Montenegro yacht charter guide: Discover the Adriatic's hidden gem

Cruise through the spectacular Bay of Kotor

A Montenegro vacation would not be complete without venturing up the fjord-like Bay of Kotor. Just past Tivat, the bay narrows before suddenly revealing an even wider body of water that opens up in either direction like the wings of a butterfly. As you enter this part of the bay, you’ll see an islet just before you that is home to the blue-domed 15th century Roman Catholic church aptly called Our Lady of the Rocks. Many legends surround this island, such as its potent healing properties. A reflection of the church shimmers in the mirror-like stillness of the water, giving an ethereal feel to this holy spot.

Further south, the bay narrows again and is framed by tall mountains reaching up high overhead. You’d be forgiven for thinking you are cruising a Norwegian Fjord. At the very end of the bay, the medieval town of Kotor is built beneath limestone cliffs and surrounded by fortified city walls. Stretch your sea legs with a walk up the moderately challenging Kotor Fortress hike, which leads to a lofty lookout point for expansive views over the bay.

Kotor

The star of any yacht charter in Montenegro is the medieval town of Kotor. Set at the very end of the long, fjord-like Bay of Kotor, this walled city appears like a mirage emerging from steep limestone cliffs. Dating back to 168 BC when the Romans founded the city, the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Kotor is protected on all sides by stone ramparts, known as St John’s fortress (built under Venetian rule in the 1400s).

Climbing up the more than 1,300 stone steps of the Kotor city walls is a sure way to get your heart pumping as you ascend 300m above sea level to take in sweeping views of the placid bay below. For those who prefer a less-intense hike, even walking 10 minutes up the path to the Church of Our Lady of Remedy provides a lovely vista and allows you to get an up-close glimpse of the mountainside church, built in 1518.

Perast

Perast, Montenegro, is a charming waterside town lined with Baroque palaces, churches and historic sandstone mansions. Founded during the rule of the Venetian Republic, the tiny town was settled by wealthy fisherman and mariners, and it remains one of the best-preserved towns along the Adriatic.

Climb to the top of the Church of St Nicholas for beautiful views across the bay, or swim from the stone waterfront in exceptionally clear waters. Perast can get busy during the day, but it is exceptionally atmospheric in the early mornings and evening. Head ashore at these quieter times, then retreat to your yacht during peak daytime hours to enjoy the watertoys and on board facilities.

Just offshore, Our Lady of the Rocks is a quick tender ride and a must-visit. This famous artificial island and Catholic church was created over centuries by local sailors who dropped rocks and sank seized ships around a reef until the island gradually took shape.

Budva

A smattering of crescent-shaped beaches backed by fragrant pine trees and emerald-hued vegetation are found along Montenegro’s Adriatic coast. The 2,500-year-old town of Budva (Stari Grad), with its red-tiled roofs and stone buildings surrounded by protective fortress walls, juts out into the sea on a small peninsula. Our top tip? Visit early in the morning to have the Old Town to yourself for a few hours.

A place of two halves, Budva is a hub for nightlife, with open-air clubs going strong until the early hours. After dancing away the night, relax on one of the many Budva beaches – we’d recommend the secluded shores of Mogren Beach just beyond the city walls.

Sveti Stefan

Perhaps the most iconic beach on the Montenegro coast is Sveti Stefan, where two red-sand beaches frame a narrow road that leads out to a fortified island that looks like something out of a fairytale. Dating back to the 15th century, the island today is home to the luxury resort Aman Sveti Stefan with a scattering of hand-restored stone buildings that are in keeping with the original architecture and centuries of charm. While only hotel visitors can step foot on the island itself, you can still visit the beaches, walk along the causeway and enjoy some of Montenegro’s best viewpoints.

A visit to this iconic fortified islet can be one of the most memorable stops on a yacht charter around the Montenegro coast, a scenic stop before moving on to larger areas such as Kotor or Budva. Cycle the famous Seven Bay Trail from Budva to Sveti Stefan – 9km each way – or visit the Aman resort’s spa to unwind with restorative treatments featuring local herbs and medicinal spices.

A Montenegro yacht charter itinerary

Below is an example yacht charter itinerary, illustrating just one of the many ways to explore Montenegro by sea. Every charter we arrange is tailored by our team of experts to suit your timings, interests and preferences, as well as the conditions during your vacation.

Tivat → Kotor → Perast → Luštica Peninsula → Budva → Sveti Stefan → Tivat

Check in at Marina Porto Montenegro in Tivat, just a short drive from the beautiful old town of Kotor. Cruise through the iconic Verige Strait as the Bay of Kotor opens up before you, then anchor beneath Kotor’s fortified walls for your first night. From here, it’s a short run across the inner bay to Perast, a baroque town that faces the bay’s two islets: Our Lady of the Rocks and St George.

Cruise back out through the Verige Strait and head west toward the Luštica Peninsula. Anchor here and take the tender to the Blue Cave, or Plava Špilja, for exceptional swimming in luminous blue waters.

Continue south along the coast to Budva, known for its beaches, historic monuments and atmospheric old town. In summer, the town comes alive with the Budva City Theatre festival, bringing local and international performances to its open-air stages.

Depart Budva, passing Sveti Nikola Island (nicknamed ‘Montenegro’s Hawaii’) and a string of hidden coves before arriving at the iconic islet of Sveti Stefan. This fortified 15th century walled village is now home to the luxury Aman resort, but its beaches remain open to the public. Capture the classic view from the mainland before you head to Sveti Stefan for a spa treatment using local ingredients or dinner in Villa Miločer, the storied stone villa once the residence of Montenegro’s royal family.

Retrace your course along the coast and back into the Bay of Kotor, ending your charter at Porto Montenegro marina in Tivat. Walk along the promenade, explore the area’s military history or, if you are keen to finish your charter with a final adventure ashore, hike in Lovćen National Park. Expect spectacular mountain and sea views, including vistas from one of the world’s highest mausoleums.

Plan your Montenegro yacht charter with the Burgess team

At Burgess, we pride ourselves on crafting unforgettable yachting experiences. With our extensive fleet and decades of experience, we ensure every charter is tailored to perfection – whether you’re new to yachting or a seasoned sailor.

Speak to our Burgess Montenegro charter experts and let us organise the ultimate Adriatic charter itinerary for you today.