If you’re planning a visit to Montenegro’s spectacular Bay of Kotor, deciding where to base yourself can be tricky. Sure, staying in Kotor’s Old Town has its perks, but the experience also comes with a hefty price tag – and far too many tourists! Plus, if it’s beautiful sea views you’re after, you won’t find many of those in the Old Town…
Luckily, just up the coast is a gorgeous little spot called Dobrota, which provides a perfect alternative base for exploring Kotor and its many nearby attractions. We stayed in a lovely Airbnb with a terrace, and even its own private beach, for less than £50 per night and had everything we could wish for, right on our doorstep!
Still not convinced? Here are a few reasons why Dobrota is the best place to stay in Kotor…
Kotor’s Old Town is within walking distance
With its cobblestone streets, ancient churches and fortresses, Kotor Old Town is a magical place, well worth exploring. Luckily, Dobrota is located just a 30 minute walk from the Old Town – and what a dreamy walk it is. The coastal path takes you past private beaches and picturesque boat docks, with stunning sea views the whole way.
Read more: The best things to do in Kotor Old Town
You’ll wake up to the best sea views
The natural scenery along the Bay of Kotor is magnificent, with rugged, black mountains standing in stark contrast to the bright blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. Dobrota’s coastal location means that most apartments and hotel rooms come with epic sea views. So if you’re lucky enough to have a terrace, pour yourself a glass of local wine, relax, and watch as the sun sets behind the mountains.
There’s fine dining right on your doorstep
Fancy dining out under the stars? Some of Kotor’s best restaurants are located along Dobrota’s scenic waterfront. Konoba Portun and Konoba Bonaca are both excellent, moderately-priced options, whilst Mudra Art Cuisine offers fine dining set menus for a truly unforgettable experience.
You’ll escape the tourist crowds
Kotor’s Old Town can get uncomfortably busy with visitors and cruise tourists, especially during the summer months, whereas Dobrota has a much more chilled, authentic feel to it. Here you’ll find local joggers and dog-walkers out and about, but hardly another tourist in sight!
The best day trips are within easy reach
Hiring a car is highly recommended, if you want to explore the beautiful Bay of Kotor and Montenegro’s other star attractions. Within less than an hour’s drive from Dobrota, you can enjoy the natural scenery of Mount Lovcen and Lake Skadar National Park, or head to some of the country’s best beaches in Budva. Cars are not allowed into Kotor’s Old Town, but many of the apartments and guest-houses in Dobrota come with a free parking space, making this an ideal base from which to explore.
Read more: Visiting Lake Skadar National Park
Perast is just a stone’s throw away
Dobrota is also just a stone’s throw away from Perast – one of the prettiest towns along the Bay of Kotor (and in all of Europe!) Take a boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks, or simply soak up the incredible views – either way, Perast is an absolute must-stop in Kotor. It’s less than a 10 minute car journey from Dobrota to Perast, or a quick bus journey on the Blue Line.
Read more: Perast: A Picture-Perfect Day Trip from Kotor
For more Balkans travel itineraries and inspiration, check out my guides to Montenegro, Croatia and Bosnia & Herzogovina!
