In short
The Bay of Kotor is not a fjord in geological terms but a drowned river canyon. The result is the same: walls of fifteen hundred metres dropping into sheltered water.
The walled old town is a World Heritage site. The ramparts climb to the fortress of St John, a hundred and fifty metres above, by one thousand three hundred and fifty steps.
What it really costs
Montenegro uses the euro without being in the eurozone, which removes any exchange risk. Prices stay a good third below neighbouring Croatia.
The gap widens out of season: from May to June and September to October, accommodation costs half of July and August for water that is just as swimmable.
What nobody tells you
Kotor is a cruise stop. When two ships moor on the same morning, the old town becomes unwalkable between ten and four. The call schedule is public and worth checking.
The climb up the ramparts is paid and is done early: after nine in summer the rock face is in full sun with no shade.
The Lovćen road, which climbs to the national park in twenty-five hairpins, is spectacular and narrow. It is driven in one direction rather than the other, and locals know which.