Kotor

Kotor’s beauty is almost theatrical: an imposing chain of mountains in the backdrop, moody streets filled with Romanesque buildings, and a scenic bay washed in silvery mists.  But once you dive deep into the mazy alleys of the Old Town, the detailed monuments and time-capsuled courtyards will lure you further into its medieval charm. Kotor is fortified from the seafront to a height of 260 meters and 1,350 steps. It is perfectly encircled by colossal walls that provide sleek contours to the town. Keep your cameras at the ready—every step in Kotor brings with it fantastic scenes.

While there are plenty of modern clubs and luxurious restaurants to enjoy in the city, no place will keep you more pleased than the alfresco cafes of the Old Town. Walking tours are blissful, music is hearty, and architecture is a festival for the eyes in this centuries-old district. Romans, Byzantines, Austrians, and Venetians all played a role in its abundance, leaving their mark through monumental buildings like St. Tryphon’s Cathedral and St. John’s Fortress. A slightly tiring ascent through the city walls to the fortress is altogether rewarding with spectacular views of the bay.

In the evening, seek out some of the venues offering live music and exquisite meals, either by the glittering bay or in the squares of the Old Town. Kotor transforms into a dreamy place under golden lights, promising visitors just the exact dose of entertainment.