Tour Guide: Exploring Kotor’s Perast Old Town and Our Lady of the Rocks Boat Tour

Kotor, Montenegro is a popular tourist destination with its stunning coastline, iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, and many incredible attractions. Nearby to Kotor you’ll find the picturesque town of Perast, known for its ancient architecture, baroque churches, and world-famous Our Lady of the Rocks boat tour. In this guide, we’ll explore Kotor’s Perast Old Town and the Our Lady of the Rocks boat tour, offering tips and advice for planning your own visit.

What is Perast?

Perast is a small coastal town located 10 kilometers from Kotor Old Town. Formally part of the Venetian Republic, Perast is known for its colorful baroque buildings and preserved medieval architecture. It was once a thriving Mediterranean trading port, built at the base of the Bay of Kotor and protected by the St. George’s Islands. There are two of these islands: Gospa od Skrpjel (Lady of the Rocks) and San Giorgio (St. George). Both islands are popular attractions.

Perast is a charming town to explore on foot. Its cobblestone streets are lined with colorful buildings and beautiful churches encircled by open piazzas and shady lemon trees. Its unique location gives visitors stunning views of the mountains and deep blue waters of the Adriatic Sea.

Exploring Perast’s Architectural Treasures

The most famous landmarks in Perast are its many churches. Two of the most important are the Baroque style Church of Our Lady of the Rocks and the Sanctuary of St. Nicholas. The Church of Our Lady of the Rocks is a stunning building commissioned in 16th century by sea captains, known for its domes and frescoes inspired by classic Renaissance artwork. The Sanctuary of St. Nicholas was built in 17th century to commemorate Saint Nicholas’s mission to protect sailors and fishermen. The interior has beautiful tiled floors, ringed with ancient casts, and many artistic marble sculptures.

Our Lady of the Rocks Boat Tour

The most popular tourist activity in Perast is the Our Lady of the Rocks boat tour. Visitors will travel by boat towards Gospa od Skrpjel (Lady of the Rocks) to explore the two islands located in Kotor Bay. The tour makes its first stop at St. George island where you can observe some historic ruins and take some incredible photographs. Then travelers will be heading to the second island and its main attraction: the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks. This island was formed by man due to an interesting local legend, which states that when two sailors found a miraculous icon of Mary on their ship’s anchor in 1452, they decided to build an island in her honor, representing her as “Queen of the Adriatic”

The boat tour offers visitors a chance to learn more about some fascinating legends, photograph beautiful scenery, and take in stunning views of the Bay of Kotor from a unique angle. All boats offer comfortable seating and all-weather protection, making it possible to boat in any kind of weather condition!

Tips for Visiting Perast

Here are some tips and suggestions to get the most out of your visit to Perast:

• When possible, opt for a guided tour or boat tour — local guides can provide anecdotes and interesting insights into Perast’s unique history.
• Be sure to bring plenty of water (and perhaps a snack or two) — boat tours can be long, hot, and tiring!
• Be aware that parking can be limited in Perast, so it may be best to take public transportation or a taxi.
• Be respectful when visiting any churches or monuments — dress modestly and remember that some areas may be off-limits.

No trip to Montenegro would be complete without a visit to Perast and exploring its incredible architectural treasures and Our Lady of the Rocks boat tour. With its picturesque photos, combination of historical and cultural attractions, and breathtaking views, Perast is sure to be a highlight of your stay in Montenegro! Save yourself time and money booking this memorable activity with GetYourGuide by clicking here.

Insider’s Guide to Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor is a little gem nestled in Montenegro, often overshadowed by its more prominent neighbor Dubrovnik. However, its stunning architecture, narrow streets, and delicious cuisine are well worth a visit. In this insider’s guide to Kotor, we’ll cover some hidden gems that only locals know, the must-eats of the local cuisine, the cultural experiences that make this city special, captivating stories from its history, and unique off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Local Attractions: Hidden Gems

While the old town of Kotor is undoubtedly stunningly beautiful, it’s often full of tourists during the high season. An excellent way to escape the crowds and explore off the beaten path is to head East to the tiny fishing village of Muo. This little gem offers a picturesque view of the Bay of Kotor and is a perfect spot to enjoy the sunset.

You can also head to the Vrmac Ridge, which overlooks the Bay of Kotor from the other side. A pleasant 1-hour walk up the hill from Kotor will take you to a real hidden gem. Here, you’ll find the Kotor Skywalk, where you can walk on a glass path over the edge of the cliff, 1220 meters above the sea level, offering an unforgettable panoramic view of the bay.

Dining Spots: Must-Eats and Interesting Anecdotes

Montenegrin cuisine is heavily influenced by Mediterranean, Italian, and Turkish cuisine. One of the most popular dishes to try is “Buzara,” a seafood stew made with shellfish, onion, garlic, tomatoes, and white wine. A perfect place to try this dish is in the little family-run restaurant “Stari Mlini,” located in the heart of Kotor’s old town.

Another popular dish is “Kacamak,” a polenta-like dish made from cornmeal and served with cheese and sour cream. It’s one of the oldest and essential dishes in Montenegrin cuisine. The best place to try it is in the local tavern called “Konoba Toro,” located just outside of Kotor. Here, you can also order some local dry-cured ham, “Njeguški pršut,” and enjoy it with a glass of red wine.

Cultural Experiences: Traditions and Customs

One of the most popular festivals in Kotor is the Bokeljska Night, celebrated annually on August 22nd. This festival celebrates the city’s maritime heritage, where locals dress up in traditional costumes and hold a parade of galleys. The parade ends with fireworks over the bay, making for a spectacular sight.

Another cultural aspect worth checking out is the Klapa music, a traditional form of unison singing popular in the Balkans. The best place to hear this music is in the old town’s courtyard, where local groups often perform during the summer months.

Local History: Captivating Stories

One fascinating aspect of Kotor’s history is the Venetian occupation from the 15th to the 18th century. You can still see the influence in the city’s architecture, with the Venetian fortifications and palaces. An interesting anecdote from this period is the “Bokeljska mornarica,” a unit of sailors and seamen who fought with the Venetians and became famous for their bravery and successes.

Another captivating story is about the clock tower in the old town. It was commissioned and built by a wealthy merchant in the 17th century, who wanted a clock tower with a unique feature: it played music every hour. However, the merchant had no musical taste, and the tune he chose was so annoying that the locals called it the “lazy tune,” as it had no beginning or end.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can head to the nearby Lovćen National Park. It’s about an hour’s drive from Kotor and offers some of Montenegro’s most breathtaking views. You can also hike to the top of the Lovćen mountain, from where you can see the Adriatic Sea on one side and the mountains on the other.

Another unique experience is to take a boat tour to the Island of Our Lady of the Rocks, a man-made island just off the coast of Perast. The island has a baroque church, and legend has it that local fishermen found an image of the Virgin Mary here and erected a chapel in her honor. You can also visit the Perast Old Town, a charming little town rich in history, architecture, and culture.

Hopefully, this insider’s guide to Kotor has given you some unique insights and ideas for your next visit. From hidden gems to must-eats and captivating stories, there’s so much to explore in this beautiful city.