Kotor Boat Tour: Our Lady of the Rocks, Mamula and Blue Cave in Kotor

Going on a Kotor boat tour is one of the best and most memorable ways to explore the stunning coastal scenery of Montenegro. On a Kotor boat tour you can take in the beautiful sights of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and come to appreciate why it has been declared one of the world’s natural and cultural sites. Taking a Kotor boat tour is an amazing way to explore the region’s fascinating history and enjoy the breathtaking views of its natural beauty.

Kotor boat tours usually include stops at some fascinating places such as Our Lady of the Rocks, Mamula and Blue Cave. These are some of the highlights of the area and make a Kotor boat tour truly unforgettable. Here is a guide to Our Lady of the Rocks, Mamula and Blue Cave in Kotor, so you can make the most of your boat trip.

Our Lady of the Rocks

Our Lady of the Rocks is a tiny island in the middle of Boka Bay, off the coast of Kotor, Montenegro. It is an extraordinary site, full of history, art and mystery. The islet was artificially constructed in the 15th century, with stones taken from Boka Bay. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and was built by local sailors as a sign of gratitude for escaping a terrible shipwreck.

The island has been declared a historic site as it contains many interesting monuments, frescoes and sculptures. Visitors can take in the beautiful sceneries and discover how it was created by local fishermen. The entrance to Lady of the Rocks is free and there are guided tours available in English, Italian, German and other languages which can be booked at the information office by the harbour.

Mamula Island

One of the highlights of a Kotor boat tour is Mamula Island, located north-east from Herceg Novi. It was built during the 19th century by Austin Thamilos as a fort for military purposes. Today, it is an iconic symbol for this region and popular among tourists who visit Montenegro. Mamula Island has been beautifully restored and it has become a great place for relaxation, with stunning views from its lighthouse. It has also become popular for its inviting transparent waters, making it a perfect destination for swimming and snorkeling activities.
Diving trips to this island can be organized to explore the marvellous underwater world. The island also provides several restaurants, a cocktail bar and beach volley courts, making it a well-rounded tourist attraction.

Blue Cave

Another great site to explore during a Kotor boat tour is Blue Cave or Modra Spilja, an awe-inspiring cave located at the small island of St. George near Perast. This unique cave is filled with blue-turquoise waters due to an interesting phenomena of reflecting light coming through an underwater window. Stunning light effects can be seen inside this magical place. Diving activities can be organized here for those who want to explore its depths. Nonetheless , visitors can take a walk around this incredible place and take in its beauty from outside .

How to book a Kotor boat tour?

Now that you know about these amazing places near Kotor,you may be wondering how you can book your own boat trip to these attractions. The best way to do this is by booking it through an experienced tour operator who can organize the entire trip for you. GetYourGuide is one such experienced tour operator specialized in making your adventure memorable and safe. GetYourGuide has great reviews and offers itineraries that ensure that you get to see all the sights while taking full advantage of your time in Montenegro. You can easily book a Kotor boat tour package that includes visits to Our Lady of the Rocks, Mamula Island, and Blue Cave online at GetYourGuide.

A Kotor boat tour truly offers the experience of a lifetime and is definitely worth exploring if you are visiting Montenegro. With stops at Our Lady of the Rocks, Mamula Island and Blue Cave, it is no wonder why this experience has been so popular with tourists for so many years. Booking through GetYourGuide ensures your experience is hassle free and enjoyable as you get to explore some of Montenegro’s most beautiful attractions with ease and comfort.

The Ultimate Insider’s Guide to Kotor: Hidden Gems, Local Cuisine, Cultural Experiences, History, and Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Kotor is a historic city in Montenegro, situated on the stunning Bay of Kotor. With its picturesque old town, towering mountains, and sparkling blue waters, the city is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. However, if you want to truly experience the city and its culture, you need to delve deeper. In this insider’s guide, we’ll show you some of the hidden gems of Kotor, introduce you to the local cuisine, culture, and history, and give you some off-the-beaten-path suggestions that will make your trip truly unforgettable.

Local Attractions: Hidden Gems Only Locals Would Know

Kotor is full of hidden gems that you won’t find in the guidebooks. Here are a few of our favorites:
– The Church of Our Lady of Remedy: Located on the hill above Kotor, this church offers stunning panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor and the city’s old town.
– Fort Vrmac: Surrounded by lush forest and winding paths, this fort is a lesser-known alternative to the popular Fort Lovrijenac. The views are just as breathtaking, and you’ll have fewer crowds to contend with.
– Skaljari Village: Tucked away behind Kotor’s old town, this quaint little village offers a glimpse into traditional Montenegrin life. Take a stroll through the cobbled streets and admire the charming stone houses.

Dining Spots: Local Cuisine and Interesting Anecdotes

Montenegrin cuisine is a delicious blend of Mediterranean and Balkan flavors, with influences from Italy, Greece, and Turkey. Here are a few places to try some of the best local dishes:
– Konoba Catovica Mlini: Located in an old mill on the outskirts of the city, this restaurant serves up traditional Montenegrin cuisine with a modern twist. Don’t miss their signature dish, goat cheese baked in honey and sesame seeds.
– Restaurant Galion: Situated in the heart of Kotor’s old town, this restaurant boasts a charming terrace with stunning views of the bay. They serve fresh seafood, grilled meats, and traditional Montenegrin dishes like lamb cooked in milk.
– Caffe Pizzeria Ferrara: This quirky little cafe is located in Kotor’s new town and is known for its unique combination of pizza and ice cream. It may sound strange, but the locals love it!

Cultural Experiences: Festivals, Art, Music, and Customs

Montenegro has a rich cultural heritage, and Kotor is no exception. Here are a few ways to experience the city’s unique culture:
– KotorArt: This annual festival, held in July and August, showcases some of the best music, theater, and art from Montenegro and beyond. Don’t miss the open-air concerts held in the city’s historic squares.
– Perast Maritime Museum: Located in a picturesque town just a short boat ride from Kotor, this museum offers a fascinating look at the seafaring history of Montenegro and the Mediterranean.
– Boka Night: Held every August, this festival celebrates the traditions and customs of the Bay of Kotor. You can expect to see folk music, traditional costumes, and lots of delicious food and drink.

Local History: Captivating Stories from the City’s Past

Kotor has a rich and storied past, full of fascinating characters and gripping tales. Here are a few to pique your interest:
– The Bokelian Navy: In the Middle Ages, Kotor was known for its powerful navy, which helped the city protect itself from invaders and dominate the seas.
– The Venetian Influence: Kotor spent centuries under Venetian rule, and you can still see the influence of this period in the city’s architecture and culture.
– The Earthquake of 1979: In 1979, Kotor was devastated by a major earthquake that destroyed many of its historic buildings. However, the city has since been rebuilt and restored, and its resilience is a testament to the strength of its people.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unforgettable and Unique Experiences

If you want to experience Kotor like a local, here are a few suggestions that go beyond the conventional:
– Hiking the Vrmac Ridge: This is a challenging hike that takes you up to the ridgeline above Kotor, but the views are well worth the effort.
– Exploring Lustica Peninsula by Bike: Rent a bike in Kotor and head out to Lustica Peninsula, which offers stunning views and charming little villages.
– Visiting Njegusi Village: Located in the mountains above Kotor, this village is famous for its smoked ham (prsuta) and cheese (kajmak). You can tour a smokehouse and try some of the delicious local specialties.

We hope this insider’s guide has inspired you to see Kotor in a new light. Whether you’re an adventurous traveler looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences or a culture buff looking to dive deep into the history and traditions of the region, Kotor has something for everyone.