Kotor’s defences do not stop at the town wall: they climb straight up the mountain behind it, a zigzag of ramparts built and rebuilt from the Byzantine era through Venetian rule, ending at the Fortress of St John, also known as San Giovanni. The National Tourist Organisation puts the fortress at 260 metres above sea level, and the climb follows a stepped and ramped path, with the little Church of Our Lady of Remedy about a third of the way up as a natural rest stop. At the top the view takes in the whole inner bay, the Old Town’s roofs and the mountains on every side. An entry ticket is charged at the official entrances in the Old Town, and you can also buy official tickets ahead online, which saves queueing at busy times. Bring water and real shoes.
How it works: the main entrances are inside the Old Town, near the North Gate and close to the Square of Saint Mary. The path is a long series of uneven stone steps and ramps with little shade, so the climb takes most people somewhere between forty minutes and an hour and a half, depending on fitness and photo stops.
What to expect: the walls are unrestored in places, with loose stone and low parapets, so keep an eye on children. Summer middays are brutally hot. In the low season it is cooler and quieter, though rain makes the stones slippery.
Making the most of it: go at opening for cool air and an empty path, or late in the afternoon for golden light on the bay. Pair the climb with the Ladder of Kotor, the old mule trail on the far side of the fortress, if you want a longer hike. Afterward, reward yourself with a coffee on the Square of Arms.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided climb up stone steps and ramps along the medieval walls to the Fortress of St John.
Best time
At opening or in the late afternoon; avoid summer middays.
How long
About two hours up and down with stops.
Tips
Take water and sturdy shoes, buy the ticket ahead on busy days and rest at Our Lady of Remedy.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone fit enough for a steep climb who wants the classic Kotor view.
- Families
- Fine for active older children; low parapets mean close supervision for little ones.
- Couples
- A late-afternoon climb for the golden light over the bay.
- Pair with
- Kotor Old Town and the Ladder of Kotor.
- Time needed
- Two hours.
Good questions
How high is St John Fortress?+
About 260 metres above sea level, according to the National Tourist Organisation of Montenegro.
Do you need a ticket for the Kotor walls?+
Yes, an entry fee is charged at the official entrances, and official tickets can also be booked online in advance.
How long does the climb take?+
Most people take forty minutes to an hour and a half to reach the top, depending on fitness and stops.
Is the climb hard?+
It is steep and uneven with little shade, so a moderate level of fitness, water and good shoes are needed.
When is the best time to climb?+
Early in the morning for cool air and empty paths, or late afternoon for the best light.
