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Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor is one of the best-preserved medieval towns on the Adriatic. The compact old town is enclosed by massive walls that climb 1,200 meters up the mountain behind — and you can walk them. The 1,350-step climb to the Fortress of San Giovanni rewards with one of Europe's most spectacular viewpoints, looking down over the terracotta rooftops and the Bay of Kotor, often called Europe's southernmost fjord. Within the walls, marble squares connect Romanesque churches, Venetian palaces, and tiny restaurants. The Cathedral of St. Tryphon, dating to 1166, anchors the main square. The Maritime Museum tells the story of Kotor's seafaring heritage. The bay itself, surrounded by mountains, is extraordinarily dramatic, and the waterfront promenade and nearby Perast — a tiny baroque town with island churches — extend the walking possibilities.
explore by interest
Start the fortress climb early morning to avoid the heat — bring at least a liter of water per person, as there are no facilities on the steep path.
May through June and September through October offer warm weather without the cruise-ship crowds that can overwhelm the tiny old town in July and August.