10 Best Things to Do in Perast, Montenegro

Perast is a tiny town in Montenegro that almost doesn’t feel real. It sits right on the Bay of Kotor, with mountains rising up behind it and these calm, glassy waters in front.

I’ve been here a couple of times now while traveling around Montenegro, and it’s easily one of my favorite spots in the area. It’s small, quiet, and feels completely different from somewhere like Kotor.

If you’re staying in Kotor for more than a day, I’d definitely recommend making the trip over. You can spend an afternoon walking along the waterfront, having lunch with a view, and then just relaxing by the water. One of my favorite spots is Pirate Bar, where you can grab a drink, lie on a sun lounger, and jump straight into the bay. (Just remember to bring your bathing suit if you want to have a swim. )

This guide covers how to get to Perast, what to do, where to eat, and where to stay so you can plan your visit properly.

How to Get to Perast

Getting to Perast is pretty straightforward, especially if you’re already staying in Kotor.

The closest airport is Tivat, which is about a 30-minute drive away. From there, you can grab a taxi or rent a car if you’re planning to explore more of Montenegro.

If you’re coming from Kotor, it’s only about 12 km along the bay. You can take a local bus, which runs regularly and takes around 30 minutes, or just hop in a taxi.

If you want to make the journey part of the experience, you can also take a boat across the bay. It’s a really nice way to arrive and gives you a completely different perspective of the coastline.

If you’re driving, there are parking areas just outside the town along the main road. Perast itself is mostly car-free, which is part of what makes it feel so peaceful.

A Brief History of Perast

Perast might be small, but it has a surprisingly fascinating history.

The town dates back to ancient times, with early settlements in the area going all the way back to the Illyrians and later the Romans. Over the years, it was influenced by different empires, including the Byzantines and the Venetians, which is why the architecture feels a bit Italian in places.

The town really flourished during the Venetian period (1420 to 1797), when it became an important maritime center, safeguarding Venetian interests against Ottoman attacks. Wealthy sea captains built grand stone palaces, many of which are still standing today.

After the fall of the Venetian Republic, Perast had many rulers: the French, the Austrian, and the Yugoslav, who each left respective impacts on the town.

Even though Perast is much quieter now, you can still see traces of that past everywhere, from the churches to the waterfront buildings. It feels a bit like an open-air museum, just without the crowds.

• Planning a visit to Kotor? Here are the best things to do in Kotor.
• Don’t miss a boat trip to Our Lady of The Rocks.
• Budva is also worth visiting, check out these things to do and the best beaches in Budva.
• All my Montenegro blog posts in one place in my Montenegro travel guide.

Things to do in Perast

Perast is a small town, so it can easily be explored in a morning or afternoon. But there’s still a few things to see:

Enjoy the Scenic Walks

One of the best things to do in Perast is honestly just walk around.

The whole town stretches along the waterfront, so you can follow the promenade with views across the bay the entire way. It’s not long, maybe around 1.5 km, but that’s kind of the point.

Take your time with it. Stop for a drink, sit by the water, or just wander through the side streets. There’s no rush here, and that’s what makes it so enjoyable.

Explore the Palaces of Perast

Perast is known for its stone palaces, which were built by wealthy sea captains during its maritime peak.

There are around 18 still standing today, and while you can’t go inside most of them, they’re still worth seeing from the outside.

A few to look out for:

• Bujović Palace – probably the most impressive one, and it now houses the town museum
• Zmajević Palace – a beautiful example of Baroque architecture with a garden
• Balović Palace – one of the oldest in town, dating back to the 16th century
• Smekija Palace – close to the sea, this one is easy to spot thanks to its distinctive red façade

You’ll come across them naturally as you walk through town, so there’s no need to plan it too much.

Though entry to some palaces may be limited due to private ownership or ongoing conservation efforts, the exteriors themselves are worth admiring.

Visit the Perast Museum (Muzej Grada Perasta)

The Perast Museum is located inside Bujović Palace, which is one of the most impressive buildings in town, so it’s worth stepping inside just for that.

Inside, you’ll find a mix of artifacts that give you a better sense of Perast’s history as a maritime town. There are old maps, ship models, documents, and a few personal items from the days when this place was much more active and connected to the sea.

One of the more interesting parts is the display of old sailing tools and equipment. It gives you a bit more context on how important seafaring was here and how skilled the local sailors were.

It’s not a huge museum, so you don’t need loads of time, but it’s a good stop if you want a bit more background beyond just walking around the town.

It’s open from 9 am to 5 pm, and entry is only a few euros, so it’s an easy one to add in if you’re already exploring Perast.

Take a Boat to Our Lady of the Rocks

One of the main things to do in Perast is visit Our Lady of the Rocks, a small man-made island just off the coast.

According to local legend, sailors created the island by dropping rocks into the sea after returning safely from voyages. It’s something that’s still celebrated today with an annual event called Fasinada. Every July 22, locals row out to the islet at sunset and throw rocks into the sea, expanding the surface of the island.

You can take a short boat ride from Perast to get there, and it only takes a few minutes.

There’s a Roman Catholic church on the island along with a small museum, and while it doesn’t take long to explore, the setting itself is what makes it worth it. As you sail across the bay, amidst the ethereal vista of azure sea and towering mountains, you’ll be amazed at the serenity of this beautiful place.

Explore St. Nikola Church

Any trip to Perast is incomplete without climbing up the 55-meter bell tower of St. Nikola Church, offering a 360-degree view of the bay and the surrounding mountain range.

St. Nicholas Church is one of the most important religious buildings in Perast and is located on a small hill above the town. It was built in 1616 and is still used for religious services today. The church has a beautiful interior with frescoes by famous Montenegrin painter Marko Gregorovic.

Relax on Peskovita Plaža Beach

Perast has one small pebbly beach, Peskovita Plaža Beach. Tucked away along the picturesque shoreline, this beach provides the perfect location to unwind and soak in the idyllic atmosphere of the bay.

Since the beach is tiny (with room for about 10-12 people), it’s often packed full in the summer months. If there’s enough space, lay your towel down and go for a swim in the calm waters of the bay. If not, I’d suggest you go grab a drink at Pirate Bar, which has a bathing platform and sun chairs.

Have a Drink at Pirate Bar

Pirate Bar is one of my favorite spots in Perast.

This bar sits right on the water with sunbeds and a small platform where you can jump straight into the bay. On a hot day, it’s the perfect place to cool off.

It can get busy in summer, but the atmosphere is relaxed, and it’s a great place to spend a few hours with a drink and a view.

Savor Perast’s Dessert – The Peraška Torta

Peraška torta is one of those local desserts that’s worth trying while you’re here, especially if you like anything almond-based.

It’s a traditional cake made with thin layers and a rich filling, usually combining almonds, chocolate, and a splash of rum. The texture is quite dense rather than light and fluffy, and it leans on the sweeter side.

Recipes vary slightly depending on where you order it, but the overall flavor stays pretty consistent. It’s also not something you’ll see everywhere else in Montenegro, which makes it feel a bit more specific to Perast.

If you’re having lunch by the water, it’s a good one to order at the end with a coffee.

Dine in One of the Waterfront Restaurants

Perast has plenty of waterfront restaurants where you can dine Al Fresco, enjoy a nice lunch and soak in the views. Here are a few of the best restaurants in Perast to eat at:

Conte Restaurant: Conte is one of the main waterfront spots in Perast and sits right along the promenade with views across the bay. The menu leans toward seafood and Mediterranean dishes, with things like grilled fish, pasta, and risotto being popular choices. It’s a bit more polished than some of the other places in town, so it works well if you’re after a nicer lunch or dinner with a view.

Konoba Otok Bronza: This is a smaller, family-run spot with a terrace right by the water. The focus is on simple, traditional Montenegrin food made with fresh ingredients, and it has a more local, laid-back feel compared to some of the busier restaurants. It’s a good option if you want something a bit quieter and less touristy.

Konoba Skolji: Konoba Školji has one of the best viewpoints in Perast, looking directly out toward Our Lady of the Rocks. Seafood is the main focus here, with grilled fish and local dishes making up most of the menu. It’s a great place to sit for a while, especially around sunset when the light over the bay is really nice.

Pirate Bar: Pirate Bar is more about the setting than the food, but it’s still one of the best places to hang out by the water. There’s a swimming platform, sunbeds, and a relaxed setup where you can order drinks and light snacks. It’s ideal for a casual stop during the day or somewhere to cool off after walking around.

Pizzeria Armonia: If you’re in the mood for something simple, Pizzeria Armonia is a solid choice. They do wood-fired pizzas along with a few pasta dishes, and it’s a good option if you want a break from seafood. The atmosphere is relaxed and easy, making it a good stop for a casual meal.

Cafe Admiral: Cafe Admiral sits right on the waterfront and is a nice option for something lighter. You’ll find salads, sandwiches, and a few local dishes on the menu, and it works well for breakfast or a quick lunch. The location is the main draw, especially if you just want to sit with a coffee and take in the view.

Dine at Stari Milni

Not technically located in Perast, but just a short 5 minute drive or boat ride away, is Stari Milni. This is my favorite restaurant in the whole of Montenegro! I’ve eaten here twice now and would go back again in a heartbeat.

What makes it stand out is the fairytale setting. It’s built inside a restored old water mill that dates back to the 17th century, right where the Ljuta River meets the bay. You’re surrounded by greenery, flowing water, and stone buildings, so it feels completely different from the usual waterfront restaurants.

The menu focuses on fresh, local ingredients, especially seafood from the Adriatic. Things like grilled fish, octopus, and traditional Montenegrin dishes are the highlights, and everything leans toward simple but well done. 

One of the coolest parts is that you can actually arrive by boat, since the restaurant has its own jetty.

Where to Stay

Best Accommodations and Hotels in Perast

Perast is pretty small, so there aren’t loads of accommodation options, but what’s there is generally really nice. Most places are either boutique hotels or apartments in old stone buildings right by the water.

Here are a few good options depending on your budget:

Hotel Per Astra: This is one of the more upscale stays in Perast, set slightly above the town so you get a clear view over the bay. It’s quieter up here, with modern rooms and a small pool, so it feels a bit more tucked away from the main waterfront.

Hotel Conte: Right in the center of Perast on the waterfront, so you’re steps from restaurants, the promenade, and boat trips. Some rooms look straight out over the bay, and there’s a restaurant downstairs which makes it an easy place to base yourself.

Villa Perast Boutique Hotel: Set inside a restored historic building, so it has that classic stone exterior but updated interiors. Rooms face the bay and it has a bit more character compared to standard hotels.

Apartments Admiral: These are set in a traditional stone house and come with a bit more space, including a kitchen and living area. You’re still right by the water, but it feels a bit more like staying in your own place.

B&B Montenegro-Adria: A smaller, family-run place with simple rooms and views over the bay. Nothing over the top, but comfortable and in a good location.

How Long Should You Spend in Perast?

The town of Perast can easily be explored in a morning or an afternoon since it’s only small and you won’t find tons of attraction here. But since the place is so incredibly relaxing, I’d plan to spend a day here eating lunch, wandering around and laying in the sun at Pirate Bar. If you plan to visit Our Lady of The Rocks on a boat trip you’ll definitely want to reserve a whole day for Perast.

You could also spend the night here so you can enjoy the amazing sunsets, have a nice dinner and relax. Cruise ships can’t dock in Perast, so you won’t find it overrun with cruise passengers, only day-trippers. Therefore Perast makes for a nice alternative to staying in Kotor!

A Final Word

Perast is one of those places where you don’t really need a plan. The town is small and easy to explore, so the best way to enjoy it is just to slow down for a bit.

Whether you’re stopping by for a few hours or spending the night, it’s well worth adding to your Montenegro itinerary.