Perast is the bay at its most graceful: a single waterfront lane of honey-coloured stone palaces, churches and bell towers, backed by a steep green hillside. It grew rich on shipping and seafaring under Venice, and its families built palaces far grander than the town’s size would suggest. The National Tourist Organisation places it about 12 kilometres, or a 15-minute drive, from Kotor. The landmark is the Church of St Nicholas, whose 55-metre bell tower can be climbed for a panoramic view of the bay and the islands of Our Lady of the Rocks and St George. There are no cars on the waterfront, so the town is pleasant to stroll, with restaurants along the quay and ladders into the sea for a swim in warm months.
How to see it: walk the waterfront from end to end, climb the St Nicholas bell tower for the view, and take a boat to Our Lady of the Rocks. The Perast Town Museum in a Baroque palace tells the story of the town’s captains and naval school when it is open.
What to expect: parking is limited and paid at the edges of town, and in summer tour coaches fill the lane at midday. Buses along the bay road and taxis from Kotor are easy alternatives.
Making the most of it: arrive early or stay for the evening, when the day visitors leave and the light turns gold. Perast also makes a lovely, quiet base for a night or two, a short hop from Kotor without its crowds.
What to expect
The experience
A stroll along a car-free waterfront lane of palaces and churches, with a bell tower climb and a boat to the islands.
Best time
Early morning or evening, outside the midday coach rush.
How long
Half a day, including Our Lady of the Rocks.
Tips
Come by bus or taxi to avoid parking hassles, and climb the bell tower for the island view.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want the bay’s beauty without Kotor’s crowds.
- Families
- Short, flat and car-free, with boats and swimming spots.
- Couples
- Sunset dinner on the quay, looking out to the islands.
- Pair with
- Our Lady of the Rocks and a bay boat tour.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
How far is Perast from Kotor?+
About 12 kilometres, roughly a 15-minute drive along the bay road; local buses and taxis run between them.
Can you climb the bell tower in Perast?+
Yes, the 55-metre bell tower of St Nicholas can usually be climbed for a small fee, giving a view over the bay and islands.
Is Perast worth staying in?+
Yes, if you want quiet evenings; it is tiny, so stay one or two nights rather than a week.
Is there parking in Perast?+
Only limited paid parking at the edges of town, so the bus or a taxi is often easier in summer.
Can you swim in Perast?+
Yes, from the quays and small concrete platforms along the water in the warm months.
