Bar Montenegro
At first glance, Bar appears to be little more than an average Mediterranean port town – yet it hides an abundance of natural and historical landmarks and plays host to some of Montenegro’s most beautiful beaches. Its promenade that sweeps around the city’s coastline is lined with restaurants, cafes, and beach bars, and enjoys a striking backdrop of mountains and olive orchards.
Bar sits on Montenegro’s southern Adriatic coast, between the coastal towns of Ulcinj and Budva at the foot of Mount Rumija. Unlike Kotor’s or Budva’s historic centers, Bar’s Old Town sits embedded higher up in the mountains, five kilometers away from the newer neighborhoods by the sea.
Stari Bar, as the old town is referred to locally, was heavily destroyed during the earthquake of 1979 when it was also cut off from the water supply, and its residents were forced to abandon it. The old town has been turned into a stunning open-air museum ever since and, besides, Bar has several other places of interest to visit, including the Ottoman-era aqueduct, the Medjurec canyon, the Vrteljak waterfall, and the Ribnjak monastery in the village of Zupci, just outside of town.
Bar’s Historic Center
The old town of Bar adds another facet to the tourist experience. The ancient city walls contain an open-air museum and restaurants and shops are just outside.
History and Culture of Bar
Having been conquered again and again through the centuries, Bar bears signs of a rich yet tempestuous history. The most ancient marks were left on ‘Antivari’ – as Bar was known back then – by the Byzantines and Serbs, who arrived here more than 1,000 years ago and erected the first fortifications.
Bar’s formative history is eternally tied to the South Slavic Kingdom of Duklja, a vessel state of the Byzantine Empire that later declared independence. Its 11th-century ruler Jovan Vladimir was proclaimed a saint shortly after he died in 1016. St. Jovan Vladimir is also the patron saint of Bar and the Golden-Domed Church in the town center is dedicated to him.
With the historic quarter’s secluded setting, it is hardly surprising that Bar is not as closely associated with seafaring and Mediterranean maritime trade as Kotor and Perast. The Venetians ruled over Bar for just over 100 years and didn’t leave as many footprints as the Serbs / South Slavs and the Ottoman Empire that replaced them in 1571.
Kotor
The historic town of Kotor is a worthwhile stop when traveling around Montenegro. Find out what makes this walled, charming town so special.
Perast
Perast is a beautiful secluded resort village with a splendid Baroque heritage, offering a good range of boutique hotels, waterfront restaurants, and charming cafes.
A Turkish-era aqueduct was constructed at the end of the 16th century to carry water from the mountains to the town. What’s more, the introduction of the Muslim world and the local Montenegrin culture are forever embedded in Bar’s town fabric, as evidenced by many religious buildings of that period such as the Omerbasic Mosque from 1662 and neighboring Skanjevic Mosque.
Bar still has a significant Muslim population of roughly 30%, and is also famous for its notable religious tolerance, as made perfectly clear by the three newly constructed religious edifices: the giant Selimija Mosque, the Roman Catholic Cathedral in the town center, and the Orthodox Church of St. Jovan Vladimir.
The town has an exciting blend of international residents (mainly Serbs, Russians, Ukrainians, and Germans), and not much of the architecture is purpose-built for tourism – Bar is active throughout the year, even though winters are much slower and sleepier than the intoxicating, hot summer months.
Major Attractions
The Old Town, which is dominated by a clock tower dating back many centuries, is the scene for one of Montenegro’s best Friday farmers markets, attracting many local producers and customers looking for fresh, homegrown fruits and vegetables. Bar is particularly known beyond its municipal borders for high-quality olive oil that is cold-pressed and produced only in small quantities.
Don’t miss a saunter through the Starobarski Carsija street to discover the artistic and culinary traditions of this region, with small shops offering everything from pomegranate beer to olive oil soap. If you like arts and crafts and are looking for authentic souvenirs and Balkan cuisine, you will find yourself in paradise here.
Housed in a former noble’s summer residence, with a long and turbulent history, King Nicholas’ Palace plays host to a small local history museum, telling the story of Bar’s fascinating maritime past. The yellow building itself, erected at the end of the 19th century, was confiscated by the communists, once experiencing an incarnation as a primary school, and another time as a housing project. Today, besides hosting the diverse museum collection, events are occasionally held here.
The Church of St. Jovan Vladimir was only built one millennium after the saint’s martyrdom in 1016 but quickly became one of Bar’s most prominent landmarks, boasting some of the most impressive and vibrant frescoes in Montenegro. A metal cross that Jovan Vladimir held in his hands during his execution, is kept in the church reliquary.
An ancient olive tree is another popular attraction in Bar. The 2,240-year-old ‘Stara Maslina’, as it is locally known, grows in the Tomba neighborhood, not far from the old town. The beautiful evergreen is widely considered a symbol of peace, health, wealth, and longevity. The small entrance fee goes towards tree maintenance.
As well as a working port and marina, Bar functions as a summer seaside resort, with plenty of facilities, venues, and shops all geared towards the needs of holidaymakers. Bar’s well-resourced marina sits behind sophisticated breakwaters and is therefore the perfect mooring spot for sailboats and motor yachts. Boat and vacation rentals are widely available.
Yachting in Montenegro
Yachting in Montenegro is becoming increasingly popular, especially with international visitors who appreciate its modern marinas and natural beauty.
Things to do in Bar
Bar is not just a place for the typical unwinding-at-the-beach type of holiday, it also has good sports facilities: a large multi-purpose hall and outdoor tennis & soccer fields close to the beach. The coast surrounding Bar is ideal for all sorts of watersports, including snorkeling and scuba diving – there is a dive center next to the marina.
The more venturesome will find fun in exploring some of the hidden beaches and sea caves by kayak while others will enjoy chartering a boat and spending the day luxuriating and sunbathing on deck. This is also one of the best areas for hiking and cycling, especially in the direction of Lake Skadar via Mount Sutorman.
Watersports in Montenegro
The most popular watersports in Montenegro are kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, and sailing. Find out more here!
If you would like to explore rural Montenegro, one of the country’s most beautiful wine regions centers around the Crmnica Valley, just a short drive from Bar. Wine tours are probably the best way to get to know the local culture and taste some noble drops. Vranac Wine and Kartosia are autochthonous to this region – and so delicious!
Another way to enjoy Bar’s countryside is to take a boat cruise across the Skadar National Park, which is, by the way, the largest lake in Southern Europe and exceptionally popular with birdwatchers thanks to it being one of the main nesting and breeding sites for the rare Dalmatian Pelican.
Bar’s main town square is dominated by a brutalist, socialist modernist shopping mall, which is not well maintained but worth a visit for everyone interested in contemporary architecture. The square offers several good cafes that are popular with locals and where you can enjoy a cappuccino and let the world go by.
Vranac Wine
Vranac Wine is the most popular grape variety in Montenegro. It is autochthonous to the Crmnica Valley Region and the hills around Lake Skadar.
19+ Things to do in Bar
Read this comprehensive guide to find out about the best things to do in Bar and the surrounding area, from family-friendly activities to adrenaline-filled adventures.
Hotels in Bar
There is an increasing number of modern family-friendly 4-star hotels in Bar, some boasting privileged positions along the seaside walkway that connects the town’s marina to the neighborhood of Susanj. If you’re in search of a tranquil beachfront experience, then we have the perfect accommodation for you.
If you prefer a more rural setting, close to the ancient city walls, in a 5-star hotel with a luxurious spa & wellness center, you’ll see it listed in our exclusive selection of the best hotels in Bar. Improvements in recent years have given this charming town a facelift, making it a fitting destination for newcomers to the hospitality scene such as the Pullman resort which is scheduled to open for the 2025 season.
The Top Hotels in Bar
Bar is a good choice for families wanting to unwind on the beach while enjoying a lively nightlight along the promenade. Discover the best hotels in Bar, Montenegro.
Restaurants in Bar
As you’d expect, Bar has an abundance of eateries to suit all culinary tastes and budgets. Many of the restaurants in Bar, most notably the ones down by the promenade, serving Mediterranean and International dishes, including pizza, pasta, and local seafood specialties, however, there are also several gourmand options for the judicious diner.
If you want to taste authentic Balkan cuisine, which is an eclectic mix of local and Turkish flavors, go straight to the old town and look nowhere else. The street from the ancient city gate to the farmers market is plastered with good dining options such as Konoba Bedem, Kaldrma, and Stara Carsija.
A short taxi ride will open up a whole range of authentic Montenegrin restaurants, far away from the crowds and predominantly frequented by locals. Konoba Makina Vucinica and Ribar for affordable seafood immediately come to mind. Whatever the time of day, it’s always easy to grab a snack at one of the beach bars along the promenade.
Restaurants in Bar
The Bar Riviera is home to a growing number of good eateries. Read about them in our selection of the best restaurants in Bar and surroundings.
Living in Bar
Bar ticks many boxes as a desirable place to live or own a holiday home. Even out of season, it counts thousands of full-time residents, with an increasing number of digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and expats choosing to live here all year round. Winters are much quieter than the energy-filled summer months, but the climate stays mild and Mediterranean.
As a town with a tolerant, welcoming attitude towards newcomers which was largely built within the last five decades, Bar has a solid, established infrastructure and easy access to the main coastal highway. Still, it is encircled by lush, unspoiled nature and breathtaking, towering mountains.
Tivat
Tivat’s well-equipped yacht marina is the perfect starting point for trips to neighboring bays. Its promenade is lined with waterfront restaurants and boutiques.
Budva
Budva is a popular and crowded seaside resort town on the central stretch of Montenegro’s coast. Several good beaches and a walkway with seafood restaurants.
Bar is just an hour’s drive away from other Montenegrin coastal towns, such as Kotor, Budva, and Tivat (which has an airport), and the capital city of Podgorica, where you’ll find Montenegro’s main airport, so year-round living is very feasible. Unfortunately, there is no international school in Bar (yet), but several elementary and high schools.
If you are interested in purchasing property here, you will find a good mix of real estate, including sea-view apartments, bungalows, villas, and single-family homes. Asking prices for villas can be in the millions, while apartments start at less than 100,000 €. Mostly available are mid-tier apartments for 150,000 to 250,000 €.
Residency in Montenegro
Find out about your Montenegro Residency options in 2024 and make this beautiful part of the world your new home!
Events in Bar
The lively coastal promenade is the location of the annual summerfest (‘Barski Ljetopis‘) that takes place over six weeks in July and August, at the height of the tourist season. Attracting many famous regional artists, this festival then transforms Bar into a real cultural hotspot, bringing good vibes and a touch of artistic sublime to the warm summer nights.
Apart from concerts, theater performances, cinema evenings under the stars, and art exhibitions are organized in different historic locations around town. Bar is also renowned for an annual religious ceremony that draws visitors from all over Montenegro and takes place 50 days after Easter when believers celebrate the Feast of Pentecost. During this parade, a 1,000-year-old cross safeguarded in the Church of St. Jovan Vladimir is carried up to the chapel atop Mount Rumija.
Hosting around a dozen of Montenegro’s wine producers every March, the Wine and Bleak Festival, which is organized in Virpazar on the banks of Lake Skadar, presents the ideal opportunity to sample award-winning wines from the Crmnica wine region and typical fish specialties of Lake Skadar such as smoked carp and eel.
The annual Maslinijada takes place over a weekend at the end of November and comes with plenty of traditional flavor. It culminates in an epic olive oil competition in which the season’s best produce is crowned by a jury. What’s more? There are dozens of stalls to choose from offering fresh local produce, including pomegranates, oranges, figs, and cheeses.
Lake Skadar
The Skadar Lake National Park straddles the border between Montenegro and Albania. Known for its island monasteries and pelicans, Lake Skadar is well worth a visit!
Surrounding Areas of Bar
If your conception of a scenic beach is one without a souvenir shop or crowd in sight, you’ll be in heaven at one of the beaches at the outer edges of the Bar Riviera: Queen’s Beach, Seagull Beach, and Vezir’s Beach are the usual contenders for the most idyllic stretches of pebbles. Three tantalizing coves, which are only accessible by boat from Canj or Bar, offer the sense of seclusion and escapism you won’t find at their busier cousins.
A trip further south along Montenegro’s Adriatic coast is truly a great experience. A picturesque landscape, made up of craggy coastline and miles of olive orchards, to which end lies the charming town of Ulcinj, which is famed for its hospitality and excellent fish restaurants. Once the secret purlieu of pirates and slave traders, this far corner of Montenegro retains a sense of mystery, amplified by its Albanian cultural heritage.
Ulcinj
Montenegro has a wealth of interesting towns and villages, including Ulcinj, the southernmost coastal resort, offering relaxed vibes and sandy beaches.
Ulcinj is also home to one of the few sandy beaches in Montenegro – Long Beach which extends for over 12 kilometers and neighbors the popular Ada Bojana Nudist Beach. Where the Bojana River enters the Adriatic, you will be spoiled with authentic fish restaurants and bohemian-style beach bars.
Some 30 kilometers from Bar, in the direction of Virpazar, lies the traditional Montenegrin village of Godinje. While you won’t find much to do here (although the Garnet winery is a popular stop on the wine route), you should consider a trip to beautiful Godiinje Beach for a refreshing dip in Lake Skadar.
Quite unlike the more touristy resorts along the Adriatic coast, the villages and beaches on the other side of Mount Rumija have a much more untamed, natural atmosphere. Just a 25-minute drive will take you to the small coastal town of Petrovac na Moru, which portrays a more serene, family-orientated ambiance.
Montenegro’s Longest Beach
The Long Beach in Ulcinj invites you to laze on soft grains of sand, go wind-or-kitesurfing, or eat out at one of the many beach bars and restaurants.
Best Beaches in Bar
Discover the best beaches in Bar and surroundings, from family-friendly options with good amenities to sheltered coves with crystal-clear waters.
Getting to Bar
Bar is an easy 50-minute taxi drive from the international airport in Podgorica (TGD). Getting there by public transport is possible, too, and takes roughly 75 minutes: it requires walking to the airport train station first and then taking the train to Bar. You can also embark on a journey on the incredibly picturesque Belgrade – Bar Railway if you are not bound by time constraints – the journey takes at least 12 hours. There is a seasonal ferry boat connection between Bar and Bari, Italy.
Parking: Free street parking (within a 10-minute walking distance) is readily available and there are several paid public car parks in and around the center of Bar. During the peak summer months, it can however get difficult to find free space.
Podgorica
Podgorica is the capital city of Montenegro with a population of just over 200,000 people. This guide covers the best restaurants, hotels, and activities in town.