Montenegro’s hidden gem you need to visit on our Balkan Adventure!

Hello, my name is Maya (that's me below!) and I'd love to share with you my experience of Montenegro's town of Perast on our Balkan Adventure!

Honestly, the Travel Queen Balkan Adventure? A-MA-ZING! We hopped from stunning Dubrovnik in Croatia to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s magical Mostar, before finishing in beautiful Montenegro, and it was like hitting the jackpot – three epic countries, all in one incredible trip! One of the many highlights for me has to be the enchanting town of Perast. Despite not having the same level of recognition as its neighbor, Kotor, Perast's charm lies in its rich history and unbelievable natural beauty, literally right ON the Bay of Kotor; you just can’t get any closer! It’s a must see if you want to explore beyond the usual tourist spots and discover real hidden gems, and I can see why Mel, the owner of Travel Queen, included this quaint little town in our Balkan Adventure itinerary. I absolutely loved it!

The scenic journey from Mostar in our private minivan convoy showed us a glimpse of what was to come, with winding roads, dramatic landscapes and views of the shimmering bay through the lush greenery. And then, there it was in all its glory: Perast, nestled between the majestic mountains and breathtaking Bay of Kotor. We hopped out of our minivan at a viewpoint just as the bay came into view, and all of us literally couldn’t believe our eyes, it was just stunning (as you can see in this awesome snap of our Emily!) 

From the moment we arrived in Perast, it really felt like we had stepped into a real life fairytale..!

Mel is so passionate about creating truly unique and authentic experiences for our Travel Queens and Perast was no exception! Our stay in the charming boutique hotel she has chosen, right on the edge of the water, surrounded us in a sense of luxury and peace that was just magical.

I felt like royalty as we hopped on to the hotel buggy and were driven to our rooms by our very friendly chauffeur who carried our bags - the Travel Queen treatment that we all deserve! The hotel was a delightful blend of old-world charm and contemporary elegance, with a stunning view right out onto the Bay of Kotor.  The exposed stone walls and rustic wooden beams whispered of the town's rich history, while modern furnishings and features meant we had absolutely everything we needed and more (especially the mini fridge stocked with the finest local Montenegrin pinot!) But the true highlight was stepping outside our doors to be greeted by the breathtaking panorama of the bay. The shimmering turquoise waters, dotted with sailboats and framed by the mountains, created a scene so picturesque, it felt like a dream.

One of the most enchanting features of the town is its two small islands off the shore: Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George. Our Lady of the Rocks is the more famous of the two and the church here is built on an island, created by locals over centuries who placed rocks and stones into the water. According to legend, the island was formed this way after fishermen discovered a painting of the Virgin Mary on a rock they had found— I do love anything with a story!

Taking a private speedboat across the bay and cracking open the prosecco, while we soaked up the stunning scenery (in true Travel Queen style) was an exhilarating experience to say the least! The wind in our hair, the glistening water beneath us, and the view of the islands and mountains around us made it the perfect adventure. The church up close is absolutely beautiful, with intricate artwork and offerings from sailors, who once prayed for safe passage through the bay. 

However, I felt our real adventure started when we picked up some speed and set sail to a stunning blue lagoon, totally hidden and only accessible through a cave cut into the cliffs. Once inside, the light hitting the crystal clear water was just magical, as we could see the colourful sea life underneath us. We then docked up the boat and enjoyed a very relaxing afternoon with all the ladies on the boat. It was what I would call the perfect day. The golden sunshine beaming down on us, gentle music, amazing company and a glass of cold crisp prosecco whilst we dipped in and out of the turquoise blue water.

The Bay of Kotor has so much to offer. From hidden coves to charming villages, there’s something truly special about cruising its tranquil waters. The quiet, serene beauty of the bay, paired with fascinating historical sites, makes every stop feel like a discovery.  And if you’re feeling adventurous, there's the option to do an incredible hike that takes you up the mountainside to the Kotor Fortress, where you can soak in panoramic views of the bay. The hike is not for the faint hearted, but totally worth it for the reward at the top!

I took the opportunity in some free time to explore and take in the architectural wonders, with each building showcasing unique styles and intricate details that spoke volumes about the region's rich history. As I wandered through the narrow, winding streets, I stumbled upon little independent stalls, each offering a selection of handcrafted goods and local specialties that were simply irresistible. And when my feet needed a rest, I found a seat in one of the charming cafes, as I just couldn't resist the inviting aromas and cozy ambiance beckoning me to stay and savor the moment in the sunshine…

‘Pomalo’ as it's called by people in Dalmatia, means ‘Take it easy. Relax. Don’t stress. No problem.’ I learned about this from our driver Sasha, who shared with us the importance of ‘slowing down and appreciating the little things’ in their culture. Which I absolutely loved; I think we could all take a leaf out of their book!

One of the most memorable aspects of our stay was undoubtedly the dining experience. It was an experience to say the least! Each evening, we gathered at our waterfront hotel, where a delicious feast awaited us. The menu showcased the finest regional cuisine, expertly prepared to tantalise our taste buds. It did that for sure, the dinner was just WOW. We chatted all night long, sharing stories, laughter and reflections on the fabulous trip we had shared together. The clinking of glasses combined with the gentle crashing  of the waves against the shore, perfectly complemented the stunning view of the bay. It was, without a doubt, the perfect way to unwind after a fabulous day of exploring. The final night of our trip arrived and a wave of sadness washed over us all. We had made amazing memories and shared how we didn’t want the trip to end… but it definitely ended on a high! We had only met a week earlier, but it felt like we were a group of friends that had known each other forever.

Perast, with its tranquil beauty, rich history, and unforgettable experiences, was the perfect destination to end our Travel Queen Balkan Adventure. Whether you’re sailing across the sparkling bay, exploring ancient churches, or simply relaxing by the water, there’s something truly special about this place. If you're looking to experience the heart of Montenegro, Perast should definitely be on your list. Trust me, this is one place you won’t forget!

Ready to make your own Travel Queen adventure a reality? Perast and our Balkan Adventure is waiting for you click here to check out our itinerary…

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