch the local Blue Line bus from Kotor to Perast. Take an intercity bus from Perast to Herceg Novi (bus stop is on the main road above Perast). Take an intercity bus from Herceg Novi to Tivat. Take an intercity bus or taxi from Tivat to Kotor. 

Guided Tours:

• I Want to Stay in Boka Bay Forever - this customizable guided tour takes you to Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks, and Porto Montenegro. 
• Kotor Winery Tour - this customizable guided tour includes Perast, Herceg Novi and wine tasting at a local winery.

2. A Day on the Budva Riviera

At just 30 minutes drive from Kotor, the Budva Riviera, with its crystal-clear waters, is an excellent choice for a day trip from Kotor. Follow this itinerary to experience the best of the Riviera.

Budva Old Town

Drive to Budva Old Town, stopping at El Rey Caffee Bar for a photo of Jaz Beach from above.

Explore Budva Old Town, including the citadel and Roman ruins.

Mogren Beach and the Budva Ballerina

From Budva Old Town, take a scenic walk to Mogren Beach. Don’t miss the iconic Budva Ballerina statue, an excellent spot to snap a picture of the old town. Mogren Beach has golden sand and crystal clear waters and is the perfect place for a swim.

Or you can head to Azzuro Beach to hire a kayak or SUP to explore the coastline.

Lunch

For lunch, return to Budva Old Town and try some local seafood specialties in a cozy atmosphere at Konoba Portun.

Afternoon: Sveti Stefan and Miločer Forest Park

Make your way to Sveti Stefan, a picturesque islet connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. From here, take the walking path through Miločer Forest Park. The path will lead you from Sveti Stefan to Pržno via Miločer and Queen’s beaches.

You have the choice of four stunning beaches: Pržno Beach, Queens Beach, Miločer Beach, or Sveti Stefan Beach. Sveti Stefan and Queens beaches are my favorites.

Dinner

At the end of the day, settle in for dinner at Blanche, located at Pržno Beach. This restaurant offers higher-end traditional dishes with a modern twist and perfect sunset views.

Return to Kotor

Drive back along the coast to Kotor.

Ways to Do This Day Trip

By car: Hire a car in Kotor and follow this itinerary

By bus: Take an intercity bus from Kotor bus station to Budva. Take a local bus to Sveti Stefan.

Guided Tours:

• Say Hello to Budva - this customizable guided tour includes Kotor, Budva and Sveti Stefan.

3. Kotor Bay Boat Tour

Taking a boat trip from Kotor is one of the best ways to experience the bay and there are trips to suit everyone.

The top sights to see on a Kotor boat tour are:

Our Lady of the Rocks

Our Lady of the Rocks is a man-made island was built over centuries by seamen who kept an ancient oath. The church and museum here are an archive of local legends and maritime history, with stunning frescoes and a collection of silver votive tablets.

Yugoslav Submarine Caves

These Yugoslav-era submarine caves were once the secret hideaways for submarines during wartime. 

Mamula Island

Built as one of a set of fortresses to protect the entrance of the Bay of Kotor, Mamula Island was also an island prison used by the Italian occupiers during WWII.

Today it’s a luxury resort and access is restricted, but you get great views of it as you cruise past on a boat.

The Blue Cave

The Blue Cave is one of Montenegro’s most popular attractions. You can only get there by boat and swimming in the cave’s iridescent blue light is a highlight.

It does get extremely busy in the cave in July and August, but the boat tours give you another chance to swim outside the cave too.

I think this is even better because the water just outside the cave is very clear and you get the benefit of swimming in the sun. There are more small caves you can explore too.

Best Kotor Boat Tours

Our Lady of the Rocks, Mamula and Blue Cave Boat Tour - 3 hour small group boat tour from Kotor

Scenic Boat Trip with Church, Blue Cave, and Beach Stop - 6 hour boat tour to Our Lady of the Rocks, the Blue Cave and Rose village.

Speed Boat Adventure - privately guided boat tour to the Blue Cave, submarine tunnels and Rose village.

4. Lovćen National Park and Cetinje

This day trip to Lovćen National Park and Cetinje offers you a glimpse into Montenegrin culture, history, and nature.

Lipa Cave is a great destination to visit if you’re traveling with kids. To make this family-friendly, swap the Petar II Petrović Njegoš Mausoleum and Cetinje tour for some family time at Ivanova Korita where you’ll find picnic areas, walking trails, and a treetops ropes course.

Ascend the Serpentine Road to Njeguši

This itinerary starts with a drive up the famous Serpentine Road, featuring 25 hairpin turns that offer increasingly spectacular views of the Bay of Kotor.

Horizont

Stop at Horizont for a refreshing drink with incredible panoramic views over the Bay of Kotor.

Kod Pera Na Bukoviću

Make a stop at Kod Pera Na Bukoviću restaurant in Njeguši, where you can purchase locally-made prosciutto, wine, and brandy.

This is Montenegro’s oldest restaurant and their artisanal products are a taste of Montenegro's culinary heritage and make for excellent souvenirs.

Petar II Petrović Njegoš Mausoleum

Continue to Lovćen National Park (€5 per person) and visit the mausoleum of Petar II Petrović Njegoš (€8 per person), one of Montenegro's most important historical figures.

The climb to the mausoleum is a journey in itself, with 461 steps leading to a site that offers both cultural significance and panoramic mountain views.

Cetinje

Continue to Cetinje, the historical capital of Montenegro. Here, you can visit King Nikola's Palace, the Bilijarda, and the National Museum. Opt for a walking tour of Cetinje to fully immerse yourself in the town's regal history and architecture.

Lunch

For lunch, try a traditional roast, known as 'ispod sač', at National Restaurant Belveder. This hearty meal is a staple of Montenegrin cuisine and provides the perfect fuel for your next exploration.

This was one of the first restaurants I visited in Montenegro and my first introduction to huge Montenegrin portions!

Lipa Cave

Take a tour through Lipa Cave, one of Montenegro's largest cave systems. The cool underground passages and stunning rock formations offer a stark contrast to the coastal and mountain landscapes you've experienced so far.

Dinner

Conclude your day with a sunset dinner at Dukley Seafront Restaurant in Budva. This upmarket restaurant offers top-notch cuisine and unforgettable sunset views.

Ways to Do This Day Trip

By car: Hire a car in Kotor and drive yourself, following this itinerary.

Guided Tours:

• Full Day Montenegro Tour - this small group Kotor day tour is great value and takes you to Lovćen National Park, Njeguši, Petar II Petrović Njegoš Mausoleum, Cetinje and Pavlova Strana in Lake Skadar National Park.
• Historical Zig-Zag Tour - this customizable privately guided tour includes Budva, Cetinje, Lovćen National Park and Njeguši.
• Great Montenegro Tour from Kotor - this tour includes a food and wine tasting in Njeguši, visit to the Petar II Petrović Njegoš Mausoleum, photo stop at Sveti Stefan and walking tours of both Budva and Kotor.

5. Lake Skadar National Park

Skadar Lake National Park is one of my favorite places in Montenegro. This is Montenegrin heartland and it’s an excellent place to experience authentic Montenegrin culture and cuisine.

It’s also one of Europe’s largest and most important wildlife reserves.

Drive to Virpazar

Take the scenic drive along the coast to the village of Virpazar, the gateway to Skadar Lake. This quaint settlement is the perfect starting point for exploring the largest lake in Southern Europe.

Besac Fortress

Perched on a hill above the village, the fortress offers a window into the past and panoramic views of the lake and its surroundings (€2 per person).

Local Winery Visit

This is Montenegro’s premier wine-making region. Try the flavors of this region with a wine and food tasting at a local winery. Montenegro's wines are a hidden treasure, and you can try the traditional Vranac variety as well as fruit brandies, fish from the lake, and much more.

Boat Tour

Take a boat tour or hire kayaks to explore the lake’s island fortresses, ancient monasteries, and waterways. Lake Skadar is one of Europe’s most important wildlife reserves and you’ll see cormorants, ducks, and even rare Dalmatian Pelicans.

Macalov Brijeg

Stop at Macalov Brijeg, overlooking the lake, to enjoy traditional favourites like pomegranate juice and Montenegrin donuts, known as priganice.

Rijeka Crnojevića

Take a stroll along the river in Rijeka Crnojevića, one of Montenegro’s oldest settlements.

Pavlova Strana Viewpoint

The view of the horseshoe bend in the river at Pavlova Strana is one of Montenegro's most iconic sights and provides a perfect photo opportunity.

Sunset Dinner

Drive to Budva via the M2.3 road and cap off your day with a sunset dinner at Dukley Seafront Restaurant in Budva. The restaurant's seaside location offers a stunning backdrop for an exquisite meal with sunset views.

Ways to Do This Day Trip

By car: Hire a car in Kotor and drive yourself, following this itinerary

Guided Tours:

• Skadar Lake National Park Boating and Budva Old Town Tour - this tour takes you to Budva, Virpazar, boating or kayaking on Skadar Lake and has an optional winery visit.
• Skadar Lake National Park with Wine Tasting - this tour includes transport to Virpazar, a boat tour on the lake and wine tasting at local boutique winery.

6. Durmitor National Park

This day trip from Kotor to UNESCO World Heritage site Durmitor National Park is a deep dive into the heart of Montenegro's wilderness, offering both beauty and adventure against a backdrop of some of the most stunning landscapes in the Balkans.

Because there’s so much to see and do here, Durmitor National Park is best done on an overnight trip. But if you don’t have the time, you can see the highlights on a day trip. Here’s how…

Lake Slano

Depart Kotor and head towards Nikšić, making your first stop at a viewpoint overlooking Lake Slano.

Breakfast

In Nikšić, treat yourself to a hearty breakfast at Riverside. I always have their traditional donuts (priganice) with local cheese and honey, but they also do great omelets and the riverside setting and quirky decor makes this one of my favorite places in Montenegro.

The Black Lake

Continue to Žabljak, the heart of Durmitor National Park, and take a scenic walk around the Black Lake. The mirror-like waters reflecting the surrounding forest and peaks are stunning and you can walk the trail around the lake.

From here, I would recommend choosing one of the following two options:

Option 1: Tara Canyon

Drive to the Ɖurđevica Tara Bridge, which spans the Tara Canyon, the deepest canyon in Europe. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can zip line across the canyon!

Lunch

On your return to Kotor, stop at Eco Selo Nevidio in Savnik. Here, you can enjoy a lunch of traditional specialties while overlooking the picturesque Lake Posćenje.

Option 2: Sedlo Pass and Piva Lake

Take the Sedlo Pass portion of the Durmitor Ring to Plužine. This route offers some of the most dramatic mountain landscapes in Montenegro, with the road winding through raw, alpine scenery.

Piva Lake Viewpoint

Stop at the Piva Lake Viewpoint for fantastic views of the lake's vivid blue waters.

Lunch

In Plužine, have lunch at Zvono Jazz restaurant. This popular spot combines good food with soulful music.

Piva Monastery

Stop at 16th-century Piva Monastery, which was moved brick by brick when Lake Piva was created by the hydroelectric dam, is noted for its beautiful frescoes. 

Return to Kotor

Ways to Do This Day Trip

By car: Hire a car in Kotor and follow this itinerary.

Guided Tours:

• Durmitor, Tara and Ostrog Monastery Day Trip - this small group tour is always popular and takes you to see the highlights for an affordable price.
• Durmitor, Black Lake and Djurdjevica Tara Bridge Tour - this private tour takes you to the Black Lake and Ɖurđevica Tara Bridge.

7. Tara Canyon Rafting Adventure

The Tara Canyon is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site Durmitor National Park. Rafting through the canyon is an unforgettable experience and an incredible way to see the canyon and have fun.

We go every year and love it!

Šćepan Polje

Drive to Šćepan Polje, the starting point for rafting in Montenegro.

Rafting the Tara River

On arrival at the rafting camp, you get prepared for 2-3 hours of exciting rafting on the Tara River, which carves through the second-deepest canyon in the world. 

The river's crystal-clear waters and the canyon's dramatic cliffs make for a scenically stunning ride, and the route includes both exciting rapids and calm floating where you can get out and swim in the 10°C (50°F) water.

Rafting tours end with a lunch of delicious local Montenegrin cuisine.

Piva Monastery

Stop at 16th-century Piva Monastery, which was moved brick by brick when Lake Piva was created by the hydroelectric dam, is noted for its beautiful frescoes.

Return to Kotor

Ways to Do This Day Trip

By car: Hire a car in Kotor and drive yourself to Šćepan Polje. Book the rafting tour separately.

Guided Tours:

• Rafting tour from Kotor - this tour runs every day in the rafting season and includes transport, rafting, equipment and meals.

8. Ostrog Monastery

This day trip from Kotor to Ostrog Monastery, one of the most sacred sites in the Balkans, offers a unique blend of cultural experiences and natural exploration, set against the backdrop of Montenegro's diverse landscapes.

Ostrog Monastery

Begin this day trip with a drive towards the imposing Ostrog Monastery, dramatically set against a sheer cliff face. This 17th-century marvel is a testament to Montenegro's Orthodox Christian heritage and is revered by people of all faiths. 

The monastery's upper and lower complexes offer a glimpse into monastic life and provide panoramic views of the Bjelopavlići plain.

Lunch

After your visit, descend to the village of Tunjevo for lunch at Konoba Svera. This traditional eatery serves up local dishes that reflect the region's flavors, with a warm, rustic ambiance that invites you to relax beside the river.

Farma Magaraca Martinići

Post-lunch, continue to Farma Magaraca Martinići, where you can meet and learn about donkeys, an integral part of Montenegrin rural life. This quirky stop gives you a a chance to interact with these charming animals.

Lipa Cave

Make your way to Lipa Cave, one of Montenegro's largest cave systems. Join a guided tour to explore its subterranean passages, adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, and learn about the cave's geology and history.

Sunset Dinner in Budva

End your day with a sunset dinner at Dukley Seafront Restaurant in Budva. The restaurant's seaside setting is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal while watching the sun dip below the Adriatic horizon.

Return to Kotor

Ways to Do This Day Trip

By car: Hire a car in Kotor to drive yourself on this itinerary.

Guided Tours:

• Durmitor, Tara and Ostrog Monastery Day Trip - this small group tour is always popular and takes you to see the highlights for an affordable price.

9. Luštica Peninsula

This relaxed day trip itinerary offers a blend of luxury and family-friendly options with lots of beach time. You can easily make this a half-day itinerary. 

Luštica Bay Marina

Start the day with a visit to Luštica Bay Marina, a luxury marina and villa development that features one of Montenegro’s best luxury hotels, The Chedi Luštica Bay. 

Stroll along the marina, admire the yachts, and grab some delicious pastries from Davidović bakery.

Beach Time

As the day warms up, make your way to one of Luštica's popular beaches, each offering a distinct experience:

Oblatno Beach / Almara Beach Club: For those seeking a trendy beach club atmosphere, Oblatno Beach is the place to be. 

The Almara Beach Club provides a luxurious setting with comfortable sun loungers, a sophisticated bar, and a restaurant serving upmarket seafood and international cuisine. 

You can enjoy the crystal-clear waters and the club's vibrant ambiance, often featuring a live DJ.

or

Blue Horizons (Plavi Horizonti) Beach: If you're traveling with family or prefer a more relaxed setting, head to Blue Horizons Beach. 

Known for its shallow, sandy shores in a sheltered cove, it's an ideal spot for children to play and for adults to unwind. 

The beach is equipped with amenities, including sunbeds and parasols, and has ample space where you can lay your towel for free.

Ways to Do This Day Trip

By car: Hire a car in Kotor to drive to Luštica Peninsula.

By taxi: Take a taxi from Kotor to Oblatno or Blue Horizons beach for about €20 each way.

By bus: Take a bus from Kotor to Tivat. Take a bus from Tivat to Blue Horizons Beach.

10. Montenegro in a Day

This day trip from Kotor offers a snapshot of Montenegro's vast beauty, from its coastal charm to its alpine grandeur.

It is an ambitious itinerary and I would only recommend it if you have a very short time in Montenegro and want to see as much as possible.

Budva Riviera and Skadar Lake

Start your day early and drive to Podgorica, taking the scenic route through the coastal towns of Budva and Sveti Stefan. You can stop along the way to snap pictures of Sveti Stefan and Skadar Lake as you drive past.

Morača Monastery

Make a stop at 13th-century Morača Monastery, on the edge of Morača Canyon. This peaceful monastery houses some of Montenegro's most significant frescoes and a waterfall spouts from below the monastery into the canyon below.

Lake Biograd

Continue to Biogradska Gora National Park (€5 per person), one of three remaining primeval forests in Europe. You can take a walk around the glacial lake or hire a boat to row across it.

Lunch

For lunch, stop at Ravnjak, a restaurant known for its traditional Montenegrin cuisine. Enjoy dishes like kačamak or lamb in milk, all while overlooking the harmonious backdrop of a rushing river.

Đurđevica Tara Bridge

Make your way to the Đurđevica Tara Bridge. Spanning the Tara River Canyon, this bridge is an impressive feat of engineering and provides awe-inspiring views of one of the world's deepest river canyons.

The Black Lake

Visit the Black Lake in Durmitor National Park. This glacial lake, framed by pine forests and mountain peaks, is a picture-perfect setting for an afternoon stroll or just to take in the majestic views.

Dinner

Drive back to Kotor via Nikšić, stopping for dinner if you like. Catovica Mlini in Morinj offers the ambiance of an old mill with the unique flavors of the Montenegrin coast.

Ways to Do This Day Trip

By car: Hire a car in Kotor to drive yourself.

Guided Tours:

• Untouched Montenegro - this guided tour follows this itinerary (except for the meals) and has the advantage of ensuring you can fit the entire trip into one day.

11. Bar and Ulcinj

This day trip from Kotor gives you the chance to explore off-the-beaten-track coastal destinations, Bar and Ulcinj. These destinations offer a taste of the culture of Montenegro’s southern coast. 

Stara Maslina

Start your visit to Bar at Stara Maslina (the Old Olive), one of the world's oldest olive trees, at over 2,000 years old.

Bar Old Town

Bar's Old Town (Stari Grad) is a blend of Illyrian, Byzantine, and Venetian architecture. Abandoned after an earthquake in 1979 damaged the ancient aqueduct that supplied the town with water, you can wander through the remnants of this once-thriving town.

Konoba Bedem

For lunch, visit Konoba Bedem, which lies on the colorful street leading to Bar Old Town. The food in this region is more influenced by eastern flavors and you’ll find the cuisine is different from the Mediterranean-influenced food in Kotor.  

I highly recommend their eggplant in tomato sauce.

Ulcinj Old Town

Continue to Ulcinj Old Town, where narrow cobblestone streets lead to stone houses and mosques, reflecting the town's Ottoman influence. The old town's elevated position offers stunning views of the Adriatic, making it a picturesque spot for exploration.

Beach Time: Choose Your Experience

Small Beach: Close to Ulcinj's old town, Small Beach offers a convenient spot for a quick dip in the sea, with its calm waters and convenient location making it ideal for a refreshing swim.

or

Long Beach: Head to Long Beach, a 12-kilometer stretch of sandy beach. It's perfect for long walks, sunbathing, and water sports.

Dinner

Drive back along the coast to Pržno for a sunset dinner at Blanche. This restaurant's terrace overlooking the sea is the perfect setting to enjoy a meal as the sun sets over the Adriatic.

Return to Kotor

Ways to Do This Day Trip

By car: Hire a car in Kotor to drive yourself, following this itinerary.

By bus: Take an intercity bus from Kotor Bus Station to Bar. Take a taxi from Bar to Bar Old Town and back. Take an intercity bus from Bar Bus Station to Ulcinj. Take an intercity bus from Ulcinj to Kotor.

12. Dubrovnik

Many people wonder if you can do a day trip from Montenegro to Dubrovnik. The answer is: yes, you can!

Having said that, I would not recommend doing this trip in the peak months of July and August because delays at the Montenegro-Croatia border make the trip impractical.

Outside of these months, I regularly make trips to Dubrovnik and love visiting the city.

Kotor Bay to Dubrovnik

Take the picturesque drive around Kotor Bay, heading towards the Croatian border. Make sure you have your passport and your rental car agency has issued the paperwork you need to cross the border.

Dubrovnik Cable Car

Just before Dubrovnik, take the cable car up to Mount Srđ. From the top, you'll be greeted with breathtaking views of Dubrovnik’s Old Town and the Adriatic Sea — a perfect spot for panoramic photos.

Dubrovnik Old Town

Descend back to the Old Town for a walking tour. Dubrovnik's history unfolds in its narrow streets, baroque buildings, and the remnants of the Republic of Ragusa. A guide can enrich your experience with tales of the city's past and present.

Walk the Old Town Walls

Next, walk the famous walls that encircle the Old Town (€24 per person). This iconic stroll offers a unique perspective of the city and the sea, with fortresses and towers dotting the circuit.

Tip: Get one ticket for the Dubrovnik Cable Car, Old Town walking tour and Old Town walls to save money.

Lunch

For lunch, stop at Taj Mahal — not a monument, but a cozy restaurant offering Bosnian and Eastern European cuisine. Try dishes like ćevapi or burek, delicious traditional dishes from this region.

Dubrovnik Aquarium

If you're traveling with children, consider a visit to the Dubrovnik Aquarium. Located within the Old Town, it's a great attraction for the young and young at heart, showcasing marine life from the Adriatic.

Dinner

Before heading back to Kotor, dine at Konoba Catovica Mlini in Morinj. This restaurant, set in an old mill, offers a tranquil garden setting and a menu of fresh seafood and local dishes.

Return to Kotor

Ways to Do This Day Trip

By car: Hire a car in Kotor and drive yourself to Dubrovnik. Note that parking in the parking building in Dubrovnik is quite steep at €10 per hour and it’s a 10-minute walk from the Old Town.

By bus: Take an intercity bus from Kotor Main Station to Dubrovnik Old Town and back to Kotor.

13. Trebinje

Well off the beaten path, Trebinje is a charming town in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It’s one of our favorite places for a day trip because it’s nearby, has an excellent farmers market and the people are so friendly.

It’s also very cheap!

If you’re looking for somewhere off the beaten track, this could be the place for you.

Kotor Bay to Trebinje

Take the scenic route around the bay towards Herceg Novi, and continue inland to Trebinje.

Tvrdoš Monastery

The first stop is Tvrdoš Monastery, an Orthodox monastery with roots dating back to the 4th century. Explore this spiritual haven and its winery, where monks have perfected the art of winemaking over centuries.

You must cover your shoulders to visit the monastery. There are robes available if you don’t have anything with you.

Trebinje Old Town

Stroll through Trebinje Old Town, a harmonious blend of old stone buildings and quiet streets bordered by a city park. The town's relaxed atmosphere is a stark contrast to the bustling tourist spots like Kotor along the coast.

To get an insight into the town you can do a walking tour of Trebinje.

Herzegovina Museum

Visit the Herzegovina Museum in the old town to delve into the region's past. The museum's exhibits show Trebinje's cultural and historical significance, from ancient times to the present.

Grk-Bard Caffe

Take a break at Grk-Bard Caffe, a favorite with locals and visitors alike. Here, you’ll find huge ice cream sundaes and desserts for just a couple of euros.

My son loves it here!

Farmers Market on Platani Square

Wander through the farmers market (Pijaca Trebinje) on Platani Square. Here, local vendors offer everything from fresh produce to homemade cheeses and cured meats. If you’re feeling adventurous, try skorup (clotted cream aged in a sheep’s stomach)!

Hercegovačka Gračanica

Drive up to Hercegovačka Gračanica, a monastery perched on a hill offering panoramic views of Trebinje and the surrounding valleys.

There's also a small area with some animals like peacocks and a donkey. To be honest, I feel sad seeing them isolated in their cages, especially the dog, but perhaps they get let out regularly.

Lunch

For lunch, visit Restoran Studenac for traditional dishes like roast meat (ispod sač) and river fish beside the Studenac River.

Return to Kotor

End your day with a scenic drive back to Kotor via the Klobuk border crossing and Grahovo.

Ways to Do This Day Trip

By car: Hire a car in Kotor and drive yourself to Trebinje.

By bus: Take a bus from Kotor Bus Station to Trebinje and back. Note that you should check the current timetables at the bus station in advance to check how long you will have to spend in Trebinje.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: Best Day Trips From Kotor

Kotor is not just a great destination but a fantastic gateway to explore the rest of Montenegro. 

Whether you decide to stay near or travel far, there are Kotor day trips that will show you the best of this beautiful country.

Hiring a car is the best way to explore Montenegro on day trips, but you can join group tours, book private tours, and even visit different destinations by bus.

The Budva Riviera and Luštica Peninsula are ideal destinations for beaches. 

Lovćen, Durmitor, and Lake Skadar national parks show you some of Montenegro’s most spectacular landscapes. 

Kotor Bay boat trips, Lipa Cave, and Tara Canyon Rafting are great day trips to do with kids. And Dubrovnik and Trebinje offer diverse day trip options beyond Montenegro’s borders

Enjoy exploring Montenegro!

Book Your Trip With My Recommended Providers

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• Tours and activities with Viator
• Cheap car hire with Localrent.com
• Cheap flights with WayAway
• Organised adventure tours with TourRadar
• Transfers with Kiwitaxi
• Travel insurance with SafetyWing

About Sarah

I'm a New Zealander who's lived in Montenegro since 2008. I love exploring this beautiful country and sharing the best of it with you!

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