Tiny Perast in the Bay of Kotor was one of our favourite places in Montenegro. It is a small, mostly pedestrian village on the coast near Kotor. There is one road running along beside the water’s edge. Parking is at either end of the village. Driving is restricted.
It is a UNESCO protected Venetian style site, renowned for its 18th century stone palaces, some of them now stunning hotels and restaurants.
We were there when it was practically empty. There were very few people enjoying this gorgeous place. I believe it is brimming with tourists in the warm months. I can understand why.
Come for a short walk.
Not far from the water’s edge is the small island of St George. The St George Benedictine monastery was constructed in the 12th century.
There are 2 tiny islands off Perast. Lady of the Rocks is a man made island, created by sailors depositing rocks after finding a Madonna icon in 1452. It houses a 17th century church, a museum and a small souvenir shop.
There are boats to take visitors across to the islands, but the wind was ferocious while we were there so it will have to wait until next time.
Moving on…
There are lots of restaurants beside the sea, with excellent views.
We had coffee at Dardin.
It looked lovely so we went back later for dinner.
This is the Grand Heritage Perast. It is housed in three impressive buildings.
It was too windy to sit on the seaside terrace, so we had lunch inside.
We did have a view.
Lunch was excellent.
Perast was very pretty in the early evening.
On our third visit to Perast we found the museum we had seen a couple of times, was open. We expected to find some ancient relics. Instead we found this lovely collection from Perast’s shipping days.
At the entrance is a huge Venetian coat of arms.
The first room we walked into was filled with beautifully preserved seafaring items.
I loved this wonderful old trunk.
This is a model of one of the ships built in Perast.
A fabulous uniform.
Another room was filled with weapons. Time and money would be better spent on things not designed to kill people.
My favourite room had clothing of the era.
A child’s outfit.
Throughout the museum were children’s illustrations, a nice touch.
If we ever come back to Montenegro we will stay in Perast.
Amazing photos one
Ce again Debra
By: sealights99 on April 2, 2026
at 7:42 pm
Montenegro is very beautiful. It is easy to take pretty photos there. We were mostly lucky with the weather. There was one huge storm and the next morning there was snow on the mountains and a cold wind blowing.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 3, 2026
at 5:16 am
Absolutely beautiful photos, I only had a day in Montenegro, but what I saw was amazing. I hope to return one day.
Thank you for such wonderful photos and information.
Maxene (Sydney)
By: Maxene Page on April 2, 2026
at 9:42 pm
We had a week in Montenegro. We loved several places and will return, especially to Perast.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 3, 2026
at 5:17 am
What a great find – everything looks amazing- discovering these places thanks for sharing
By: Helen on April 2, 2026
at 11:17 pm
We will go back to Montenegro, possibly a little later in the year when more things are open.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 3, 2026
at 5:18 am
Such a lovely little town and fabulous museum – the clothes are so very beautiful. The uniform is magnificent but a bit hard to do derring-do and rather more swash than buckle me thinks. I too love that trunk – it must have been made for somebody very grand. I also think you had to be very brave to venture abroad on those beauties ships – sea life was pretty tough.
By: Jan on April 3, 2026
at 5:08 am
I thought the same about the clothes, very beautiful, but most uncomfortable and impractical. Give me modern clothes any day. I’m sure life was tough for most people in those times, especially for those seafaring types.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 3, 2026
at 5:20 am
Perast, in particular, looks lovely Debra. Great to see your photos of the area.
By: Kerry & Jim on April 4, 2026
at 2:24 am
It was delightful. We will go back there, maybe April would be a good month. Perhaps we could meet there.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 4, 2026
at 5:26 pm
Very interesting. I am going to look in to Perast. Thanks.
By: Doug Petroni on April 6, 2026
at 3:04 pm