Here lies a small seaside town, charming and peaceful, a perfect retreat from the major tourist resorts of Montenegro. Situated within the Bay of Kotor, Perast is an excellent choice to enjoy a laid-back coastal escape while discovering historic churches and palaces, plus excursions to two small islands.

History

Perast long resisted Ottoman invasion, even as the rest of the bay had already fallen. It stood as a vigorous stronghold of commerce and defense against the Turks along the Adriatic coast for nearly five centuries. Venetian sailors, followed by Russians, frequented the local nautical school to train in navigation, cartography, and naval engineering.

The town reached its peak in the mid-18th century, with four shipyards and a fleet of nearly a thousand vessels. Many of Perast's landmark buildings were erected during this period. Eventually, as steam power rose, maritime activity declined in the region and Perast gradually faded from memory.

Discovering Perast

Perast embodies a beautiful postcard view of Montenegro. Saint Elijah Hill overlooks the town, punctuated by uniform stone buildings on its slopes, while the waterfront serves a lovely array of cafés with sea views. Beyond, small fishing boats drift across the crystalline waters of Kotor Bay. Walking through the streets, you'll still feel Venice's influence in the architecture of the villas, down to the small private ports established to the north.

Perast, a Little Piece of Venice to Explore

Captains, sailors, and seafarers of the past have bestowed upon Perast a fine architectural heritage. As you wander through the old town, let yourself be captivated by the magnificent villas and other buildings in typical Venetian style, most of them restored or undergoing rehabilitation. There are 16 different churches to discover in Perast's historic quarter. The most renowned and arguably one of the town's flagship attractions is the Church of St. Nicholas. The monument stands out for its bell tower reaching 55 m in height, making it the tallest structure in the entire Bay of Kotor.

Perast's waterfront offers a picturesque setting for a stroll. Soak in the laid-back seaside atmosphere, caressed by the fresh sea breeze. The Visko Bujovic Palace is an essential stop. In this 17th-century building, now a museum, you'll have the opportunity to see portraits of Perast's great captains and a collection of old maps of the Kotor region. Climb to the second-floor balcony for a panoramic view over the town and bay.

Although Perast has no sandy beaches, to the north and south of the town you'll find pebble beaches for sunbathing. The stone and concrete quays, as well as seaside clubs, also offer spaces to relax.

Venture Out on an Excursion to St. George and Our Lady of the Rocks Islands

Served by regular cruises from the waterfront, the islands of St. George and Our Lady of the Rocks are the finest attractions around Perast. The first is not accessible to tourists, but you can capture beautiful photos from the boat. St. George is home to a Benedictine monastery dating from the 12th century and Perast's cemetery.

The Island of Our Lady of the Rocks is open to visitors. It is an important pilgrimage destination in Montenegro and one of the main tourist attractions of Kotor Bay. Visit its charming chapel, which preserves relics of the Virgin Mary, as well as splendid icons. A small museum holds artifacts from the Roman period and many handmade items created by villagers. On July 22nd, Our Lady of the Rocks hosts the most significant traditional festival in Perast: the Fasinada. On this occasion, locals travel there to honor the painting of the Holy Virgin that inspired the island's creation and its church. The ritual calls for everyone to bring stones and cast them into the waters around the base of the islet in memory of sailors and to strengthen its foundations.

Practical Information

Climate in Perast

Perast enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry, with significantly more rainfall in winter. The average temperature stands at 15.2°C, while annual precipitation averages 1,299.8 mm.

The summer period through early autumn—that is, May through September—is considered the ideal time to stay in Perast.

Perast is located approximately 15 km from the city of Kotor. To drive there, take the coastal road heading north. The capital Podgorica is about two hours' drive away. By bus, the journey takes roughly three hours. It's also possible to reach Perast from the Croatian city of Dubrovnik—allow two hours by car if traffic is light.

You can walk through most of the town in about twenty minutes. This means there's no real need for alternative transport. To reach the islands of St. George and Our Lady of the Rocks, head toward the boats stationed along the waterfront. There's usually a departure every 15 minutes.

What to Do in Perast?

• Admire the Venetian architecture of the old town's villas
• Visit the Church of St. Nicholas
• Discover portraits and old maps housed in Captain Visko Bujovic's palace
• Take a boat excursion to the islands of St. George and Our Lady of the Rocks
• Unwind on the terraces of waterfront cafés, and more