Dobrota vs Kotor Old Town: Why We Prefer Staying in Dobrota

by | Montenegro, Accommodation, Featured, Travel, Travel Tips

Kotor Old Town and Dobrota beside the Bay of Kotor, viewed from the historic city walls

Dobrota and Kotor Old Town sit side by side on Montenegro’s beautiful Bay of Kotor, but staying in each offers a very different experience. Kotor Old Town is the historic heart of the area, surrounded by medieval walls and filled with narrow laneways, restaurants, shops and centuries of history. Just along the waterfront, Dobrota has a more relaxed, residential feel, with places to swim, waterfront restaurants, beach clubs and easy access to boat trips.

I’ve visited this part of Montenegro five or six times over the years, and each visit has made me want to stay longer. Eventually, we loved Dobrota so much that we took the plunge and bought an apartment while it was still under construction.

Having spent plenty of time in both Dobrota and Kotor Old Town, Dobrota has become our preferred base. You’re still close enough to enjoy everything Kotor has to offer, but you can retreat from the crowds and enjoy a quieter side of life on the bay.

In this article, I’ll explain why we prefer staying in Dobrota, where it has the advantage over Kotor Old Town, and a few situations where staying inside the Old Town might actually be the better choice.

The Short Answer

If you’re visiting for just one or two nights and want Kotor’s medieval streets, restaurants and historic sights right outside your door, Kotor Old Town is a wonderful place to stay.

For several nights or longer, I’d choose Dobrota. You still have easy access to Kotor Old Town, but you also have the waterfront, swimming spots, restaurants and cafés, with a more relaxed atmosphere to return to at the end of the day.

If walking, swimming and spending time beside the Bay of Kotor are as important to you as sightseeing, Dobrota gets my vote.

Kotor Old Town fortress walls climbing the mountain above Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor Old Town Can Get Very Busy

There’s no question that Kotor Old Town is beautiful and absolutely worth visiting. But there’s a big difference between visiting the Old Town and choosing to stay there.

One of the main reasons we prefer Dobrota is the crowds. Kotor is a major cruise destination, and the port is directly beside the Old Town walls. When several ships are in port, thousands of passengers can arrive within a relatively short period, joining coach tours and independent day-trippers, including many visiting from Dubrovnik.

Because the Old Town is compact, with narrow laneways and small squares, it can feel particularly crowded during the middle of the day, especially during the busy summer months.

Staying in Dobrota gives us the best of both worlds. We can visit Kotor Old Town early in the morning or later in the day when it’s quieter, then return to the waterfront and more relaxed atmosphere of Dobrota.

For us, that’s a much nicer way to experience this part of Montenegro.

Dobrota waterfront promenade beside the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro

Why We Prefer Staying in Dobrota

What we like most about Dobrota is that it’s large enough to have everything we need, yet it still feels much more local and relaxed than Kotor Old Town.

Can You Walk From Dobrota to Kotor Old Town?

Yes, but it depends on where you’re staying in Dobrota. Dobrota stretches for several kilometres along the bay, so some accommodation is an easy walk from Kotor Old Town while properties farther along the waterfront can be several kilometres away. That’s why I always check the exact location before booking.

For us, the walk is part of the appeal. Rather than simply getting from A to B, you’re following the waterfront with views across the bay and mountains almost the entire way.

Walking Along the Dobrota Promenade

One of my favourite times to walk towards Kotor Old Town is early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when it’s cooler and the Old Town is quieter. We often walk rather than take a taxi or car, and for me, the journey along the waterfront is part of the experience.

Walking in the opposite direction from our apartment is just as glorious. Along the way there’s a popular small stony beach with some shade throughout the day. It’s particularly popular with local families and those with young children, and is another easy place to stop for a swim.

Vehicles are permitted along sections of the promenade, so it isn’t completely pedestrianised. However, most through traffic uses the road higher up the hill, and we find the waterfront road is generally used more by people who live or are staying along this part of Dobrota.

That’s part of what we enjoy about it. You can wander along the water, stop for a swim or coffee, and simply enjoy the bay without feeling as though you’re in the middle of a busy tourist area.

Swimming Along the Dobrota Waterfront

Another big reason we prefer Dobrota is the easy access to the water. There are numerous places to swim along the waterfront, including small pebbly areas and stone or concrete swimming spots.

The further you move along Dobrota away from Kotor Old Town and the cruise port, the more removed you are from the concentration of cruise ships, tour boats and other marine traffic around Kotor. For us, that makes Dobrota a much more appealing place to swim.

Some spots have grassy areas where you can stretch out in the sun or find shade at different times of the day. I actually prefer these public waterfront spots to the beach clubs.

They’re also convenient. If I’ve settled in for a few hours and realise I’ve forgotten water, sunscreen or something else, there are mini markets nearby. I don’t have to pack everything for a full beach day or walk all the way back to our apartment.

Restaurants, Cafés and Beach Clubs

Dobrota has a great selection of restaurants and cafés, so we don’t feel the need to go into Kotor Old Town every time we want to eat or have a drink.

One of the things we particularly love is how many places sit right beside the bay. You can have breakfast, lunch or dinner just metres from the water, with uninterrupted views across the bay and mountains. Coming from Australia, where waterfront dining often means a road, pathway or other development between you and the water, sitting this close to the bay feels particularly special.

I’m going to cover our favourite places separately in my Dobrota restaurants guide.

There are also beach clubs where you can settle in for the day, swim, eat, have a drink and use the amenities. They’re a good option when you want everything taken care of, although personally, I still prefer finding a spot along the public waterfront.

Boat Trips From the Bay

Being on the waterfront also makes it easy to explore more of the Bay of Kotor by boat. Popular trips take visitors to Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks, while longer speedboat trips can include the old submarine tunnels, Mamula Island and the Blue Cave.

I’ll cover the boat trips we’ve taken in more detail separately because they’re one of the highlights of staying around the bay.

And Then There Are the Views

It’s difficult to adequately describe the views from Dobrota. The mountains rise dramatically around the bay, but they’re also behind you, almost wrapping themselves around Dobrota. At times, it feels like you’re sitting in the middle of one enormous mountain hug.

One of the things I love most is looking across the water to the small villages dotted along the opposite shoreline. During the day you can pick out houses, churches and little pockets of settlement beneath the mountains, while in the evening their lights begin to appear around the bay. It makes the whole bay feel connected rather than simply looking out across an empty stretch of water.

The view is constantly changing. The colour of the sky and water shifts throughout the day as the light moves across the mountains, and different weather can completely change the mood of the bay. Clear blue skies, clouds sitting low over the mountains, an approaching storm or the softer light of early morning and late afternoon each give Dobrota a different look. The seasons change it again.

I genuinely think it’s one of the most spectacular places we’ve stayed, and even after several visits, I don’t tire of looking across the bay.

Even the enormous cruise ships moored in the water can add something to the view. They give you a sense of the sheer scale of the mountains and the bay around them — although I’m equally happy when they sail away and everything becomes peaceful again.

Cruise ship moored in the Bay of Kotor with mountains behind, viewed from Dobrota, Montenegro

Dobrota vs Kotor Old Town: Which Is Better for Your Stay?

I prefer Dobrota, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for everyone.

If you’re visiting Kotor for just one night and your priority is exploring the historic centre, staying within the walls of Kotor Old Town is a wonderful experience. I’ve done it several times. You’ll have the medieval streets, restaurants, churches and squares right outside your door, and once the daytime visitors leave, you’ll get to experience a quieter side of the Old Town.

For a stay of several nights or longer, I’d choose Dobrota. You still have easy access to Kotor Old Town, but you also have the waterfront, swimming spots, cafés, restaurants and a more local atmosphere to come home to.

Dobrota is particularly worth considering if you enjoy walking, swimming and spending time beside the water rather than sightseeing from morning until night. It’s also a good choice if you like having a little more space and want to experience everyday life around the Bay of Kotor.

When we decided we wanted to buy an investment and holiday apartment in Montenegro, we stayed in Dobrota for several days to make sure it was somewhere we’d genuinely enjoy spending more time. We still went into Kotor Old Town at night for dinner and a wander through the streets, but we loved coming back to Dobrota afterwards.

That experience really confirmed our decision. Staying in Dobrota doesn’t mean missing out on Kotor Old Town. We enjoy the Old Town when we want to — and then return to the part of the bay we most enjoy calling home while we’re here.

Our Lady of the Rocks island in the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

How Long Should You Stay in Dobrota?

I’d recommend at least three nights in Dobrota if you want time to enjoy the waterfront as well as explore Kotor Old Town. That gives you time for sightseeing, swimming, a boat trip and a slower day enjoying the bay rather than treating Kotor as a quick stop.

If Dobrota is part of a longer Montenegro holiday, four or five nights would be even better. It’s the sort of place where having an extra day with nothing planned can be one of the highlights.

When Is the Best Time to Stay in Dobrota?

Summer is when Dobrota is at its liveliest, with warm weather, swimming, boat trips, beach clubs and long evenings beside the water. July and August are also the busiest months, bringing more visitors, cruise ships and considerably more traffic around Kotor Bay.

Personally, I’d look at May, June, September and early October if you want a balance of pleasant weather and fewer peak-season crowds. If swimming is important, I’d lean towards June or September when the water is warmer than earlier in the season.

The atmosphere changes with the seasons, so the best time really depends on whether your priority is swimming and summer energy or quieter days exploring the bay.

Bike track and waterfront path along the Dobrota seafront in Montenegro

Where to Stay in Dobrota

Dobrota stretches for several kilometres along the Bay of Kotor, so it’s worth checking exactly where an apartment or hotel is located before booking. Staying in Dobrota doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be within a short walk of Kotor Old Town.

Personally, I think the waterfront and the streets immediately behind it are the most appealing places to stay. You’re close to swimming spots, cafés, restaurants and the promenade, and you can enjoy the bay without having to get in the car every time you want to go somewhere.

If walking into Kotor Old Town is important to you, look towards the Kotor end of Dobrota. Further along the bay, you’ll be farther from the Old Town, but the atmosphere becomes increasingly residential and relaxed.

Also check the terrain carefully. The mountains rise steeply behind Dobrota, and some accommodation that looks close to the waterfront on a map can involve a fairly steep walk uphill. For mature travellers or anyone with mobility concerns, this is something I’d check before booking.

I’d also look for a balcony or terrace with a bay view if your budget allows. The scenery is such a big part of staying in Dobrota that having somewhere to sit with a morning coffee or an evening drink overlooking the water can really add to your stay.

Perast village on the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro, with mountains and a small boat in the foreground

Peace, Quiet and a Good Night’s Sleep

Dobrota generally feels much quieter at night than Kotor Old Town, which is another reason we enjoy staying here. But don’t assume that every apartment or hotel will automatically guarantee a peaceful night’s sleep.

Position matters. Check whether your accommodation is directly on the waterfront road, close to the busier road higher up the hill, or near a restaurant, beach club or church. Traffic noise can vary considerably depending on where you stay, so I always check recent guest reviews for comments about road noise before booking.

Church bells are also part of life around the Bay of Kotor. I actually enjoy hearing them, but depending on where you’re staying and how lightly you sleep, they may be more noticeable than you’re used to — particularly in the morning.

I also pay attention to things that are easy to overlook: good blockout curtains or shutters, a comfortable bed, air-conditioning during the warmer months and whether reviews mention noise travelling between rooms.

For me, these details are just as important as having a beautiful view. A waterfront balcony is wonderful, but after a full day exploring Kotor Bay, a comfortable bed and a good night’s sleep matter even more.

St Luke’s Church surrounded by historic stone buildings in Kotor Old Town, Montenegro

How We Choose Accommodation

We travel frequently and often for several months at a time, so we rarely book expensive five-star accommodation. When you’re travelling for longer, those nightly rates quickly add up, particularly for Australians when the dollar isn’t working in our favour.

Instead, we look for good-value accommodation in the right location. In Dobrota, I’d rather spend my money on a comfortable apartment with a good bed, air-conditioning and easy access to the waterfront than pay considerably more simply for a five-star rating.

Location and comfort are our priorities. Before booking, I study the map, read recent guest reviews and look carefully through the photos. I check how far we’ll be from restaurants, swimming spots and the waterfront, whether the property is up a steep hill, and what previous guests say about traffic noise and bed comfort. I also check whether there are stairs to reach the apartment or bedroom, whether there’s a lift, and, if we’re hiring a car, whether secure or off-street parking is available.

Photos can give you clues about curtains or shutters, while the listing usually confirms practical things such as air-conditioning, a kitchen and washing machine. You can’t know everything until you arrive, but spending a little extra time checking these details can make a big difference to your stay.

A beautiful view is always a bonus — and in Dobrota there are plenty of them — but I don’t think you need to spend a fortune to have a wonderful stay here.

The accommodation below reflects the sort of places we actually book ourselves and would be comfortable recommending to other travellers looking for good value rather than unnecessary luxury.

Views of Kotor Bay and the surrounding mountains from our apartment in Dobrota, Montenegro

Where We’ve Stayed in Dobrota

Our Apartment in Dobrota – Coastal Luxe

After visiting this part of Montenegro multiple times, we eventually settled on Dobrota as the place where we wanted to buy our own apartment. It wasn’t a quick decision. Our search took us around the Bay of Kotor and beyond, including Tivat, Risan, Herceg Novi, Đenovići and Prčanj, before we kept coming back to Dobrota.

We purchased our apartment while the development was still under construction, and when we’re not using it ourselves, we make it available as a holiday rental.

Coastal Luxe is a luxury two-bedroom apartment sleeping up to four guests, with two queen bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, a kitchen, living and dining area, balcony, swimming pool, gym, sauna, undercover parking and views across the bay and surrounding mountains.

The location was one of the main reasons we bought here. We’re close to the Dobrota waterfront and promenade, with swimming spots, restaurants and cafés nearby, while Kotor Old Town is still within easy reach.

It’s obviously different recommending somewhere we own, so I want to be completely transparent: we receive income when guests book our apartment. But we chose this location for many of the same reasons I’ve discussed throughout this article — the waterfront lifestyle, the views, proximity to Kotor and the more relaxed atmosphere of Dobrota.

View Coastal Luxe on Airbnb

Apartments Bogdanovic

We’ve stayed at Apartments Bogdanovic twice, which probably says more than anything else about how much we enjoyed staying here.

The hosts are lovely and welcoming, and the location is excellent — only around 30 metres from the Dobrota waterfront and about 2 km from Kotor Old Town. We could easily walk along the promenade into Kotor while still enjoying the more relaxed atmosphere of Dobrota.

The apartment we stayed in had a lovely balcony overlooking the Bay of Kotor, which was a beautiful spot to sit and take in the views. There’s also an outdoor swimming pool, private parking and laundry available — all things we appreciate when we’re travelling for several weeks.

One thing to be aware of is that there was no lift to the apartment we stayed in, so we had stairs to negotiate with our luggage. If stairs are an issue for you, I’d check which floor your apartment is on before booking.

For us, Apartments Bogdanovic offered the combination we look for in Dobrota: a good waterfront position, comfortable accommodation, practical facilities and welcoming hosts without paying five-star hotel prices.

Check prices and availability at Apartments Bogdanovic

Apartments Djurovic

We stayed at Apartments Djurovic in Dobrota and would happily recommend it to travellers looking for a well-positioned apartment rather than an expensive hotel.

Its biggest advantage is the location. It’s right on the waterfront in Dobrota, with the promenade and bay just outside, and you can walk all the way into Kotor Old Town. There’s also a mini market at the property, which is incredibly handy for picking up water, drinks, snacks or anything you’ve forgotten before heading down for a swim.

The apartments are air-conditioned and have kitchen facilities, and some have balconies with beautiful views across the Bay of Kotor. There’s also a washing machine and free private parking — practical details that become much more important when you’re travelling for several weeks.

It’s around 3.8 km from Kotor Old Town, so this isn’t the part of Dobrota I’d choose if your priority is being able to pop into the Old Town in five minutes. However, if you enjoy walking, swimming and being farther along the waterfront in a quieter part of Dobrota, the location is one of its strengths.

Apartments Djurovic currently receives excellent guest reviews, particularly for its location, comfort and value for money.

Check prices and availability at Apartments Djurovic

Comfortable queen bedroom in our Dobrota accommodation near Kotor, Montenegro

Where We’ve Stayed in Kotor Old Town

Old Town Boskovic Apartment

We’ve also stayed at Old Town Boskovic Apartment, right in the heart of Kotor Old Town. Its location is excellent, only a couple of minutes’ walk from the Clock Tower and Sea Gate, with restaurants, cafés, historic buildings and the Old Town’s laneways all around you.

The apartment has a kitchen and washing machine, which we always appreciate when travelling for several weeks. Staying here also gave us another opportunity to experience what it’s actually like to stay within the Old Town rather than simply visiting for the day.

This is the sort of accommodation I’d consider for a short stay when being immersed in Kotor Old Town is the priority. Just remember that staying within the historic centre comes with its own sounds — including church bells and, depending on where you’re staying, music and activity from the surrounding squares.

Check prices and availability at Old Town Boskovic Apartment

Cozy Central Nest Kotor

We’ve also stayed at Cozy Central Nest Kotor, right in the heart of Kotor Old Town. Staying within the walls is a completely different experience from staying in Dobrota, and I’m glad we’ve done both.

The location is the big attraction. You’re only steps from Kotor Clock Tower and the Sea Gate, with the Old Town’s restaurants, cafés, churches and laneways right outside your door. It’s particularly enjoyable early in the morning and later in the evening, when many of the cruise passengers and day-trippers have left.

For a short stay, this type of location is hard to beat. You can walk out the door and immediately start exploring without worrying about transport.

It’s also a good example of why I don’t tell everyone they should stay in Dobrota. If I had only one night in Kotor and wanted to immerse myself in the Old Town, I’d happily stay within the walls again.

Check prices and availability at Cozy Central Nest Kotor

Getting to and Around Dobrota

One of the advantages of staying in Dobrota is that you don’t necessarily need a car. Tivat Airport is only around 10–13 km away, depending on where you’re staying in Dobrota. When traffic is flowing, the journey can take around 15–25 minutes by taxi or private transfer.

The important words here are when traffic is flowing!

Be Prepared for Summer Traffic

Traffic around Kotor Bay can become extremely congested during the high summer season. There are limited roads around the bay, and local traffic competes with tourists, coaches, taxis and vehicles travelling between Kotor, Tivat and Budva. A relatively short journey can take considerably longer than you’d expect from looking at the distance on a map.

The good news is that Montenegro is investing in its road network. A major upgrade of the approximately 16 km Tivat–Jaz route is creating a four-lane boulevard designed to improve connections between Tivat, Kotor and Budva and reduce some of the congestion that has long affected this part of the coast.

Kotor also restricts most construction work during the peak tourist season. In 2026, construction in Dobrota, Kotor Old Town and many surrounding areas is prohibited from 15 June until 1 September, apart from certain authorised infrastructure and emergency works. It doesn’t eliminate summer traffic, but it does help prevent ordinary building works adding unnecessarily to the disruption during the busiest months.

Progressive Traveller Tip: Don’t Underestimate the Traffic

If you’re flying from Tivat Airport, don’t base your departure time on the distance alone. Dobrota and Kotor are very close to the airport, and in normal traffic the journey can be surprisingly quick, but July and August are a different story.

Traffic around Kotor, Tivat and the airport junction can become heavily congested, particularly during the middle of the day and afternoon. A journey that might take 15–25 minutes when the roads are clear can take considerably longer in peak season.

If you need to be somewhere at a specific time, particularly for a flight, tour or other connection, I’d allow plenty of extra time whether you’re travelling by car, taxi or bus.

Staying Near Tivat Airport Before an Early Flight

If you’re concerned about summer traffic or have an early flight from Tivat Airport, spending your final night in Tivat can take some of the stress out of departure day. We’ve done this several times ourselves.

We’ve stayed at Sea and Sunshine Apartments in Tivat three times, including before early flights from Tivat to destinations such as Türkiye and Vienna. Being closer to the airport means we’re not starting the day worrying about whether traffic around Kotor will delay us.

The apartments are also within walking distance of the waterfront, beaches, restaurants and Porto Montenegro, so moving to Tivat for your final night doesn’t mean wasting the last evening of your holiday.

We’ve returned because it offers the sort of accommodation we look for when travelling: comfortable, well located and good value without paying for unnecessary luxury. Free private parking is another advantage when we have a hire car.

For an early departure from Tivat Airport, this is one option we’d happily use again.

Check prices and availability at Sea and Sunshine Apartments

 

Getting Around Without a Car

The local Blue Line bus service connects Dobrota with Kotor and other village communities around the bay, while taxis are useful when you don’t feel like walking or waiting for a bus.

Blue Line does operate to a timetable, but in summer I tend to think of it more as a guide than a guarantee. The buses use the same roads as everyone else, so heavy traffic around Kotor Bay can easily affect arrival and departure times. If you need to be somewhere at a specific time, particularly for a flight, tour or other connection, I’d allow plenty of extra time whether you’re travelling by car, taxi or bus.

We also enjoy walking along the waterfront promenade into Kotor Old Town. If most of your holiday will be spent between Dobrota and Kotor, with boat trips around the bay, you may find you don’t need to hire a car at all.

Whether you need one really depends on how far you plan to explore. A hire car gives you more freedom if you’re travelling further around Montenegro, while a private driver can be a good alternative for longer day trips if you’d rather enjoy the scenery than deal with unfamiliar roads, parking and summer traffic.

A Note About Pedestrian Crossings

There are plenty of pedestrian crossings around Dobrota and Kotor, but don’t assume every vehicle will stop simply because you’re waiting to cross. In our experience, some drivers are very courteous while others may continue through.

Always make sure approaching vehicles have seen you and are slowing down before stepping onto the road. This is particularly important around busier roads and during the summer months, when there is much more traffic and everyone’s patience can be stretched.

It’s one of those small differences you quickly become accustomed to, but it’s worth being aware of when you first arrive.

The Kamenari–Lepetane Car Ferry

If you’re driving around the Bay of Kotor, it’s also useful to know about the Kamenari–Lepetane ferry.

This short vehicle and passenger ferry crosses the narrow Verige Strait between Kamenari on the Herceg Novi side and Lepetane on the Tivat side. It can save considerable driving compared with travelling all the way around the inner bay.

During the 2026 summer timetable, ferries operate throughout the day and night, generally departing every 15–20 minutes. Cars, motorbikes, vans and larger vehicles can travel on the ferry, while pedestrians and bicycles are carried free.

It’s particularly useful if you’re arriving from the direction of Herceg Novi or Dubrovnik and heading towards Tivat, although whether it saves time will depend on where you’re going and the traffic on the day.

Coming From Dubrovnik? You Can Also Travel by Sea

Another option worth knowing about is the seasonal high-speed catamaran between Dubrovnik and Kotor, operated by Kompas.

The catamaran departs from Dubrovnik’s Gruž port and travels directly to the Port of Kotor, taking around three hours. The service generally operates during the summer season, although sailing days and times can change, so always check the current timetable before planning your trip.

If the sailing schedule suited my travel dates, this would be my first choice for travelling from Dubrovnik to Dobrota. The road journey involves crossing the Croatia–Montenegro border, where delays during the busy summer months can be unpredictable and sometimes stretch into several hours.

If you do travel by road, there is an advantage to using an experienced local private driver. We’ve done this ourselves, and local drivers know the different border crossings and can sometimes choose an alternative crossing when the main route is heavily congested. Of course, there’s no guarantee of avoiding queues, but local knowledge can certainly help.

Travelling by catamaran avoids the road border queues altogether and gives you the added bonus of approaching Kotor from the water — a spectacular way to arrive in Montenegro.

If you’re staying in Dobrota, it’s particularly convenient. The catamaran arrives at the Port of Kotor, just outside the Old Town, and from there Dobrota is only a short taxi ride away.

Do You Need a Car in Dobrota?

For us, this is another advantage of Dobrota. You can have a very enjoyable stay without automatically hiring a car.

If you mainly want to enjoy Dobrota, walk into Kotor Old Town, swim, eat along the waterfront and take boat trips around the bay, taxis, buses, walking and boats may be all you need.

We always hire a car because we’re now familiar with the roads and there are favourite places around Montenegro we like to return to on each visit. Having a car gives us the freedom to head off for the day without having to plan around buses, tours or transfers.

If it’s your first visit and you want to explore further afield, hiring a car can be worthwhile, but don’t feel it’s essential. An English-speaking private driver for one or two day trips can be a good alternative, particularly if you’re not comfortable driving on unfamiliar roads or dealing with summer traffic and parking around the bay.

Being able to communicate easily with your driver also adds to the experience. We like being able to ask questions about the places we’re passing, local life and where we’re heading. We’ve also found that drivers will often suggest an interesting stop, viewpoint or slight detour along the way that we might otherwise have missed. It’s one of the reasons we sometimes prefer a private driver to an organised tour.

Palm-lined waterfront promenade at Porto Montenegro in Tivat, Montenegro

Hiring a Car in Montenegro

Planning to drive in Montenegro? If you’re thinking about hiring a car to explore beyond Dobrota and Kotor, read my Montenegro Car Hire Guide: Driving Tips for First-Time Visitors. It covers our experience hiring and driving cars in Montenegro, including road conditions, parking, insurance, summer traffic and border crossings.

Getting From Tivat Airport to Dobrota or Kotor

Flying into Tivat? My Tivat Airport to Kotor & Dobrota: Uber, Taxi, Bus or Car Hire? guide covers the different transport options, typical taxi costs, private transfers, car hire and what to expect from summer traffic.

Continue Your Journey Through the Balkans

One of the things we love about Montenegro is how easily it can become part of a longer journey through the Balkans. From Dobrota, you can continue north into Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, or head south towards Albania.

If you’re travelling towards Croatia, Dubrovnik is the obvious next stop and can be reached by road or, during the summer season, by catamaran from Kotor. From there, you can continue along the Croatian coast using my guides to Korčula, Zadar and Zagreb.

Heading south, my Albania for Australians: The Complete First-Time Visitor’s Guide covers our experience travelling through Albania, including where we stayed, transport, costs and practical tips.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is another easy country to include in a wider Balkan itinerary. I haven’t written about our travels there yet, but I’ll add that guide to Progressive Traveller soon.

That’s one of the reasons we keep returning to this part of Europe. Dobrota is a wonderful place to slow down for a few days or a week, but it’s also well positioned for continuing your journey through Montenegro and neighbouring countries.

Affiliate Disclosure

This article contains affiliate links, which may earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. We also own Coastal Luxe in Dobrota and receive income from bookings.

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About the Progressive Traveller

Hi! I’m Donna, an Australian, who has become a global traveller after quitting my career in corporate health to see the world and write about it. This new career move has taken me to over 50+ countries, where I have met new friends and discover more about how others live. I invite you to travel with me and discover more.

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