Kotor Cruise Ship Port Guide

Your cruise ship arrives at Kotor’s port, just 200 metres from the Old Town. You can walk from the port to the medieval walls in 5 minutes. The port welcomes up to three cruise ships at once. Larger ships anchor in the bay, and you’ll take a tender boat to shore.

For other Croatia cruise destinations check out our Mediterranean Cruise Ports in Croatia page.

The port offers these key facilities:

Tourist information centre
Public toilets
Currency exchange services
Taxi ranks

From the port, you can easily reach:

UNESCO World Heritage Old Town
12th-century Cathedral of Saint Tryphon
San Giovanni Fortress hiking trail

The port’s central location lets you make the most of your time in Montenegro. You’ll step straight from your ship into one of the Mediterranean’s most accessible historic centres.

Port Location and Arrival Details

The Port of Kotor sits just 200 metres from Kotor’s historic centre. You can walk from your cruise ship to the Old Town in under five minutes.

Most ships dock directly at the port, though larger vessels may anchor in the bay. If your ship anchors, you’ll take a tender boat to shore, which takes 5-20 minutes.

The port typically hosts one to three cruise ships at a time. You’ll find your ship arrives early morning and departs in the evening, giving you a full day to explore.

The port’s central location puts you right where you need to be for sightseeing.

You’ll have access to all essential port facilities, including:

24-hour security
Tourist information
Restrooms
Currency exchange
Taxi ranks
Local transport links

Map of Kotor Cruise Ship Port

Getting Around Kotor

You can easily explore Kotor thanks to its small size and simple transport options.

Walking from the cruise port to the Old Town takes just minutes through an underground passage with escalators.

Blue Line buses connect Kotor to nearby towns like Risan and Perast. You’ll find bus stops next to the port and old town walls. Bus tickets cost between €1.50 and €5, depending on your destination.

Taxis offer a flexible way to travel, with ranks located at the port entrance. You’ll pay €0.80 per kilometre plus a basic starting fee.

While Uber doesn’t operate in Kotor, local companies like Red Taxi provide reliable service and accept bookings through WhatsApp.

[Key Transport Options]

Walking: Best for Old Town and port area
Blue Line buses: Ideal for visiting nearby towns
Taxis: Good for flexible travel with fixed rates
Red Taxi: Local company offering WhatsApp booking

Best Things to See

You’ll discover both cultural landmarks and natural attractions in Kotor’s historic centre and bay area.

The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon stands out with its medieval frescoes from the 12th century. The City Walls, now a UNESCO site, have guarded Kotor since the 9th century. You can learn about local maritime history at the Maritime Museum in Grgurin Palace.

Take a boat trip to see the Bay of Kotor and the Blue Cave’s crystal waters. Visit Our Lady of the Rocks, where you’ll find a church built on an artificial island with unique local legends.

You can go hiking in Lovćen National Park and see the Mausoleum of Njegoš, which offers spectacular mountain views.

Each destination gives you a distinct experience:

Cathedral of Saint Tryphon: Medieval art and architecture
City Walls: Historic defence structures with bay views
Maritime Museum: Naval heritage exhibits
Blue Cave: Natural sea grotto
Our Lady of the Rocks: Island church with local history
Lovćen National Park: Mountain trails and mausoleum

San Giovanni Fortress Experience

You’ll find the San Giovanni Fortress 280 metres above Kotor’s old town, serving as a historic military stronghold. The trail begins near the port, taking you up ancient stone steps along a 4.5-kilometre defensive wall.

You can explore well-preserved structures from multiple civilisations, including Illyrian, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian remains. The path leads you through a network of towers and gates, with the Kampana tower and Sea Gate standing as key landmarks.

The climb offers several viewing platforms where you can see spectacular views across Kotor Bay. UNESCO recognised this site in 1979, protecting its diverse architectural features and historical significance.

The ascent is steep and takes about 1-2 hours, depending on your pace. You’ll need sturdy shoes and water for the climb, but the panoramic views and historical experience make your effort worthwhile.

See what’s on offer from the Port of Rijeka for a different Mediterranean cruise destination.

Day Trips From Port

You can explore Montenegro’s best spots directly from Kotor’s port. These day trips fit perfectly into your cruise schedule and offer both adventure and cultural experiences.

Popular Day Trip Options:

Water Activities:
- Blue Cave Speed Boat Tour (£80) – Fast-paced coastal adventure
- Bay of Kotor Cruise (£36) – Relaxed sailing with bay views
Cultural Visits:
- Perast Town Tour – Visit the Our Lady of the Rocks Church
- Local Architecture Tours – Explore centuries-old buildings
Active Adventures:
- Vrmac Peninsula Bike Tour (£76) – Mountain trails with sea views
- Montenegro Oyster Tour – Combine local food tasting with sightseeing

You can book these trips directly at the port or through your cruise operator. Each tour includes transport and expert guides. The prices vary based on season and group size.

Remember to bring:

Comfortable shoes
Sun protection
Water bottle
Camera
Local currency

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There ATMS and Currency Exchange Facilities Near the Cruise Port?

ATM and currency exchange locations near the cruise port:

You can find an ATM right at the port’s bank entrance. Additional ATMs operate in the main square, a 300-metre walk from the port. For currency exchange services, walk 800 metres (half a mile) from the port entrance into the town centre.

What Are the Best Local Restaurants Within Walking Distance?

Several great restaurants await you within walking distance:

Konoba Scala Santa and Pepe Nero serve authentic local dishes in the Old Town quarter. You’ll find fresh seafood at Restaurant Galion. For grilled meats, Tanjga stands out as your best choice.

Each restaurant offers unique specialities:

Konoba Scala Santa: Traditional local cuisine
Pepe Nero: Regional dishes
Restaurant Galion: Fresh seafood
Tanjga: Grilled meats specialities

Is There Wi-Fi Access Available at the Cruise Terminal?

While the cruise terminal doesn’t offer Wi-Fi, you can connect to free networks at these nearby locations:

The portside café next to the terminal building
Various cafés throughout the old town area, just a short walk away

Where Can I Store Luggage While Exploring Kotor?

Two luggage storage options serve you in Kotor’s city centre:

Radical Storage:

Costs €5 per day
Located in the main square
Regular business hours

Eelway:

Available 24 hours
Works with local shops and hotels
Flexible drop-off points

You can book either service on the spot or through their mobile apps. Both providers give you secure storage whilst you explore the city without heavy bags.