Where time stands still in Perast, Montenegro

I think that tiny Montenegro is a wonderful holiday destination. Once part of Yugoslavia, then Serbia-Montenegro, this Balkan country gained independence with a referendum in 2006. 

Although the entire country is less than 14,000 square kilometers, with a  population of just over 600,000 people, its borders contain incredibly diverse landscapes:  stunning coastline and an unspoiled, wild interior, ideal for hikers, rafters, walkers and other sports enthusiasts.

Much of the coast has been overdeveloped, but I still love the perfect little seaside town of  Perast. This lovely little Adriatic town on the Boka kotorska (Gulf of Kotor) is an idyllic base for a relaxing seaside holiday.

This tiny Venetian town is dramatically situated on the edge of an Adriatic fjord, surrounded by imposing, rugged mountains on all sides. Swimming in the warm waters with this dramatic backdrop is a highlight of any visit to Perast.

The architecture is lovely and time seems to have stood still in this little Adriatic outpost, once an important maritime power and the home to brave sailors who fought as part of the Venetian Empire (1420-1797) against the Ottomans. Perast’s small history museum is housed in the grand Venetian Bujović Palace and its small collection traces the rise of Perast’s power.

 The town has a small beach in an idyllic point, just in front of two lovely island churches. One of the churches, Our Lady of the Rock,  built in 1630 on an artificial island that is said to have been constructed at the site of a shipwreck, can be visited by frequent boats departing from Perast. It also houses a small, but interesting museum.

The 17th century St Nicholas’ church, on the main town square, has a dramatic belfry visble from all over town. Visitors can climb to the top and the vantage point offers dramatic and breathtaking views over the town and the fjord below.

Perast is also an ideal base for exploring other towns in the Boka region – beautiful Kotor  is just 12 kilometers away – or other areas of Montenegro or nearby Dubrovnik, Croatia. You’re sure to enjoy your time in this idyllic corner of Montenegro.

3 Comments

  1. […] already written about Perast, my favorite Montenegrin seaside town. But the tiny Balkan country of Montenegro has much to offer […]

  2. […] a look at my other Montenegrin travel tips for the coastal town of Perast and the rugged beauty of the Durmitor National Park. Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:LikeBe […]

  3. […] look at some of my earlier posts on places to visit in Montenegro, including the seaside town of Perast, the Durmitor National Park and the Balkans’  largest lake, Skadarsko […]

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