Day 2 Review - Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor is 'probably' going to be the highlight of this trip! The marketing images just show a spectacular view down into the port from the fort. They don't lie.
Docking
We were lucky as the port allowed us to dock on the jetty, so we did not need to be ferried to port side by tenders. This meant we could just step off the ship and be straight into the beautiful, moated and walled town.
Kotor Town
As picturesque as any of its Croatian equivalents, in some ways even more impressive due to the imposing 1700m hills (mountains) behind and the fort that scales these lofty slopes like a creeping vine.
Its awash with trendy boutiques, bars and souvenir shops; the twisting tiny streets a delight to explore (even in baking heat!) On the outer walls, near the cruise jetty there was a covered market also.
The Fort
If you dock early morning, get your backside up the hill as quickly as you can! As the sun will be coming round, and will beat down mercilessly as midday approaches. Your only remission will be much higher up the slopes, near the top most defences, as you may get some cooling breeze.
TIP: Take some cash for the turnstile fee to enter the stepped access to the fort. You will need 8 EUROS (the tap pay machine was visible, but someone had said they wanted cash).
The Ascent
Its a pretty steep ascent, with two choices, steps or smooth slope, most of the way with a light divider between them (but you can easily switch from one to other). But the views looking back are well worth it. We got to the upper fort level, which is as high as you can go, but if you took a path to left of the lower fort area, you can ascend even higher still, with plenty of tracks higher up. If you are on the cruise, you are unlikely to have the time to do this. We plan to come back for longer.
Our walk through town, up to the fort
Hotels and Bars
There are plenty to choose from, but be wary of the bar prices!
TIP: Only drink in bars where they show pricing on boards, or ask to see menu. We saw beer prices jump from about 5 Euros to 14 Euros for beer!
More imagery on Instagram!
Instagram images of Kotor visit