Perast

A small town in the Bay of Kotor, located about 20 minutes from Kotor. In the 17th–18th centuries, Perast was an important maritime center under the rule of the Venetian Republic. Today, it is a quiet historic town with limited vehicle access (entry to the center is restricted).

Waterfront and Baroque Palaces

  • Free access

  • Bujaović, Smekja, and Zmajević palaces

  • A walk along the waterfront takes 30–60 minutes

  • Best time to visit: morning before 11:00 a.m. or closer to sunset

Perast Museum

  • Located in the Bujaović Palace

  • Ticket: ~4–5 €

  • Opening hours: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. in summer (shorter schedule in winter)

  • Exhibition: maritime history, historical documents, ship models

Boat Trip to Our Lady of the Rocks

  • Boats depart from the waterfront every 10–20 minutes

  • Travel time: 5–10 minutes

  • Boat fare: usually 5–10 € per person (round trip)

  • Payment is made directly to local boat operators

What to See on the Island

  • Active 17th-century church

  • Museum section (entrance ~2–3 €)

  • Over 60 paintings from the 17th–18th centuries

  • The famous hand-embroidered icon of the Virgin Mary

  • Panoramic views over the bay

How Much Time to Plan

  • On the island: 30–45 minutes

  • Entire trip (including waiting and visit): about 1 hour

Climb the Bell Tower of St. Nicholas Church

  • Ticket: ~1–2 €

  • Panoramic views of the islands and the bay

  • Short climb, but the staircase is narrow

How Much Time to Plan

  • Walk + island visit: 2–3 hours

  • With museum and bell tower: 3–4 hours

  • Perast is often combined with Kotor in one day

How to Get There

  • 20 minutes from Kotor

  • 40–45 minutes from Tivat Airport

  • 1.5 hours from Budva

  • Buses run between Kotor and Perast

  • Paid roadside parking (~1–2 € per hour in summer)

Practical Tips

  • Daytime can be busy with visitors from Kotor — morning visits are recommended

  • Limited shade — it can be very hot in summer

  • Cash is useful for the boat transfer

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