Things to do at San Giovanni Fortress

The climb to San Giovanni Fortress (also signposted as the Fortress of St John, Kotor's Castle of St John, or the Kotor Fortress) runs about 1,350 steps from the old town gate to the summit, gaining roughly 260 m above sea level. It is steep, uneven and mostly unshaded, so start at dawn or leave it until late afternoon rather than tackling it at midday.

The chapel of Our Lady of Health, roughly halfway up, is a natural stopping point with shade and a view back over the bay. Entry has been ticketed since 2020, priced from around 8 EUR, with opening hours that shift by season, so check before you go. Bring at least a litre of water and wear closed shoes; sandals struggle on the loose stone in the upper section.

Runners heading north from the fortress toward Vrmac follow an unmarked, unofficial path not covered on any other page of this guide.