Last Updated: January 3, 2024
Perast Montenegro doesn’t get the attention that it deserves but this stunning gem of a destination blew my mind away. It is overshadowed by its neighbor, the popular Kotor, and most visitors simply ignore it. This guide on how to spend a day in Perast Montenegro will introduce you to all the unique things that make it so special. By the time you’re done reading, I’m certain that Perast Montenegro will make it to the top of your list of the best places to visit in Montenegro.
Continue reading to find out how to spend a day in Perast Montenegro.
HOW TO SPEND A DAY IN PERAST MONTENEGRO
HOW TO GET TO PERAST MONTENEGRO
The town is located a short 15-minute drive from Kotor (depending on traffic). We visited during the mid of summer so the traffic was quite dense and the ride took us roughly 30 minutes by bus to get to Perast. If I’m being honest, however, I didn’t mind getting stuck in traffic because the scenic views were extraordinary.
Here are 4 options on how to get to Perast Montenegro:
- Bus – You can catch the public bus (Blue line) from the main street in Kotor. The timings change depending on the seasons but in August when we visited, they were quite frequent. You can purchase your ticket from the driver just make sure to have change handy.
- Taxi – This is a fast way to get to Perast albeit not the cheapest. The taxi will cost anywhere between €20 – €25.
- Car – The best way to see Montenegro is by renting a car. Parking may be a bit of a challenge in Perast, especially if you’re visiting during the high season but having your own car allows you flexibility and comfort.
- Boat – There is a boat departing on the hour from Kotor to Perast (the frequency depends on the season you’re visiting). This is also a great way to get to Perast from Kotor because you’ll get the chance to look at both towns from a completely different viewpoint.
HOW LONG TO SPEND IN PERAST MONTENEGRO?
You could easily see Perast in 3-4 hours. However, if you’re looking into experiencing all the best things that Perast has to offer, then I’d strongly recommend you to spend 5-6 hours. This will allow enough time to do a boat tour, explore the town, enjoy a refreshing swim, and indulge in the local cuisine.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN PERAST MONTENEGRO
Our Lady of the Rocks
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the best things to do in Perast Montenegro, is a boat tour to this gorgeous little island. Our Lady of the Rocks is a man-made island located just a few minutes away from Perast Montenegro. Its most notable feature is the beautiful monastery which is open to visitors. You can catch a small boat from Perast to Our Lady of the Rocks island and the ticket costs about 5€.
Montenegro has many noteworthy islands to explore. If you want to see all of them – something that we highly recommend – then book a boat tour in advance and avoid the hassle of having to deal with tour operations at the last minute.
Explore the little alleys
Perast Montenegro is a small quaint town which makes it perfect to explore on foot. As I was walking through its narrow alleys, I felt as if I stepped back in time. The historic buildings have been restored and are in perfect condition. In contrast to its neighbor – popular Kotor – here life slows down. You will see the locals sitting in their front yard chatting and the kids running around and enjoying the warm summer days. The scenery very much resembles a small traditional village.
This is of course what happens in the back alleys because, in the promenade, the scene changes drastically.
Perast promenade is lined up with restaurants, cafes, and souvenir stores and although this part is very ordinary, the view over the Bay of Kotor is rather extraordinary. The scenery is made up of sailing ships dotted across the bay, Our Lady of the Rocks island, and the imposing mountains of Kostanjica in the background. Perast’s views are so divine, that’ll have you staring agape!
READ ALSO: HOW TO SPEND 24 HOURS IN CETINJE: WHERE TO EAT AND WHAT TO SEE
Try the local cuisine
Although Montenegro and the Balkans, in general, are well known for their meat dishes, the coastal towns offer some of the freshest seafood. Be sure to try the local dish Buzara, which is shrimp cooked in tomato sauce. Pair it with a bottle of local wine for a typical Montenegrin dining experience. Don’t miss out on one of their most popular desserts, which is no other than the mouth-watering Baklava.
Go for a swim
Yes, you can go for a swim in Perast Montenegro. The water is so inviting that this will probably be the first thing you’ll want to do as soon as you arrive. You can do as locals do and claim a spot at the little harbor. The sea here is very clean and you’ll also find ladders that’ll help you go in and out of the water. Another fantastic spot to swim in Perast Montenegro is the little bay at The Pirate Bar. This is organized with paid umbrellas, sunbeds, and a little bar where you can order your favorite cocktail.
IS PERAST MONTENEGRO WORTH VISITING?
Is Perast Montenegro worth visiting? 100% Yes! For it being such a small town, it definitely packs plenty to see. Its idyllic location makes it an excellent place to spend a few hours exploring and doing fun activities but also plenty of spots where you can sit and unwind. Perast Montenegro had me so pleasantly surprised, that I’d visit again in a heartbeat.
