Hidden Gems
Bay of Kotor, MontenegroAn island made of rocks and sunken ships
Legend says that on 22 July 1452, local sailors found an icon of the Madonna and Child on a rock in the bay. They promised to drop a rock in the same spot after every successful voyage. Over the centuries, they also sank old ships loaded with stones, and the island grew.
Today the island covers less than half a hectare. Its church was renovated in 1722, and the museum inside holds 68 paintings by Tripo Kokolja, silver votive tablets, and a tapestry embroidered over 25 years by Jacinta Kunić-Mijović, using her own hair.
The tradition lives on. Every year at sunset on 22 July, local people take their boats out for the Fašinada and throw rocks into the sea around the island.
Perast itself is a quiet stone town. About 20 Baroque palaces were built here under Venetian rule, and fewer than 250 people live here today.
What to see
- The church and museum: paintings, votive tablets and a tapestry made with human hair.
- The boat ride: a few minutes across the water, with views of Perast's bell tower and the mountains around the bay.
- Perast waterfront: walk the stone quay past Baroque palaces and churches.
- Sveti Đorđe island: the second small island next to Our Lady of the Rocks. It is a natural islet, not a man-made one.
- Kotor and the bay: the old walled town of Kotor is a short drive away.
The island is a place of worship as well as a museum. Dress respectfully, keep your voice down and follow the staff.
A perfect half-day
Perast is small and the island visit is short. Pair them with a walk and lunch by the water.
- MorningGet to Perast early. Tour groups arrive later in the day.
- Late morningTake a boat to the island. Allow 30 to 45 minutes there.
- MiddayWalk along the waterfront to see the bell tower and the old palaces.
- AfternoonHave lunch by the water, then continue to Kotor Old Town.
- EveningBoats can run until late (private transfers go until about 23:00), so you can see the island in the evening light.
Where it is and how to get there
Perast is on the Bay of Kotor in southern Montenegro, a few kilometres north-west of the town of Kotor.
- By boat to the island Boats leave from the Perast waterfront. The official tours run about every 30 minutes, and boatmen run 5-minute transfers during the day. Prices vary: roughly €5 to €15 return, depending on the boat and what is included. Church entry is around €2 to €3 unless it is in your ticket. Take cash.
- To Perast From Kotor it is a short drive or taxi ride along the bay. Many visitors arrive from Tivat airport, or by road from Dubrovnik in Croatia, so allow for border queues.
- On a boat tour from Kotor Two-hour boat tours from Kotor include the island and Perast. The listings we saw cost roughly €25 to €40 a person.
- The Fašinada The rock-throwing ceremony is on 22 July at sunset. Expect more boats on the water that evening.
Good to know: church tickets are usually bought on the day, so keep some cash. In summer the boats can be busy at midday, so go early or late.
Where to stay: Perast or Kotor?
Perast
A quiet stone town right on the water. It is calmer in the evening, once the day-trippers leave.
Best for: a calm night by the bayKotor
The bay's main town, with its walled old town, restaurants and more places to stay, a short drive away.
Best for: sights and choiceWhen to go
- Spring April to June. Mild weather, green hills and fewer tour groups.
- Summer July and August. Hot and the busiest time. The island fills with boats and groups, so go early or late.
- Autumn September and October. Warm sea, softer light and fewer people.
- Winter November to March. Quiet and cooler, with fewer boats. Check boat times before you go.
Our tips for Perast & Our Lady of the Rocks
- Go early or late. Tour groups come from mid-morning into the afternoon.
- Take cash. Boatmen and the church ticket desk may not take cards.
- Agree the price first. Boat prices differ. Ask what is included and how long the boat waits.
- Allow 30 to 45 minutes on the island. That is enough for the church, the museum and photos.
- Dress respectfully. It is an active church.
Don't make these mistakes
- Not asking what the boat fare includes. Some prices include church entry and some do not.
- Visiting at midday in July. It is the busiest time of the day and of the year.
- Leaving without seeing Perast. The town is worth an hour on its own.
- Going without cash. Cards are not always accepted.
- Missing the second island. You can see Sveti Đorđe from the boat even if you do not land.
Quick answers
How do I get to Our Lady of the Rocks?
By a short boat ride from the Perast waterfront. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
How long should I stay on the island?
About 30 to 45 minutes.
How much does it cost?
Boat fares are roughly €5 to €15 return depending on the boat, and church entry is around €2 to €3 if it is not included. Prices change, so check at the pier.
Is the island natural?
No. It was built from rocks and sunken ships. A second, natural island, Sveti Đorđe, sits next to it.
When is the Fašinada?
On 22 July each year, at sunset.
A note on prices: fees, opening hours and timetables change, and we update them every year. The details in this guide were checked in autumn 2026 and may be different by the time you travel, so please confirm them on the official website before you book.
