
Our Lady of the Rocks Perast
A man-made island in the Bay of Kotor, home to a stunning church steeped in maritime legend and offering breathtaking Adriatic views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

Our Lady of the Rocks Perast
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A man-made island in the Bay of Kotor, home to a stunning church steeped in maritime legend and offering breathtaking Adriatic views.
"Beautiful story behind it but nothing more than that really."

💰 Cheaper Boat Tickets
Buy boat tickets directly from pier operators in Perast for better prices than pre-booked tours. :euro:
⏰ Agree on Return Time
Confirm your pickup time with the boat driver for a seamless return trip. :clock1:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Our Lady of the Rocks Church
Artificial island
A man-made island housing a beautiful Catholic church with a rich history and stunning maritime art.

Perast Waterfront
Perast town
Charming stone village with picturesque waterfront restaurants offering breathtaking views of the bay.

Kotor Bay Views
Boat trip to the island
Enjoy panoramic vistas of the dramatic fjord-like bay as you approach and depart the island.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Boat Trip Logistics
Timing is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Cheaper Boat Tickets
Buy boat tickets directly from pier operators in Perast for better prices than pre-booked tours. :euro:
⏰ Agree on Return Time
Confirm your pickup time with the boat driver for a seamless return trip. :clock1:
☀️ Beat the Crowds
Visit early morning or late afternoon for a more peaceful experience and better photos. :camerawithflash:
⛪ Church Entry Fee
Be prepared to pay the church entrance fee in cash; tickets aren't available in advance. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Cheaper Boat Tickets
Buy boat tickets directly from pier operators in Perast for better prices than pre-booked tours. :euro:
⏰ Agree on Return Time
Confirm your pickup time with the boat driver for a seamless return trip. :clock1:
☀️ Beat the Crowds
Visit early morning or late afternoon for a more peaceful experience and better photos. :camerawithflash:
⛪ Church Entry Fee
Be prepared to pay the church entrance fee in cash; tickets aren't available in advance. :moneywithwings:
🚶♀️ Explore Perast
Don't just visit the island; wander Perast's charming streets and enjoy waterfront dining. :forkandknife:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are charmed by the unique legend and history of Our Lady of the Rocks, finding the boat trip and island setting picturesque. The town of Perast itself is frequently praised for its beauty and evening ambiance. However, some find the island experience brief and the church queues long, with limited shade and cash-only payments being common drawbacks.
"we went out to lady of the rock which was a nice little sailing trip. we just bought the tickets down at the boats and it was much cheaper. we agreed with the boat driver when he would pick us up again and then he came. on the way back he also told a little about the history behind the creation of the island and made recommendations for what else you could see in Montenegro. incredibly beautiful nature and Perast is a beautiful city"
Sigurd Hansen
"Beautiful story behind it but nothing more than that really.
It’s a tiny island like 200m long, and you only got 1 church on it. The church is just a regular church and the queue to get in is ridiculously long because people need yo pay for tickets in cash (you can not buy them in advance). Not a single tree on the island, no shade from the scorching sun. We only spent 20 min there but it was too much."
Alice Kingsleigh
"It was our first stop on a day trip from Dubrovnik, Croatia. Our tour operator had pre booked boat tickets hence we didn’t have to wait to get the boat on arrival. Short boat ride to the church in a tiny island. Beautiful place. We have spent around 1.30 hours visiting inside the church. You have to buy separate tickets for visiting the church."
Roy Augustin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Our Lady of the Rocks is by taking a short boat trip from the charming town of Perast. Boats depart regularly from the Perast waterfront. You can buy tickets directly from the boat operators at the pier. Some tours might offer pre-booked tickets, but direct purchase is often more economical. The journey itself offers beautiful views of the bay.
No, Our Lady of the Rocks is an island and can only be accessed by boat. You can drive to Perast and park your car there before taking a boat to the island.
From Kotor, you can reach Perast by local bus, taxi, or by renting a car. The bus is an affordable option, while taxis offer more convenience. The scenic drive along the bay is also a highlight.
Yes, many day tours from Dubrovnik, Croatia, include a visit to Our Lady of the Rocks as part of a broader Montenegro itinerary. These tours often pre-book boat tickets for convenience.
The boat ride from Perast to Our Lady of the Rocks is very short, typically only a few minutes. The focus is on the experience of reaching the island and the views along the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cost involves two main components: the boat trip to the island and the entrance fee for the church. Boat trips typically cost around €5-€10 per person for a round trip, with an agreed-upon waiting time. The entrance fee for the church is usually around €2-€3 per person. It's advisable to have cash on hand, as card payments might not always be accepted, especially for the church entry.
Tickets for the boat trip can be purchased directly from boat operators at the Perast pier. While some organized tours might include pre-booked boat tickets, it's generally not possible to buy church entry tickets in advance. You'll need to purchase them upon arrival at the island.
The church is generally open daily, but specific hours can vary. It's best to check locally or inquire with your boat operator. The island itself is accessible during daylight hours.
There is no separate entrance fee for the island itself. The primary fee is for entering the church. The boat trip also has its own cost.
Yes, the boat trip fee is for the round trip, including your time on the island. You agree on a waiting time with the boat driver, so you pay for the service of getting you there and back.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Our Lady of the Rocks is a small, man-made island featuring a beautiful Catholic church. Inside the church, you'll find a museum with maritime artifacts, votive offerings, and a famous tapestry depicting the Virgin Mary. The island itself offers stunning views of the surrounding Kotor Bay and the town of Perast.
Most visitors spend about 20-30 minutes on the island, which is sufficient to see the church and take photos. If you plan to explore the museum thoroughly or wait for a shorter queue to enter the church, you might spend up to an hour.
The island is relatively small and flat, but the church interior might have some steps. The boat ride itself requires boarding and disembarking. It's advisable to check with your boat operator regarding accessibility for specific needs.
There is a small souvenir shop on the island where you can purchase religious items and mementos. There are no extensive facilities like restaurants or restrooms beyond what's in the church complex.
Legend has it that in the 15th century, two fishermen found an icon of the Virgin Mary on a rock. Grateful for safe voyages, sailors began dropping stones in the bay, gradually creating the island. The tradition of adding stones continues annually on July 22nd during the Fašinada festival.
📸 📸 Photography
The approach to the island by boat offers fantastic photo opportunities with the church as the centerpiece. Once on the island, the church facade, the surrounding bay views, and the bell tower are popular subjects. The narrow streets of Perast also provide charming backdrops.
Drone regulations can vary, and it's best to check current local rules before flying. However, many drone videos showcase the island from above, highlighting its unique location.
Early morning or late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' provides the most beautiful light for photography. The soft light enhances the colors of the bay and the architecture. Midday sun can be harsh and create strong shadows.
Photography rules inside the church may vary. It's respectful to check for signage or ask permission before taking photos, especially if flash is involved. Some areas might be restricted.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the island and the bay. A telephoto lens can be useful for details within the church or distant shots of the surrounding mountains. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during less crowded times to keep children comfortable. Pack snacks and drinks, as facilities on the island are limited. In Perast, the waterfront offers space for kids to move around, and many restaurants are family-friendly. The overall experience is relatively short, making it manageable for families with young children.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own snacks and water to avoid purchasing them at tourist prices on the island or in Perast. Enjoying the views from the Perast waterfront and exploring the town's charming streets are free activities that offer great value. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons for potentially lower accommodation and transport costs.
❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
Taking a private boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks at sunset can be a magical experience. The soft light casting over the bay creates a breathtaking backdrop for couples. The unique history and beauty of the island add a layer of enchantment to any romantic visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend and Creation of Our Lady of the Rocks
This ongoing tradition is celebrated annually on July 22nd with the Fašinada festival. During this event, locals sail to the island in their boats, throwing stones into the bay, symbolically reinforcing the island and honoring the Virgin Mary. It's a vibrant cultural event that underscores the deep connection between the community and this unique maritime sanctuary.
The church itself, built in the Baroque style, is adorned with numerous votive paintings and artifacts collected over centuries. The most famous is a large tapestry depicting the Virgin Mary, said to have been woven by a wife awaiting her sailor husband's return. The intricate details and the sheer volume of offerings speak to the enduring faith and maritime heritage of the region.
Exploring Perast: A Timeless Village
Perast is renowned for its beautiful waterfront restaurants, many of which feature terraces directly on the water's edge. These offer an idyllic setting to enjoy local cuisine while taking in the stunning views of Our Lady of the Rocks and the surrounding mountains. Evenings in Perast are particularly magical, as the day-trippers depart, leaving a serene atmosphere perfect for a romantic dinner or a peaceful stroll.
Beyond the main attractions, Perast boasts several notable churches, including the Church of St. Nicholas, which has a striking bell tower offering panoramic views. The town's rich history is palpable, making it a delightful place to explore at a leisurely pace, soaking in the ambiance and the breathtaking scenery of the Bay of Kotor.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit