Perast is one street of Baroque palaces facing the stillest water in the Bay of Kotor, and it may be the most photogenic town in Montenegro. Built by sea captains in the 17th and 18th centuries, it has barely grown since: a waterfront line of grey stone facades, a bell tower, and the mountains reflected in the bay. The centre is effectively car-free, so you leave the car in the lots at the edge and walk in along the water.
The real destination floats just offshore. Our Lady of the Rocks is an artificial island, built up over centuries by sailors dropping stones on a reef, and carries a domed church and a small museum stuffed with votive offerings from grateful crews. Taxi boats shuttle constantly from the quay for a few euros return, and the crossing takes a couple of minutes. Its neighbour, the natural islet of St George with its cypresses and monastery, is closed to visitors and content to be scenery.
Back on shore, the town rewards an unhurried hour: climb the bell tower of St Nicholas church for the postcard angle over both islands, then take a waterfront table and watch the boats. Swimming happens straight off the stone jetties.
From Budva it is about 40 km and 50 minutes by car, passing Kotor on the way, which is exactly why most people pair the two. There is no direct bus, so drive, take a taxi, or join one of the many Bay of Kotor tours that stop here.
