Montenegro’s Magnificent Finale: Discovering the Adriatic Coast & Bay of Kotor
After the wild, rugged beauty of Durmitor National Park, the dizzying heights of the Tara River Bridge, and the adrenaline-fuelled challenge of off-road driving, we reached our final and most anticipated destination – Montenegro‘s stunning Adriatic coast. Swapping mountain vistas for shimmering seascapes, we prepared for a completely different, yet equally mesmerising, chapter of our adventure.
The Enchanting Bay of Kotor: A UNESCO Listed Masterpiece
Our introduction to the coast was nothing short of spectacular. The Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska) is a fjord-like marvel, a dazzling blue inlet ringed by formidable mountains. Clinging to its edge is the jewel in Montenegro’s crown: the ancient town of Kotor.
Stepping into Kotor’s Old Town is like walking through a portal to the Middle Ages. A labyrinth of marble streets, hidden piazzas, and centuries-old churches, it’s no wonder the entire area – the bay, the city, and its surroundings – was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Founded as a natural harbour between the 12th and 14th centuries, the town’s history stretches back even further, with evidence of settlement over two millennia old.
We chose to stay in Dobrota, a charming village just 3.5 kilometres north of Kotor. The beauty of this coastline is its seamless continuity. It’s often impossible to tell where one town ends and another begins. Our accommodation was a blessing: a large private house set in a quiet, leafy garden with a spacious terrace, just 20 metres from the water’s edge. Waking up to the view of Mount Vrmac rising directly across the bay, and enjoying evening drinks on that terrace, became a cherished daily ritual. The several-kilometre-long seaside promenade on our doorstep was perfect for leisurely walks, past elegant villas and countless, picture-perfect stone jetties that seemed to dance on the turquoise water.
Exploring Coastal Treasures: From Man-Made Islands to Town-Hotels
While Kotor itself could have occupied us for days, we were eager to explore more of the coast’s unique attractions.
A short drive away lies Perast, a serene baroque town from where we took a boat to one of the Bay’s most photogenic sites: the artificial island of Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks). The story behind this island is as captivating as its appearance. For centuries, local seamen upheld a tradition: after every successful voyage, they would drop a rock here. Over time, this dedicated effort created an island from scratch, upon which a beautiful blue-domed church was built. It’s a breathtaking testament to human faith and persistence.
Another iconic sight is the island of Sveti Đorđe (Saint George) and most famously, Sveti Stefan. This 15th-century fishing village was transformed into a luxury ‘town-hotel’ in the 1960s and has since hosted a glittering array of celebrities from film and royalty. Connected to the mainland by a narrow, picturesque isthmus, it resembles a floating village from a fairytale. While access to the island itself requires a guest pass or entry fee, the public beaches on either side offer stunning views and are among the best on the coast. We spent one glorious full day here, basking on the pink-tinged sands and swimming in the crystal-clear Adriatic.
A Journey to Skadar Lake: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
For our longest excursion, we turned inland to Skadar Lake (Skadarsko Jezero). As the largest lake in the Balkans, it presented a landscape worlds apart from the coast. The shoreline is a complex tapestry of hidden bays, rocky peninsulas, and floating meadows of water lilies.
Skadar Lake is an absolute haven for nature lovers, most famed for its incredible birdlife. Home to one of Europe’s largest bird colonies with over 280 species, it’s a paradise for birdwatchers. Our plan was a traditional boat trip, gliding through water lilies as pelicans soared overhead. However, the local scene had other ideas! We found ourselves charmed – and slightly overwhelmed – by the lively local fishermen eager to sell their daily catch on the road.
In the end, we surrendered to the moment, opting for a delicious lunch of – what else? – freshly grilled fish at a restaurant on the shore. The symphony of birdsong was a constant reminder that the lake’s ornithological wonders remain a thrilling adventure for our next visit.
A Fond Farewell to the Sun
The remainder of our time was spent in pure relaxation – strolling Kotor’s formidable city walls (an impressive 5-kilometre-long fortification), discovering secluded coves, and simply soaking up the Mediterranean sun in a waterside café.
Our journey through Montenegro was a masterclass in contrasts: from the dramatic, rugged north to the serene, sun-drenched south. The Adriatic coast, with its historic towns, stunning bays, and effortless charm, provided the perfect, tranquil finale to an unforgettable adventure. It’s a destination that offers fantastic seafood, captures your heart, and simply refuses to let go