Perast

From CruisersWiki

Perast is a historic town in the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro, situated just opposite the N end of the Prolaz Verige, the narrow passage connecting the Bay of Kotor with the Bay of Tivat to the S. The town has a long and distinguished history, having nurtured a strong naval tradition during the period of Venetian hegemony. Numerous local sea captains became wealthy from plying their trade across the Mediterranean and further afield, and much of their wealth was expended in the construction of impressive stone palaces, of which 17 survive along the waterfront and on the hills above the town. Half a mile off the waterfront are the two islands of Gospa od Skrpjela and Sveti Djordje, the former housing an important church and the latter a partly ruined monastery. The town's quay is constantly busy with tripper boats running regular trips out to Gospa od Skrpjela and there is only room for one or two yachts at a time. Shelter is only moderate, the quay being completely open to winds from every direction except N, so Perast should only be visited in settled weather.

Charts

See Montenegro.

Weather

See also Montenegro.

Passages

See Montenegro.

Islands

• Gospa od Skrpjela
• Sveti Djordje

Communication

Also see World Cruiser's Nets

Navigation

The approach is free from hazards, although there are shallows just N of Gospa od Skrpjela, marked with a beacon, and therefore it should be given a wide berth if approaching from that direction. There are depths of 4.0 metres in the gap between the two islands, so one can pass between them for a close up view on the approach. The town quay is immediately S of the conspicuous church tower, to the right of the 'barber's pole' port marker.

Entrance

Perast is not a port of entry.

Berthing

Perast town quay

There is a length of 20 metres of quay immediately to the E of the 'barber's pole' lit port marker on the quay, which is the only section where yachts are tolerated. If you try to park any further W you are likely to be chased off by the tripper boat operators, who guard their space jealously. This means that effectively there is really only space for one average sized yacht or two smaller ones at best. Of course, it is possible to raft up with consent (see photo). Depths along the quay are 3.5 – 4.5 metres. The bollards (just two of them) are widely spaced, so an anchor moor is impracticable. Shelter in this position is adequate in settled weather, although there is some slop with the afternoon S/SW seabreeze and regular wash from the tripper boats. It is not a place to be, however, in unsettled weather, especially if it involves fresh to strong winds from NE through S round to NW. There are no facilities on the quay but also no charge for berthing.

Otok Gospa od Skrpjela

Berthing

at the island at busy periods is strongly discouraged by the tripper boat operators. However, it is tolerated first thing in the morning (0900) before the tripper boats start flocking in. Only the short quay at the SW end of the island has adequate depths for a yacht (3.0 – 3.5 metres) and it is possible to tie up here for half an hour or so to visit the church and small museum.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

It is not possible to anchor off.

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

None.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

None.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

The waterfont of Perast is most attractive, lined with a number of imposing stone-built residences of former wealthy sea captains, one of which, the Bujovic Palace, now houses the Perast Museum. The museum has an eclectic collection of relics of the local seafaring families and a magnificent view from its waterfront balcony. For most tourists, however, the highlight of a visit to Perast is a trip out to the island of Gospa od Skrpjela, where a miraculous icon was discovered in the 15th century and subsequently a church erected to house it. The church contains paintings and hundreds of silver votive plaques donated by local families and others, plus the icon itself above the altar. The museum attached to the church (admission €1) contains a number of paintings on nautical themes and other items donated by grateful patrons. One interesting curio is a beautiful embroidery created over 35 years by a sea captain's wife, using gold and silver threads, exotic silks and even her own hair.

Grocery & Supply Stores

• Minimarket one street back from the harbour and 100 metres E.

Eateries

• Numerous eateries along the waterfront.
• Armonia Restoran (100 metres W of quay) is popular with locals.

Internet/WiFi

Free wifi from municipality.

Laundry

None.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

None.

Garbage Disposal

Bins near the harbour.

Transportation

• Buses to Herceg Novi and Kotor.

Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forums

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums (see link for requirements).

Links

• Perast at the Wikipedia

References

See Montenegro.

Comments

We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.

Verified by

Date of member's last visit to Perast and this page's details validated:

• May 2014 --Athene of Lymington

This is a usable page of the cruising guide. However, please contribute if you can to help it grow further. Click on Comments to add your personal notes on this page or to discuss its contents. Alternatively, if you feel confident to edit the page, click on the edit tab at the top and enter your changes directly.

Contributors to this page
Names: Athene of Lymington