The bay in Montenegro known for fjord-like scenery and included in a UNESCO World Heritage site is the Bay of Kotor.
Also called Boka Kotorska, it is a winding inlet of the Adriatic Sea surrounded by the Orjen and Lovćen mountains. Although it resembles a fjord, it is technically a ria: a submerged river canyon shaped by tectonic and karst processes. Narrow channels connect several larger inner bays, creating the dramatic landscape.
UNESCO inscribed the Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor in 1979. The protected area includes historic settlements such as Kotor, Perast and Risan, along with medieval churches, monasteries, palaces and fortifications. Kotor developed as an important Adriatic port and medieval center of trade, masonry and icon painting.
A common mix-up is calling it a true fjord. Its steep mountains and deep-looking coastal scenery explain the comparison, but fjords are typically glacially carved valleys, while the Bay of Kotor is a drowned river valley. The bay is about 28 kilometers long, with the narrow Verige Strait connecting its inner and outer sections.