–> Herceg Novi
–> Perast and Island Our Lady of the Rocks
–> Kotor
Due to its position in the southernmost part of Croatia, Dubrovnik is a perfect base point for exploring surrounding countries.
With Montenegro border being less than hour away from Dubrovnik Old Town you shouldn’t miss a chance for Montenegro day trip.
Start your Dubrovnik to Montenegro journey in early morning hours. Your first task of the day is to be one of the first vehicles at the border crossing in order to smoothly enter the country.
You won’t be the only person who finds Montenegro excursion appealing so border queue is very likely to happen especially in the summer months. Eight o’clock is when it usually gets busy so beat others and start your trip earlier.
Since you kindly listened my advice and started the trip with your eyes still half closed you deserve your morning coffee just after border crossing. Stop at small coastal city of Herceg Novi which is located at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor.
This pittoresque city is often overlooked by tourists due to its more famous neighbours, Kotor and Budva. Due to turbulent history and change of rulers today city has a unique blend of various architectural styles and forms. Herceg Novi is a gold mine for art history lovers and travellers can enjoy well preserved local urban life.
Continuing your journey along the Bay of Kotor, acknowledged by UNESCO as The Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor, you will enjoy the most amazing views. While approaching small historical town of Perast you will notice two small islands standing in the middle of the bay – Island of St. George and Our Lady of the Rocks.
Make a stop and board a small local boat to visit Our Lady of the Rocks Island. This is a man – made islands built, according to the legend, in 15th century by two sailors to honor the painting of Madonna and Child found in the middle of the bay. You will see a Roman Catholic Church from 17th century containing numerous paintings by famous Baroque local artist Tripo Kokolja.
After 20 minutes drive from Perast you will finally reach Kotor, a well preserved medieval walled city. Roam through narrow streets and squares while discovering Romanesque churches, one of the most famous being Cathedral of St. Tryphon.
While some could say Dubrovnik already lost the battle, Kotor is still fighting to preserve harmony between urban life and history, culture, and tradition under close watch of UNESCO which listed this location as World Heritage Site back in 1979.
On the way back you can take the ferry across Bay of Kotor, which will save you around 30 km drive, and cross your fingers other day visitors from Dubrovnik didn’t decide to call it a day the same time you did.
Have questions or need further information? Feel free to contact us by
filling out the contact form.
PHOTO: Pixabay, Flickr