Kotor, Montenegro
I arrived in Kotor one late evening after a quite an adventurous 4 hour taxi ride from Tirana (Albania).
The taxi dropped us outside one of the gates into the Old Town. Someone from the hostel was waiting for us for the reason I soon learned. He guided us across the moat surrounding the Old Town, and through a maze of endless zig-zagging narrow alleys. There was no way we could’ve found the hostel on our own.
The misty rain made the polished cobblestones beneath our feet slippery and gave an eerie halo around the yellow street lights. Even though I knew the city gets crowded during the day when the cruise ships dock, at night the city belongs to residents, overnighters like us. And many, many street cats.
Some cities take me some time to warm up to. But I knew right then and there that I was going to like Kotor.
Making friends with a local cat
Old town Kotor, Montenegro. The Old Town is pedestrian only. Necessary considering how narrow some of the streets are.
Up high on the hill overlooking the town is the remains of San Giovanni (St. John) fort.
From our hostel room, we had a great view of the town’s meandering old walls looking not unlike a small version of the Great Wall of China. I couldn’t wait to climb it.
The Old Town Wall of Kotor
The next morning, we made our way to the top. It was early enough that we beat the crowds from the two cruise ships that arrived shortly after we began the hike.
Starting point to San Giovanni fort, one of the 3 from the Old Town
There are 1350 steps to the top, but who’s counting when there’s such great view along the way?
TWO cruiseships!! They’re so big they kind of make the bay look small.
View of the bay from one of the windows
Closer up of the fort and the old town walls of Kotor
Just another awesome view of the Bay. Did we luck out with the weather or what? It was raining cats and dogs the night before.
Bay of Kotor
View of Bay of Kotor from San Giovanni fort
Feeling adventurous while in Kotor? Check out the abandoned and eerie Fort Vrmac, in a forest overlooking the town of Kotor and its bay. Easily do-able in an adventurous half a day.
Want to see even more photos of Kotor?
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Have you been to Montenegro? What cities are your favorite?
I love Montenegro! It’s one of my favorite countries in the Balkans. I’m glad you made it up to the top, my knees couldn’t make it 🙂