10 Magical Things To Do in Perast, Montenegro in One Day
If you’re wondering whether there are actually enough things to do in Perast, Montenegro to make it worth the day trip from Kotor, this blog post is for you!
During my solo day trip to Perast I did all of the waterfront exploring, boat rides, museum visits and cat-petting (yes, really!), and now I’m here to help you decide how to make the most of one magical day in this tiny Montenegrin town!
Perast is often overshadowed by its more popular neighbour, Kotor, so it’s totally fair to wonder if it’s just an overrated detour or actually a must-see gem in Montenegro.
So in this blog post, we’ll cover whether Perast is actually worth visiting, the 10 most magical things to do in Perast, and how to enjoy it all in one dreamy day trip from Kotor.
Let’s get to it!
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links. That means if you click on one and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products, places and services I genuinely love and use on my own solo travels. Thank you for supporting my adventures so I can continue to provide free content on this blog! 💛
Is Perast Worth Visiting?
If you’re planning your Montenegro trip and wondering “Is Perast worth visiting?” the short answer is: yes, absolutely.
But let’s get more specific, because you’re likely looking for more than just another pretty photo opportunity.
Perast is tiny, slow and safe, but that’s exactly its charm. There’s no traffic, barely any noise and zero pressure to do anything quickly.
You can wander the promenade, sip coffee with a view of the bay, visit centuries-old churches, and still have time to sunbathe on the tiny beach.
So if you’re the kind of traveller who values calm and relaxation over crowds, and if you’re dreaming of a slower pace of travel, Perast is your dream day trip!
And while it may be small, there are more than enough things to do in Perast, Montenegro to fill a day trip from Kotor!
From the magical boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks Church to discovering the underrated Perast Museum, this isn’t just another detour.
In fact, it might just end up being the highlight of your entire Montenegro itinerary!
Katie’s Top Tip: Don’t treat Perast like a throwaway photo stop on your way to somewhere else. Go early, stay late and let yourself relax and unwind!
How Long to Spend in Perast
So you’re probably looking at the map thinking, “It’s really that small? Can I really fill a whole day?” And I get it.
Perast looks like a single stretch of waterfront on paper (and it kind of is), but that doesn’t mean there isn’t more than enough things to do in Perast.
For most travellers, half a day to a full day in Perast is ideal.
That gives you time to tick off all of the best things to do in Perast, like hopping in a water taxi over to Our Lady of the Rocks Church, marvelling at St Nicholas Church, relaxing on the beach and taking in the bay views – all without rushing.
But if you love slow travel and appreciate getting to experience a more local side to Montenegro, you could very easily stretch this visit to Perast into an overnight stay and definitely not regret it.
Katie’s Top Tip: Bring a book or journal, find a shady bench along the promenade or a spot on the beach, and let yourself relax. I couldn’t replicate the kind of stillness you get in Perast anywhere else along the Adriatic!
Where to Stay in Perast
But what if you do want to stay the night? Where should you stay?
Perast doesn’t have massive resorts or flashy chain hotels and, honestly, thank goodness for that!
But what it does have is a small number of charming guesthouses and boutique hotels.
If you’re staying the night, consider Heritage Grand Perast by Rixos – it’s a beautifully restored, 18th-century palace right on the waterfront, with elegant rooms, a small pool and unbeatable, panoramic views of the bay.
For something a little bit more affordable (but still gorgeous), Villa Perast Boutique Hotel is a great option with stylish decor and a peaceful, old world vibe.
Katie’s Top Tip: Book early. Accommodation in Perast is limited and fills up fast, especially in the peak summer season.
Best Time of Year to Visit Perast
The best time of year to visit Perast is definitely late spring (May to early June) and early autumn (mid-September to mid-October).
You’ll still get to enjoy warm, sunny days without the intense heat or the overwhelming cruise ship crowds of July and August.
Plus, during shoulder season, everything’s still open, the weather’s still lovely and you’ll share the town with locals and a few in-the-know travellers instead of hordes of day-trippers!
Katie’s Top Tip: Avoid cruise ship schedules by visiting midweek and early in the morning. You can use sites like CruiseMapper to check arrival days in nearby Kotor. Trust me, it makes a huge difference to the vibe in town!
How to Get to Perast from Kotor
Perast is just 20 minutes from Kotor and it’s super easy to get to, even without a car.
By Car: Driving gives you total freedom over your itinerary and takes about 20–25 minutes along the scenic coastal road. There’s limited parking near Perast’s beach (Perast is a pedestrian-only town), so arrive early to get a spot. At time of writing, parking costs 8 euros for the day.
By Bus: The cheapest option. Buses run regularly from just outside Kotor old town (the stop is labelled “Bus Stop to Perast” on Google Maps), and takes about 25 minutes. But be aware that there is no online timetable for this bus, so leave plenty of time to get there and back. The bus costs a couple of euros in cash.
By Taxi: Red Taxi and Dijr Taxi are the best taxi companies in Montenegro. The drive to Perast is comfortable, quick and direct, which is ideal if you want a relaxed start or late return without worrying about inconsistent bus timetables. The taxi fare is around 10-20 euros one way, depending on traffic.
By Tour: Some day tours from Kotor include a stop in Perast, often combined with boat rides or a stop at Our Lady of the Rocks. This is a time-efficient way to see highlights and also benefit from the knowledge of a local guide, but be aware that you won’t have a lot of free time to explore on your own.
By Private Tour: Another option is to book a private tour, which will include more time to explore Perast as you can customise your itinerary with the help of your guide/skipper.
10 Magical Things To Do in Perast, Montenegro
1. Admire Perast’s Many Palaces
You could stroll along Perast’s waterfront without even realising you’re surrounded by palaces. But once you know what to look for, you’ll truly be able to appreciate the town’s beauty and history!
At one point, Perast was home to more than a dozen wealthy seafaring families, and they built to prove that! Think carved stone balconies, grand facades and Venetian-inspired architecture, all overlooking the bay…
Some of the most impressive palaces in Perast include Bujovic Palace (now home to the Perast Museum), Smekja Palace and Zmajevic Palace.
And even though most aren’t open to the public, just walking past them gives you a glimpse into the town’s proud history.
Katie’s Top Tip: Take some time to just walk slowly through the old town with your camera in hand. Oh and don’t forget to look up! A lot of the best, most ornate details are above eye level.
2. Walk the Waterfront Promenade
Walking the promenade is one of the most peaceful things to do in Perast, and it’s completely free!
The promenade stretches the length of the town and gives you uninterrupted views across the water to the iconic twin islets (Our Lady of the Rocks and St George’s Island), with boats bobbing gently in the foreground.
Sounds like every photographer’s dream, right?! I know it was mine!
And the best part? The promenade is completely car-free, so you don’t have to worry about dodging traffic or getting in the way.
There’s no official “must-see’s” along the walk because the walk itself is it’s own must-see – from the grand palaces that line the pavement on one side to the sparkling blue sea that meets you on the other side. Just let yourself pause wherever catches your eye.
Katie’s Top Tip: Walk the promenade once in the morning when it’s quiet and again at golden hour – the light over the bay around sunset is something else!
3. Visit Our Lady of the Rocks Church
This tiny, man-made island and its baroque church is easily the most iconic Perast tourist attraction – and for good reason!
Our Lady of the Rocks is steeped in legend, beauty and the kind of history that is genuinely fascinating to learn about.
According to local legend, the man-made island was built by seamen who, after finding an icon of the Virgin Mary on a rock in the sea, vowed to create a church there. Over centuries, they dropped stones into the water until an artificial island rose.
Today, the church houses stunning frescoes, offerings from sailors and a unique tapestry embroidered with actual strands of human hair, by a local woman waiting for her husband to return from sea.
And getting there from Perast is easy too:
Just head to the waterfront and ask for a water taxi – there are always operators there, offering return trips. The ride takes less than 10 minutes and boats run frequently throughout the day.
Katie’s Top Tip: Go first thing in the morning or after 4pm to avoid the tour groups. And bring small change for the entrance fee (€2–3, at time of writing), if you want to visit the museum inside the church – it’s 100% worth it!
4. Make Friends with the Locals
And by locals I mean the cats!
If you’ve travelled anywhere in Montenegro (especially Kotor), you’ll know that cats basically run the show! But in Perast, they’re next-level relaxed and adorable.
You’ll find them snoozing on church steps, sunbathing on stone walls or casually joining you for lunch at a café like they own the place. (Because, let’s be honest, they kind of do!)
For solo travellers, especially if you’re feeling a little homesick or missing your own pets, these furry locals make the town feel way more welcoming.
I don’t know what it is. There’s just something so special about sitting beside a sleepy black and white ball of fluff and watching the sea!
P.S. You don’t need to worry about how they’re treated, even though they are strays. Cats are revered in Montenegro and locals care for the cats by leaving out food and water. In both Perast and Kotor you’ll see bowls tucked under benches or outside shop doors.
Katie’s Top Tip: Let the cats come to you. They are very independent animals so you don’t want to scare them off by getting too close, too soon. If you pick a sunny spot and sit quietly you’ll soon be joined by one!
5. Visit St. Nicholas Church
Right in the heart of Perast, St. Nicholas Church is one of the town’s oldest and most significant landmarks.
And while the church itself is beautiful, the real gem is its 55m high bell tower, which offers incredible panoramic views over the Bay of Kotor – if you’re willing to climb it!
Inside, you’ll find beautiful décor to admire, a small museum of religious artefacts in the church sacristy, and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for quiet reflection.
It’s definitely not large, showy or grand like some other European churches, but it’s been watching over sailors for centuries. And I think that’s a place worth visiting!
Entry to the museum is around €1.
The bell tower is also open to visitors (entry is again around €1), and while the climb up the old stone steps is narrow and steep, the view from the top is well worth it! It’s a great way to get a bird’s eye view of Perast as it meets the beautiful Bay of Kotor.
Outside, the small square in front of the church is a lovely spot to sit, rest or people-watch.
Katie’s Top Tip: Bring cash for the bell tower and museum, and go early to beat the heat. But even if you skip the climb and museum, don’t miss the square – it’s one of the best little people-watching spots in Perast!
6. Enjoy Ice Cream by the Water
This isn’t just about the ice cream (though honestly, it is really good!) It’s about sitting at the edge of the water, watching boats bobbing in the harbour or sailing across the Bay of Kotor, with nowhere else you have to be.
Tiny Perast makes you slow down – and sitting by the water with my raspberry ice cream really highlighted that for me!
There are a few little gelaterias dotted along the promenade. (The spot I went to is just by the stone pier near the main square of St. Nicholas Church).
They do classic flavours like chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and citrus, but also a range of more regional options too.
This isn’t one of those things to do in Perast that can be scheduled. But when you’re in the mood to sit and relax, simply grab a scoop (or two – I won’t tell!), find a spot on the walls, and admire the bay.
Katie’s Top Tip: Especially if you’re travelling alone and feel a little awkward sitting by yourself at a café, this is the perfect low-pressure but still amazing alternative!
7. Explore the Perast Museum
Hidden inside the gorgeous, 17th-century Bujovic Palace, the Perast Museum is one of the most overlooked yet fascinating attractions in Perast.
Inside the Perast museum, you’ll find antique weapons, the town’s archives, portraits of famous seafarers and exhibits that tell the story of Perast’s maritime history.
The upper floor balcony also offers stunning views over the bay too, so don’t skip that!
The museum is small, so you only need about 30–45 minutes, and entrance costs just a few euros.
And it rarely gets too busy, either (like I said, the museum is often overlooked by tourists), so you’ll often have the exhibits to yourself – which makes it feel like a true hidden gem, especially in high season!
Katie’s Top Tip: Bring cash for entry and don’t miss the spectacular photo opportunities from the balcony upstairs!
8. Admire the Panoramic Bay Views
If you’re wondering is Perast worth visiting, let me say this: the views alone are worth the trip!
Whether you’re sitting on a wall overlooking the tiny harbour, climbing the bell tower of St Nicholas Church, or taking a boat across the bay to Our Lady of the Rocks, Perast has some of the most breath-taking views in all of Montenegro.
But what makes these views extra magical is that they don’t come with overwhelming tourist crowds, especially during the shoulder seasons. So you can take it all in without being jostled by fellow travellers or having to fight past selfie sticks!
The twin islands (Our Lady of the Rocks and St George), the mountains rising behind the bay and the brilliant blue of the water all combine into a scene that looks exactly like the postcards you’ll see of Perast – except it’s somehow even better to witness in real life.
The photos truly don’t do this town justice!
Some of the best spots for photos are from the church bell tower, the small harbour opposite the islets (marked on Google as “View of Perast Town”), and any of the quiet benches near the far end of the promenade, past the main square.
Katie’s Top Tip: Go for a sunrise walk if you’re staying overnight. The bay is completely still in the morning and you’ll get the golden light all to yourself because most people will only visit Perast for a day trip!
9. Relax on Perast’s Tiny Beach
Tucked at the far end of town, Perast’s tiny beach is easy to miss – but it’s the perfect place to enjoy a dip in the bay or sunbathe.
But quick caveat here, because the word “beach” could be misleading. If you have visions of spacious, golden sands or buzzing beach bars, you won’t find that here.
Instead, Perast beach (search for “Peskovita plaža Perast” to find it on Google Maps), is part sand, part small pebbles.
It’s also very small (a small strip of sand and an equally small concrete pier are your only seating options), and gets crowded very quickly in peak season.
But it’s still comfortable enough for sunbathing and the water is clear, calm and incredibly refreshing after a day of sightseeing!
At the other end of Perast town (marked on Google Maps as “Perast Beach”) is another small concrete pier where you can lay out a towel or take a dip in the water from the steps.
There aren’t any facilities on either “beach”, so bring water, snacks, sunscreen and a cover-up with you.
Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re visiting Perast in summer, time your beach time for early morning or late afternoon. The mid-day sun is intense and there’s not much shade.
10. Get Out On The Water
If there’s one thing I’d recommend to absolutely anyone visiting Perast, it’s to get out on the water.
A boat trip is 100% the best way to experience the beautiful natural landscape of the surrounding bay and it’s also one of the most memorable things to do in Perast.
You’ve got two great options to explore the water from Perast:
The first is a 2-hour small group boat tour that covers all the highlights of the Bay of Kotor – you’ll visit Our Lady of the Rocks, sail into an eerie former submarine tunnel from Yugoslav times, cruise by Mamula Island (an old fortified prison), and finish with a swim at the famous Blue Cave. And all of this with a live guide to share fascinating stories and local insights along the way!
Prefer something a little more luxury? A private boat tour from Perast gives you the exact same itinerary, but with your own skipper, free drinks, flexible timing and space to lounge in peace. The 3 hour trip is definitely not cheap but you will get a genuinely unforgettable experience. Plus, being on the water gives you the best angles for photos and a whole new appreciation for the beauty of the Bay of Kotor!
Katie’s Top Tip: Boat tours from Perast are popular but also limited and will sell out in advance (especially in peak season), so make sure you reserve your trip with plenty of time to spare.
So, is One Day in Perast Enough?
From this list of 10 magical things to do in Perast, you should already know that yes, one day in Perast is enough to have a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
But if you want to stay overnight, you will be rewarded further with peaceful sunrises and sunsets without the day-trippers. (This tiny Montenegrin town is definitely not the kind of place that needs a packed itinerary or endless sightseeing!)
Whether you’re climbing the bell tower of St Nicholas Church, sailing across to Our Lady of the Rocks, or just sitting on a wall with a scoop of gelato and a sleepy local cat for company, Perast gives you an experience you’ll never forget.
So if you were on the fence about whether or not to squeeze Perast into your Montenegro itinerary, I hope this post helped tip a visit to Perast in your favour.
Because it may be tiny but it’s also so full of magic and charm, just waiting to be explored!
What are you most looking forward to visiting during your trip to Perast? Let me know in the comments!
Read More About Travel To Montenegro:
- The 17 Best Things to Do in Budva for First-Time Visitors
- 10 Magical Things To Do in Perast, Montenegro in One Day
- Is Kotor Safe for Solo Female Travellers? My Honest Take
- Is Montenegro Safe for Solo Female Travellers? An Honest Guide
- How to Plan the Perfect Montenegro Day Trip from Dubrovnik
