Bay of Kotor – perfect last minute May holiday
Montenegro is Croatia’s less known sister. Mountainous, a bit wild, waiting to be discovered. Although the Bay of Kotor is rather touristy and commercial, it is worth a visit. A May holiday there is a trip straight from a postcard!
Boka – Montenegro’s landmark
Also known as the Boka, it is a winding bay of the Adriatic Sea. It shape, size, and the deep blue color of its waters, combined with the picturesque surrounding area – steep slopes of the Dinaric Mountains – all amount to a dream destination for a short spring holiday. The region is a perfect blend of lush green nature and impressive medieval (or even antique – Risan) towns. It caters for all tastes, especially for families with children!
Picturesque Perast
This tiny medieval town is located in the northern part of the Bay. Its old market is not as grand as Kotor’s, but its charm and photogenicity surpass most towns in the area. Perast has a tumultuous history, which can be seen in its skyline; some temples and palaces date back to the Venetian Republic, and of course there is the characteristic bell tower of St. Nikola’s Church. The town offers numerous, winding routes for a slow walk and delicious coffee with a view. A short walk from the main promenade, there is a wonderful, tiny beach. At the shore, the water is turquoise, contrasting beautifully with green slopes of the mountains in the distance. The beach is perfect for children to play. Win-win!
Cruise between mysterious islands
Perast overlooks two islands: Sveti Dorde (also known as the Island of St. George), and Our Lady of the Rocks. I highly recommend a short, circa 1,5 h long cruise in the Bay, which allows you to see the Boka from a different perspective – the sea – which is an interesting experience in itself, not to mention breathtaking views, and a visit to both tiny islands just off the coast of Perast. Interestingly, only Sveti Dorde is a natural creation. Its old monastery and cemetery make it very picturesque, and there are numerous local stories and legends connected to it, such as one about an unhappy love affair and the despair of a soldier after losing his beloved as a result of local conflicts over the island. Our Lady of the Rocks is the only artificial island on the Adriatic Sea. Its creation is shrouded in local beliefs and mysticism, but nowadays it is a perfect place for a relaxing afternoon – and for kids to run around!
Spectacular sunsets
There are a good few natural viewpoints – depending which one you pick (most are easily accessible by car), you can admire different fragments of the Bay and its surrounding area. All of them combined overlook the four smaller bays comprising the Boka, its tongue-like shape, the surrounding mountains, cities and towns located just by the sea. The northernmost tip overlooks Perest and surrounding hills. However, my favorite one is high above Kotor – it’s incredible! You can watch the winding corridors of the Bay, and its opening to the Adriatic Sea, stretching up to the horizon. The green and orange of a May afternoon, or the tiny lights of towns at the mountains’ feet in the evening… magic ❤️
Journey and accommodation
If you travel across Croatia, it would be a pity not to pay a visit to the Boka – it’s literally a stone’s throw from the border! If you travel by car, this is definitely the most convenient means of getting to the Bay. Additionally, the closest international airport is located 60 km away, in Dubrovnik. If you want to fly to Montenegro, the nearest airport is in the capital city of Podgorica, circa 2 hours away by car. In terms of accommodation, I recommend you look for a place in small towns near Perast, just by the sea – peace, quiet, plenty of beautiful gardens overlooking the area. A morning coffee while watching the sun glittering in the water just tastes different! This is the epitome of May chill ❤️
The Bay of Kotor is a foolproof idea for a perfect May holiday! You will find water and mountains there, amazing sunsets, vistas, and mornings with delicious coffee just by the sea, small, atmospheric towns and many spectacular tourist attractions. And more: mysterious islands, beautiful nature, charming beaches, and great food. It’s so worth your while – see for yourselves!