Above the crowded bay road, the hills behind Kotor hold a different Montenegro: dry-stone walls, abandoned hamlets, goat tracks and old paths that tourist coaches never reach. A jeep tour climbs into this country with a local driver who knows the tracks, the villages and the stories, then rewards the bumpy ride with a stop in a hidden stone village for a tasting of regional food and drink. Expect homemade cheese, cured ham, bread, olives and the fiery fruit brandy called rakija, served in a household or small farm setting rather than a restaurant. The vehicles are open or semi-open four-wheel-drive jeeps that carry a small group, so you can lean out for photographs and feel the mountain air. Along the way, the driver points out the ruins of old forts, the lines of terraced fields and the places where you can see down to the bay, the town of Kotor and the islands on a clear day. It is a good choice for travellers who have already ticked off the Old Town and want a more local, off-the-beaten-track half day.
How it works
Tours collect from Kotor, drive up the slopes on the mountain road and then continue on gravel tracks. A typical outing lasts three to four hours, with photo stops at the viewpoints and a longer pause in the village for the food tasting. Groups are small, which keeps the experience friendly and makes the tracks easier to manage.
What to expect
The ride is bumpy and dusty, so wear closed shoes and clothes you do not mind getting dirty. Seats can be tight for tall passengers. Dust and sun are strongest in summer, so bring sun cream and sunglasses, and take a light jacket for spring and autumn mornings, when the mountain air is cooler than on the shore.
Making the most of it
Let the operator know about dietary needs when booking, because the tasting is based on local meat and cheese. Pregnant travellers and people with back problems should consider whether a rough ride suits them. Pair the tour with a relaxed evening in the Old Town to compare the two sides of the bay, and take cash for small purchases in the village.
What to expect
The experience
A small-group jeep ride on mountain tracks above Kotor to a stone village, with local food and drink tasting.
Best time
Spring to autumn; clear mornings give the best views over the bay.
How long
Three to four hours.
Tips
Wear closed shoes, bring sun protection and mention dietary needs when booking.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want a local, off-the-beaten-track half day.
- Families
- Good for older children who can handle a bumpy ride.
- Couples
- Views, local brandy and a quiet village setting.
- Pair with
- An evening in Kotor Old Town or a Boka Bay cruise on another day.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
What is a jeep tour from Kotor like?+
A small group rides in four-wheel-drive jeeps up mountain tracks to viewpoints and a stone village, ending with a food tasting.
What food is included in the tasting?+
Typically local cheese, cured meat, bread, olives and rakija, though the exact selection depends on the host.
Is the ride rough?+
Yes, parts of it are bumpy and dusty. It is not suited to people with serious back problems.
What should I wear?+
Closed shoes, comfortable clothes, sun protection and a light layer for cooler mornings.
Can vegetarians join?+
Mention dietary needs when you book, because the tasting is normally based on local meat and cheese.
