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If you’re spending a few days in Kotor, taking a day trip from Kotor to Perast is one of the best things you can do in the Bay of Kotor. Located a short distance from Kotor, Perast is a small coastal town known for its historic stone buildings, quiet waterfront promenade, and incredible views of the bay.

Unlike the busy Old Town of Kotor, Perast has a much slower and relaxed atmosphere. There aren’t a huge number of attractions, but that’s part of the charm. A day in Perast is best spent strolling along the waterfront, visiting the historic landmarks, swimming in the bay, and enjoying lunch overlooking the water.

During my time in Montenegro, I visited Perast for the day from Kotor and absolutely loved it. So if you’re planning your own trip, here’s exactly how to get from Kotor to Perast and how to spend the perfect day there.

How to Get from Kotor to Perast

Getting from Kotor to Perast is very easy, and there are several different options depending on your travel style.

Bus from Kotor to Perast

The easiest and cheapest way to get to Perast from Kotor is by local bus, which only costs €1 and takes about 30-40 minutes.

There are several bus stops along Kotor’s waterfront where you can catch the bus, including stops in Dobrota, if you happen to be staying there. The bus stops are marked on Google Maps along the main road and usually labeled “E65” or “E80”, but you should be able to find them easily. Make sure you take the bus heading north toward Perast.

From what I could tell, buses run about every 20–30 minutes, but the schedule is not very predictable. I recommend arriving at the stop a little early and being prepared to wait. You’ll usually see other travelers or locals waiting there as well.

Taxi from Kotor to Perast

If you’re traveling with a group or just want a quicker option, taking a taxi is another great options. Taxis to Perast from Kotor typically cost between €10–€20 for the 30 minute ride. If you’re splitting the cost with a few people, it can be a very convenient and affordable option.

Boat Tours from Kotor

Many boat tours around the Bay of Kotor include stops in Perast and the nearby Our Lady of the Rocks. However, most tours only stop in Perast for about an hour, which doesn’t give you much time to really explore the town. If you want to fully enjoy Perast and spend the day there, I would recommend traveling there independently rather than visiting on a tour.

How to Spend a Day in Perast

Perast is a small town, but it’s the perfect place to spend a slow and relaxing day along the Bay of Kotor. Here are the best things to do during your visit.

Walk Along the Waterfront

The best way to start your day in Perast is by simply walking along the waterfront promenade. As you walk along the bay, you’ll see historic stone buildings, small boats floating in the water, and the dramatic mountains surrounding the bay.

If you walk east along the waterfront, you’ll get a beautiful view looking back toward the town and across the Bay of Kotor. It’s one of the most scenic spots in the area and perfect for taking photos.

Swim at Perast Beach

Continue walking along the waterfront until you reach Perast Beach, a small concrete beach area that’s a popular swimming spot. You’ll usually see lots of people lounging there or jumping into the water to cool off. If the weather is warm enough, bring your swimsuit and a towel so you can take a dip in the bay.

Climb the Bell Tower at Saint Nicholas Church

Next, head back toward the center of Perast and visit Saint Nicholas Church, one of the most recognizable landmarks in town. The church was built in 1691 and sits right along the waterfront in the town square. While the church itself is beautiful, the real highlight is climbing the bell tower.

For just €1, you can climb to the top of the tower and enjoy one of the best panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor. From the top, you can see the entire town of Perast, the surrounding mountains, and the nearby islands in the bay.

If you happen to be visiting Perast on a boat tour and only have an hour to explore, this is the one thing I would prioritize doing.

Visit the Perast City Museum

Continue walking along the waterfront until you reach the Perast City Museum, which offers a glimpse into the town’s maritime history. Inside, you’ll find nautical maps, portraits of Perast’s noble families, historical documents, and artifacts from the town’s days as an important maritime center. The entrance fee is €8.

Unfortunately, I happened to visit Perast on a Sunday when the museum was closed, so I didn’t get the chance to go inside. But if you’re interested in learning more about the town’s history, it’s definitely worth adding to your itinerary.

Visit Our Lady of the Rocks

One of the most famous landmarks in the Bay of Kotor is Our Lady of the Rocks, a small island church located just a short boat ride from Perast. According to local legend, the island was created by sailors who dropped rocks into the bay after discovering an icon of the Virgin Mary at that location. Over time, the island slowly grew into the small artificial island you see today.

From the Perast waterfront, you’ll find several taxi boats offering rides to the island. The journey takes only about five minutes.

During my visit to Montenegro, I actually visited Our Lady of the Rocks on a boat tour from Kotor, so I’m not sure exactly how much the taxi boat costs from Perast. But it’s a very short and easy trip to make.

Enjoy Lunch at a Waterfront Restaurant

After a morning of exploring, one of the best things to do in Perast is simply sit down and enjoy a long lunch overlooking the bay. There are several restaurants lining the waterfront with beautiful outdoor terraces and incredible views.

I ate at Restoran Armonia, which had great vegetarian options. Sitting on the terrace with the view of the bay made for such a relaxing and memorable lunch.

Before leaving Perast, don’t forget to stop for a sweet treat! There’s a Moritz Eis gelato shop in town, which is a small chain known for serving some of the best gelato in Montenegro. It’s the perfect way to end your visit before heading back to Kotor.

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