Best Hikes in Kotor: Where Ancient Trails Meet Adriatic Views

Discover Montenegro's wild side. Step beyond Kotor's city walls and into a world of rugged limestone peaks, remote forests, and ancient fortresses. Whether you're chasing sunrise views or highland solitude, the real magic happens when you put on your hiking boots and venture into the dramatic landscapes that surround this ancient maritime city.

This guide covers the three best hiking trails around Kotor, from scenic ridge walks to wilderness adventures in Lovćen National Park. Each trail includes details, logistics and insider tips to help you make the most of your mountain adventure.

Note: You might notice I haven't included the famous Ladder of Kotor (San Giovanni Fortress trail) in this guide. While popular, I prefer natural mountain trails that offer genuine wilderness experiences, and for me it's not enjoyable to hike up and down hundreds of stone steps when surrounded by big groups of tourists.

The Vrmac Ridge follows the peninsula separating Kotor Bay from Tivat Bay, offering unforgettable views on both sides.

This is an out-and-back hike with a mix of stunning coastal panoramas and historic interest.

The ridge is just a short drive from Kotor, but if you're without transport and feeling energetic, you can also hike up from Muo, directly to the ridge.

The trailhead is situated beside a small local farm that sells homemade products, and there are often pigs and other animals running around.

Most of the route follows a well-built Austro-Hungarian military road, offering a solid and comfortable surface underfoot.

Relics of the Austro-Hungarian era dot the route, and the views from Sveti Ilija (766 m) are breathtaking.

Pro Tip: Bring a headlamp to explore nearby tunnels, and the rooms within Fort Vrmac. The fortress was built to defend against potential naval attacks and contains a fascinating network of underground passages.

Perched on the northern edge of Lovćen National Park, the Pestingrad Summit Trail offers one of the most striking viewpoints in all of Montenegro. The route combines rugged Dinaric scenery, a touch of adventure, and wide-open panoramas stretching from Kotor Bay all the way to the Adriatic Sea.

The hike starts from Etno Selo Sveti Georgije, a charming mountain hamlet with a small restaurant and accommodation. The trail begins opposite the parking area and follows a rough 4x4 track past a few shepherd cottages before narrowing into a rocky mountain path.

As you climb higher, the views quickly open up across the bay, with Kotor's old town visible far below. The final approach to Pestingrad involves a short section with a fixed rope and light scrambling. It's somewhat exposed, so if you're not comfortable with heights - or if the rock is wet - this hike might not be suitable.

Pro Tip: Bring an extra layer, as the summit is often breezy even when the lower slopes are calm.

The Babina Glava Trail leads deep into the heart of Lovćen National Park, through pristine mountain terrain, ancient beech forests, and quiet ridgelines with breathtaking views of the Dinaric Alps.

Locally known as the "Wolf Trail" (Vučija staza), the name reflects the untamed character of these mountains and the presence of wolves in the wider Lovćen ecosystem. While you're unlikely to see wolves themselves, early morning hikers sometimes spot deer, wild boar, or fresh animal tracks along the path - subtle reminders of the park's thriving wildlife.

The trail climbs gradually from the forest into open highland meadows before reaching Babina Glava Peak, where sweeping views stretch from the Adriatic coast to the inland ranges.

Pro Tip: Bring plenty of water - there are no natural springs along the way. In early morning or late-day light, the summit's rocky ridges glow gold and the forests below turn deep green - a perfect time for photos.