Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor is stunning. Perast, a tiny and quiet fisherman’s village, is located in this amazing area. Perast, which is only 20 minutes by car from the famed Kotor, feels like a hidden treasure. The beautiful fishing village of Perast would be my favorite place in Montenegro if I had to select just one. Because this magnificent town is free of noise and tension, the town appears to be sleeping. Perast has a lovely shoreline as well as small alleys that run up the hill from the sea.

While walking around this neighborhood, it is simple to see that the majority of the houses are ancient, yet still retain their beautiful beauty and uniqueness. Perast appears to be formed out of the cliffs overlooking Kotor Bay. All structures have a stone base and are typically built of stone as well. Because there are just two driving routes in Perast, there are virtually no cars. One route runs along the shoreline, while the other is a high-speed highway that runs above the town.

Perast Beach is a three-hundred-meter-long stretch of beach. Concrete platforms cover the majority of the beach. These platforms were built to accommodate sunbathers on the bay. Because the waters along the coast are fairly deep, many people like to leap into the ocean right from the platform.

During the summer season, the beach is always crowded and busy. Visitors should travel to the outskirts of Perast to swim in a quieter environment and locate a more pleasant coastline. Even though the coastline water is rather shallow in this region, children should avoid swimming due to the strong tide.

Despite the concrete surface, the main beach is a pleasant place to relax. The structure of the beachfront is well-developed. At the beach, you may rent sun loungers and umbrellas. Visitors can use the nice showers and dressing cubicles.

Throughout the day, professional rescue teams keep an eye on the beach. Because entry to Perast Beach is free, everyone is invited to come and rest here. Cold beverages and local specialties are available at several cafés and eateries along the beach. Many visitors come to Perast not just for the beach but also to view the sites.

Furthermore, the town has a lot to offer to architecture buffs. This information can help you plan your journey to Perast if you’re not sure how to get there!

Visiting Perast

You can visit Perast by bus from Kotor, Budva, Podgorica or Herceg Novi. There are several bus lines. The price for one way ticket is around 3 euros from Kotor and Herceg Novi, and Podgorica around 10 euros, Budva 5 euros.

One option is taking a taxi, but it’s very expensive. In the summer season when traffic is at the highest level one drive from Kotor to Perast can take up to 60 minutes and cost around 50 euros.

If you plan a vacation at your own pace and rhythm, it is always recommended to rent a car in Montenegro. This will give the flexibility to move around easily and fast. Parking in Perast is free.

Perast’s Islands Are A Fascinating And Lovely Place

Two beautiful islands, one natural and another man-made, are just a few minutes distant from the town. On St. George Island, which is closed to tourists, there is a monastery. However, without walking onto the island, you can view the magnificent monastery’s exterior and bell tower! Gospa od Skrpjela, or Our Lady of the Rocks, is the other island, which contains only a church and is available to tourists. Later in the article, we’ll get into its fascinating backstory.

A Comprehensive Guide To Perast And Must-See Attractions

“Lady Of The Rock Island” Is The Most Fun And Appealing Location For Visitors

Tourists may also visit the Our Lady of the Rocks Island, which is a renowned pilgrimage site in Montenegro. It is perhaps Perast’s most well-known feature and a must-see for anybody visiting Kotor Bay. The magnificent church with its relics of the Virgin Mary and amazing artwork may be found on the little island.

A little museum is also available, which is pretty fascinating. Our Lady of the Rocks is located on the Adriatic Sea’s sole manmade island, which was formerly merely a rock jutting from the ocean.

According to legend, two Venetian sailors saw a picture of the Virgin Mary on the rock in 1452, and the local seamen pledged to build an island and a church devoted to the Virgin Mary.

The tiny church here was built in 1632 and houses 68 17th-century Baroque paintings. View exhibitions on the history of Perast, art collections, and objects from 3,500 BCE discovered in a cave nearby at the site’s tiny museum. The entrance fee to the church is one Euro.

City Museum Of Perast

Do you want to discover how the town has changed throughout time? A special display in the Museum of the Town of Perast is dedicated to the most valuable historic objects that previously played an essential part in the history of Perast.

A tour through the museum halls will show you how a small settlement grew into a prominent economic and cultural hub, as well as one of Montenegro’s major ports.

Citizens and local governments both value their country’s historic legacy since it allows them to connect across ages and learn about the region’s fascinating past.

Visit St. George Island

The island of George is one of Montenegro’s most intriguing locations. It draws visitors with its rich, sad past as well as a unique, slightly ominous atmosphere. It is nature work! The island is easily accessible from the Perast resort. Swim to it from Risan, Kotor, or Tivat; it will take a bit longer from Kotor and Tivat.

The abbey of St. George, which was built on the island in the IX century, was given the name. Its structure nearly crumbled because of repeated invading bombardment, pirate fires, and a severe earthquake in 1667. The religious structure was afterward renovated several times, but it was never able to return to its previous condition.

St. George’s temple, which was formerly on the island, was entirely demolished. An unremarkable church now stands in its stead. A gallery exhibits the works of Montenegrin artist Lovro Marinov Dobrichevich and his contemporaries inside its walls. Most of the paintings are about the sea.
The church’s founder is buried directly in front of it. It has no signs on it. The tombstone of Marko Martinovic, the great Montenegrin shipbuilder and seafarer, was kept within the cathedral.

A beautiful cypress tree and many palm trees surround the ancient cemetery. They are distinguishable from the shore. Almost nothing remained from the cemetery. It is unconcerned about tourists who want to wander around its historically valuable grounds.

Beautiful Saint Nicholas Church

One of Perast’s Orthodox churches is Saint Nicholas. Its size is remarkable, and it’s a beautiful sight. This is yet another church in the town center that you simply cannot miss.

Built-in 1909, making it relatively new in comparison to many other European churches. It’s a necessity to go inside and see St. Nicholas’ relics. Although admission is free, it is customary to buy a few candles for every one of your living and departed loved ones. While placing the candles on the stands, light a candle, kiss them, and pray for them. The living is placed on the top shelf, while the deceased is placed on the bottom tier.

Island Gospa Od Skrpela

In contrast to the neighboring island, this one is man-made. Originally, the reef rose just a few feet above the sea, and sailors discovered an image of the Mother of God here in the 15th century, according to history, which healed one of them of an illness. Following that, the location (like the symbol itself) became extremely venerated, and locals began to flood the area with ancient ships and fling stones. As a consequence, the groundwork for the building of the Church of the Mother of God was laid.

The island is now a famous tourist site; all visitors taking a cruise along the Bay of Kotor are transported here, and you can also sail from Perast.

Best Hotels And Apartments In Perast

Perast is compactly placed – between the highway and the sea – and there isn’t much of a difference in terms of where to settle – you’ll be near to all the sites and the water. However, keep in mind that the town is situated on a hill, therefore there are several steps.

The Best Restaurants And Cafes

Although all of the eateries are on the sea, the costs are high (as well as for housing).
Conte is a small and picturesque spot directly on the beach, but it’s also fairly busy, so it’s recommended to book a table ahead of time during peak season. It’s recommended to get a seafood dish for two because the fish is delicious.

Konaba Skolji is a Montenegrin restaurant known for its generous servings and welcoming service. Of course, the vistas are breathtaking.

The decor of Konoba Otok Bronza is basic, but the cuisine is excellent and fresh. As a bonus, homemade rose wine!

Perast may appear to be a tiny village with little to do, but that is exactly why I liked spending an evening there. It’s very adorable!