Kotor Jeep Tour: Hidden Stone Village & Food Tasting

Driving from Kotor toward Donji Stoliv reveals one of the most scenic coastal routes in Montenegro. The narrow waterfront road follows the curve of the UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor, passing stone houses with terracotta roofs, small family docks, and traditional “konoba” restaurants known for fresh fish and local olive oil. Fishing boats line the calm bays, and the smell of pine and sea salt fills the air as the mountains rise sharply above the shoreline. Along the way, travelers see quiet villages, medieval churches, and old Venetian facades that reflect the region’s centuries of maritime history. Nature blends seamlessly with culture here: turquoise water on one side, forested hills and terraced gardens on the other. The peaceful atmosphere, authentic coastal scenery and constant sea views make the route to Donji Stoliv a perfect introduction to Montenegro’s rural life and its traditional connection to the sea.

From Donji Stoliv the tour heads uphill toward Gornji Stoliv, leaving the coast behind and entering a centuries-old chestnut forest. The paved road becomes a narrow gravel track, creating a mild off-road experience as the Jeep climbs through shaded woodland and mountain terraces. This private access route is rarely used by regular traffic, giving travelers an exclusive look at Montenegro’s rural interior. The scenery shifts from sea and boats to stone walls, orchards, and untouched nature, with only birds and wind in the trees breaking the silence. As the elevation increases, the Bay of Kotor opens below, revealing panoramic views of its coastline, villages, and dramatic limestone peaks. The ride ends at Gornji Stoliv, a hidden stone village preserved on the mountainside, where abandoned houses, old churches, and terraced gardens tell the story of life before coastal tourism. It is an authentic, peaceful setting far from crowds and main roads.

Exploring Gornji Stoliv is a step back into medieval Montenegro. The tour continues on foot through the quiet stone village, following narrow panoramic paths originally built in the 14th century. These ancient walkways connect clusters of abandoned houses, family chapels and terraced gardens, while olive trees, wild herbs and chestnut forests surround the settlement from all sides. The air is fresh and the only sounds are wind and birds, reinforcing the village’s isolated mountain character. As guests walk uphill, the guide explains the history of the community, its maritime roots and the seasonal migrations between coast and mountain. The trail leads to a small church at the top of the village, offering sweeping views over the Bay of Kotor, its steep limestone peaks and coastal villages below. It is a simple but powerful experience combining history, nature and culture far from the crowds.

At the highest point of Gornji Stoliv stands the Church of St. Elijah (Sv. Ilije), a 13th-century stone church with a tall bell tower and commanding views over the Bay of Kotor. The approach leads through medieval stone paths and terraced vegetation until the church emerges above the village with panoramic scenery on all sides. Entry is exclusive: the guide unlocks the original wooden doors to allow private access, since the church is normally closed to the public. Inside, the interior remains intact and untouched by tourism, preserving historical stone floors, traditional religious elements and authentic atmosphere. There are no crowds or ticket booths here—just silence, heritage and scenery. The visit highlights the cultural and spiritual history of Stoliv and offers a rare opportunity to experience medieval ecclesiastical architecture in complete tranquility.

After exploring the village, the tour stops for a food break on a quiet terrace set beneath chestnut trees, overlooking the Bay of Kotor from above. The setting is peaceful and shaded, surrounded by forest and birdsong, with open views toward the sea and surrounding mountains. Guests are served traditional Montenegrin snacks prepared by local families, including prosciutto, homemade cheese, olives, fresh bread and seasonal produce. Natural juices are offered as well, such as pomegranate juice and rose petal syrup, both characteristic of the coastal region. There are no restaurants, crowds or commercial elements here—just simple local food, fresh air and panoramic scenery. It is a relaxed moment that connects travelers with Montenegro’s rural traditions, hospitality and authentic flavors while providing time to rest before continuing the off-road adventure.

The return route descends from Gornji Stoliv back toward the coast, following a quiet road through the centuries-old chestnut forest. As the Jeep drops in altitude, the sea reappears between the trees and the landscape opens again toward the Bay of Kotor. Once back on the shoreline, the drive continues along the bay toward the narrow passage of Verige, the most constricted point of the Bay of Kotor. From here guests enjoy a panoramic view of Perast and its two iconic islands, Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George, framed by steep mountains and blue water. This coastal section highlights the bay’s maritime character, stone villages and calm waterfront scenery before the tour returns to Kotor.

From Verige the tour continues along the coast toward Tivat, passing marinas, waterfront promenades and small stone villages typical of the Bay of Kotor. After reaching Tivat, the route climbs toward the Trojica pass, gaining altitude and leaving the shoreline behind. At the top there is a final scenic stop with a wide panoramic view over the entire Kotor basin, surrounded by high limestone peaks and the winding coastline below. This overlook provides an excellent photo opportunity and a last chance to appreciate the scale of the UNESCO-listed bay before returning to the city. A small local souvenir shop is located at the viewpoint, offering hand-made items and regional products for those who want to take home something authentic. After the break, the Jeep descends toward Kotor to complete the circular route.