This is the beach getaway to Spain that turned into a break in the small Balkan nation of Montenegro.
I stayed in the historic town of Perast on scenic Boka Bay, and a trip to nearby Kotor was an obvious way to spend a day.
Was this old city worth a visit? CONTINUE READING BELOW
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The journey from Perast to Kotor took half an hour on one of the regular local buses, costing a princely €2 each way.
As soon as I walked into the old town, it lived up to all my expectations.
Honey-coloured stone, small piazzas with churches and bell towers, and a labyrinth of alleyways studded with small shops and cafes were vying for attention.
Raise your eyes up a little further to see the cloud-topped mountains that tower above this old architecture, while the town is incredibly feline-friendly and a place to watch locals going about their lives.
It’s a tourist magnet and welcomes cruise liners, so expect these well-worn streets to get busy as they did even at the start of April. Arriving early and avoiding the summer months might be a wise move.
You might find yourself high above Kotor
Getting away from the city is a big part of its charm – if you’re feeling energetic you can climb above the old town to the tune of 1,350 steps, visiting the old fortress for stunning views over Kotor and the bay.
I think that going down can be trickier, but was glad to land back in the old town where there are no shortage of places for refreshment and to rest your legs.
As I returned to Perast, I wondered what it would be like to stay within Kotor’s walls and see it by night. I think my smaller base was the more tranquil option.
