Kotor: A City That Wakes Up with the Sea

#hellohalloween Mornings here begin with the ringing of bells and the smell of salt. Waves whisper beneath the fortress walls, seagulls circle above the rooftops, and the narrow streets are still full of shadow. This is Kotor, a city on the shores of the Adriatic Gulf, where time seems to slow down. Stone houses, tiled roofs, lions on coats of arms, and windows with lavender hanging from them. Every turn leads to a small square where someone is already sipping espresso. And if you climb up to the Fortress of St. John, the entire bay is beneath your feet, sparkling in the morning light. 📍 Location: Montenegro, Boka Kotorska Bay. 🕐 When to go: Spring or September – the sea is warm, there are fewer tourists, and the city breathes calmly. ⸻ How to get to Kotor ✈️ From Tivat Airport: The closest airport to the city is Tivat Airport (TIV), just 10 km away. A taxi will cost €15-20, and the journey takes about 15 minutes. There are occasional buses, but it's easier to book a transfer or taxi. 🚗 From Budva: About 40-60 minutes along the scenic coastal road. Traffic jams are possible in summer, especially before the Vrmac Tunnel. 🚌 From Dubrovnik (Croatia): Buses run daily, and the journey takes 2.5-3.5 hours, including border control. Tickets cost €18-22 and arrive at the Kotor bus station, just a 10-minute walk from the Old Town. ✈️ From Podgorica: If there's no flight to Tivat, another option is via Podgorica Airport, about 90 km away and a 2-hour journey. ⸻ ☕ Tip: Climb to St. John's Fortress early in the morning—the city is still asleep, and a pink mist hangs over the bay. Then you can descend to the Old Town and have a coffee by the water, listening to the sea wake up.