The coastal village of Risan is the oldest settlement in Boka Bay. It was an established Illyrian state in the 3rd century BC. According to local legend, Illyrian Queen Teuta took refuge from the Romans in Risan.

Risan is one of the largest and most significant archaeological sites in Montenegro. Visitors will find mosaics from the Roman period (late 2nd to early 3rd century AD) as well as the 18th-century Church of St. Peter and Paul. The 18th-century Monastery of Banja also offers a rich collection of icons and relics. Prehistoric rock paintings can be found in the neighboring town of Lipci. These animal and geometric motifs date to the Iron Aage (800 BC).