Just a short drive from Kotor lies one of Montenegro’s most peaceful and photogenic spots – the tiny baroque town of Perast. With its stone palaces, waterfront cafés, and dreamy views across the Bay of Kotor, Perast feels like a postcard brought to life. If you’re planning a visit, here’s your guide to exploring Perast, with tips for the perfect day trip and all the sights you shouldn’t miss.
Why visit Perast?
Perast may be small – just one main street along the water – but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm. It’s quieter than Kotor, less touristy, and ideal for a few hours of wandering, relaxing, and soaking in the Adriatic atmosphere. There are no loud bars, no modern buildings, and barely any cars. Just sea, stone, and sky.
By the way, I’ve got a post about Kotor too – check it out!
Top things to do in Perast
- Stroll the waterfront: Perast’s promenade runs right along the bay, lined with cafés, old stone villas, and little jetties. It’s the perfect place for a slow walk with a view.
- Visit Our Lady of the Rocks: The town’s most famous sight isn’t in the town itself, but on a small artificial island just offshore. Boats leave regularly from the main pier and take you to the island’s baroque church and tiny museum. Legend says the island was built by fishermen, stone by stone, after finding a sacred icon at sea. Boat ride cost: around €5–7 per person (round trip), cash preferred. Boats run frequently throughout the day.
Entry fee to the church and museum: €2–3 per person. You can also visit the island for free and walk around outside without entering the museum. - Climb the bell tower of St. Nicholas Church: This is the tallest structure in town and offers panoramic views of the bay and the surrounding mountains. If the weather is clear, you can even spot Kotor in the distance. The tower is usually open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM during the tourist season (April to October).
Entrance fee: €1–2 per person, paid in cash at the small booth near the church entrance. Note that access may be closed in bad weather or off-season, so it’s best to check when you arrive. - Explore the town’s palaces: Perast once belonged to the Venetian Republic, and its wealthy past is still visible in the grand stone houses. Many are now museums or hotels, like the Bujović Palace, home to the small but interesting Perast Museum.
Swimming, kayaking, and relaxing
While Perast doesn’t have sandy beaches, there are several swimming spots right off the stone jetties, and the water here is incredibly clear. You can also rent a kayak and paddle around the bay or to the nearby islands for a different perspective.
How to get to Perast
- By car: It’s about a 15-minute drive from Kotor along the scenic coastal road. Parking is limited, so arrive early or park just outside the town and walk in.
- By bus: Local buses between Kotor and Risan stop near Perast, but be sure to check the schedule in advance – service can be infrequent.
- By boat: In high season, some boat tours from Kotor or Tivat include a stop in Perast. It’s a beautiful way to arrive.
- With a guided tour: If you’d rather skip the logistics, day tours from Kotor often include Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks. This is a good option if you’re short on time or want a local guide to add context.
Tips for visiting Perast
- Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and cruise crowds.
- Bring cash – not all places accept cards.
- Wear swimwear under your clothes if you plan to take a dip.
- Don’t rush it. Perast is best enjoyed slowly, with time to sit, sip, and stare at the water.
Perast isn’t packed with things to “do” – and that’s exactly the point. It’s a place where you leave your checklist behind, find a spot by the water, and let the view do the talking. Maybe you’ll climb a bell tower, maybe you’ll just sip something cold and watch the boats drift by. Either way, a few hours here feel like a quiet reset – the kind that stays with you long after you’ve moved on.
