Perast: Day Trips and Tours from Kotor

Perast is a picture-postcard village on Montenegro's Adriatic coast. Nestled in the Bay of Kotor, Perast has an idyllic waterfront and a backdrop of steep mountains. The village’s old-world charm is reminiscent of its Venetian past and the skyline is punctuated by elegant baroque spires.

With an age-old maritime heritage, Perast is renowned for the iconic island churches of St. George and Our Lady of the Rocks, each with its own lore and allure. A day trip to Perast from Kotor is a short journey that offers a great experience.

Here's all you need to know about Perast, one of the most exciting day trips from Kotor.

How to get to Perast from Kotor?

Perast is only a short distance north-west of Kotor, in Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor.

From Kotor to Perast by car

The 12-kilometer drive from Kotor to Perast takes less than 20 minutes outside peak hours. The route travels along the Bay of Kotor coastline on the E65 and E80. If you do not want to drive yourself, you can also opt to take a taxi.

From Kotor to Perast by bus

The bus from Kotor leaves from the old town close to the fresh market. The bus stops at the town gates either side of Perast.

Guided tour to Perast from Kotor

Perast and the beautiful Bay of Kotor are best experienced in the company of a knowledgeable local. A guided tour from Kotor Basic explores the historical Perast Old Town and typically ventures offshore to visit Lady of the Rocks church. Some guided tours also visit other landmarks or destinations and you can choose your tour based on the sites you would like to visit. Tours can be as short as 1.5 hours or last as long as 7 hours.

What is the typical itinerary?

The itinerary for day trips to Perast may differ depending on several factors like duration and activities. Tours do, however, have some things in common.

Typically, your tour will begin with a pickup in Kotor, and your guide may take you to enjoy local Montenegrin pastries before heading out from Kotor to Perast. The drive offers scenic views of the bay and is followed by a walking tour of the small town to take in its baroque architecture and waterfront promenade.

Next, a visit to the Maritime Museum, followed by a boat ride to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks to explore the church and museum. Longer tours may allow time for other activities, independent sightseeing, or the opportunity to stroll through the town once more before returning to Kotor.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Perast?

With Perast only a short distance away from Kotor, there are a variety of day trips and tours for visitors to choose between.

Guided tours to Perast from Kotor

Guided tours from Kotor can either travel to Perast by road, or skip the coastal drive altogether and provide transport by boat, stopping at Our Lady of the Rocks church and museum on the way. This type of tour can take as little as one hour, or last half a day.

Your friendly and experienced guide will share stories of the history, geography and culture of the area and be sure to point out all places of interest and significance as you travel.

Private guided tour to Perast from Kotor

While Perast is small enough to explore on your own, it has such a rich history that a guided tour is recommended. If you have a specific area of interest, want to avoid the crowds, or just prefer to set the pace, a private tour is for you.

Private tours typically include both land based sightseeing in and around Perast as well as a boat or speed boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks and sometimes Blue Cave nearby. See why Montenegro is such a captivating country, as you experience the hospitality of the Bay of Kotor for yourself.

Kotor city and Perast day tours plus cooking class

Combine sightseeing and try your hand at preparing popular local dishes with a sightseeing tour and cooking class. This excursion begins with a City tour in Kotor and a walking tour of Old Town Perast before you join your host and instructor for the cooking element of the day.

This type of tour not only provides you with a glimpse of Montenegro’s history, but also immerses you in the authentic cuisine and family cultures as you embark on a cooking class at a local family home.

Full-day guided tour including Perast from Kotor

More comprehensive tours of the Bay of Kotor region are available, with full-day guided tours including Perast being a popular choice. On a full-day tour, there is the chance to expand your sightseeing itinerary to include places such as Budva, Risan and Herceg Novi along with Perast.

The beautiful scenery is not the only attraction to enjoy though, and activities such as oyster tastings, boat trips to Our Lady of the Rocks and the iconic Blue Cave and lunch along the waterfront are just some of what attracts visitors from around the world.

How much does a day trip to Perast from Kotor cost?

Guided tours to Perast from Kotor start from €30 per person for a boat based tour only and €130 per adult for half day excursions.

Private guided tours to Perast from Kotor are priced from €650 per group of up to 7 people for a half day tour, or €130 per person for a 2-hour trip. Private tours may have a minimum charge required to confirm.

Kotor City and Perast day tours plus cooking class start from €300 per participant on a small group basis.

Full day guided tours including Perast from Kotor cost from €120 per person including transport and guide services, but excluding all other expenses.

What will you see and do?

Perast is a quaint town with a long maritime history and interesting Baroque architecture. Set against the backdrop of crystal-clear waters and towering mountains, this small town offers visitors plenty to see and do during a visit.

Old Town

A walking tour through the Old Town showcases Perast’s well-preserved Baroque buildings and palazzos.

Maritime Museum

Perast’s naval past and its connection to the Venetian Republic are on display for visitors at the Maritime Museum.

Church of St. Nicholas

The Church of St Nicholas’ bell tower can be ascended for breathtaking views of the bay.

Our Lady of the Rocks

The Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George churches are located on islets in the bay. On Our Lady of the Rocks, you can explore the church and its museum, which houses a collection of seafaring artifacts and votive tablets.

When is the best time to visit Perast?

The best time to visit Perast is typically between late spring and early autumn, from May to September. These months offer warm, sunny weather ideal for enjoying the scenic Bay of Kotor and outdoor activities like boating and swimming.

June or September are particularly pleasant, as you'll find fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months, allowing for a more tranquil experience while still benefiting from the Mediterranean climate.

Travel tips

• Begin your trip early to avoid the crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Perast in the morning.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as Perast’s old streets are cobblestoned and sometimes steep.
• It can get quite warm, especially in the summer, so bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated.
• Enjoy a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants for fresh seafood and local Montenegrin cuisine.