Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
Located on the beautiful Bay of Kotor, Perast is a great stop for the day or even just a lunch break. Below you can see the best things to do in Perast. We visited and enjoyed the day in Perast during our visit to Montenegro during July.
Below you can see a quick guide to Perast to help plan your visit.
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Best Things to do in Perast
Perast, a picturesque village on Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor, is a hidden gem known for its charming waterfront, historic architecture, and scenic views. Here’s a list of the best things to do in Perast:
1. Visit Our Lady of the Rocks
- Highlights: This artificial island, created by sinking old ships loaded with rocks, houses a beautiful church and museum dedicated to seafaring and local culture. You can reach it by a short boat ride from Perast.
- Don’t Miss: The stunning artwork and relics inside the church, and the panoramic views of the bay.
2. Explore St. George Island
- Highlights: A natural island near Our Lady of the Rocks, St. George Island features a centuries-old Benedictine monastery and a small cemetery. The island’s dense cypress trees and monastery walls add an air of mystery and tranquility.
- Tip: Access to the island is restricted, but you can admire it from the water.
3. Climb the Bell Tower at St. Nicholas Church
- Highlights: This iconic 17th-century church features a striking bell tower offering the best panoramic view of Perast and the surrounding bay.
- Tip: Climbing the narrow staircase to the top is well worth it for the scenic photo opportunities.
4. Walk Along the Perast Waterfront
- Highlights: Stroll along the charming waterfront promenade lined with old palaces, stone houses, and cafes. It’s the perfect way to soak up the laid-back vibe of the village.
- Don’t Miss: The view of the sun setting over the Bay of Kotor from a waterfront cafe.
5. Visit the Perast Museum
- Highlights: Located in the Bujovic Palace, this museum showcases Perast’s maritime history, featuring paintings, weaponry, maps, and artifacts from the town’s seafaring past.
- Tip: The museum is relatively small, making it a quick yet informative stop to learn about the town’s history.
6. Take a Boat Tour of the Bay of Kotor
- Highlights: Get a new perspective of Perast and the Bay of Kotor on a boat tour. Tours typically include stops at Our Lady of the Rocks, St. George Island, and sometimes other nearby towns.
- Tip: Sunset tours provide beautiful golden-hour views of the bay and surrounding mountains.
7. Explore the Old Palaces
- Highlights: Perast is home to several well-preserved baroque palaces, including the Zmajević and Smekja Palaces. These historic buildings offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Perast’s noble families.
- Don’t Miss: The stunning architecture and unique baroque details.
8. Swim in the Bay of Kotor
- Highlights: While Perast doesn’t have sandy beaches, it has a few designated swimming spots along the waterfront where you can take a refreshing dip in the bay’s clear blue waters.
- Tip: Head out early in the morning for a quiet swim before the day’s crowds arrive.
9. Enjoy Local Cuisine at Waterfront Restaurants
- Highlights: Enjoy traditional Montenegrin dishes and seafood with a view of the bay. Local specialties like fresh fish, octopus, and black risotto are must-tries.
- Tip: Konoba Skolji and Armonia are two popular options for waterfront dining.
10. Watch the Sunset Over the Bay
- Highlights: End your day by watching the sunset paint the sky over the Bay of Kotor. The view of the bay’s still waters reflecting the colors of the sky is magical.
- Best Spot: The waterfront promenade or from a terrace of a nearby restaurant.
11. Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding
- Highlights: For a more active adventure, rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the bay at your own pace. Paddling along the calm waters offers a unique perspective of Perast’s coastal beauty.
- Tip: Early morning or late afternoon is ideal to avoid the midday sun and boat traffic.
12. Photography Walk
- Highlights: Perast is incredibly photogenic, with cobblestone streets, baroque architecture, and scenic views of the bay and islands. A photography walk is a great way to capture its charm.
- Don’t Miss: The quaint alleyways, old stone buildings, and waterfront views.
Perast may be small, but it’s packed with history, beauty, and unique experiences that make it one of Montenegro’s most captivating spots.
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