Hiking Around Kotor: 4 Best Hikes With Scenic Trails
We’ve all already heard of the beauty that Kotor Bay has to offer. But, this article is for all of those who want to go one step further to explore even more hidden corners of this beautiful place. It is not only intended for all the outdoor, nature, and hiking enthusiasts but also for those who strive to become one.
Hiking in Kotor is like exploring a beautiful mix of mountains and the sea. Whether you're a casual hiker looking for scenic views or a seasoned adventurer seeking rugged trails, the area around Kotor has something to offer for everyone.
Kotor Nest community chasing the scenic views of Kotor Bay
Hiking around Kotor
Besides being good exercise, hiking here lets you enjoy fresh air and learn about Kotor's history. It's a great way to connect with nature and create wonderful memories in one of Europe's most charming places. The ideal seasons for hiking in Montenegro are spring and autumn when the weather is cooler.
While hiking in Montenegro is safe, it’s important to keep in mind the following things before and during your hike:
Stick to established, waymarked trails for a safe hiking experience, reducing the risk of getting lost. Be cautious with user-generated site guidance.
Do your research before starting your hike. Ensure you have all necessary information, including trail conditions, potential closures, and estimated hiking times.
Choose a trail that suits your fitness level and aligns with your interests.
Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the conditions.
Before your hike, inform someone of your plans, carry a fully charged phone, and have a map or GPS device handy for navigation.
Remember, hiking with a companion is generally more safe and enjoyable than hiking alone.
Be aware of the presence of snakes, including the nose-horned viper, in the mountains around Kotor.
Always carry enough water and snacks to energize you during your hike.
Now, that we’ve been through the safety basics, let’s continue further into our adventure and jump on exploring some of the best scenic hikes around the Kotor area.
Kotor Fortress and City Walls
Difficulty | Moderate
Distance | 2.5 km out-and-back
Time Needed | 1,5 hours
Trailhead | River Gate/North Gate, Old Town of Kotor
Elevation Gain/Loss | 254 meters
Minimum Elevation | 6 meters
Maximum Elevation | 260 meters
This 45-minute hike up to St. John’s Fort offers picturesque views of the Old Town of Kotor and the stunning Bay of Kotor. You can start the hike directly from the Old Town, after sipping your coffee in the sun.
St. John's Fort (also known as San Giovanni Fortress) sits at an elevation of 260 meters above sea level, and you’ll need to cross 1350 steps to reach the top. For that, you will be rewarded with some stunning views.
Besides offering great views from the top, this fortress is part of a medieval fortification system that encircles the Kotor Old Town and its surroundings. It consists of gates, bastions, towers, and defensive walls that used to serve as protection for the town and its area.
There are two accessible entry points from Kotor's Old Town, with the one closest to the River Gate (North Gate) being the most convenient to locate. At the entrance, you’ll pay an 8 EUR fee, after which you can follow the well-maintained stone pathway. This path leads first to the Church of Our Lady of Remedy and then further uphill to the summit of the fort.
2. Ladder of Kotor
Difficulty | Moderate
Distance | 14.1 km circuit
Time Needed | 4-6 hours
Trailhead | 42.427211, 18.773356
Elevation Gain/Loss | 1009 meters
Minimum Elevation | 7 meters
Maximum Elevation | 950 meters
Hiking Ladder of Kotor while in the area is a must! This hike allows you to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Montenegro while conquering a challenging ascent.
The trail follows the historic serpentine road that winds its way up the mountainside above the town of Kotor, offering breathtaking views of the Bay of Kotor and the surrounding landscapes.
The hike typically starts from the old town of Kotor (on Tabačina Road), where you begin to ascend. The trail is steep and consists of numerous switchbacks (70 in total) known as "serpentines," which were originally constructed for military purposes during the Austro-Hungarian rule. As you make your way up the trail, you'll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic vistas of the bay below and the rugged mountains stretching into the distance.
It typically takes about 2 hours to reach the Top of the Kotor Ladder viewpoint, and there are two ways to descend. The shorter way is to turn around and go back the same way, and the longer one is to continue for another 40 minutes to reach Krstac Pass, and then do a loop along Trail 753 toward Kotor.
The trail offers stunning views throughout the whole duration of the hike, which makes the effort worthwhile.
3. Vrmac Ridge Trail
Difficulty | Easy
Distance | 8.5 km out-and-back
Time Needed | 3 hours
Trailhead | Fort Vrmac (parking area)
Elevation Gain/Loss | 282 meters
Minimum Elevation | 469 meters
Maximum Elevation | 765 meters
Vrmac Ridge is a mountain that separates the Bay of Kotor from the coastal town of Tivat.
Vrmac Ridge Trail connects the ruins of Fort Vrmac to the highest point on the ridge, Sveti Ilija, which stands at 765 meters above sea level. This hike can either start directly from Fort Vrmac, which is around a 15-minute drive from Kotor, or you can embark on a scenic hike from Kotor up to the fort.
Along the way, you’ll be passing through dense forests and rocky terrain, while being treated to panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, the sparkling waters of the bay, and the picturesque villages below. All that, while greeting free-roaming cows and goats along the trail.
One of the highlights of the Vrmac Ridge Trail is the Vrmac Fortress, an ancient fortification dating back to the 19th century. The fortress offers a fascinating glimpse into Montenegro's rich history and provides an excellent vantage point for soaking in the stunning scenery.
4. Pestingrad Peak
Difficulty | 7/10
Distance | 5.7 km out-and-back
Time Needed | 2,5 hours
Trailhead | Etno Selo Sveti Georgije / Krstac
Elevation Gain/Loss | 243 meters
Minimum Elevation | 927 meters
Maximum Elevation | 1027 meters
The hike to Pestingrad peak offers a challenging but rewarding adventure, providing breathtaking vistas of the Kotor region and the Adriatic coastline along the way. Ensure you're well-prepared for the hike with appropriate gear, snacks, and plenty of water. Begin your hike at Krstac Pass, where you can park at the roadside parking area facing the playground of Etno Selo Sveti Georgije (Sveti Đorđe).
Gravel Side Road: Opposite the parking area, you'll find a gravel side road leading to several rustic holiday homes. Follow this road, heading towards the cone-shaped Mrajankik mountain (1336 m).
First Junction: At the first signed junction, take a left in the direction of Derinksi Vrh (1 hour) and Pestingrad (1,5 hours).
Second Junction: At the next junction, turn right towards Pestingrad.
Forest Path: The trail continues undulating through the forest. During our hike, the path was slightly overgrown but still easily identifiable thanks to numerous waymarks.
Emerging from the Forest: As the trail emerges from the forest, you'll descend the exposed (but secured) western flank of Derinski Vrh, leading to the slender saddle between the two peaks.
Summit of Pestingrad: Hike up the saddle and ascend to the rocky summit of Pestingrad, marked with Montenegro's proud red and gold flag. From this vantage point, you can enjoy panoramic views of the fortified Old Town of Kotor, the entire Bay of Kotor, and the Adriatic Sea.
Return: Follow the same trail back to your starting point at Krstac Pass.
This challenging hike offers the opportunity to reach Pestingrad from Kotor, starting with the Ladder of Kotor and continuing to the summit. It's essential to note that this is a lengthy out-and-back hike, covering approximately 20 kilometers and taking about 8 hours to complete.
Overall, hiking around Kotor offers a diverse range of experiences, from coastal paths with stunning views of the Bay of Kotor to mountain trails that lead to panoramic vistas.
Hopefully, we managed to inspire you to come and visit this beautiful area which is best to explore during mid-season when it offers fewer crowds and cooler weather.
Check out Kotor Nest availability for this March and April and join us to enjoy one of the best seasons in Kotor.
