Kotor

Kotor is a coastal town in Montenegro with a population of 23,500. It is known for its beautiful architecture and natural setting in the deepest part of a breathtaking Bay of Kotor|bay.

Kotor, Montenegro - The Bay of Kotor

Kotor Halal Travel Guide

Kotor is situated in the secluded Boka Kotorska bay, on Montenegro's northern coast. It has developed around Stari Grad (local language for "old town") and the city's old town and best known landmark, which is listed with UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO World legacy sites, and the city walls are even separately listed together with five other Venetian city walls along the Adriatic and in Italy. The bay is the deepest natural fjord in the Mediterranean Sea, and the scenery around it (including the steep mountains which come almost to the waterfront) is spectacular.

The Stari Grad is fully walled (the mountain functions as a rear wall). Four gates offer access to the town: The Main Gate, along the Bay and the North Gate and the South Gate, and a smaller New Gate. There are no cars allowed in the Stari Grad, nor are there standard road names in the Stari Grad. Although all buildings are numbered, it is best to use monuments for directions. Generally and the squares are named for the church in their center, and directions either relate to the closest square or the closest gate. The most obvious landmark is the clock tower, just inside the main gate, in the main square.

There are abundant banks and ATMs throughout the Stari Grad. ATMs often dispense as few bills as feasible. For example, a withdrawal of €150 will probably produce 3 €50 bills. Many people refuse to make change from large bills, so it is advised to withdraw an even amount, to avoid €50 bills, or small amounts at a time. Banks are closed on Sunday or Holidays. Travellers cheques are generally not accepted, not even by banks. Note that not all restaurants or shops accept credit cards, either.

Kotor and the entire Kotor Bay have long been a vacation and second-home destination for many Europeans and British. After Serbian, English is the common language, and most waitstaff and hotel staff speak English.

Travel to Kotor

Cerkiew św. Łukasza w Kotorze 01 - Saint Luke Church

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Kotor

Tivat Airport is 8km away. The following airlines operate to/from Tivat Airport: Air Moldova (Chiṣinǎu, seasonal), Montenegro Airlines (Belgrade, Copenhagen, London -Gatwick, Moscow -Domodedovo, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Pristina, Rome -Fiumicino, Skopje, Street Petersburg), Moskovia Airlines (Moscow -Domodedovo), Rossiya (St Petersburg) and S7 Airlines (Moscow-Domodedovo). There are charter Flights to Moscow, Helsinki and elsewhere, but many of these are not available for booking on online consolidation sites, so it is best the check the individual airline's websites.

Podgorica airport is 90km away, and has flights throughout the year to Belgrade, Budapest, Zurich, Frankfurt, Ljubljana, Paris, Rome, Vienna and, London -Gatwick. Buses run from Podgorica to Kotor year round.

Dubrovnik airport in Croatia is 73km away from Kotor, and maintains Flights to many European destinations throughout the year, providing an alternative to the Montenegrin airports. A taxi to Kotor costs €80.

Travel on a Bus in Kotor

Kotor is fairly well connected with neighboring countries by bus.

Bus station - Autobuska stanica - @om.me 52.4194807, 18.7699968 5 minutes walk from the old town, on the road towards Budva (look for the old tall chimney!) ☎ +382 32 325 809 Opening Hours: every day 06:00 - 22:00 Bus times and frequency varies greatly seasonally. Check the schedule online.

From Budva buses run to Herceg Novi, stopping in Kotor, almost every 30 minutes from 7:00 to 23:00 (2€50). Buses also run between Kotor and the following cities: Podgorica (hourly, €7 (August 2022), Bar and Ulcinj (6-8 daily, roughly €5), Dubrovnik and Mostar (3 daily, 3 hours, about 20€), Split (3 times a week, 7 hours), Sarajevo (1x daily), Belgrade (10 hours), Skopje (night bus, 12 hours, twice a week on Friday and Saturday at 7PM). During the week you can go to Skopje via Nis, Serbia (bus from Kotor to Tivat at 3:50PM, from Tivat to Nis 5:30PM). The 11AM bus to Mostar costs €26 plus a euro per bag and takes 9 hours, as it visits almost every major town in Montenegro and southern Respublika Srpska before finally arriving in Mostar.

There are also small public buses (colored in white with blue sign "Blue line") that run through the city connecting nearby villages and towns. You can stop them at any bus stop inside Kotor. They also go to Tivat along the coast line passing Muo, Prcanj, and they also reach the beautiful Perast. Fixed price: 1€ (2022).

By car

All roads in Montenegro are two-lanes only, and mostly are curvy mountainous roads, so speeds over 70 km/h (43 mph) are rarely legal or safe.

The Vrmac tunnel has recently been completed, which significantly shortens the journey from Budva to Kotor. Road traffic was formerly diverted to alternative road over Trojica hill above Kotor. It is still feasible to travel via this winding mountain road. From this hill you can enjoy stunning vistas not only of the tiny countryside villages, but also of Podgorica (when approaching from Cetinje), and Kotor Bay.

When driving in Montenegro, be aware that the local residents drive aggressively and think nothing of overtaking across white lines on steep bends. Be careful. There is also a great deal of road building underway and the safety considerations are a less onerous than those in more-developed countries. Don't panic.

As in many places, taxis may or may not have a meter. Be warned that un-metered taxi fares can range widely, especially for English speakers. Taxi drivers often try to cheat tourists. The real taxi price within Kotor and Muo should be below €3. You should discuss the price before entering the taxi.

Transfer service Kralja Nikole 122 Podgorica☎ +382 69949197 - Dubrovnik €85, Mostar €120, Sarajevo €160, Split €200, Podgorica €40, Tirana €140 minivan transfers, airport transfers comfort sedan vehicles

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Kotor

There aren't any scheduled ferries travelling to Kotor but there are services between Cafe and Bari, Italy except during winter.

How to get around in Kotor

GPS 42.4255|18.7694 Cytadela w obrębie murów miejskich w Kotorze 01 - The city walls and mountains beyond

Kotor is small, so everything is within walking distance. Enter the old town via any of the three gates and then explore the maze of narrow lanes between the stone houses.

Parking space in the downtown is hard to find, so use your vehicle only when you have to. Be careful where you park, sketchy tow operators target tourists around the old city. Find a free parking space away from the old city and then walk.

There are no sandy beaches in Kotor, and water is not of premium quality for swimming. Consider driving to the beautiful Jaz or Trsteno beaches on the Budva Riviera, some 20km from Kotor.

What to see in Kotor

Old Town Scene - Kotor - Montenegro - 04 - Old Town KotorTryphon - Triphon cathedral

Street Tryphon's Gothic Church - 52.4241, 18.7719 Old Town - First built in the 11th century, reconstructed after earthquakes. Romanesque-Gothic architecture. Chapel holds the remains of St. Tryphon and the patron saint of Kotor. €2

Street Nicolas Church - The biggest Orthodox church in the Old Town.

Maritime Museum Old Town ☎ +382 32 304720 Opening from Monday to Saturday: 8AM Monday - 8PM; Sundays: 9AM Monday - 1PM €4 3 floors of photographs, uniforms, weapons, paintings, and model ships.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Kotor

Climb up to the Fortifications - 8€ (high-season only; it may be free during the low season) Stretching some 4.5 kilometers directly above the city, on almost vertical cliffs. Climbing up the 1350 steps will be rewarded by a view of Kotor and the bay from Street John's fortress. Only advisable for relatively physically fit people. Some of the steps are broken but the path is in relatively good shape. The 1200ft ascent may take 30mn to 1h depending on your condition.

Boat Trips - In the middle of the bay there are two islands, Sveti Djordje and Gospa od Skrpijela, which are worth seeing and accessible by tourist boats (15€) which leave from outside the old town main gate. It is however much cheaper to first go by bus to Perast (1€) and then use a water taxi (5€) to get to the islands.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Kotor

Old town has many boutiques. There is an open market just outside the old town; there you can buy fresh vegetables, sunglasses and many other things.

Halal Food & Restaurants

At the market, try to sample local smoked ham (njeguški pršut) and Cheese (njeguški sir) from the nearby village of Njeguši, which are two of the Montenegrin cuisine's most famous products.

Kotor offers a variety ranging from classy restaurants offering fresh seafood and national cuisine to fast food offering Pizzas, barbecue, etc. There is a large produce market outside the city walls. Hamburgers there cost €1. Cafes and restaurants line the bay-side promenade, which stretches north through Dobrota.

Forza - near the clock tower - The most popular pastry shop in Kotor

La Pasteria - directly opposite Street Tryphon Gothic Church - Great sandwiches and fine Pizzas with original prosciutto from the nearby village of Njeguši. Probably the best Italian food in Kotor!

Tanjga At the roundabout, halfway between the bus station and old town - 5-15€ Family-run butcher/restaurant, massive amounts of grilled meats and great service

Bastion Restaurant Near St. Mary's church ☎ +382 32 322116 €6-30 Busy lunchtime venue. Great fish.

Cesarica - close to Hotel Marja in the Old Town main dishes from €5-15 Serves excellent and affordable Dalmatian food. Try the cuttlefish risotto.

Forza Mare Dobrota - Seaside restaurant and hotel, outside of Kotor

Babilon restaurant and hotel Dobrota - Affordable prices, good location and a first-class seafood menu

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Again, old town is the hotspot for relaxed drinking espresso in the shade of the medieval walls. There are many cafes in the old town, but still it's hard to find a place to sit in the sunny day. Tipping is not necessary although you may leave your change by simply rounding up. Befriending the waitstaff can get you quite far.

Espresso costs €1+. Soft drinks and juice cost €1-2.

Sample the Montenegrin fruit cocktails, "Vranac", "Pro Corde", "Krstac", "Cabernet", "Chardonnay" and "Nikšićko" soft drinks. Montenegrin brandy, called "rakija" is good choice to "warm up" before going out in the evening, especially grape "Montenegrin loza", "Prvijenac" or "Kruna". Litre bottles of are available in the supermarkets outside of the Stari Grad for under €5.

Nightlife

A night out in Kotor usually begins in the open bars in the old town. Pubs in the old town are only open until 1AM.

The best club is Maximus, which is located in the old town, and closes at 5AM.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Kotor

Kotor - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Kotor, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kotor. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Kotor and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Kotor. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Kotor. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inKotor: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Kotor.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Kotor: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Kotor, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Kotor.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Kotor, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Kotor, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Kotor and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Kotor, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Kotor, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Kotor without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kotor is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Kotor.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Kotor is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Kotor, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Kotor Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Kotor

eHalal Group Kotor is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Kotor. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Kotor.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Kotor ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Kotor. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Kotor, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Kotor are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Accommodation during low season is affordable and plentiful in Kotor.

Private Rooms

Many of the homes in the Stari Grad have been turned into for-rent apartments. For groups of two or more and these are often the most affordable options. Their quality (and prices) range from luxurious to modest. Most can be reserved online, although wire-transfer down payments are expected. Most are either owned or managed by English-speaking expats foreign visitors.

During summer, expect to pay about €10 per person for lodging at a private residences in the old town, and €7-15 outside the old town and closer to beaches.

Hostels

Old Town Kotor Hostel - Stari Grad 284 Near Cultural Center ☎ +382 32 325 317 Dorm bed: €20 Once owned by a local noble family, Bisanti and the Old Town Hostel Kotor's careful restoration and design offer historic Kotor's rustic atmosphere.

Youth Hostel Spasic-Masera - Dobrota bb 1km away from the centre and 20m off the primary street
Suranj Hostel - Double: €33 Privately owned hostel near the bus station. Own room with small kitchen, TV and shower.

Hotels

Hotel Amfora Kotor - Kotor Bay Orahovac - Located 6 kilometers from Perast ☎ +382 32 305 857 +382 32 305 852€30-99 Check-in: 24h / Check-out: 12h Hotel has 4 Stars, with a private beach, private secluded sauna and fish restaurant. Open 24 hours and all 365 days a year. The hotel is located directly at the beach in Orahovac. Quiet rooms with seaview overlooking the bay

Cattaro Hotel - €90-150 5 star hotel.

Forza Mare - A small 5-star hotel in Dobrota.

Hotel Marija Old City ☎ +382 32 325062 Single: €44; Double: €63 Boutique hotel.

Hotel Vardar - Single: €100; Double: €200 Old Yugoslavian design. Recently upgraded and expensive.

Telecommunications in Kotor

Wifi is available in the town center, and at many cafes. Cafe wifi often requires pass codes given only to paying clients.

Nearby

Prčanj - a hamlet 4km away.
Budva - a popular tourist destination
Bar - a city and biggest port of Montenegro
Tivat - home to a marina for the elite's yachts
Herceg Novi
Cetinje, interior old capital of Montenegro
Lovćen National Park
Daytrip to bay-side towns, like Perast (18km away) or Risan.
Visit beaches a half hour's drive from Kotor (Jaz, Trsteno, Plavi hori).