The Bay of Kotor: Montenegro’s Crown Jewel

Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor isn’t just another pretty bay — it’s a place where mountains plunge dramatically into crystal-clear Adriatic waters, where ancient medieval towns sit tucked against cliff faces, and where every turn in the road reveals another view that makes you reach for your camera. Often called “the fjord of the south” (though geographically incorrect, it’s entirely accurate in spirit), this is one of the Mediterranean region’s most stunning natural harbours.

The best way to experience it? With your own car. The road that circles the bay connects a string of towns, villages, and viewpoints that simply can’t be explored any other way. You can linger in the medieval streets of Kotor, escape to quiet fishing villages for lunch, drive up to mountain villages for incredible panoramas, or hop on a ferry to cross the bay and continue your adventure. Here’s everything you need to know about doing the Bay of Kotor by car.

Planning Your Bay of Kotor Road Trip

Ideally, allow at least two full days to explore the bay properly. You could see the highlights in one long day, but you’d be rushing — and the whole point of this road trip is to slow down and soak it all in. Three days is even better, giving you time for hikes, boat trips, and those long lunches by the water that define Mediterranean travel.

The bay is roughly 100 square kilometres, with the main road (the coastal road that circles the water) covering about 60 kilometres if you go all the way around. But don’t think of it as just a loop — there are detours up into the mountains, side trips to hidden beaches, and ferry crossings that break up the journey.

Starting Point: Kotor

Most people begin their Bay of Kotor adventure in Kotor itself, and it’s easy to see why. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a medieval walled city that feels like stepping back in time. The walls (fortifications) date back to the 9th century and climb dramatically up the hillside behind the town, offering spectacular views from the top.

Park your car (outside the old town walls — parking inside is restricted) and explore on foot. The narrow stone streets, ancient churches, and atmospheric squares are made for wandering. Climb the steps to the Fortress of St. John for the classic Bay of Kotor view, or take the easier path around the walls for equally impressive vistas without the leg workout.

From Kotor, you have two options for your road trip: go clockwise around the bay (heading north first) or counter-clockwise (heading south toward Budva first). Both work well, but here’s what each direction offers.

Going Clockwise: The Northern Loop

Head north from Kotor along the coastal road and you’ll soon reach Dobrota, a long settlement that runs along the water’s edge. It’s less touristy than Kotor and has some excellent seafood restaurants where locals eat. Continue past the small towns of Škalatari and Đuričića, and you’ll reach the town of Risan.

Risan is one of the oldest settlements in the bay, mentioned by the ancient Greek geographer Ptolemy. It has Roman ruins and a more authentic, working-town atmosphere than the tourist hotspots. From here, the road starts to climb, offering increasingly dramatic views of the bay below.

The next major stop is Herceg Novi, at the mouth of the bay where it meets the open sea. This town has a completely different feel — it’s more open, windier, and has a distinctive MediterraneanCosmopolitan vibe. The old town (Stari Grad) is smaller than Kotor’s but charming, with a fortress and clock tower. Herceg Novi is also the gateway to the beaches and resorts of the Liv Riviera, if you’re after some seaside time.

From Herceg Novi, you have options. You can continue around the bay toward the Croatian border (the town of Trebinje in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a short drive inland), or turn back toward Kotor. But wait — before you head back, consider the ferry.

The Bay of Kotor Ferry

One of the highlights of driving around the Bay of Kotor is the car ferry that crosses between Kamenari (on the Herceg Novi side) and Lepetane (near Tivat). It runs frequently, takes about 15 minutes, and costs just a few euros. Using the ferry saves you driving the longer way around the bay and offers a different perspective on the water.

On the Tivat side, you’re close to the airport and can easily continue south toward Budva or head inland toward the mountains. But before you leave the bay area, there’s one more essential drive.

The Mountain Detour: Njeguši and Lovćen

Regardless of which direction you’re travelling, take time to drive up into the mountains above the bay. The road from Kotor (or from the coastal road near Budva) climbs steeply through switchbacks to the village of Njeguši, birthplace of Montenegro’s most famous ruler, Petar II Petrović-Njegoš.

The drive itself is spectacular — the road is an engineering marvel with countless hairpin turns, but the views from the top are worth every moment of concentration. At the summit, you can visit the Njegoš Mausoleum, which sits at 1,745 metres and offers 360-degree views over the bay, the sea, and the mountains beyond. It’s one of the most impressive viewpoints in all of Montenegro.

From the mausoleum, you can continue to the Lovćen National Park visitor centre or descend back to the coast via a different road, making a complete loop.

Going Counter-Clockwise: The Southern Approach

If you’re heading south from Kotor toward Budva, the coastal road takes you past the smaller towns of Prčanj and Morinj, both picturesque fishing villages that are far less crowded than Kotor. Prčanj has some interesting maritime history and a distinctive Venetian-era atmosphere.

Further along, you’ll reach Budva, the tourism capital of Montenegro. It’s a different beast from Kotor — more resort-like, with bigger hotels, more nightlife, and a younger, livelier feel. The old town is compact and pretty, but nowhere near as atmospheric as Kotor’s. Still, Budva makes a good base for exploring the area, with easy access to beaches and the surrounding region.

Between Budva and the bay area, there’s also the resort of Sveti Stefan, a tiny island connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. It’s picture-postcard perfect, though the beach is now part of a luxury resort. You can still drive past and take photos.

Best Stops Along the Way

Beyond the main towns, here are some hidden gems to discover with your car:

• Perast: A tiny baroque town with two islands in the bay (including the famous Gospa od Škrpjela, a church built on a man-made island). Stop for lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants.
• Mrtvo: If you’re up for a challenging hike, this abandoned village in the hills above the bay offers incredible views and a spooky, post-apocalyptic atmosphere.
• Kumbor: Near Herceg Novi, this area has some of the bay’s best beaches and the prestigious Porto Montenegro marina.
• Observation points: Pull over at the various viewpoints along the coastal road. You can’t miss them — if there’s a pull-out with cars, that’s the spot.

When to Go

The Bay of Kotor is busiest in July and August, when accommodation prices spike and the roads fill with traffic. For a more relaxed road trip, consider May-June or September-October. The weather is still warm, the sea is swimmable, but the crowds have thinned out and prices are more reasonable.

Winter can be magical — the bay in winter has a moody, atmospheric quality, and you’ll often have the viewpoints to yourself. But some restaurants and attractions may have reduced hours, and mountain roads can be tricky with snow.

Car Hire Tips for the Bay of Kotor

You can pick up a hire car in Kotor, Tivat (near the airport), or Podgorica. If you’re flying in, Tivat is the most convenient for the bay. Book in advance, especially for summer, as availability can be limited.

Driving around the bay is generally straightforward, but be prepared for narrow roads, particularly on the mountain sections. Take your time, use your horn on blind corners (it’s expected), and don’t be in a hurry. The journey is the destination.

Ready to explore the Bay of Kotor at your own pace? Find your perfect car and start planning your road trip today.