Pestingrad-Fairy's Gate Traditional Cache

Legend of the Fairy's Gate above Kotor:

This legend is connected with the period of Greek colonization, from 7th to 5th century B.C. It tells that there is the peak of Pestingrad ascending among the cliffs above Kotor and situated close to the inaccessible cave called Vilinica or Vilin stan (Fairy’s dwelling), in which the Greek fairy Alkima (Powerful) lives. The story tells us further that the people from the sea came to Pestingrad to build a settlement there, but the fairy Alkima dissuaded them from doing it, telling them that there were neither water nor salt, and advised them: "Let the seaside be the place of your residence, as you would have no life without the sea." The people accepted her instruction and built the town on the bay shore. Even today, there is a naturally overgrown area in Pestingrad, which looks like a stony bridge, known as the Fairy’s gate. The people tells about the gate: "Through an always open and inaccessible gate of the cave of Vilinica, one can enter into the invisible Fairy’s palace. Sometimes during the sunrise, the Fairy can be seen sitting on the doorstep and combing her golden hair in order to plaiting it in braids. She can be seen only by her lovers, poets and lovers of natural beauties. Only they are allowed to enjoy in such wonderful scenery. The Fairy is waiting there for her golden ship, which docks close to the stony doorstep in order to sail the seas." The legend is still alive among the people, whereas the Fairy called Alkima personifies the century-old seafaring tradition of Kotor, which dates back even from the times of the Greek settlement beneath Pestingrad, and witnessed also by the names of Greek origin like - Catareos, Decatera, Gurdic, Plagenti.

Hiking & Geocaching instructions with hyperlinks :

Pestingrad 1009 m above sea level is an imposing mountain peak that dominates the town of Kotor. From here, it offers a fascinating view that is simply breathtaking. Also from here you will make the most beautiful pictures ever. So do not miss the arrival on the peak Pestingrad. Position : N 42°26.100 E 018°47.024.
The easiest and most elegant way to this mountain peak starts from the saddle Krstac (from pubs 100m first left turn) Position : N 42°25.613 E 018°47.996. Keep the dirt road to the junction, Position : N 42°26.042 E 018°47.698 .Turn left and continue the path to Pestingrad.
At the end of the wider part of the road there is marked hiking trail,
Position : N 42°26.107 E 018°47.471 . At the end, when you reach hinterland of the Pestingrad, you have to pay attention that path is unexpectedly turning down along the very edge of the rock in the lenght of some 20 meters.
Be extremely careful and concentrated !
After you rest for a while and take some beautiful photos of environment from the top of Pestingrad, the time for cache hunting has come. From the peak, you have to go back to the Position : N 42°26.113 E 018°47.061 that you have already passed just before you started your climbing up to the top . That’s the start position, for the descent on rocky ground, partly covered with scree. On your way downhill, after about half an hour – you will see Fairy’s gate-bridge on your right ,at about 800 m of altitude. In relation to the top of Pestingrad – it’s about 210 m lower. It seems extremely , but an average physical fitness is sufficient.
For this tour, you need to provide enough water or an isotonic drink, especially if you are hiking during the summer.

Happy Caching!