Perast

Picturesque view of the historic town of Perast along the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro.
Sabina Kallari, Pexels

Perast is a tranquil coastal village nestled in the Bay of Kotor, renowned for its remarkably preserved Baroque architecture, rich maritime history, and breathtaking natural scenery. It offers a serene escape, inviting visitors to explore historic palaces and churches, and embark on boat trips to the iconic artificial island of Our Lady of the Rocks.

Perast maintains a generally peaceful atmosphere, especially in the evenings after day visitors depart, and does not feature a bustling nightlife or a prominent area for extensive socializing with other backpackers. While there are waterfront restaurants and a Pirate Bar for drinks during the summer, opportunities for vibrant social interaction are limited compared to larger towns.

Top 6 Things to do in Perast

Activities in Perast primarily revolve around historical exploration, scenic boat trips on the bay, and embracing the village's peaceful coastal ambiance.

1. Boat Trip to Our Lady of the Rocks

Embarking on a short boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks is an essential Perast experience. This artificial island, created over centuries, houses a beautiful Catholic church and a small museum. The church's interior is adorned with frescoes by Tripo Kokolja and a notable collection of 68 paintings. The museum showcases archaeological finds and sacred relics, offering insights into Perast's maritime history. It is recommended to bring a shawl to cover legs and shoulders when entering the church. Visit early morning to avoid crowds.

Cost: A return boat ticket from Perast typically costs €5-€10 per person. The entrance fee for the church and museum on Our Lady of the Rocks is €2, which often includes a guided tour.

Transport: Small boats and water taxis depart frequently from Perast's waterfront, which is centrally located and walkable from any point in the village.

2. Climb St. Nicholas Church Bell Tower

Ascending the 55-meter Baroque bell tower of St. Nicholas Church offers unparalleled panoramic views of Perast, its terracotta rooftops, the shimmering Bay of Kotor, and the iconic islets. The climb involves narrow, steep stairs, and children under 15 are generally not permitted for safety reasons. The church itself, dating back to 1691, is a significant historical landmark, even though it remains unfinished. Its treasury contains embroidered vestments and relics.

Cost: The admission fee to climb the bell tower is typically €1. Visiting the church is free, while the adjoining museum has an admission fee of €2.

Transport: St. Nicholas Church is located in the main square of Perast, easily accessible on foot from anywhere in the village.

3. Wander the Perast Waterfront and Explore Baroque Palaces

Strolling along Perast's waterfront promenade allows visitors to immerse themselves in the village's remarkably preserved Baroque architecture. The town boasts 17 Baroque palaces and 19 churches, many dating from the 17th and 18th centuries when Perast was a prosperous Venetian hub. Exploring the narrow side streets reveals charming details and a sense of a town 'frozen in time.' Notable structures include Bujović Palace (housing the Perast Museum) and Smekja Palace. This is a relaxing way to absorb the local culture and admire the elegant stone buildings interspersed with palm trees and vibrant bougainvillea.

Cost: Free to explore.

Transport: Perast is a small village, and its waterfront and streets are entirely walkable.

4. Visit the Perast Museum (Bujović Palace)

Housed within the 17th-century Bujović Palace, the Perast Museum offers a deep dive into the town's rich maritime history. The museum's collection features photographs, model ships, and various artifacts that illustrate Perast's past as a powerful naval center and home to one of the world's best sailing schools. The palace itself is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture, and its upper balcony provides a perfect panorama of the waterfront.

Cost: The individual admission fee for the Perast Museum is €8.

Transport: The museum is located at the top of the promenade in the Bujović Palace, easily reachable on foot within Perast.

5. Relax at Perast Beach or Pirate Bar

For those seeking relaxation, Perast offers small beach areas where one can unwind and swim in the clear waters of the Bay of Kotor. The Pirate Bar is a popular spot on the waterfront, providing sunbathing areas and a place to enjoy drinks with views. The tranquil waters of the bay are ideal for a refreshing dip, especially during warmer months.

Cost: Access to beach areas is generally free. Drinks and food at establishments like Pirate Bar would be an additional cost.

Transport: Beach areas and the Pirate Bar are located along the walkable waterfront of Perast.

6. Hiking to Panoramic Viewpoints

For more active visitors, gentle hikes around Perast lead to elevated viewpoints offering spectacular vistas of the Bay of Kotor and the village below. One such path leads up to the Old Catholic Monastery, providing a broad panorama. Another option involves following stairs from Saint Nicholas Church up towards the highway, where views are also rewarding. For a more adventurous experience, guided hikes to locations like St. Andrija fortress, starting a 30-minute drive away, offer breathtaking views overlooking the Bay of Kotor, Mount Vrmac, and the Verige Strait.

Cost: Hiking within Perast's immediate vicinity is free. Guided hikes (e.g., to St. Andrija fortress) would incur tour costs, which can vary. A 5-hour private hike to St. Andrija is rated easy to moderate.

Transport: Viewpoints within Perast are accessible by walking up local staircases and roads. For more distant hikes like St. Andrija fortress, a car or taxi transfer to the trailhead is necessary.

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