Part of our Kotor travel guide — explore all our Kotor posts.
Perched precariously on the steep cliffs of Mt. Lovćen, the Kotor Fortress (also known as the Castle of San Giovanni) keeps watch over the fjord-like Bay of Kotor. This medieval fortification system, built by the Byzantines and later expanded by the Venetians, is a dramatic highlight of Montenegro's coast. Climbing the fortress is an essential challenge for any summer visitor, offering a legendary, sweat-inducing ascent that rewards you with some of the most spectacular panoramas in all of Southern Europe.
Step-by-Step Guide to Climbing Kotor Fortress
Start your climb as early as possible to beat the intense Montenegrin summer heat. Begin the ascent from the main trail entrance near the River Gate in Kotor's Old Town.
Your first major milestone is the Church of Our Lady of Remedy, a quaint 15th-century chapel sitting at an altitude of 100 meters. Stop here to catch your breath, sip some water, and take in the first clear view of the terracotta roofs of the Old Town below.
Continue up the winding, rocky switchbacks, keeping an eye out for local mountain goats that graze along the ancient ruins. Finally, conquer the last flight of steep stone steps to reach the Castle of San Giovanni at 280 meters, where the breathtaking sweep of the entire bay unfolds before you.
The Experience
The climb is a multisensory experience defined by the crunch of loose gravel underfoot, the smell of sun-warmed wild rosemary, and the cool relief of the occasional mountain breeze. As you ascend, the bustling sounds of the harbor fade away, replaced by the deep tolling of the Old Town's church bells and the vast silence of the surrounding grey karst cliffs.
Nearby Pairings
After your descent, relax with a cold drink in the shady squares of Kotor Old Town. Later, take a short drive to the neighboring historic town of Perast to admire its elegant Baroque palaces. You can also hire a boat to the iconic Church of Our Lady of the Rocks, located on an islet in the middle of the bay.
How to Visit Smoothly
The fortress trail is open year-round, but during the summer season (May to October), an entry fee of 8 EUR is collected at the gates between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM. To avoid the heat and cruise ship crowds, start your climb by 6:30 AM. Sturdy athletic shoes are absolutely mandatory—do not attempt this steep, uneven climb in sandals.
Photo Notes
The classic shot of the bay is best taken from just above the Church of Our Lady of Remedy, using the church's stone bell tower to frame the winding blue waters of the bay. Early morning light provides a soft, atmospheric glow, whereas late afternoon light bathes the entire fjord in rich, golden summer hues.
Quick FAQ
Q: How many steps are there to the top of Kotor Fortress?
A: There are approximately 1,350 stone steps leading from the base of Kotor's Old Town to the summit of the San Giovanni Castle.
Q: How long does the climb up the fortress take?
A: Depending on your fitness level and how often you stop to take photos, the round-trip hike typically takes between 1.5 to 2 hours.
Q: Can you climb the Kotor Fortress for free?
A: If you enter the trail before 8:00 AM or after 8:00 PM in the summer, there is usually no ticket collector at the gate, allowing free entry.
Q: Is there water available to purchase along the trail?
A: Local vendors often sell cold water bottles from coolers along the path, but prices are high, so it is highly recommended to bring at least 1.5 liters of your own water.