The Kotor Fortress hike is one of the most iconic things to do in Montenegro, and honestly, one of the best ways to see just how spectacular the Bay of Kotor really is. The trail starts right from Kotor Old Town and climbs all the way up to the fortress, with views that get better with every step.
It’s a short hike, but don’t underestimate it. There are a lot of stairs, very little shade, and in summer it can get incredibly hot. But once you’re standing above the red rooftops of Kotor with the bay stretching out below you, it’s absolutely worth the effort.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know before hiking to Kotor Fortress, including where the trail starts, how long it takes, how difficult it is, the best time to go, what to bring, and a few tips to make the hike a lot more enjoyable!
Quick Tips for the Kotor Fortress Hike
- Where to stay – 🏨 Dekaderon Lux Apartments were the perfect base to explore the stunning Bay of Kotor. Located right on the opposite side of the bay and offering a direct view over the old town of Kotor.
- Distance – 2.5km
- Elevation – 280m or 1350 stone steps
- Entrance fee – €15. Children under 12 are free. Payment is accepted via cash or card.
- Opening hours – From 7am until 8pm. Before 7am you’ll find that the ticket booth is unmanned. Just know that when hiking back down you’re required to show your ticket. So if you weren’t able to pay when hiking up, you’ll do so when hiking back down.
- Best time to hike – In the early morning when the trail is still in the shade
- Best tour – Descent from Krstac to Kotor, visit Fort San Giovanni & Short walking tour through the old town of Kotor
How to reach the Kotor Fortress Hike
The Kotor Fortress hike starts right from Kotor Old Town, which makes it very easy to add to your Montenegro itinerary. You don’t need a car or any kind of transport once you’re in Kotor, since the trail begins just behind the old town walls and climbs up the mountain from there.
There are a couple of entrances inside the Old Town, but the most common one is near the northern part of Kotor, close to the River Gate. From there, you’ll quickly reach the stone steps that lead up towards the Church of Our Lady of Remedy and eventually all the way to San Giovanni Fortress.
If you’re staying in Kotor, you can simply walk to the starting point. If you’re visiting as a day trip, I’d recommend parking outside the Old Town and walking in, since cars aren’t allowed inside the historic center. Parking near Kotor can fill up quickly in summer, so try to arrive early, especially if you also want to hike before the heat kicks in.
The trail is very straightforward once you’re on it, but it’s steep and mostly made up of old stone steps. You’ll see the fortress walls climbing up the mountain from town, so it’s almost impossible to miss where you’re heading!
Best time to visit Kotor Fortress
The best time to hike to Kotor Fortress is early in the morning or later in the afternoon, especially if you’re visiting during the warmer months. The trail is very exposed, with lots of old stone steps and barely any shade, so hiking in the middle of the day can get brutally hot.
💡 TIP – I highly recommend starting your hike at 7am. Then you’ll find that most of the trail will still be in the shade during your hike up. Cruise Ships usually start to arrive from 8am and onwards.
The light over the Bay of Kotor is beautiful, the temperatures are much more comfortable, and you’ll avoid most of the crowds. Sunset can also be stunning, but make sure you leave yourself enough time to hike back down safely before it gets dark.
Where to stay in the Kotor Bay
Dekaderon Lux Apartments
Dekaderon Lux Apartments were the perfect base to explore the stunning Bay of Kotor. Located right on the opposite side of the bay and offering a direct view over the old town of Kotor.
The apartments are modern and stylish but one of the highlights is the outdoor infinity pool overlooking the Bay of Kotor.
There’s daily room service and the possibility to have dinner in the garden every evening. But the best part for us? The staff was incredibly kind towards our son César!
The Hiking Route & Landmarks
The first main landmark you’ll reach is the Church of Our Lady of Remedy. This small church sits on the hillside above Kotor and already gives you a beautiful view over the red rooftops and the bay. If you don’t want to hike all the way to the fortress, this is a nice shorter option and still gives you that classic Kotor viewpoint.
💡 TIP – The Church of Our Lady of Remedy is on average the halfway point for your hike up to the San Giovanni Fortress.
From the church, the trail continues climbing higher along the stone stairs. This is where the views really start opening up, but also where the hike starts to feel more intense. The steps are uneven in places, so take your time, especially on the way back down.
Eventually, you’ll reach San Giovanni Fortress at the top. The fortress itself is mostly ruins, but the views are the real reason to come here. From the top, you can see the entire Bay of Kotor, the Old Town below, the cruise ships in the harbor, and the dramatic mountains surrounding the bay.
There are plenty of places along the route where you’ll want to stop for photos or catch your breath, so don’t rush it. The hike may be short in distance, but with all the stairs and elevation gain, it’s definitely more of a workout than it looks from below.
What to bring with you
For the Kotor Fortress hike, the most important thing to bring is water. The trail is steep, exposed, and there’s barely any shade, so you’ll get thirsty fast, especially if you’re hiking in summer.
I’d also recommend wearing proper shoes instead of flip-flops or slippery sandals. The stone steps are uneven and can be a bit tricky on the way back down. You don’t need full hiking boots, but comfortable sneakers or hiking sandals with good grip will make a big difference.
A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also must-haves if you’re hiking during the day. There’s very little protection from the sun, and the heat can feel intense once you’re climbing.
Bring your camera or phone as well, because the views over Kotor and the bay are absolutely worth photographing. And if you’re hiking later in the afternoon, make sure your phone has enough battery or bring a small power bank, just in case you stay longer than planned.
Tips for hiking Kotor Fortress with a toddler
Hiking to Kotor Fortress with a toddler is definitely doable, but I wouldn’t call it the easiest hike with small children. The trail is made up of lots of old stone steps, and they’re uneven in many places, so it’s not stroller-friendly at all.
When we hiked up with César, he actually walked all the way up by himself until the Church of Our Lady of Remedy, which already felt like a pretty big achievement. After that, the trail became a bit too much, so we carried him the rest of the way in our Thule child carrier.
I’d definitely recommend bringing a baby or toddler carrier, even if your child is used to walking. The climb is tiring, and the descent can be tricky with small feet because of the uneven stones. A carrier makes the whole hike a lot safer and less stressful.
Start as early as possible, especially in summer, since there’s barely any shade on the trail. Bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat for your little one. And remember, you don’t have to make it all the way to the fortress. The church already has a beautiful view over Kotor and can be a great turnaround point if your toddler has had enough.
💡 TIP – There are no restrooms along the trail so plan accordingly if you’re toddler doesn’t wear diapers anymore.
If you have any questions about how to visit Montenegro or if you want to share your experience, comment below!
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Hi! We’re Charlotte, Christof & César!
Armed with our cameras & drone we’re always on the lookout for the next adventure!
We’ve been traveling together since 2020 and the best adventures are yet to come!
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