Discovering Montenegro's Charming Seaside Village
Perast is a small, charming village located on the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. This small village is known for its well-preserved Venetian architecture and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and sea. Throughout the centuries, the town has been ruled by various powers, including the Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans, and has been a center of trade and commerce. If you're planning a trip to Montenegro, a day trip to Perast should definitely be on your itinerary.
Perast is just a short drive from Kotor, so it's easy to reach by car or bus. If you're driving, there's plenty of parking available near the village. If you're taking the bus, you can catch it from Kotor's main bus station, and the journey takes around 20 minutes. However, the perfect way to reach it is by boat - you can enjoy the coastal views while heading towards Perast. Here, we'll explore the best things to see and do in Perast.
1. Exploring Perast
First, what you should do in Perast is simply to explore the village. The narrow streets are lined with beautiful Venetian-style buildings, and there are plenty of small squares and courtyards to discover. Make sure you take a stroll down the main promenade, which offers stunning views of the bay and the surrounding mountains. Don’t miss some local shops where you can buy souvenirs and presents for you and the people you love.
2. Visit Our Lady of the Rocks
Our Lady of the Rocks is a small island just off the coast of Perast. Legend has it that the island was created by local fishermen who laid rocks in the sea over several centuries. Today, the island is home to a beautiful church and a museum, which tells the story of the island's creation. You can take a short boat trip from Perast to the island, which takes around 5-10 minutes. Or if you come by boat you may visit it before coming to Perast.
3. Climb the bell tower of St. Nicholas' Church
St. Nicholas' Church is the main church in Perast, and it's located in the center of the village. It dates back to the 17th century and is considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in the region. The church's bell tower offers stunning views of the bay and the surrounding mountains, and it's definitely worth the climb. The tower has 55 steps, but the view from the top is worth the effort. Inside the church, you can admire the stunning frescoes and baroque altar, which is decorated with gold leaf and intricate carvings. It also houses a collection of religious artifacts, including icons and relics.
4. Visit the Bujovic Palace Museum
The Bujovic Palace is a beautiful 17th-century palace in the center of Perast. Today, the palace is home to a small museum, which tells the story of Perast's maritime history. The museum has a collection of artifacts, including maps, paintings, and ship models. One of the interesting exhibits in the museum is a collection of weapons used by the Montenegrin army during the Balkan Wars of the early 20th century. It includes rifles, pistols, swords, and other weapons that were used during this period of Montenegrin History. Visitors can take a guided tour and learn about it.
5. Take a swim in the bay
There is a small beach at the edge of Perast with a small cafe. It’s a perfect spot for having a cup of coffee and enjoying the sun, swimming as well. Besides, there is a range of restaurants and cafes to choose from, serving delicious local cuisine. If you're looking for a traditional seafood restaurant, try Konoba Školji, located on the main promenade. If you're looking for a coffee or a cocktail, try Cafe Armonia, located in the center of the village.
Thus, a day trip to Perast is a must-do when visiting Montenegro. This charming village is full of history, culture, and stunning views, and it's the perfect place to relax and soak up the beauty of the Bay of Kotor. We are sure it will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.