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Beaches in Kotor

Good to Know

  • Beaches are split into free public zones (arrive early in summer) and paid private sections with loungers. Sunbed rental for a pair costs €20–€25 in the bay area; outside the bay at Oblatno Beach, premium beach clubs charge €15–€45 for main courses.
  • Water in Kotor Bay is calm and protected but can be less clear near the cruise ship port and in central Kotor Beach; Bajova Kula, Plavi Horizonti, and other bay beaches have consistently clear water.
  • Most beaches are pebbly; bring water shoes. Sandy alternatives exist at Morinj and Plavi Horizonti but are further out and require car access.
  • Private beach lounger rentals and beachside restaurants are fully operational May–September; after September they typically close, leaving only free public beach access.
  • Best visiting window for families is May, June, and September (warm water, no peak July–August crowds, private amenities still open).
  • Parking is free at some beaches (Kotor Natural Beach) but costs €2–€5 at others; plan accordingly if driving.
  • Water temperatures are ideal in summer (26–28°C (82°F) / 79–82°F); Morinj Beach water is slightly cooler year-round.
  • Restaurants and beach bars offer informal dining; beachside cafes serve ćevapi, fries, and snacks affordably; higher-end beach clubs charge €15–€45 for main courses.

Beaches

  • Kotor Beach (Plaža Kotor)
    Type
    family/quiet
    Location
    15-minute walk north of Old Town, Dobrota neighborhood
    Lounger Rental Cost
    €25
    Note
    Best to arrive before 10 AM in summer; July and August are peak crowds. Water clarity can fluctuate with cruise ship traffic.
    Description
    Small pebbly beach closest to the town center with calm, clear waters. Popular but crowded in peak summer. Free public sections available but limited space; private lounger rental available.

    Amenities

    • Free public beach areas
    • Sun lounger rental (€25 per pair with umbrella)
    • Beach bars and restaurants
    • Showers and changing rooms
    • Roped-off children's swimming area at southern end
  • Plavi Horizonti (Blue Horizons)
    Type
    family
    Location
    20-25 minutes drive from Kotor center (near Radovici, ~15km away)
    Parking Cost
    €5.00
    Lounger Rental Cost
    €20
    Note
    Very shallow water prone to algae in summer due to low depth. Family-friendly; arrive early (9 AM) in peak season for free space. Requires car access.
    Description
    Large sandy beach with shallow, warm waters and gentle slope. Ideal for families with children. Surrounded by dense vegetation and pine forests in a horseshoe-shaped cove.

    Amenities

    • Sun lounger and umbrella rental (€20 per pair)
    • Restaurants with meals €8-15
    • Showers and toilets
    • Parking (€5 per day)
    • Sports facilities
  • Bajova Kula
    Type
    quiet
    Location
    15 minutes drive from Kotor, between Kotor and Perast
    Note
    Quieter alternative to Kotor Beach. Good for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxation.
    Description
    Small pebbly beach embedded in dense laurel and Mediterranean vegetation. Serene atmosphere with scenic bay views and minimal crowds compared to central beaches.

    Amenities

    • Beach bar with drinks, snacks, and light meals
    • Sun lounger and umbrella rental available
    • Water sports (snorkeling available)
    • Scenic terraces
  • Morinj Beach (Morinjska Plaža)
    Type
    family
    Location
    30 minutes drive north from Kotor
    Parking Cost
    €2.00
    Note
    Family-friendly with shallow approach. Water slightly cooler but refreshing. Good alternative for those seeking sandy shores.
    Description
    Rare sandy beach in the bay area with expansive shores and gentle water entry. Cooler water temperatures provide refreshment on hot days. Free parking across street.

    Amenities

    • Restaurants and cafes nearby
    • Parking (€2 per day)
    • Free beach access
    • Gentle slope into water
  • Kotor Natural Beach
    Type
    quiet
    Location
    Southern end of Kotor, accessible from Old Town
    Note
    True quiet retreat with no commercial development. Bring your own towel. No loungers or umbrellas for rent.
    Description
    Unspoiled, free pebble beach with natural surroundings. Quieter and less developed than central Kotor Beach. Surrounded by lush greenery and historic ruins.

    Amenities

    • Completely free (no loungers)
    • Two small nearby cafes
    • Free parking
    • Historical ruins of Fjord Hotel nearby
  • Orahovac Beach
    Type
    quiet
    Location
    8 kilometers from Old Town
    Note
    Good price-to-value for beach clubs. Less crowded alternative to main beach.
    Description
    Pebbly beach near the village of Orahovac, less busy than central beaches. Located on the sunny side of the bay with good access by car, taxi, or bus.

    Amenities

    • El Cortez beach bar with restaurant (excellent pizza and coffee)
    • Sun lounger and umbrella rental
    • Bay views with Mediterranean vegetation
    • Nearby dining
  • Parking Beach Club
    Type
    full-service
    Location
    Near Tivat Old Town, ~20 minutes from Kotor
    Note
    Budget-friendly option with convenient parking. Good for water sports enthusiasts.
    Description
    Free beach located at the end of a large car park. Named for its convenient location. Offers water sports and kayak rentals.

    Amenities

    • Completely free beach
    • Kayak rental available
    • Beach bar
    • Clear waters

Overview

Kotor's beaches are predominantly pebbled and nestled within the Bay of Kotor's fjord-like landscape, surrounded by dramatic limestone mountains. The area is known for calm, clear waters ideal for families and quiet retreats, with a mix of public and private beach sections. The beaches transition from summer full-service amenities (beach clubs, loungers, restaurants) to free, quieter experiences in shoulder seasons.

Seasonal Notes

Off Season
October–April: Private beach sections close after September. Beaches remain free but without loungers or restaurants. Water cooler.
Summer Peak
June–August: Private sections with loungers and restaurants fully operational. Beaches crowded July–August. Arrive early (before 10 AM) for free spot.
Shoulder Season
May and September: Warm water, fewer crowds, ideal family visiting window. Private lounger rentals often still available.

Beach Types Overview

Sand Beaches
Less common but available (Morinj, Plavi Horizonti). Better for families with young children.
Pebble Beaches
Dominant beach type in the Bay of Kotor (Kotor Beach, Bajova Kula, Orahovac, Kotor Natural Beach). Bring water shoes for comfort on coarse pebbles.
Public Vs Private
All Kotor beaches are technically public by law, but most split into free public sections (limited space, no amenities) and private sections (paid lounger rental, bars, restaurants). Public sections require arriving very early in summer.
Quieter Alternatives
Kotor Natural Beach (free, undeveloped), Bajova Kula (smaller, forested), Orahovac (less crowded, quieter village setting).
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026

These are the sources cited in this beaches research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.

  1. 1.visit-montenegro.com
  2. 2.montenegropulse.com
  3. 3.bigworldsmallpockets.com
  4. 4.worldbeachguide.com
  5. 5.sydabroad.com
  6. 6.beyoftravel.com
  7. 7.adriaticways.com
  8. 8.runwalkexplore.com
  9. 9.montenegro.travel
  10. 10.en.wikipedia.org
  11. 11.wise.com
  12. 12.xe.com
  13. 13.investing.com
  14. 14.tradingeconomics.com

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.