Two Islands, 16 Churches, Endless Charm – Welcome to Perast

perast montenegro
Image by Sonja Sonja from Pixabay

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Step Into a Fairytale: Discover the Timeless Charm of Perast

Perast is one of the oldest and most beautiful towns in Montenegro, located in the Bay of Kotor, opposite the Verige Strait. This small Baroque town boasts a rich maritime tradition and a long history that stretches far into the past.

Image by Michał from Pixabay

History of Perast

It is believed that Perast got its name from the Illyrian tribe Pirustae, who inhabited this area in ancient times. The first written records of Perast date back to the Middle Ages, and it is known that by 1336 it already had its own shipyard, which operated until the early 19th century. Over the centuries, Perast was under the rule of various states, but it experienced its greatest prosperity in the 17th and 18th centuries, when it was part of the Venetian Republic.
Thanks to its strategic position and developed maritime trade, Perast at that time owned as many as 100 merchant ships and had its own maritime academy, where sailors and captains from across the region were educated. Perast’s seafarers were renowned for their skill, bravery, and loyalty to Venice, and the town was one of the key maritime centers in this part of the Mediterranean.

lady of the rock
Image by Michał from Pixabay

Architecture and Landmarks

Today, Perast is a true gem of Baroque architecture. Although small, the town boasts no less than 16 churches and 17 Baroque palaces that once belonged to prominent maritime families. Among the most famous palaces are:

  • Bujović Palace – Built in the 17th century, it now houses part of the Perast Museum, which holds a rich collection of maritime items and historical artifacts.

  • Zmajević Palace – Once the home of the famous Archbishop Andrija Zmajević, an important spiritual and cultural figure of his time.

  • Visković Palace – Another fine example of lavish Baroque architecture, reflecting the wealth of former seafaring families.

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The Islands of Perast

In front of Perast lie two unique islands that are among Montenegro’s most famous landmarks:

  • St. George Island – A natural island housing a 12th-century Benedictine monastery surrounded by cypress trees. It is often referred to as the “island of the dead captains” because it once served as the burial site for Perast’s sailors.

  • Our Lady of the Rocks – An artificial island that the people of Perast built over centuries by sinking stones and old ships. On the island stands the eponymous church, built in the 17th century, featuring beautiful Baroque frescoes and a collection of votive offerings brought by sailors from their journeys.

perast island
Image by Anton Toni Petricevic conte Montecason from Pixabay

Perast Today

Although no longer a bustling trading center, Perast is today one of the most visited tourist destinations in Montenegro. Its narrow stone streets, Baroque palaces, and stunning coastline attract visitors from all over the world. The town is under UNESCO protection, further confirming its cultural and historical value.
Whether you enjoy strolling along the promenade, exploring museums, or taking a boat ride to the islands, Perast is a place that captivates with its beauty and history.

Image by Анна Семенова from Pixabay
How to Get to Perast

Perast is easily accessible whether you’re traveling by car, bus, or boat. The town is located just a 20-minute drive from Kotor and about 40 minutes from Tivat Airport, which has regular international flights, especially during the summer season. If you’re coming from Dubrovnik (Croatia), Perast is around 2 hours away by car, making it a perfect day trip or overnight destination.
Public buses between Kotor and Herceg Novi also stop near Perast, and during the tourist season, boat tours from Kotor Bay frequently include Perast in their itinerary. If you’re driving, note that the town itself is mostly pedestrian, so you’ll need to park just outside and enjoy a scenic walk along the waterfront.

Where to Stay in Perast

Despite its small size, Perast offers a variety of accommodation options—from charming stone guesthouses and boutique hotels to luxurious waterfront villas with stunning views of the bay. Many of the renovated Baroque palaces have been transformed into elegant stays, giving visitors a chance to sleep in a place steeped in history.
If you’re planning a romantic escape, a peaceful retreat, or just want to wake up to the sound of waves and the sight of ancient islands, Perast has the perfect spot for you.

👉 Check the best accommodation in Perast here

Tip: Since Perast is a popular stop, especially in summer, it’s best to book your stay early!

Perast Aerial Video

Video courtesy of Polychronis Drone — original video available on their YouTube channel. Video embedded with permission. 

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