Kotor Bay: Bike & hike tour to Gornji Stoliv with snack

Summary

Bike the coast, hike chestnut woods, taste local flavors

Pedal along Kotor Bay’s quiet coast before hiking up through chestnut woods to Gornji Stoliv’s abandoned stone houses. Share local prosciutto and cheese with your guide while gazing over Perast and the bay below. Swim stops are possible on your way back — it’s an experience you’ll remember every time you taste mountain air or hear distant bells.

What’s the experience like?

“You sure you want to try that hill?” our guide Marko grinned at me as we coasted through Donji Stoliv, right by the water. The air smelled salty but also a bit sweet — chestnut trees everywhere. I could hear someone in a garden whistling an old folk song (Marko said it was about fishermen, but honestly I couldn’t catch the words). The road was flat and easy at first, just the sound of our tires and the occasional wave slapping against stone. I didn’t expect to feel so awake this early — maybe it was the breeze off Kotor Bay or just being somewhere new.

We left our bikes leaning against a low wall and started up this half-paved path under the trees. It’s not a long hike — maybe 45 minutes? — but it’s all uphill, stones underfoot and little bursts of sunlight through leaves. Marko pointed out wild herbs growing by the trail (he picked one for us to smell; kind of minty, kind of earthy). At one point I stopped just to listen: birds arguing overhead, far-off church bells from Perast across the bay. There’s something about walking where nobody else is around — Gornji Stoliv is empty now except for old stone houses and fig trees pushing through cracks.

We sat on a broken wall with a view over Kotor Bay that honestly made me forget how sweaty I was. Marko handed out sandwiches with local prosciutto and cheese — salty, creamy, nothing fancy but perfect after climbing. He told us stories about his grandfather picking chestnuts here as a kid (I tried to say “chestnut” in Montenegrin; Marko laughed so hard he nearly dropped his sandwich). We lingered longer than planned because nobody wanted to leave that quiet.

The ride back felt easier somehow. Someone suggested stopping for a swim along the coastal road — so we did, just jumped in with our clothes still damp from hiking. Water cold enough to wake you up twice. I still think about that view from Gornji Stoliv sometimes when things get noisy at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Donji Stoliv Village

• Explore Donji Stoliv village

Top questions

How long does the bike & hike tour in Kotor Bay take?

The hike itself takes about 45 minutes uphill after biking along the coast; allow several hours total for biking, hiking, snack break, and possible swim stop.

Is lunch included on the Gornji Stoliv bike tour?

A homemade sandwich with local prosciutto and cheese is included as a light snack during the tour.

Are bikes provided for this Kotor Bay tour?

Yes, use of bicycles is included in your booking.

Can I swim during the bike & hike tour?

There is a possibility to stop for a swim along the coastal road on your way back to Kotor.

Is bottled water included on this day trip?

Bottled water is provided as part of your tour inclusions.

Do I need high fitness for this bike & hike tour?

This experience requires a high level of physical fitness due to uphill hiking and cycling.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Public transportation options are available near Donji Stoliv where the tour starts.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a bicycle for riding along Kotor Bay’s coast, bottled water throughout your journey, plus a homemade sandwich with local prosciutto and cheese enjoyed at Gornji Stoliv before returning by bike—swim stops possible if you’re up for it.