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The Landscape · Kotor · 42°N · 18°E

The Ladders of Kotor at First Light

1,350 steps above the bay. Why we send our guests up before breakfast — and what they see at the top.

5 min readKotor · 42°N · 18°EBy Patrick Weber
Stone steps of the Kotor fortifications climbing above the old town
Stone steps of the Kotor fortifications climbing above the old town

The path from Kotor's old town to the fortress of San Giovanni is 1,350 stone steps. In July it is hot, crowded, and unkind by 9 am. At 5:30 am it is empty, cool, and the bay is still grey and silver below.

The climb

Allow 70 minutes up at an unhurried pace, with two stops. The first chapel — Our Lady of Remedy — is the standard turnaround for anyone wanting the iconic photograph without going all the way to the top.

Frequently asked

Questions guests ask before booking

How long does it take to climb the Kotor city walls?+

Roughly 60–90 minutes one way, depending on your pace and the heat. We strongly recommend starting before 6:30 am between June and September.

How much does it cost to climb the Kotor fortress?+

Entry is 15 EUR during the high season (May–October). Outside those months the path is free and unmanned.

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Patrick Weber

Editor, Vista Journeys

Patrick Weber writes Vista Journeys' field notes from Montenegro's coast, canyons and mountains.

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