Travel photographer Mathias takes us on a photographic journey to the beautiful Bay of Kotor, the jewel in the crown of the Balkan nation of Montenegro.

Located just around the corner from the Adriatic Sea and a few miles away from the Croatian border, the Bay of Kotor is a submerged river canyon forming a unique Balkanic destination with impressive fjord features. Nothing similar can be found elsewhere in South Europe. Made of four little bays and a fistful of ancient towns surrounded by incredible natural sceneries, the “Boka” joined the UNESCO world heritage in 1979.

The bay is named after the old town of Kotor, a medieval gem surrounded by the impressive limestone cliffs of Orjen and Lovcen. Such a combination of natural and historical elements, curiously located in a very secluded corner of the Adriatic, forms a landscape with no equals. Tivat, the youngest municipality in the area, lies on the other side of the bay with its natural reserves, remarkable sunset viewpoints and coastal villages beautifully frozen in time.

The Bay of Kotor is naturally divided in two by mount Vrmac. At these altitudes, 300m above sea level, the uninhabited settlement of Gornja Lastva welcomes visitors with traditional white stone houses, amazing panoramic sceneries and hiking trails regularly attracting locals and tourists. On the horizon, the coastal village of Bjelila offers a beautiful coastal counterpart: traditional houses, old dock and little taverns make for a time travelling experience.

Traditional fishing has always been a big part of Montenegro’s heritage, and this is especially relevant around the Bay of Kotor in virtue of the strong bond between the locals and the sea. Follow the boats into sunrise and sunset whenever the opportunity presents itself: those skies and their profusion of colours are going to paint everlasting memories.

Check out more of Mathias’ photography at his website: https://www.mathiasfalcone.com/