What To Buy In Kotor, Montenegro

1. Pick up authentic Montenegrin headgear with a Kapa cap

This striking headgear is a traditional piece of Montenegrin attire and is worn by both the Serbs and the Montenegrins of the country. Similar in design to the similar Lika and Herzegovina-style caps, the Kapa is cylindrical in shape, and usually predominantly black with a flat red top - although more ornate versions are available, too. These usually feature embroidered designs, ranging from Serbian crosses to Montenegro’s coat of arms. Indeed, the latter design is enjoying a resurgence as the people of the country celebrate the nation’s sovereignty. Needless to say, if you pick one up on your travels you’ll have a truly unique memento of your Montenegro holiday.

2. Brojanica

These consecrated bracelets are a special kind of rosary and woven from sheep’s wool. A type of Orthodox prayer rope, the brojanica and brojanice are popular among a number of eastern European nations including Macedonia, Bosnia, Serbia and, of course, Montenegro. What’s more, they date back to the earliest days of Christianity - and, in that time, have evolved into a range of styles - boasting everything from 33 to 150 knots, although the larger knotted variety are usually worn round the neck as opposed to as a bracelet. Today they also come in a variety of colours and ornamentation, too, making them a fashionable accessory as well as a religious symbol.

3. Vranac wine

Wine lovers will also find much to enjoy during their visit to Montenegro. Indeed, there are a number of vineyards in the coastal and southern areas of the nation, producing tasty vintages from a variety of grapes. The country is also home to a particular type of grape - the Vranac - which produces a red wine that is much enjoyed. What’s more, it enjoys geographical protected status, which means that any vranac wine you purchase will have been produced in Montenegro’s rugged landscape. There are plenty of wines to enjoy too, with Vranac’s dark grapes producing a variety of tastes depending on the method of production and the length of time the wine is stored - giving you a perfect excuse to try a few.

4. Tabby-centric souvenirs from Cats of Kotor

Besides its stunningly well preserved old town and beautiful fjord-like seascape, Kotor is also famous for its large population of stray cats, which are an integral part of its streetscape. Naturally this has seen cats taken into the heart of the city’s identity as an unofficial symbol of the old town - a fact perhaps best exemplified by tabby-related souvenir shops such as Cats of Kotor. Located in Kotor Vista in the old town, this popular shop and cat museum features a range of arts and handcrafts centred around the city’s moggies. It’s also open until well into the evening, giving you a chance to pick up your souvenirs at a time to suit your daily holiday itinerary. What’s more, some of your money will be used to help feed the animals - you can even buy food for them yourself.

5. High-quality clothing items, rugs, and curtains from Niti

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If it’s memorable folk-style rugs, curtains, or clothes you’re after, then you may wish to keep your eyes out for products from Niti. These high-quality goods are created in Bijelo Polje (pictured) in the north-east of the country. All are produced by hand using sheep wool, and made using a range of traditional skills - including embroidery, weaving and knitting.

6. Montenegro grape vinegar

If you or a loved one are a bit of a foodie then this next entry will likely prove interesting. As already mentioned, Montenegro is home to a host of top vineyards so it should come as little surprise to learn that grape vinegar is a popular condiment in the country. Sour grapes are prized for use in this product, with its uses ranging from a condiment to pickling and even as an ingredient in sauces. Furthermore, it’s a common sight among souvenir shops so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to snap some up during your travels.

7. Homemade peasant cheese

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Speaking of culinary delights, if you’re a cheese fan you’ve come to the right place. Montenegro is home to an array of homemade peasant cheeses. The country boasts a number of varieties of unusual cheeses with memorable and unique flavours. These include Njeguški sir (pictured), which is kept in oil, a salted old cheese made from cow’s milk called Pljevaljski sir, and a number of salted cottage creams called Skorup. Needless to say, you’ll almost certainly stumble across some during your visits to Kotor’s various souvenir outlets and shops.

8. Pick up antiques from Kotor's shops and bazaars

A city with such a rich and lengthy history as Kotor - which dates back to the 5th century BC - naturally is home to all manner of fascinating antiques. So if you want to pick up one-of-a-kind or memorable mementos then you’ll find plenty of things to catch the eye while wandering the stunning old town and its shops and bazaars. Antiques Stankovic boasts everything from Roman coins (see picture) to socialist-era medals, while the Antique Art Sales Museum sells everything from ring-watches to clocks and plates.

9. Olive oil

Let’s face it, the Mediterranean and Adriatic are famed for their olive oils. This super-food is used in all manner of dishes and has wowed food fans across the world for centuries. So why not pick up some fresh from the source during your visit. As well as being stocked in shops in Kotor, the nearby Lustica peninsula is home to a range of olive groves and oil producers. Some even welcome tours so as well as buying fresh organic olive oil, you may even be able to see it being produced.

10. Pick up a souvenir magnet or mug with landmark images

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Kotor’s status as a jewel of the Adriatic means it is a tourism hot-spot, welcoming fleets of cruise ships and waves of visitors every year - all looking to experience the world heritage site charms of its well-preserved medieval old town. Naturally this means you’ll find plenty of souvenir shops catering to this demand. And, of course, if you’re looking for simple mementos of your stay - either for yourself or friends and family back home - you’ll find plenty of classic options. These include the typical magnets and mugs that you’d find in many a gift shop, featuring the country, cities, and landmarks.

Time to go shopping

Whether it’s culinary treats to tantalise those taste buds, classic souvenir options, or clothing that is truly unique, there are a whole host of options when looking to buy lasting keepsakes of your trip to Kotor. What grabs your fancy?