Downhill hiking from Krstac to Kotor: Old caravan path

Walk an ancient trade route down to the bay, tasting local ham and cheese halfway through

A downhill hike from Krstac pass to Kotor's Old Town follows a caravan path that dates to Roman times. You start with a 40-minute car transfer up a winding Austrian road, then walk the serpentine trail through forest and open terrain for about four hours total. The route passes through Spiljari village, where you taste local products, and ends at the UNESCO-protected Kotor fortress before descending to the Old Town.

The experience

The tour begins in Kotor city with a car transfer up the old Austrian road to Krstac pass: 20 kilometers of 25 curves that once connected Kotor to the rest of Montenegro. After 40 minutes you reach the trailhead. If you want an adrenaline rush, a zipline is available here for 15 EUR per person. It's optional and separate from the hike itself. Your guide will be with you throughout in English.

The walk descends the old serpentine path, starting with a forested 1-kilometer stretch that feels sheltered and cool, then opening onto exposed terrain with panoramic views across the bay. After about 90 minutes you arrive at Spiljari, a small village where one family still lives. You stop here to taste local products (ham, cheese, juice, rakia), and rest before continuing. The route then leads to Kotor fortress, built between the 9th and 19th centuries and now a UNESCO protected site. From the top you look down at the entire Kotor town and the water beyond. After a short break you walk downstairs through the fortress and descend all the way to the Old Town, where the tour ends.

The total time is four hours of walking and stops combined. You'll need moderate physical fitness for the downhill terrain and the elevation change. Bottled water and snacks are provided throughout, and the guide manages the pace so the group stays together.

What’s included

• Tour guide in English.
• air-conditioned vehicle for the transfer to Krstac pass.
• bottled water and snacks throughout the hike.
• local tastings at Spiljari village including ham, cheese, juice and rakia.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (10 to 55 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Attraction Montenegro Tour

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, so you can follow the commentary and ask about the history of the caravan path and the sites along the way. This hike suits anyone with moderate fitness who wants to walk downhill rather than climb, and who has a free four-hour block in their day in Kotor.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Krstac pass and why do we start there?

Krstac pass is a high point above Kotor where the old Austrian road ends. Starting there lets you walk downhill the entire way to the Old Town instead of climbing, which is easier on the legs and gives you views of the bay for most of the descent.

How long is the actual walking, and how steep is it?

The walking takes about four hours total, including stops at Spiljari village and Kotor fortress. The path is downhill throughout, so it's less demanding than climbing, but it's steady and you'll need moderate fitness to manage the distance and terrain.

What is Spiljari village like, and what do we taste there?

Spiljari is a small settlement where one family still lives. You stop for a break and taste local products they make or sell: ham, cheese, juice, and rakia (a local spirit). It's a chance to rest and eat something real before the second half of the hike.

Can I do the zipline, and does it cost extra?

Yes, a zipline is available at Krstac pass at the start of the hike. It costs 15 EUR per person and is optional. You choose whether to do it before you begin the walk downhill.

What is Kotor fortress, and how much time do we spend there?

Kotor fortress was built between the 9th and 19th centuries and is now a UNESCO protected heritage site. You walk up into it, spend time at the top where you can see the whole town and bay, then walk back down through it as part of the descent to the Old Town.