Famous route

Montenegro: Bay of Kotor and the Adriatic Road

The loop around the Bay of Kotor uses the Kamenari–Lepetane ferry and passes Herceg Novi, Risan, Perast and Kotor. Coastal roads are busy in summer.

Region: Boka Kotorska, Montenegro
Length: Loop of about 70 km
Suggested time: 1–2 days
Best season: May–Sep (coast)
UNESCO: Region of Kotor

What should you know before visiting Montenegro: Bay of Kotor and the Adriatic Road?

Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €30 (Croatia).

The Kamenari–Lepetane ferry runs around the clock and the crossing takes about 10 minutes. There is no booking, and queues form on summer weekends.
Traffic builds through the morning, especially around Herceg Novi. In summer the coastal roads are often congested. Start early and allow time for jams.
Wild camping is officially not allowed in Montenegro, though travel sites say it is often tolerated away from beaches and tourist areas. Campsites are the safer choice.
Campsites around Kotor are small, with about 25 to 40 pitches mentioned. In peak season, ask the operator beforehand.

The drive

As a loop from Tivat it is about 70 km and roughly one and a half to two hours of pure driving. From Lepetane the ferry crosses the narrow Verige strait to Kamenari. The route continues to Herceg Novi, then back along the bay via Risan and Perast to Kotor and on to Tivat. Anyone avoiding the ferry drives about 30 km around the inner bay via Lipci, Risan, Perast and Orahovac. The coastal road continues to Budva.

Planning

Travel guides rate the coast as most pleasant from May to September, and traffic is dense in summer. In Perast you park on the approach to the historic centre and continue on foot; the island of Our Lady of the Rocks is a few minutes away by boat. Height, width and weight limits on access roads for large motorhomes are not documented here. Clarify dimensions beforehand with the road authority or the campsite, and visit old towns on foot.

Camping

Wild camping is officially not allowed. Travel sites write that it is often tolerated away from beaches and tourist areas, but this is not legally reliable. One travel blog describes a night in the vehicle to restore fitness to drive as unproblematic; check that with the authorities. Near Kotor and on the Luštica peninsula there are small campsites with about 25 to 40 pitches. In summer, ask ahead.

FAQs

How long is the Kamenari–Lepetane crossing?

The crossing of the Verige strait takes about 5 to 10 minutes. The ferry runs around the clock and departs when full. In summer, waiting time comes on top. Fares are available at the terminal.

Is there an alternative to the ferry?

Yes, the road around the inner bay via Lipci, Risan, Perast and Orahovac is about 30 km long. It can be congested in summer, and travel reports say the ferry can save up to an hour.

May I park freely overnight in Montenegro?

Wild camping and free standing are officially not allowed. Travel sites describe tolerance if you stay discreet and avoid beaches and tourist areas. There is no legal guarantee, and campsites are safer.

How much are the tolls on Montenegro: Bay of Kotor and the Adriatic Road?

Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €30 (Croatia). Estimate with typical rates; motorhomes pay more, and vehicles over 3.5 t often pay by distance.