It’s no wonder two top athletic competitions have created local editions, right here in Montenegro.

The first is Ocean Lava Montenegro, an annual half Ironman triathlon competition returning to Kotor for its fourth year, and X-Waters Montenegro, is a Russian all-swim competition held across Europe that will debut in Kotor for the first time.

Ocean Lava Montenegro

Sunday, May 12th, 2019

Family-Friendly Event

The popular Ocean Lava Montenegro has sold every spot for competing athletes this year. Gearing up for year four here, the race organized by Kotor’s own Igor Majer, has quickly gained momentum and plenty of attention across the continent.

The half Ironman competition attracts sportists from near and far to swim 1.9k, bike 90k and run for 21k. Though the organizer himself has competed in half Ironman and Ironman competitions around the world, the competition’s motto welcomes everyone from beginners to the most seasoned athletes: “It’s not about winning or losing, it’s about passion”.

In fact, children are invited to compete in the special KIDS Race the day before the main event. Bring your little ones out on Saturday, May 11th for 150m (0-3 years), 400m (4-7 years) and 800m (8-12 years) races. The 5 euro registration fee is donated to charity.

As for Sunday’s activities, view the race in front of the Old Town’s walls or atop our city’s walls at Restaurant Citadel, above Cattaro Hotel. Part of Cattaro Complex, you may enjoy a meal or beverages while viewing the action below.

X-Waters Montenegro

Saturday, May 18th, 2019

Family-Friendly Event

Meanwhile, X-Waters Montenegro focuses on the water. Competing participants will arrive from around Europe to swim in our inviting waters. However, this race begins and ends in the nearby coastal town of Risan, part of the region of Kotor and situated on the same bay.

There are 7 km, 4.5 km and 1 nautical mile races, in addition to children’s races (50m and 200m).

Kotor Bay is one of many stops for X-Waters Montenegro this spring and summer, including Malta, St. Petersburg, Lake Baikal, Turgoyak Lake (South Urals) and Austria’s Wörthersee Lake.

Risan is a 15-20 minute drive from Cattaro Hotel.

Making it an overnight trip? Whether you’re in town to watch the festivities or to compete on your own, why not stay at Cattaro Hotel? Cattaro Hotel is conveniently located for easy, restorative evenings in Kotor. Let us host you within the UNESCO-protected walls of Kotor’s Old Town in our historic boutique hotel. Call or email us today: +382 32 311 000 | +382 67 209 847 | +382 67 209 847 (Viber) | CattaroHotel@t-com.me.

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Winters in Kotor are often without snow, but it does occur from time to time. In fact, last year we saw the city – if briefly – become entirely blanketed with snow. And what a sight it was. The majestic, walled-in Old Town under white cover, right on the Bay of Kotor, an extension of the Adriatic Sea. Snow in Kotor may be more rare, but this jewel of a city is often surrounded by snow-capped, snow-covered mountains in the winter, contributing to the fresh, crisp air, while providing a majestic sight.

Yes, Kotor offers a different type of splendor when the winter rolls around. The city transforms into a peaceful, quiet escape. It’s in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the seacoast in the summer. Locals and visitors alike, go for long walks along the bay, exploring hidden alcoves, catching up with loved ones and photographing local spots of history and legends like Tre Sorelle Palace and Our Lady of the Rocks. It’s also still a wonderful time to climb. Choose from one of three paths to scale the Old Town for exercise, incredible photo opportunities and wondrous views. Feeling energized? Be sure to continue all the way to the top, to reach Kotor’s Castle of San Giovanni.

Enjoy gorgeous weather and much milder temperatures than most other areas in the region. Bundle up elegantly in winter garb, while sipping warm drinks on the Adriatic Sea. It’s a calm, quiet and relaxing time… an ideal time to visit as a couple. Discover romance in every corner. History. Legends. Stunning landscapes.

The Old Town is but one portion of the city of Kotor, and the Bay of Kotor traces several locales from Dobrota to Perast and Prčanj. There are many places to enjoy with a number of excellent local restaurants and cafes along the way.

Guests enter restaurants built into the Old Town’s walls for a slice of Montenegrin history, local cuisine and wine. Others take advantage of the sea views, dining in locales with floor-to-ceiling windows on the bay, for the next best experience to al fresco dinner services.

There are events too, as well as periodic concerts and other cultural events both in Kotor’s Old Town as well as in Porto Montenegro, in the nearby city of Tivat, about a ten minute drive.

How would you like to enjoy Kotor in the winter? We’d love to host you on your travels or serve as the backdrop for your next event. From engagement parties and destination weddings to team-building getaways and corporate events, please get in contact to let us know your needs. You’ll enjoy the full experience of Cattaro Hotel, as well as Kotor at large. Please allow us to produce a tailored experience, customized just for you.

Call or email us today: +382 32 311 000 | +382 67 209 847 | +382 67 209 847 (Viber) | CattaroHotel@t-com.me .

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We’ve created this digital oasis – just for you. The repeat visitors and one-time guests. The executives from our corporate events. The friends, families, brides and grooms of the dozens of weddings we host each year. Our friends and neighbors in Kotor’s Old Town- and beyond these UNESCO-protected walls.

And this magazine is for you… travelers planning their first trips to our city.

We welcome you all!

Cattaro & Kotor

Our hotel is named after the picturesque, culture-rich city of Kotor. “Cattaro” actually means “Kotor” in Italian. You’ll learn more about that (and other fun facts) as we dive through our local history in this magazine.

We’re a proud member of the Historic Hotels of Europe (HHE), and we’re literally located in the city walls of the UNESCO-protected Old Town. Staying with us means immersing yourself in history while enjoying all of the modern amenities of a fine boutique hotel.

But we’re more than a hotel. We have an entire complex on offer. First, there are our three UNESCO-protected buildings: Napoleon’s Theatre, the Rector’s Palace and the Town Guard Kotor (currently home to the local Consulate General of Croatia). We have a casual restaurant called Pub AS located next to our hotel on the main square, The Square of Arms. And for a meal with a view of the Adriatic Sea, we have Restaurant Citadel, up just a few flights of stairs near the entrance to our hotel. Of course the restaurant is located on the citadel of Kotor’s walls, an area once crucial to the city’s protection. It offers sweeping views of the Old Town Walls and Moat, as well as Kotor Riviera and the Bay of Kotor (hence the Adriatic Sea).  

An Oasis for Events

You know we’re a well-loved vacation destination, but did you know we also host amazing events? So if you’re wondering where to throw your next team building exercise, executive retreat or seminar, give us a call. You’ll discover why companies like Volkswagen come to us for corporate events they won’t soon forget!

We’re also home to dozens of marriage ceremonies and receptions each year- including a number of destination weddings. Our 16th century property lends inimitable romance, mystery and culture that calls couples to flock to Cattaro to say “I do”. Planning weddings from afar can seem like a lot of work, but we pride ourselves on our full-service offerings. No wedding planner necessary. Tell us your wishes and we’ll make them come true. You’ll arrive for your wedding completely relaxed and ready to enjoy.

Cattaro Magazine: What to Expect

Read Cattaro Magazine for information on our culinary scene, destination weddings (including peeks into some of the most romantic weddings at our hotel), local upcoming events and family-friendly activities for the kids. We’ll also journey with you across Montenegro to show you the best of our country’s “Wild Beauty” and time travel through the rich history of Cattaro Hotel and Kotor. Food, wine, fun, romance… we’ve got everything covered.

Are you following us on social media? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to never miss a story.

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