OUR Spotlight On column gives you the lowdown on what to see and do in some of the most popular holiday destinations – as well as some lesser-known areas.
This week we’re shining a spotlight light on Kotor Bay in , one of Europe’s most spectacular yet underrated seaside escapes.
Here’s everything you need to know about a trip to Kotor Bay this summer Credit: Alamy
The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor recently visited Montenegro.
She said: “The country’s coastal resorts are all stunning, sitting on the turquoise waters.
“But Kotor Bay is a must visit – even if just for a quick stroll around the town.
“One of the most unusual spots is the Kotor Cats Museum, based on the many animals that roam the streets.”
MUST SEE/DO
Kotor Old Town is the bay’s beating heart, with cobbled alleys, Venetian palaces and fortress walls.
Then a short walk along the waterfront towards Dobrota takes you past a public lido, stone platforms and little cafés right on the water – a calm stretch that’s also one of the safest spots in the bay for an easy sea swim.
A short hop around the bay, is impossibly picturesque, with its baroque houses and tiny islets.
From the harbour, small boats take about ten minutes to reach Our Lady of the Rocks, the postcard-pretty church sitting on its own artificial island.
The historic Ladder of Kotor rises directly behind the Old Town – a zig-zag mule trail with big views the higher you go.
Or head further inland to where the road climbs towards the Njego Mausoleum and its 360-degree mountain panorama.
The Vrmac Ridge trail, between Kotor and neighbouring Tivat Bay, is another great option, an old military road with superb views over both sides of the coast.
Tour operator Untravelled Paths can fix up guided trips taking in everything from honey farms to white water rafting on the Tara river.
Tivat is a great jumping off point for other coastal towns Credit: Alamy
HIDDEN GEM
One of Montenegro’s quirkiest experiences awaits at the
This unique winery ages its bottles underwater for a flavour like nothing on land. Bottles are lowered roughly 20 metres to the seabed in metal cages and left to age for about a year.
Travellers can join a guided dive to racks of barnacle-covered bottles on the seabed, then sample the results back on shore.
BEST VIEW
The bar Monte 1350 crowns the upper station of the new Kotor-Lovcen cable car, its terrace looking straight down over the bay and out towards the Adriatic.
Visitors can sip a cold drink while watching the sunlight shift across the bay or stay to catch the sunset.
RATED RESTAURANT
Galion is Kotor’s standout dining spot, with one of the most romantic waterfront settings in .
The glass-walled restaurant juts out over the water, giving diners views of the bay while they enjoy fresh seafood and local wines.
Perfect for a special evening without the hefty prices of other Med hotspots.
Perast town is a peaceful escape from the other busier towns Credit: Alamy
BEST BAR
Evergreen Jazz Club is a cosy, dimly-lit spot with exposed brick walls and live music ranging from acoustic sets and blues to Balkan fusion.
Its great-value drinks are enjoyed by friendly locals and travellers.
HOTEL PICK
Klinci Village Resort on Lustica peninsula is a peaceful spot with rustic charm, sea views and Montenegrin hospitality, with rooms from around £80 per night.
For something more budget-friendly, Hotel Vardar in Kotor offers comfortable rooms and a prime location near the Old Town from around £60 per night.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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