- Last minute tours to Montenegro
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Budva is a popular Montenegrin resort, the center of the riviera of the same name. Tourists are attracted here by clear water and clean beaches, some of which are periodically awarded the Blue Flag. Fans of wild resort fun will find something to do - there are many bars and discos in the city with a varied program and a rich cocktail menu. For those who cannot imagine a holiday without excursions and attractions, there is a historical center with museums and ancient buildings, and in the surrounding area there are Christian churches and picturesque islands. Tourists with children will enjoy water parks, attractions and a mini zoo.
Budva is far from the cheapest resort in Montenegro. But if you take care of accommodation in advance, you can have time to book a room in a budget hotel. In catering establishments, prices are quite reasonable - even the most thrifty tourists can afford Montenegrin dishes.
Districts of Budva
Budva consists of the New Town, where most of the hotels, restaurants and the legendary Slavic Beach stretches, and the Old Town - a small picturesque citadel with a church, narrow streets and cozy houses. The new city stretches along the shore of the bay, which ends in the north with a cape, where the Old City fortress stands. The main resort street - with cafes, restaurants, attractions and discos - runs parallel to the embankment.
Not far from Budva, within sight, is the island of St. Nikola, one of the few islands off the coast of Montenegro. The so-called Adriatic Highway (Jadran Way) stretches through the city - a highway connecting numerous settlements in Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia, and Croatia.
How to get to Budva
Communications and Wi-Fi
The resort has coverage from three Montenegrin operators - T-mobile, M:tel and Telenor. Tariffs are almost the same, but the latter offers an interesting option for tourists who need a connection with Russia. To any prepaid tariff you need to add the “International calls” option for 0.99 EUR for 7 days. After this, a minute of conversation with home will cost 0.18 EUR, and in Montenegro - 0.12 EUR. The SIM card itself will cost 3-5 EUR. Tariff plans and top-up cards are sold in the offices of cellular companies, some stores, newsstands and souvenir shops. In addition, you can pay for communications at supermarket checkouts, vending machines and terminals.
Free Wi-Fi is rare in Budva, but you can connect to the network if you wish. Many restaurants and hotels, as well as some public places, are equipped with access points - mainly in the center and the Old Town. For those who have acquired a local SIM card, there are additional mobile Internet packages - from 0.50 EUR per 100 MB to 10 EUR per 10 GB.
Beaches of Budva
The coast of Budva is one of the best in Montenegro. The total length of the beaches is more than 10 km. There are only 6 of them within the city, the rest are in the suburbs. Some - "Jaz", "Trsteno", "Ploce" - will have to be reached by bus or taxi, and to the island of St. Nicholas - by sea. Admission is free almost everywhere, with the exception of the Ducley Beach Club and part of the beach near the Old Town - where you need to pay 25 EUR per day for renting sun loungers. For the rest, rental is optional - 10-30 EUR for a set of two sun loungers and an umbrella.
Some cafes provide equipment for free if you order food and drinks from them.
Shopping
Budva is not a city where you should go exclusively for new things. Shopaholics who are tempted by European fashion capitals are unlikely to find anything interesting for themselves. In addition to locally produced goods, the assortment includes Italian shoes, clothing and accessories. The quality is pleasing, and prices are generally lower than in Moscow and many European cities; for children's things - almost twice as much. For the most thrifty people there are small shops with Turkish and Chinese goods. For shopping, you should go to the historical center, on the street. Mediteranskaya, if you are interested in jewelry, go to the Old Town. For those who want full-fledged shopping, it is better to go to Podgorica or Bar.
If your needs are limited to souvenirs, there is no need to go anywhere. Supermarkets and markets sell excellent Montenegrin wines, smoked prosciutto ham, honey, olive oil and other delicacies. Among the souvenir gifts, "kapas" - national headdresses, and silver belts with semi-precious stones - "chemeres" - are in demand. Those who don’t want to spend too much on souvenirs should pay attention to sea shells and handicrafts made from them. Such a gift will remind you of the warm sea and a good holiday.
Cuisine and restaurants of Budva
In terms of culinary traditions, Montenegro has taken the best from its neighbors. In establishments in Budva you can find Italian pizza and pasta, Turkish coffee and local rakia. The menu has many seafood dishes - mussels, squid, mullet, bleak, sea bream and other fish. However, despite the location, such delicacies are a little expensive, but meat dishes are available to even the most thrifty tourists. You should definitely try the stewed lamb, mixed grill and smoked prosciutto ham. The side dish is traditionally served with fried potatoes or boiled rice. The resort is famous for its cheeses - from feta cheese to noble varieties. Among alcoholic drinks, in addition to rakia, grape and berry wines are in demand.
For those who want to save on food or have a quick snack on the run, there are many street fast food stalls in Budva - well-known pizza, burgers and shawarma, as well as local Balkan “pleskavica”, “cevapchici” and much more. You can satisfy your hunger for 2-3 EUR.
There are small budget creperies and bistros in each area of the resort. A hearty breakfast will cost 5-8 EUR. A full lunch in a middle-class cafe costs 20-30 EUR for two. Most of the expensive fashionable restaurants are concentrated near the historical center. If you order delicacies and elite wines, dinner for two people can cost 60-80 EUR.
Guides in Budva
Entertainment and attractions
Most of the attractions are located in the Old Town, which is surrounded by a powerful fortress wall and pierced by narrow winding streets. In the center stands the city citadel, where the museum is now located. Nearby there are three ancient churches: St. John (7th century, with subsequent reconstructions), Holy Trinity (1804) and St. Mary (840) - the only surviving building from the monastery and church that once existed here.
To the west of St. John's Cathedral, on Starogradskaya Square, there is an Archaeological Museum, which includes about 3,000 historical exhibits found on the territory of Budva. Opposite the museum, on the other side of the square, stands the Church of the Holy Trinity, and even further away is the Square of Churches with the small Cathedral of St. Sava (14th century). In addition, it is worth taking a walk along the city wall and going out to the Poets Square, which is at the intersection of Negosheva and Zanovuchi streets. In the summer, almost every evening here, writers and poets read their works to the assembled public.
5 things to do in Budva
- Visit all the beaches and choose the best one.
- Enjoy seafood dishes.
- Go on a sea voyage to nearby islands.
- See the underwater world of the Adriatic.
- Listen to modern Montenegrin poetry and prose on the Square of Poets.
Budva for children
The resort is popular among holidaymakers with children - a pleasant mild climate, children's menu and cafe areas, playgrounds and attractions on the promenade and beaches. The cultural and entertainment program is also pleasing. For wildlife lovers, there is a mini-zoo near the central bus station. The area is small but picturesque. Among the greenery and fountains live rabbits, peacocks, a small fawn with its mother and other inhabitants. The park is growing, and every year you can see someone new there.
On the eastern outskirts of the city, at the Mediteran hotel complex, there is a water park of the same name. There is a shallow pool with small slides for children, and several extreme attractions for adults. There is also a tennis court, volleyball and basketball courts.
In the central part of Budva, near the embankment, there is an amusement park with a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, carousel for kids and fun rides. It's also worth checking out Miracle Park. In addition to land-based entertainment, there is a swimming pool. There are funny performances during the season.
Weather
Average monthly temperature, °C day and night, water
There is a lot of precipitation in winter, but snow is very rare here. The temperature is usually above zero, the streets are relatively warm and humid. Due to gusts of wind, storms and downpours, there are few guests in the city from November to early March, with the exception of the Christmas holidays. Spring comes early; the first flowers begin to bloom at the end of February.
Holidays and Events
The cultural life of the city is rich in events, numerous theater and music festivals take place here, and from the beginning of July until August 20, poets from all over the country come to Budva. At this time, the ancient citadel, which is located in the Old Town, becomes a stage for performances by theater troupes from Serbia and Montenegro, as well as from other countries. The annual Grad Theater festival is also held here.
On the territory of one of the attractions of Budva - the stone table and chair - festivals are also held in the summer. Sitting behind this “furniture”, poets read their opuses.
Bar is not a resort town in Montenegro
Bar is a fairly large and modern city, the main port of Montenegro, a transport hub connecting Montenegro with Italy by ferry and with Serbia by rail. As befits a seaside city, it has several beaches and a promenade, is considered one of the sunniest cities in Europe, and at the same time the prices for holidays here are very pleasant. All this looks quite attractive for tourists, but is it worth going here for a holiday? Well, let's take a closer look at the Bar.
Story
According to archaeologists, settlements in the Bar area existed 3,000 years ago. The Romans who came here, after thinking for a couple of hundred years, decided to name the city Antibarium, because exactly opposite it, on the other side of the Adriatic Sea, is the city of Bari (in those days called Barium). After the Slavs arrived here, the city changed its name and owners more than once (both forcibly and voluntarily): Bar was owned by Byzantium, the Slavic principalities of Duklja and Zeta, and a considerable number of independent feudal lords. The Venetians conquered the city in 1443, followed by more than three hundred years of Ottoman rule from 1571. In 1878, the Montenegrins liberated the city, but during the fighting a powder warehouse was blown up, which caused serious damage to the city and a decision followed to leave the city and move 5 kilometers west, directly to the sea, where New Bar was founded (exactly the one that is meant today by called Bar). Further, the city of Bar was inextricably linked with the fate of Montenegro.
Bar map
Sights of Bar
New Bar has a rather modern and atypical appearance for other cities in Montenegro. The city is built up with high-rise buildings, and the main attraction of the city (and one of the most interesting in Montenegro!), Old Bar, is located 5 kilometers away. Obviously, trying to make up for the lack of historical attractions (only the Palace of King Nicholas I can be classified as historical in New Bar), the city authorities are building noteworthy temples and clock towers. 
Also of interest is perhaps the oldest tree in Europe: an olive tree, over 2,000 years old, located a few kilometers from Bar and protected by law.
It is more convenient to get to it by taxi (about 10 euros in both directions) or by bus going towards Ulcinj (2-3 euros round trip).
Apartments and hotels
The ratio of price and quality of rental housing in Bar is its strength. The apartments are modern in new buildings, with more than the necessary set of amenities. Distances in the city are not large, so you can safely take an apartment on the outskirts - to get to the center, beach or embankment you are unlikely to need more than 15 minutes. We also recommend considering options closer to Shushani (suburb of Bar): the difference in distance is insignificant, but the price is more than noticeable. However, you should not expect comfort from living in new buildings in the classic Montenegrin houses of Shushani. It is also necessary to keep in mind that Bar, unusual for Montenegro, is entirely located on a flat area, while Shushan, in the classic Montenegrin coastal style, moves away from the sea and climbs a mountain.
Weather in Bar
The warmest months in Bar are July and August. The average daily air temperature is 30°C and 31°C, respectively, and water temperature is 25.5°C and 26°C. In June and September the average will be 27°C, and in May and October 22°C. During the winter months, the temperature stays around a comfortable 10°C, however, there is a high chance of rain and the wind blows stronger than usual.
Speaking of wind. As already mentioned, Bar has a flat location, which is quite atypical for Montenegrin resorts, and an almost correct “quarter” orientation. This implies its climatic feature: the Bar is blown by the wind, in some places quite noticeably. And if in June and August this will be considered an undeniable plus for salvation from the summer heat, then in May or October it will be an equally significant minus. Although, it can only be called cold at the beginning and end of the season, and only in the evenings. But during the day, the master’s asphalt does not heat up, except perhaps in winter, so the breeze is perceived as a savior.
Transport Bar
Of course, the main advantage of Bar over other coastal cities is its international transport hub. A railway line connects it with Podgorica, Niksic and Belgrade.
Train schedule passing through Bar (sometimes changes, but not dramatically)
There is even a trailer car Moscow - Bar, which takes extreme sports enthusiasts for a ride in the summer season. Exactly extreme sports, because this trip will cost several times more and several tens of times longer than air travel. No, this is not the same carriage, this is a monument installed at the railway station; Today the trains passing through Bar are quite modern.
A ferry service connects Bar with Italy (Bari), and buses will take you to the cities of Croatia, Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and other European countries (although we note that bus services in other coastal cities are no worse developed).
Bus schedule passing through Bar bus station (from 2015)
Beaches of Bar
There are 2 beaches directly in Bar. Coverage: small and large pebbles, coarse sand in places. There are sun loungers with umbrellas and food stalls where you can buy a snack or quench your thirst.
The first beach from the port is Bar
The beaches of Bar can be called dirty (although, of course, it depends on what you compare with - we compare with the beaches of other Montenegrin resorts). The water is also cloudy (again, in comparison), which is not surprising, after all, the main port of the country! Children's playgrounds near the beaches make you think that in the 90s everything was not so bad in Russia. 
It’s better to use the workers at the cafe on the embankment (it’s not at all necessary to order anything from the cafe) or in the courtyards of apartment buildings - they are of excellent quality. Closer to Shushani, the beaches take on a more intelligible appearance.
Royal Beach of Bar (see map)
The embankment is quite long, but not the most interesting in Montenegro: not a large number of stalls with souvenirs, cafes and restaurants.
How to get to Bar
The international airports of Podgorica and Tivat are 50 and 60 km away respectively. How to get from them to Bar, see the article How to get from Tivat/Podgorica airport to the city. From the bus station of any city on the coast of Montenegro, buses to Bar depart several times a day. The price is low: from Herceg Novi 8 euros, from Budva 4. See the location of the bus station on the map.
If you prefer to travel by taxi, we recommend that you use this link: kiwitaxi.ru. Not because it is better or cheaper, but because we personally used this particular transfer in Montenegro and were delighted!
So you may be interested in: How to rent a car at Montenegro airports
Shopping in Bar
Despite the assurances of most sites, shopping in Bar is hardly worthy of attention: the goods, in general, do not differ in quality (the Turkish and Chinese textile industries are very familiar to us), and the prices for branded Italian clothing and shoes cannot be called low (although, of course, lower than in Moscow ). The variety of products is also underwhelming. In general, Bar is not a city you should go to for shopping, but if you are already there and shopping is your weak point, take a walk along Vladimir Rolovich Street (see map) - the main shopping alley of Bar. 
We also recommend visiting the Kuca Barsky Mall (marked on the map). It is quite possible that you will come across something worthwhile.
Barskoe olive oil
Of particular note is the olive oil produced in Bar. This is one of the few souvenirs and gifts that are produced specifically in Montenegro. Produced in Bar from olives grown in the area around Bar. Sold in chain stores, markets, and souvenir shops. In chain stores it is cheaper: the price of a 0.5 liter bottle is about 8 euros, 1 liter 13-15 euros.
Grocery stores and markets
There is no shortage of stores: both small and large hypermarkets of various chains. A market where you can buy locally produced products (and what they sell for them), as well as fresh fish, is marked on the map.
Many of our compatriots who move to Montenegro for permanent residence settle in Bar. The city is really quite pleasant and has all the infrastructure for living, but for relaxation you can find a more interesting option. For example, Ulcinj, located nearby and undeservedly deprived of the attention of our tourists, or cheap and popular Sutomore. However, do not forget: no matter what city you choose for your vacation, Old Bar a must visit for you!
We will be pleased to hear from you! Be it an alternative opinion, an agreeing review or a question about the city of Bar, in glorious Montenegro)
Excursions from Bar
As mentioned above, the only significant attraction in the vicinity of Bar is the Old Town. But you can always go from Bar on an excursion to any corner of Montenegro: Boka Kotor Bay, Canyons, Rafting and much, much more.
You may be interested in:
Reviews from tourists about the weather and holidays in Budva.
Budva- a city and administrative center of the district of the same name in Montenegro, one of the first settlements founded on the Adriatic coast. The Budva Riviera is formed by the city and its surroundings. This is the largest tourist center in Montenegro. People are attracted here by relaxing on beaches with clean sand, unique architecture, nightlife and low prices compared to European Mediterranean resorts.
The city of Budva is located in the central part of the Adriatic coast of Montenegro. Not far from the coastal zone there are mountains covered with thorny bushes. The modern city stands on the shores of a bay that ends at a cape.
Budva is located in the UTC+1 time zone; in the summer, clocks are traditionally moved forward. That is, in winter the difference with Moscow is -3 hours, in summer it is reduced to -2 hours.
How to get to Budva?
There is no airport in Budva, so you can only get to the resort with transfers. There are two international airports in Montenegro. The nearest one is located in Tivat, just 10 km from Budva. Flights from Russia are accepted here only in the summer, that is, right at the height of the tourist season.
The second international airport is located in Podgorica. Regular air communication with Moscow has been established through it. Budva is separated from this airport by 50 km.
Another option to get to the resort is to fly first to Dubrovnik, located in Croatia on the border with Montenegro, 70 km from Budva.
It is quite possible to move around Budva on foot. There are also tourist trains that run along the coast. You can also book land or water taxis.
Climate
Average monthly temperature in Budva
Beaches of the Budva Riviera
The total length of the coastline of Budva and its surroundings is 11 km. The most popular beaches of the Riviera:
Slavic beach- perhaps the most famous in the resort, and also the largest (length - more than 1.5 km) and crowded. It is located within the city. This beach is small pebble. Everything you need for a holiday on the coast is provided here - showers, changing rooms, umbrellas, sun loungers. You can also visit the numerous cafes or enjoy water sports.
Morgen- another quite popular beach in Budva. It is also located within the city right at the foot of the mountains. There are also small pebbles underfoot. The beach is located 500 m from the historical center of Budva.
Yaz- a beach located outside the city, about 3 km from it. It is rightfully considered one of the most picturesque in Montenegro. You can get there by bus or minibus. There is parking near Yaz. The Drenovstitsa river flows right along the beach and flows into the Adriatic Sea. On the Budva side the coast is pebbly, and on the other side of the river it is sandy.
Sights of Budva
Budva was founded 2,500 years ago, so the historical center of the city contains many interesting sights. The fortress wall itself, which encircles Old city, attracts a lot of attention from tourists. Located in the very center ancient citadel, and around it there are three churches. The oldest of them was built in the 7th century and dedicated to St. John. The second - the Church of St. Mary - was built in the middle of the 9th century. The third temple, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, is an excellent example of Montenegrin architecture of the early 19th century. As for the citadel itself, this ancient building currently houses a museum. Festivals and exhibitions are also held here.
In Old Budva there is also Archaeological Museum, which contains all the antiquities discovered in the city and in the surrounding area. Here you can see tools, utensils and other finds that belonged to the Montenegrins, as well as the ancient Greeks and Romans, the Byzantines and neighboring Slavic peoples. In total, the collection contains 3 thousand exhibits, the oldest of which dates back to the 5th century. BC, and the youngest - the medieval era.
All the sights of the city of Kotor in Montenegro. How to climb the St. Fortress for free John, how to get to Kotor and where to stay for the night.
You can visit the city as part of a boat trip along the Bay of Kotor. Costs 25 euros, you will only have an hour to explore Kotor - this is not enough, but you can make a first impression. During the excursion you will see not only the city, but also the entire bay from the ship.
The old town of Kotor is similar to towns in Italy or Croatia. What really deserves attention and what is worth visiting Kotor for is the fortress of St. John.
View of the city from the fortress walls
What to see in Kotor
Old city
It is included in the UNESCO list because it is better preserved than other medieval cities on the Adriatic coast.
The city was built as a labyrinth for defensive purposes. The streets are narrow, and around every turn there awaits a 12th-century church, a 13th-century fortress, or a palace.
Very beautiful. The houses are ancient, their windows look at each other, clothes dry in the windows on lines.
Gate to Kotor
The old city is surrounded by a thick fortress wall 4.5 km long; you can enter through the gate:
- Sea Gate (16c) - the main entrance to the city
- River Gate (northern) - from the side of the Shkurda River across a beautiful arched bridge
- Gurdich Gate (southern) - on the Gurdich River
The fortress walls are also interesting because you can climb them and walk around the perimeter of Kotor at roof level.
There are passages in several places (you need to walk along the wall and look for stairs).
In the center of the photo you can see the arched bridge and the walls of the old city
Palaces of Kotor
The palaces look like ordinary houses, but attract the eye with their bas-reliefs and coats of arms.
There is the Prince's Palace, the palaces of Bisanti, Beskucha (18th century), Bucha (14th century), the Drago Palace (within the regional Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments), the Gergurin Palace (there is a maritime museum).
Boka Kotor Bay
It's nice to walk along the pier, look at the yachts and cruise ships. You can buy a tour or rent a boat to sail around the bay.
Beaches of Kotor. Is it possible to swim?
Kotor is a port city, where dozens of yachts are docked in the marina, and cruise ships stop at the pier every now and then.
The water in the Kotor area is dirty because of all the boats and ships, so I didn’t see anyone swimming, and there are no beaches in Kotor.
Fortress of St. John (Giovanni)
Fortress of St. John - it is from its walls that most photographs of Kotor were taken.
The fortress was built during Venetian times and fortified by the Austro-Hungarians.
It blends so naturally with the mountain landscape that in cloudy weather the walls of the fortress are almost invisible.
WITH November to March entrance to the fortress free, from April to October 8€ per person
Fortress of St. John, paid and free
There are two ways to the top of the fortress:
1. Paid 8€
In the old city there are guys sitting on the stairs collecting tribute. You pay and walk up the steps up the mountainside, trying to beat other hikers.
There are many people who want to conquer the fortress, the path is narrow, you have to let people through or overtake them.
2. Free
If you don’t want to pay, you can go up to the fortress along the old Austrian road, and then go down the steps to the old town.
The old Austrian road begins across the river near the hydroelectric station.
According to data as of September 25, 2019, there may be a guard at the free window who will not let you into the fortress even for a fee. There is a risk of going up the Austrian road and not getting to the fortress. Exit: go up the steps for 8 euros from the official entrance. Or climb the Austrian road in the hope that there will be no security.
The final destination is point B, entry is now 8 euros instead of 3
The good thing about the path is not only that it is free, but also because it is easier to climb up that road than up the stairs from the old city. This is a fairly flat primer.
On one side there are mountains, on the other there is the sea, on the third there is a fortress from an unusual angle. Bonus: almost no one goes there.
Install a free map app maps.me, if it is not already installed, and download the map of Montenegro. All pedestrian roads are marked there. The application works offline.
Descent along the old Austrian road Climbing the steps from the old town with a stop for a snack took me 1 hour, descent along the zigzag Austrian road - an hour and a half.
I didn’t read about Kotor, didn’t look at the photos. I just arrived, went into the old town, saw a fortress on the mountain, opened a map and went up, having first bought an apple pie at the baker.
I went up one flight of stairs. I hear someone running behind me and shouting in English. Well, obviously they want money. It turned out that the entrance was paid, and the guard was absent and did not notice how I passed. How many? 8€ . Hold it!
The ascent, contrary to my expectations, did not last 5-10 minutes. Also in the heat. Somewhere in the middle of the journey, feeling tired, I made a stop. She sat on the rocks, looked at the bay and watched the people.
Everyone stops in the same places, takes photos at the observation decks and runs on. The goal is to reach the top. By the end of the climb, travelers can barely breathe, quickly take photos and run down.
View from my own makeshift observation deck
But in this case, it is not the peak that is important, but the path itself. Views along the way. The wind that throws your hair in all directions. Flowers growing from stones.
Moments when you chew pie over the abyss. Therefore, visiting the fortress as part of an organized group is completely devoid of attractiveness.
As for the top, there is a really beautiful view from there, but not so much that you can run without stopping, dying of fatigue.
When I climbed up, I didn’t yet know about the free alternative road.
I saw it only from this observation deck and decided to go down another way at random; I found the way using an app that led me to the window.
I climbed out the window and saw a red eye - a sign that this was a hiking trail. So I'm on the right track.
It was necessary to bypass the guards
I approached the Church of St. George (in Google it appears under the name Jovan), which I also noticed in advance. It's on the map.
During the journey along the old road I met only one person. An unforgettable walk!
My reviews about Kotor
Kotor is great! I was especially impressed by a solo walk along the old Austrian road, a picnic on the walls of the St. John, hanging over the city of Lovcen, views of the bay and a huge cruise ship, where I was not allowed.
Hello friends!
Today I invite you to take a walk with us through one of the most beautiful cities in Montenegro - Kotor.
In this article I will tell you about the main attractions of Kotor. How to get to Kotor. And most importantly - the climb to the fortress of St. Joanna with two small children. And, of course, I will show you a lot of photos of Kotor and views of the Bay of Kotor.
The city of Kotor in Montenegro is a must-see. Along with the island of St. Stephen - the view from the fortress of St. John is another calling card of the country. It's worth seeing it with your own eyes.
One of the best views of my life)
Both the city itself and the observation deck deserve to spend one day on this place. Yes, many excursions bring you here for a couple of hours, but in my opinion this is too little to understand and appreciate anything. And even more so to go up to the fortress. The climb up will take you at least an hour. Plus the descent and time there. Well, in general, you understand. Take your time and come here for a whole day or even two.
Here I want to stop a moment...
There are several ways to get to Kotor from Budva.
The first option is with a bus tour, which is sold at every turn in Budva. Or take a boat trip along the Bay of Kotor. But I repeat that in my opinion this will not be enough and it is better to go on your own.
Accordingly, the second option is to travel from Budva to Kotor yourself by rented car or by bus.
We took a bus from Budva and the trip turned out to be quite comfortable.
Look at the schedule and cost of bus travel in Montenegro here website.
Buses run frequently and take about 30-40 minutes. During the season, there may be traffic jams in Kotor itself, but the bus station is located a little further away, so this is another advantage of traveling by public transport.
View of the Bay of Kotor from below.
We arrive in town and go for a walk. For comrades with children like us, there are two main options for the development of events. Either we go for a walk through the old part of the city or we go to the fortress of St. John. You can combine both options, but believe me, it will be running and you still won’t be able to see the city and the fortress properly.
And there is so much to see in Kotor. The old city itself is under UNESCO protection and is considered one of the most beautiful on the Adriatic coast. Personally, it reminded me a lot of Dubrovnik in Croatia. And many people note this similarity. Narrow streets, cute shops, atmospheric restaurants. Antiquity on antiquity and drives with antiquity. It’s definitely worth spending a day here and soaking up the energy of this place.
Cozy old Kotor
Around every turn is a beautiful square or church
Here, in the Old Town, you can walk along the fortress wall and find a courtyard where about 50 cats live.
We didn’t find the yard and didn’t have time to walk along the wall, but we had a lot of fun. We just didn’t have time to do all this because we were climbing the fortress.
Courtyards of the Old Town in Kotor
You’d want to drink coffee at these tables, but you can’t really sit with children)
And I’ll tell you about the climb to the fortress itself in a little more detail.
The Fortress of St. John, like a red rag for a bull, beckons and pulls. And this is not surprising, considering the view from above.
Fortress of St. John. View from the free trail.
View in a million)
This particular view was on my wish list, so we simply couldn’t help but go up there. And even having two small children wouldn’t stop us)
Dreams should come true)
There are two ways to the top of the fortress. Paid and free. And the difference between them is not only and not so much in price, but in the comfort of the climb itself.
At the end of this article you can watch a video about our climb to this peak and see clearly the path itself.
A place to rest in the middle of the free path
The toll path costs 3 euros per nose and there are steps, steps, steps. Those. It’s possible to do this with two children, but it’s difficult.
But the second option is much more interesting. It is free and without steps.
The photo below clearly shows both paths. To make it easier to find the trail, I recommend downloading the maps.me app, which shows both paths.
Red – paid, green – free way
Climbing along the free path, at one point you will need to climb through a window in the fortress wall and go through the topmost part along these same steps. The climb there takes 5-10 minutes, but it was enough for us and we were convinced that we and the children would not have reached such a road of steps.
A hole in the wall for passage from the free trail to the paid one
Almost tireless)
A piece of the toll road is already at the very top
The children and I climbed for an hour and a half. Slowly, with stops. The daughter was in a sling, the son walked with his feet. Almost the entire climb is a fairly gentle serpentine road.
The very beginning of the journey
Stroller on shoulder and forward)
Only at the very end you will have to overcome a certain number of steps. But these will be trifles compared to the distance traveled. The road itself is very beautiful and picturesque. Here you have poppies under your feet, the most gorgeous views, mountain air. I strongly advise you not to rush, but to sincerely enjoy the road itself. She definitely deserves it.
The views along the way are incredible
The road up
The whole road is a zigzag)
The serpentine itself also looks very cool from above)
We went up in May, so it wasn't very hot. I suppose that in the summer all this is much more difficult and I don’t know whether we would have gone so high in the heat or not.
It’s clear that the kids don’t really need this, but the parents really wanted it, so they climbed in.
Place from all postcards)
Childless people chose the best places for photos) We didn’t go there anymore)
And another view of the city!
I can’t say that it was really very difficult. Fine. Personally, it was more difficult for me to go down because my legs were slipping on the rocks and I was already tired. The children withstood everything to the best of their ability. We saw a couple more children upstairs, but clearly older than ours. By the way, we descended along the same free trail, having previously made a stop at the top for a snack.
My hero traveler)
So the stroller came in handy) At a rest stop)
The stop didn’t really last long, because mountain goats began to surround us and we, frightened, quickly climbed down
Surrounded) I had to run away)
After descending, we had time to walk around the old part of Kotor a little more, have a snack and look at the bay from below.
For memory)
The city left a wonderful impression. I consider it a must visit. We ourselves are planning to return there to take a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets and thoroughly enjoy the medieval architecture and atmosphere.
Well, the promised video about our climb to the fortress of St. John and a short walk around Kotor.