Perast: Probably the Quietest Town on This Side of the Adriatic

If you’re looking for nightlife, clubs, or crowds – you won’t find them here. But if you’re chasing serenity, history, and the soft sound of waves brushing against stone walls, then Perast might just be your dream destination.

This tiny coastal town, with a winter population of barely 300 people, lies quietly along the Bay of Kotor and forms a part of Montenegro’s UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Natural and Cultural-Historical Region of Kotor. It may be small in size, but it’s monumental in beauty and legacy.

A Town Built by the Sea – and for the Sea
Perast has been a mariner’s haven for centuries. By the 14th century, it had its own shipyard, and not long after, it boasted a commercial fleet of around 60 impressive vessels. Most notably, Perast was home to the first naval school on the entire Adriatic, founded in the 16th century – training seafarers who would later navigate the world.

The town’s connection to the sea runs deep. From its strategic location at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, Perast played a crucial role in protecting these waters, often standing as a frontline fortress in turbulent times. Today, its calm surface belies the stories beneath.

Walking Through Centuries
One of the best ways to experience the soul of Perast is on foot. Its 1.5-kilometer-long seaside promenade is like a timeline etched in stone. Starting in the Penčići quarter near the town beach and passing through the lively marina before reaching the Luka district, the walkway offers an ever-changing view of baroque palaces, crumbling churches, and sunny stone squares where time seems to pause.

With 17 baroque palaces and 19 churches, the town feels like an open-air museum. Among the most striking are the Bujović Palace, with its elegant arcades, and Zmajević Palace, named after a powerful local family. Though some facades have surrendered to the passage of time, they wear their weathered beauty like medals of honor.

Cultural Echoes: Festivals & Traditions
Though quiet, Perast comes alive in its own way. During June and July, the town becomes a stage for summer festivals, with music floating through its narrow lanes. The International Klapa Festival, a celebration of traditional a cappella singing, fills the air with harmony and emotion, drawing performers and visitors from across the region.

But perhaps the most unique local tradition is Fašinada, held every year on July 22. In a ritual dating back centuries, locals row boats toward the artificial island of Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Škrpjela), where they throw stones into the sea to reinforce the island’s foundations. It’s a symbolic act – a merging of myth, faith, and the enduring relationship between Perast and the sea.

Visit Perast With Us
On our Scenic Montenegro – Guaranteed Gulet Cruise, Perast is more than just a stop – it’s an experience. A place where you leave your schedule behind and let the rhythm of the waves and centuries-old stories guide you.

No clubs. No chaos. Just sunshine, silence, and the occasional church bell echoing through the bay. Perfect for those who want to slow down and just breathe.

Join us. Discover Perast. Relax like never before!