Kotor is a medieval walled town at the end of the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, and its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most cruise ships anchor in the bay, and passengers go ashore by tender. This page covers the tender landing, maps and meeting locations, and how to get around.
Last updated:
Important Meeting Instructions in Kotor
Where the port is
Kotor, Montenegro, at the end of the Bay of Kotor. The cruise port is at Park Slobode 1, 85330 Kotor, beside the medieval old town, with steep mountains rising behind it.
Where ships dock
Kotor's shallow port can handle only one ship at the pier, and usually a smaller one. Most passengers arrive on larger ships that anchor in the bay, and tender boats carry them ashore in about fifteen to twenty minutes. Kotor allows a maximum of four cruise ships at a time. Your cruise line will confirm whether your ship docks or anchors.
Where you meet your private driver or guide
Once ashore, walk through the port area, where there is a gift shop and a duty-free store, and exit through the main gate. Immediately outside, many guides and drivers wait holding signs. Your contact will be in this area, holding a welcome sign with your name on it.
Video Flyover of the Kotor Cruise Port
This aerial flyover shows how cruise passengers come ashore by tender at Kotor, the walk through the port area to the main gate, and where drivers and guides meet passengers.
Aerial imagery: Google Earth
Kotor Cruise Port Location
Port of Kotor, Park Slobode 1, 85330 Kotor, Montenegro
About Kotor Cruise Port
Kotor sits at the end of the Bay of Kotor, one of the most scenic inlets in the Mediterranean. The cruise pier is beside the old town, and most passengers arrive by tender.
How Passengers Come Ashore
Kotor's shallow port can handle only one ship at the pier, and usually a smaller one.
Most passengers arrive on larger ships that anchor in the bay.
Tender boats carry passengers ashore in about fifteen to twenty minutes.
Kotor allows a maximum of four cruise ships at a time.
Your cruise line will confirm whether your ship docks or anchors.
In the Port Area
After you step off the tender, you walk through the port area.
There is a gift shop and a duty-free store in the port area.
Exit through the main gate.
Outside the Main Gate
Many guides and drivers wait immediately outside the main gate, holding signs.
Your contact will be in this area, holding a welcome sign with your name on it.
Taxis are also available in this area.
The Old Town
The walls of the old town are only a short walk from the pier, about 200 meters (650 feet).
Kotor's old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with narrow stone streets, squares and churches.
The streets are paved with stone and can be slippery when wet, so wear comfortable shoes.
Returning to Your Ship
Plan to be back at the tender pier at least 60 minutes before the all aboard time.
Queues for the tender can build at the end of the day when several ships are in port.
Check your cruise line's instructions for the last tender time.
Getting Around Kotor
The old town is compact and can be explored on foot. For other towns around the bay, you will need a taxi, a bus or a private driver. Services change, so confirm current details before you travel.
On Foot
The old town starts about 200 meters (650 feet) from the pier, a walk of around two minutes.
The old town has no vehicle traffic inside the walls.
Streets are paved with stone, so wear comfortable shoes.
Taxi
Taxis wait near the port and the old town.
Uber and Bolt do not operate in Kotor. A local taxi app, MonteGO, is available.
Agree the cost with the driver before you get in.
Hop On Hop Off Bus
A hop on hop off bus runs in the summer season.
Check the route and operating dates before you plan around it.
Cable Car
A cable car climbs the mountain above Kotor and gives views over the bay.
It depends on the weather and may not run in strong wind or poor conditions.
Private Driver or Guide
Many passengers book a private driver or guide who meets them outside the main gate.
A private vehicle makes it simple to visit Perast, Budva or other towns, and to return in good time for the last tender.
About Kotor and the Surrounding Area
Kotor is a medieval walled town in Montenegro, set between the water and steep mountains at the end of the Bay of Kotor. Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A Brief Introduction
The Bay of Kotor is a long inlet on the Adriatic coast, with mountains rising straight from the water.
The old town is surrounded by walls, and is made up of narrow lanes, small squares, churches and cafes.
The currency is the euro. Some sites and small businesses prefer cash, so carry a little with you.
Highlights Many Cruise Passengers Visit
The Sea Gate, the main entrance to the old town, dating from 1555.
St Tryphon Cathedral, the main church of Kotor, in the center of the old town.
The Maritime Museum, which tells the story of Kotor's seafaring history.
The Cats Museum, a small museum devoted to the cat, a symbol of the town.
San Giovanni Fortress, above the old town, reached by a climb of about 1,350 steps. There is little shade, so bring water and wear sturdy shoes.
Perast, a small baroque town on the bay, with views of two islands.
Budva, a coastal resort town with its own walled old town and beaches.
Planning Your Time
The old town can be seen on foot, and fits easily into a shorter port day.
Allow extra time for the tender, and return to the tender pier at least 60 minutes before the all aboard time.
Summer days can be hot, and the fortress climb has little shade.
Nearby Destinations
Perast, about 15 minutes by road.
Budva, about 30 minutes by road.
Lovcen National Park, about 1 hour by road.
Dubrovnik, Croatia, about 2 hours by road, including a border crossing. Bring your passport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do guides meet passengers at the Kotor cruise port?
Once ashore, walk through the port area and exit through the main gate. Many guides and drivers wait immediately outside holding signs, and your contact will be in this area holding a welcome sign with your name on it.
Is Kotor a tender port?
Usually, yes. Kotor's shallow port can handle only one ship at the pier, and usually a smaller one. Most passengers arrive on larger ships that anchor in the bay, and tender boats carry them ashore. Your cruise line will confirm whether your ship docks or anchors.
How long is the tender ride to Kotor?
The tender ride takes about fifteen to twenty minutes.
How many cruise ships can be in Kotor at one time?
Kotor allows a maximum of four cruise ships at a time.
What is in the port area?
After you step off the tender, you walk through the port area, where there is a gift shop and a duty-free store. Exit through the main gate.
How far is the old town from the pier?
The old town is about 200 meters (650 feet) from the pier, a walk of around two minutes.
Can I use Uber or Bolt in Kotor?
No. Uber and Bolt do not operate in Kotor. Taxis are available near the port, and a local taxi app, MonteGO, is also available.
How long does it take to climb San Giovanni Fortress?
The climb is about 1,350 steps. There is little shade, so bring water, wear sturdy shoes, and allow extra time, especially in hot weather.
How far are Perast and Budva from Kotor?
Perast is about 15 minutes by road, and Budva is about 30 minutes by road.
Can I visit Dubrovnik from Kotor?
Dubrovnik is about 2 hours by road and the trip includes a border crossing, so bring your passport. For most port days, Kotor and the surrounding area are an easier choice.
What time should I return to the tender pier?
Plan to be back at the tender pier at least 60 minutes before the all aboard time. Queues can build at the end of the day when several ships are in port.
What currency is used in Kotor?
The euro. Some sites and small businesses prefer cash, so carry a little with you.
