Santa Boka Perast

Perast, Boka & Beyond: A Journey Within

Experience

Perast, Boka & Beyond

There are places that invite you to see — and there are those that invite you to feel. Perast belongs to the latter. A quiet town nestled between mountains and sea, where each stone holds a story and each wave carries a whisper from centuries past.

This is not just a destination.

It’s an atmosphere.

A slower rhythm.

A return to self.

Experience

Living with the Sea and Stone

Here, mornings unfold with church bells and the soft lapping of the bay. The Church of St. Nicholas (Sveti Nikola) dominates Perast’s skyline. You can explore the chapel and climb the bell tower where panoramic view from the top is truly unforgettable. You can breathe Perast, not just move.

Another church worth photographing is the Church of St. John the Baptist, which is closed to visitors but is a pretty little building, sandwiched between two taller ones.

Experience

Sail into legend

There are two tiny islands in the Bay of Kotor, each topped with a chapel, just off the shore from Perast. One is called Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks); the other is Sveti Đorđe (St. George). While St. George is off-limits to visitors, boats from Perast visit Our Lady of the Rocks all day.

One of the most cherished stories in Perast begins with a miracle at sea. According to legend, on July 22, 1452, two fishermen discovered an icon of the Virgin Mary resting on a reef. Believing it to be a divine sign, they vowed to return with a stone every evening to build an island in her honor.

Over centuries, the townspeople of Perast joined in, dropping rocks and even sinking old ships to form what is now the artificial island of Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Škrpjela). Today, every July 22nd, locals still take to their boats at sunset, tossing stones into the sea during the traditional celebration called Fašinada.

This island, its beautiful church, and the story behind it remain the beating heart of Perast — a symbol of hope, unity, and unwavering belief.

Experience

Wander Through History: Smekja & Bujović Palaces

Perast is home to stunning 17th and 18th-century architecture. Don’t miss Smekja Palace and the Bujović Palace, two iconic baroque landmarks that reflect the town’s wealthy maritime past. Bujović Palace now houses the town’s museum.

Swim from ancient piers, or find a private spot on the rocks — no beaches, just honesty.

Join tradition: festivals, processions, music echoing through marble and olive trees.

Experience

Calendar

May 1

Adornment of Mage. In this festival welcoming the summer season, Perast locals set up a tree on the main square at 7:00 AM and adorn it with bottles of wine and Comorans bread before marching together down the street.

May 15

Shooting the Kokot (rooster). This festival celebrates victory over the Turks by placing a rooster on a piece of wood 300 meters from shore; men compete to shoot it. This is, understandably, a controversial event and there’s a movement by animal rights activists to ban it in the future.

Last week of June

Perast Music Festival. This event features three nights of traditional folk singing performances. Music groups from all over the Balkans attend.

July 22

Fašinada. Perast locals fill their small wooden boats with stones and set off to Our Lady of the Rocks. After circling the island, they throw their stones into the water, just as fishermen did centuries ago.

Last week of July

Forteca International Film Festival. This festival features free screenings of films on St. Nikola Square.

Perast may be small, but its heart is vast — full of stories carved in stone and whispered through the wind.

Experience

Echoes of Stone & Sea

KOTOR Just 12 kilometers from Perast, Kotor is a town sculpted by centuries — a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled between the mountains and the sea. Whether you’re drawn by history, adventure, or quiet beauty, Kotor offers an experience that lingers.

Explore the Old Town

Lose yourself in a maze of narrow streets, tucked-away squares, and Venetian-era architecture. Discover hidden churches, artisan shops, and stone cafés where time feels suspended.

Climb the Fortress of San Giovanni

For those willing to take on the 1350 steps, the reward is beyond breathtaking — panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor that stretch from sea to sky. A sunrise hike here is an unforgettable ritual.

Along the City Walls

Unlike anywhere else on the Adriatic, Kotor’s walls are part mountain, part myth — wrapping around the city like a stone embrace.

Visit the Cathedrals & Museums

St. Tryphon’s Cathedral stands proudly at the heart of town, while the Maritime Museum tells the story of Kotor’s seafaring soul. Every building is part of a living museum.

Experience Local Life

Markets bloom with fresh produce and handmade goods, and every square hosts moments of music, con- versation, or stillness. Grab a glass of local wine or rakija and simply watch the world go by.

Evenings in Kotor

As night falls, the town glows with a warm amber hue. Soft lights, quiet music, and reflections on the water create a dreamlike atmosphere. It’s a place that doesn’t shout — it sings.

RISAN

Just a short drive away, the town of Risan is home to ancient Roman mosaics, including one of the god Hypnos — the only known depiction of him in this form.

Sail into the sea

Blue Cave – Day adventure with swimming & sea tunnels

Experience

Action mode

While Perast may be known for its calm waters and baroque beauty, it also offers incredible opportunities for those seeking an active holiday. Whether you’re a passionate hiker or a casual cyclist, the surrounding hills, coastal paths, and mountain trails invite you to explore a different side of Montenegro — wild, untouched, and breathtakingly beautiful. Step off the beaten path and into nature. Just beyond the stone facades and quiet promenades lie pine-covered hills, panoramic viewpoints, and routes that lead through ancient ruins, hidden chapels, and sweeping views of the Bay of Kotor.

There is a carefully curated hiking and biking routes to suit all levels — from leisurely rides along the bay to more challenging climbs that reward you with unforgettable vistas. All tours begin right here in Perast, with detailed directions and local insights to guide your way.

Experience

One more step further

In a single day, you can stand barefoot in the sand and hike through alpine silence. Mountains, lakes & hikes for nature lovers

Durmitor National Park

Rugged peaks, glacial lakes, and sky that stretches forever.

Lovćen

Where Montenegro finds its soul — Njegoš’s mausoleum and views that erase boundar- ies.

Lake Skadar

The largest lake in the Balkans, home to wine, wild birds, and winding serenity.

Tara River Canyon

Europe’s deepest — raft its waters or stand in awe from the bridge above.

Authentic villages

Katuns of the north, olive groves of the south, and people whose stories you’ll never forget.

Put on your shoes.

Hop on the bike.

Let the adventure begin.