Why go to Kotor?
Kotor is a more relaxed European port, ideal for a leisurely day of strolling people-watching and shopping
You won't find an idyllic Mediterranean beach within easy reach. Most are small, private, pebble beaches
This port offers easy access to Kotor's few attractions and plenty of opportunity for relaxation
Kotor Cruise Port Facilities?
No need to; head straight to the Old City, where you'll find souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants, ATMs and inexpensive Internet cafes.
Good to Know?
Port traffic is busy along the waterfront; take care crossing the road. Be aware of loose rocks and uneven steps when walking around the city walls and up to St. Ivan's Fortress. If you decide to do this, wear sturdy shoes. Also keep an eye out for the two tiny islands at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor (if you're up early enough to enjoy the approach). One is Our Lady of the Rocks, a lush, green outcropping that's popular as a diving site. The other, St. George, is home to a 12th-century Benedictine monastery.
Getting Around?
On Foot: Walking is the best way to get around Kotor's Old City, which is fairly small, compact and car-free. And as the streets get narrower, the shops get more interesting. If you have only a few hours in port, you'll probably want to spend them making the most of the Old City. But if you have more time, trips into the mountains or along the Adriatic coast are worth considering.
By Taxi: Local taxi drivers meet the cruise ships and will ply you with offers of countryside tours, priced from around 60 euros an hour for a car and up to four passengers. Check out the Don't Miss section for ideas, and don't be afraid to negotiate; it's a good way to check how good the driver's English is.
Currency & Best Way to Get Money?
Montenegro's currency is the euro. (For the latest exchange rate, visit www.oanda.com or www.xe.com.) There are plenty of ATMs dotted around the Old City.
Language?
The official language in Kotor is Montenegrin, which, like the languages of the neighboring Croats, Serbs and Bosnians, has its roots in ancient Slavic.
A few key phrases are translated below, but don't worry too much. English is widely spoken -- and even more widely understood -- in Kotor.
Hello -- Zdravo
Please -- Molim
Thank you -- Hvala
You're welcome -- Nema na cemu
Ye /No -- Da/Ne
Excuse me (to get attention) -- Izvinjavam se, ali
Do you speak English? -- Dali pricate Engleski?
I don't understand-- Ja ne razumijem
Where is the toilet? -- Dje je WC?
Where You're Docked?
Ships dock and discharge passengers right onto the quayside, just across the street from the Old City's imposing 16th-century Sea Gate (about a 50-yard walk). The Old City is something of a warren, but you can wander off without fear, as any local will be able to direct you back to this gate.
