Our Lady of the Rocks

We went on December 1 so not during the season. We had parked and not 5 minutes later a guy came up and asked us if we wanted to go to Our Lady of the Rocks. So for 10 euros each we were transported to the island. Nicholas our young boat pilot was very friendly and helped us on and off board. I can’t tell you about the church. We looked inside but after 3 months in Europe I am churched out. Looked beautiful inside and the doors are amazing. 3 winter coated clad women were sitting out front of the church with the priest. I think they are guides that will give you a short tour for a few euros and credit to them they didn’t run up to us and ask if we wanted a tour. We enjoyed the views, the water and the elusive sunshine in Montenegro at this time of year. We took pictures and worshipped the sun and tried to get a handle on the geography of the region. If you are in the area during off season, I highly recommend a trip to the island.

This place is a must-visit when you’re in Perast! Take the small boats to get there and don’t be tricked by the people at the parking entrance asking for €20 per person. The island is beautiful for photos and has a special sense of peace. I couldn’t leave without mentioning the photo of Mother Teresa, our great Albanian woman, above which visitors had left their rosaries 🙏

The church is located on a small island and the atmosphere is very pleasant when you get there. The island is in the middle of the Bay of Kotor, you can see Perast well from the island.

The island is very interesting—definitely worth exploring and walking around. The other island actually seemed even more appealing to me, but unfortunately, it’s not open for visitors.

Visiting Our Lady of the Rocks was an absolute highlight of my trip to Montenegro! Perched gracefully on its tiny man-made island in the Bay of Kotor, this stunning church feels like something out of a fairytale. The boat ride over is breathtaking, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and sparkling Adriatic waters, and then suddenly the island appears—small, serene, and steeped in history. The church itself is a gem, adorned with beautiful frescoes, intricate paintings, and an atmosphere that radiates peace and devotion. Every corner tells a story, from the legend of the seamen who created the island stone by stone, to the centuries of faith preserved within its walls. The museum attached is small but fascinating, housing a rich collection of artifacts and votive offerings left by sailors. What struck me most was the sense of harmony between the island, the church, and the surrounding nature—it feels like a sacred meeting point between humanity and the sea. Whether you’re religious, a history lover, or simply someone seeking beauty and tranquility, Our Lady of the Rocks is a must-visit.

According to the legend, local seamen found an icon of Madonna and child on a rock sticking out of the sea way back in the 15h century. Thinking it a miracle, they started to slowly bring rocks to create this artificial island upon which a Catholic church was eventually erected. Even today there is an event called фашинада/fašinada whereby locals bring more rocks to drop into the sea and, thus, expand the island further. A fascinated story, and indeed, the church and the island are undeniably beautiful, a true pearl of the sea so to say. However, lamentably, it is precisely this sublime beauty that attracts and uncomfortable amount of people to the island, which renders visiting this place a bit less pleasant than it would be otherwise. Also, to enter the church itself requires paying as well, which is not something I can subscribe to, but if you're willing, make sure to have some cash at the ready if you want to get inside.

Breathtaking views of an artificial island but totally worth the boat ride visit as it's signature of the Kotor Bay.

I wouldn't give anything different than 5 stars for this location. It's a small picturesque island, easily accessible by boat from Perast (5 EUR per person, two way ticket, the boat is available every 10 minutes). The Church has a fee, 3 EUR per person. It's small but beautiful, has a museum inside and you can learn some history for the area. And the views from the island are more than spectacular. The place is a must visit if you plan to go to Montenegro.