Looking for the best views around Kotor?
Kotor and the whole Boka Bay are often called one of the most beautiful bays in the world — and for a good reason. Towering cliffs, calm sea, medieval towns, and layers of light create postcard-perfect scenes from almost every angle. But some spots are simply breathtaking.
And you don’t need to be a hiker to reach them.
This is your mini guide to panoramic viewpoints around Kotor — perfect for a quick stop, a scenic detour, or just catching that golden-hour magic. Keep reading to find out our favorite easy-access spots.
Why it’s worth going uphill (just a little)
There’s no better way to understand Boka Bay than from above. These views give you the full picture — winding coastline, sleepy villages, dramatic mountains, and the ancient walls of Kotor Old Town. Some spots are ideal for sunsets, others are quiet escapes with zero crowds.
Boka’s natural beauty truly shines from these angles. That’s why photographers, road-trippers, and locals all agree: this is the Montenegro you came to see.
How to explore panoramic spots around Kotor
Most of these viewpoints are accessible by car, scooter, or even a bike. Some require just a short uphill walk, while others (like the Kotor–Njeguši cable car) get you to the top in under 10 minutes — with an incredible ride along the way.
If you want all the practical info — how to get there, what to expect, entry fees, parking tips, and how long it takes — we’ve included everything in our digital Kotor travel guide. It’s super handy if you’re short on time or want to avoid tourist traps.
Keep reading — we’ve done the research so you don’t have to.
When to go for the best views
Early morning or late afternoon is your best bet — not just because of the beautiful light, but also because of the heat. Summers in Montenegro can be very hot, with temperatures often going over 40°C (104°F). Even short uphill walks can feel exhausting in the midday sun, and the air can get quite hazy.
During the high season and on weekends, some of these spots can get crowded. If you’re going by car, we recommend heading out early and avoiding peak hours whenever possible.
5 Easy Spots You Shouldn’t Miss (Panoramic Views Near Kotor & Boka Bay)
Eboka.me brings you a list of the breathtaking panoramic views of Kotor and Boka Bay, all within 30 minutes. Whether by car, bike, or on foot, you’ll enjoy stunning vistas without the heavy effort.
1. San Giovanni Fortress (Kotor City Walls)
This is the iconic viewpoint of Kotor — a place where every conqueror left a mark. Layer by layer, it tells the story of Kotor’s rich past, with walls and ruins that have stood through centuries. It’s also one of the top reasons why Kotor was granted UNESCO protection — the fortress is considered one of the three best-preserved fortifications in the world (find out the other two in eBoka guide).
Access: Walking route, starts from Kotor Old Town
Entry: Paid access, around €15 in high season
Hike time: About 45 minutes of steady uphill walking
Trail: Stone path, well-defined but not maintained for comfort
Facilities: Occasionally, a local may sell cold drinks along the way — but don’t count on it
Bring: Sun protection, hat, good shoes, water, snacks
Eboka tip: One of our favorite moments? Watching the silent movement of traffic far below, as the city noise disappears completely. It’s a rare kind of calm.
2. Trojica and the Serpentine road to Njeguši
Trojica is a small settlement named after the historic Trojica Tower and its medieval church. Once a key fortification for the protection of Kotor, today it offers not only a slice of history but also panoramic views and an entry point to one of the most scenic drives in Montenegro.
From here, the famous Serpentine Road begins — a narrow, winding path with 25 sharp hairpin turns leading toward Njeguši. It’s considered a masterpiece of 19th-century engineering by Josip Slade. There’s even a love story hidden in one part of the road, just below the Trojica fortress: the architect have shaped that section into the letter “M” as a subtle tribute to Princess Milena of Montenegro. (You’ll find more surprising stories like this in our guide!)
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Access: Driving route, starts from Trojica Tower above Kotor
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Entry: Free access
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Drive time: About 30 minutes (14 km), but expect delays in summer due to narrow roads and heavy traffic
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Route details: Paved road with side barriers, sharp curves, and lush greenery
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Facilities: Several restaurants at the top, including Horizont Cafe View Point
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Bring: Camera, water/snacks, and patience during peak season
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Eboka info: This road is so iconic that renowned architects from around the world often visit Kotor just to admire this engineering achievement built on such a challenging terrain.
3. Kotor Cable Car and Njeguši
If you’re looking for an easier way to reach the top of Njeguši, there’s a newly opened attraction that makes the journey even more exciting: the Kotor Cable Car. This cable car takes you 1316 meters above sea level, offering unparalleled views of the Bay of Kotor along the way.
With only positive reviews from visitors, many consider it one of the most magnificent cable car rides in Europe. Once at the top, you can relax at the café, enjoy a selection of cakes, or rent a bike to explore the unspoiled beauty of Njeguši. It’s a great alternative to the serpentine road and a must-try for those who prefer a more comfortable ascent with breathtaking views.
Access: Starting point near the Vrmac tunnel entrance to Kotor, easily located.
Entry: Paid access, approximately 20€ (prices may vary, with frequent discounts).
Ride time: 15-20 minutes, but there are options for extended experiences.
Facilities: At the top, you’ll find a great café with a selection of cakes, bike rentals for exploring Njeguši, and stunning nature around you.
Bring: Nothing special is needed, just a good camera to capture the views!
Eboka tip: We recommend booking online to avoid crowds and take advantage of frequent discounts.
4. Vrmac and Goražda Fortresses
Vrmac and Gorazda are two well-preserved Austro-Hungarian fortresses perched above Kotor, dating back to the 19th century. They were built as defensive positions to protect the city and are incredibly well-maintained, despite the interior being somewhat dark and vandalized.
From these fortresses, you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views not just of Kotor, but also of Tivat, with the entire bay laid out before you. The sunsets here are nothing short of spectacular, and because these sites are not heavily tourist-oriented, they remain peaceful and largely undiscovered.
Driving route: You can reach both fortresses by car, starting from the Trojica Fortress. For Vrmac, head right; for Goražda, turn left.
Entry: Free access
Drive time: 10–15 minutes from Kotor
Attraction details: The drive up to the fortresses is an experience in itself, taking you along old Austro-Hungarian paths through dense forest. While the fortresses are remarkably well-preserved, the interiors are dark and, in places, damaged by vandals.
Facilities: There are no shops or restaurants nearby—just pure nature.
Bring: Mosquito protection and maybe a blanket or sweatshirt to keep warm due to the high altitude.
Eboka tip: We recommend visiting these places in the company of others, as the dark and cold interiors can be unsettling for those not accustomed to exploring such places.
5. Prčanj & Stoliv
This is the perfect pick for those who want beautiful bay views without too much effort — and without the crowds. Prčanj and Stoliv are quiet villages just across the water from Kotor Old Town, known for their sea captains, fresh air, and calming atmosphere. Tucked under Mount Vrmac, they’re also great escapes from the summer heat.
The panoramic views here aren’t from high peaks, but from hilltop churches above the coastal road. You’ll spot them easily — they stand out on the green hills even from Kotor’s waterfront.
Don’t miss:
– Church of Our Lady’s Birth in Prčanj — a Baroque masterpiece with a dramatic staircase
– St. Elijah Church in Stoliv — peaceful setting, shaded by trees
Access: Car, motorbike, bicycle, or BlueLine local bus
Route details: Church of Our Lady’s Birth is easily reached from the road via a wide baroque staircase, while other hillside churches can only be accessed by following unmarked footpaths and faded red trail dots on trees — so step carefully and wear good shoes.
Attraction Facilities: No cafés or facilities near the churches, but the waterfront below has plenty
Bring: Water, comfortable shoes, sun protection
Eboka local note: These places capture the true spirit of Kotor — quiet, historic, and untouched by mass tourism. If you’re looking for an authentic moment, this is it.
Bonus Views: Hidden panoramas around Kotor & Boka Bay
Our Hiking Experts Suggest
The following spots are a bit more challenging in terms of time or difficulty, but they are well worth the visit. Expect solitude on these trails — you likely won’t encounter many people during your exploration.
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Fort Trašte/Grabovac towards Tivat – 12 km from Kotor
The youngest fortress in the Bay, built to improve the defense of Tivat. It’s easy to find on the map and accessible by car, with a short, well-trodden path leading up to the fortress. -
Fort St. Andrija above Perast – 15 km from Kotor
This is a longer trek from Perast (about two hours) or, for a shorter approach, you can drive to the village of Ubalac via the old Risan-Grahovo road and take a 40-minute easy walk to the fortress. -
Church of St. Elijah near Herceg Novi – 40 km from Kotor
At 1,104 meters above sea level, this church offers one of the most beautiful views of the Orjen mountain range. The trail is well-maintained, and the hike up takes only about 20 minutes.
Eboka bonus tip: Be snake-aware
If you’re heading to any of these viewpoints, especially on foot or through nature trails, keep in mind that Montenegro is home to a few snake species. There are only 3 venomous ones, usually recognizable by a zig–zag pattern and a length of about 50–70 cm. Any adult snake over a meter long is harmless.
Also, hiking in peak summer heat (often above 40°C) is not recommended — it’s easy to underestimate the sun and the terrain, even on short walks.
These are the kinds of real, practical tips we’ve packed into our guide — written by locals, with clear info you won’t easily find online. If you’re planning to explore beyond the obvious, our guide will save you time, stress, and guesswork.
