Perast in Montenegro is one of the small towns nestled in the winding Bay of Kotor. On a dry and sunny day, we set off from Tivat, heading north. Kotor Bay, the southernmost fjord in Europe, is truly spectacular. Pretty waterside villages dot the rocky coastline, and the narrow main road offers scenic views at every turn. We stopped at a mussel farm near Holiday Home Nautica to take in the beautiful scenery. After capturing the stunning views, we arrived in Perast after a short drive.
Had we taken a boat tour, we would have enjoyed the iconic views of the bay. The cliffs rise dramatically, falling into the sparkling Adriatic Sea. The views are simply unforgettable. While there are several charming towns and villages along Kotor Bay, Perast is undoubtedly the most beautiful.
The Rich History of Perast: A Town Shaped by Empires
Throughout the centuries, many empires fought for control of Perast. The town was once part of the Byzantine Empire, medieval Serbia, the Venetian Republic, and Hungary. Later, the French occupied Perast from 1807 to 1814, followed by Austrian rule until 1918.
In the 18th century, under the Venetian Republic, Perast flourished as a shipbuilding town. It boasted as many as four active shipyards. Today, however, only a few hundred people still call Perast home, but its history remains fascinating.
Perast’s Glorious Past: Churches, Palaces, and Fortifications
Many churches and palaces in Perast are reminders of its glorious past. The city once had sixteen Baroque palaces, built during its heyday. Alongside these, seventeen Catholic churches and two Orthodox churches were constructed.
Although the old town didn’t have a defensive wall, it boasted nine defensive towers. These were built by the Venetian navy in the 15th and 16th centuries. Sadly, not all of them remain today, but the history is still evident in the town’s charming streets.
Exploring Perast’s Old Town: A Wanderer’s Adventure
We tried to make a loop through the old town, but it proved impossible. Some narrow alleys led to dead ends. At times, we even found ourselves in private orchards. We ended up randomly climbing stone stairs, and to our surprise, were rewarded with a stunning view of the waterfront. It was a wonderfully unpredictable way to explore the town.
Our Lady of the Rocks: A Legend and Stunning Views
We eventually made our way out of the narrow alleys and returned to the waterfront. There, we spotted the picturesque church of Our Lady of the Rocks, perched on an island in the middle of the bay. The calm waters of the bay mirrored the beautiful daylight, allowing us to capture some stunning photos.
According to local legend, the island was created by seamen who made an ancient oath. After discovering the icon of “Madonna and Child” on a rock in the sea on July 22, 1452, they laid a stone in the bay after every successful voyage. Over time, the island gradually emerged from the sea.
St. George Monastery Island: A Tragic Love Story
Next to Our Lady of the Rocks lies St. George Monastery Island, home to a tragic local love story. During the French occupation, a small garrison was stationed on the island. One of the officers fell in love with a local girl from Perast.
Sadly, during a cannon fight, a misfired shot hit her house instead of the fort of St. Cross on the hill. The girl was killed, and the officer, devastated by the loss, spent the rest of his life on the island. He was eventually buried beside his beloved. It’s a poignant reminder of love and loss in this beautiful setting.
Restaurants with Waterfront Views and Tranquil Atmosphere
Most restaurants in Perast are right on the waterfront, with beautifully laid tables awaiting guests. The neatly dressed waiters smiled as we approached, but they didn’t rush us or try to win us over. It felt wonderfully relaxed, and we enjoyed the calm atmosphere. These restaurants offer some of the best views of the bay, with some providing a fine-dining experience.
It was still too early for lunch, so most restaurants were empty. The sight of lonely tables and the peaceful, mirrored water left a lasting impression on me. It was a moment of perfect tranquillity.
Exploring Kotor Bay: A Scenic Ferry Ride Across Verige Straits
Driving around Kotor Bay takes time due to speed limits, but there’s no need to retrace your route to Tivat. We followed the E65, passed Risan, and soon arrived at the Kamenari-Lepetane ferry port. The ferry crosses the narrowest part of Kotor Bay, the Verige Straits, docking in Kamenari on the Herceg Novi side and Lepetane on the Tivat side. You can find more details about the ferry ticket here.
The ferry was quite large, capable of carrying many cars. The weather was calm, so we joined other passengers on deck to enjoy the stunning bay views. The journey from Lepetane back to Tivat only took a few minutes but was absolutely worth it.
Getting to Perast: Travel Options Made Easy
Buses run regularly from Podgorica and Dubrovnik to Perast, making it easy to reach. The nearest airport is in Tivat, and you can easily call a taxi to take you to Perast from there.
