The Best Beaches in Bar Montenegro
Situated in Mountenegro’s southwest, the coastal town of Bar has two main beaches: the 750-meter-long city beach, and Susanj Beach, locally known as Zukotrlica, which spreads over 1,000 meters and is backed by a lush area of pine trees, providing plenty of welcoming shade and space for families with children.
These central beaches have all the needed facilities and services for a relaxed day by the sea, evidence of their huge popularity during the peak season in the summer. Sun loungers and parasols are available for hire, and there are also showers, toilets, and a children’s playground. The waterfront walkway connecting them boasts a series of quaint cafes and restaurants, overlooking the Adriatic.
Besides these all-time favorites, there are many beautiful beaches on the Bar Riviera. Our guide explores the most paradisical cove beaches, family-friendly stretches of sand, as well as pristine blue flag beaches with the best water quality.
Bar, Montenegro
Much beloved by Eastern Europeans in particular, the coastal town of Bar draws back faithful visitors time and time again. Fnid out what makes it so special.
Montenegro’s Blue Flag Beaches
Montenegro’s Blue Flag Beaches stand out with pristine beauty and great water quality. Out of the two dozen in the country, we’ve picked out some of our favorites.
Queen’s Beach
Keeping this 250-meter-long cove of crystalline waters and red pebbles a secret is not easy because everyone falls in love with it at first sight. At least Montenegro’s former queen Milena did when she first discovered it during a visit to the coast at the start of the 20th century. Kraljicina Plaza (or simply Queen’s Beach; do not confuse it with the one in Sveti Stefan) is situated between Bar and Petrovac.
Snorkelers and divers love its underwater reefs, cliffs, and caves which are great fun to explore. Queen’s Beach can either be accessed by boat or by fighting your way through shrubs on a barely existing path. Good on-site facilities given its remoteness, which include a beachfront restaurant, sunbed and parasol hire, toilets, showers, and changing rooms.
Only during the peak season does it fill up with day visitors who arrive by water taxi from Canj or excursion boats from Sutomore, Bar, or Petrovac. Arrive early, snag a pair of wooden deckchairs and tiki-style umbrellas, and the beach is all yours. Montenegro’s sunshine can take its toll and we recommend sun cream, shades, and plenty of water.
Vezir’s Beach (Perjanička Plaža)
Vezir’s Beach (Locals also refer to it as Perjanicka Plaza) is a lesser-known pebbly stretch – compared to Canj and Queen’s Beach – but more rugged, secluded, and usually with fewer visitors. It’s the perfect spot for getting away from it all and replenishing your batteries to the sound of timid waves slapping against the beautiful white-pebbled shore.
The turquoise color of the water, the layered plunging cliffs, and the large overhanging rocks that provide natural shade will have you reaching for your camera well before your water taxi drops you off at this remote paradise. Vezir’s Beach also lends itself incredibly well to swimming expeditions for those arriving on their own boat.
It’s only 5km north of Sutomore but couldn’t be more different. The atmosphere here is serene, and the clean and translucent water is ideal for snorkeling. Alternatively, there are sun loungers and parasols for hire from the small on-site beach bar. In addition to Vezir’s Beach, there is another secluded stretch in the area, called Seagull Beach, which can be explored on foot.
Seagull Beach (Galebova Plaža)
This secret virgin bay is not easily accessible but this remoteness has certainly protected it from any development. Robinson Crusoe vibes permeate every aspect of this deserted stretch of the Adriatic coast, which only adds to its appeal. There are no facilities on the beach itself, so be sure to bring plenty of water & snacks, a towel, an umbrella, and a roll-up beach mat.
With fine beige gravel underfoot and towering cliffs to both sides, Seagull Beach looks out across the cobalt-blue Adriatic, which appears much lighter here than usual. Erring on the narrower side, absolutely stunning nevertheless, and quieter than those nearby coves, the wonderful Seagull Beach delivers the quintessential nature experience. It can be reached via boat from Canj or hiking from Vezir’s Beach.
Maljevik Beach
Maljevik Beach is a lovely rocky pebble beach backed by a pine forest and within footwalk distance to Sutomore. It is a relatively unhurried spot even during the high season and offers easy access to the adjoining Black Cape with good snorkeling, diving, and swimming, and the views across the bay – with sailing yachts anchoring and smaller boats bobbing nearby – are made for daydreaming.
Access is via a forested path from the small coffee bar adjacent to the parking lot, and then descend dozens of steep concrete steps before you reach your reward. It’s certainly a sure way to prevent big crowds from coming. Some prefer to visit by kayak or boat from nearby beaches. Still, there is plenty of free parking on the field for everyone arriving by car.
Little Maljevik Beach
If it’s a swathe of unspoiled, paradisical Montenegrin coastline you’re after, Little Maljevik’s sparkling turquoise waters are irresistible. But first, you need to trek through a pine forest and clamber down a rocky path to reach this remote gravel beach ten kilometers north of Bar. To get there, leave your car at the adjacent open-air parking lot and continue through the pine forest.
It’s a bit hard to find and there are no signposts to unravel the official name of this 100-meter-long secluded strand. Loose rocks and overgrown roots only add to the challenge which the breathtaking views, the welcoming natural shade, and the cooling Adriatic Sea will more than make up for.
The presence of gravel rather than fine sand and on-site amenities might dishearten some people, but for those who value utter immersion in nature and crave an authentic Mediterranean refuge, Little Maljevik Beach offers more than enough. Be sure to bring your water shoes – the entry can be a bit painful due to larger rocks.
Strbina Beach
Like most beaches in Montenegro, Strbina Beach is pebbly and enshrouded by rocks and pine trees, which provide a welcome relief from the scorching summer sun. Alternatively, there are also sun loungers and parasols for hire. The seasonal on-site beach bar offers some simple dining and drinking options, so don’t expect to be served in May or October.
Sunbathe the day away on deck chairs, explore the beauty and richness of the underwater world, or if you particularly want to boost your sense of well-being, spread some mud on your body. The highlight at Strbina Beach is the healing saline mud formed in the puddles of the shallow waters at one of its flanks.
It can take a little bit of work to reach (you need to descend more than 100 stairs), but you can park for free along the headland. Strbina Beach is accessible by road about two kilometers from Sutomore (10 km from Bar). The sun sets early here, so better arrive early if getting a tan is your primary objective.
Strbina Beach
Strbina Beach is a beautiful stretch of pebbles surrounded by mountains and pine trees, situated in the municipality of Bar, about 2 kilometers away from Sutomore.
Sutomore Beach
For many residents of neighboring Serbia, Sutomore Beach is like an old friend – a beach they happily return to again and again, sometimes twice a year. Part of its popularity is owed to it being one of the terminal stations of the Belgrade-Bar railway. With predominantly modest hotels and simple eateries, Sutomore Beach is highly convenient for families with small children, who form the bulk of the crowd here besides twenty-year-olds.
A relaxing beach vacation? Probably not. A party atmosphere pervades during the ultra-busy peak season in July and August, but arrive in the second week of September, and you’ll encounter a much more peaceful vibe, with the Adriatic Sea still warm enough for swimming and snorkeling.
Sutomore Beach is well-equipped for bodily pleasures, with relaxed bars (some are busy at night), waterfront restaurants, shops, small boutiques, and hotels lining the beach, plus kayaks available for hire to explore nearby coves. Whether you make this infamous beach part of your annual agenda or not, its soft pebbles are an easy choice for an affordable beach break in the off-season.
Sutomore Beach
Particularly in the off-season, the water at Sutomore Beach is sparklingly clean and appears wonderfully light blue, making it the perfect place for swimming and snorkeling.
Canj Beach
The sleepy tourist settlement of Canj sits in a wide, sheltered bay, between Sutomore and Petrovac. It is built around the impressive, 1,200-meter-long stretch of soft red pebbles, giving onto the vivid blue Adriatic and backed by hotels, restaurants, and cafes scattered over its coastal promenade.
Protected by lifeguards, lined with sun loungers and umbrellas, and dotted with beach bars, Canj has been a popular holiday resort since the 1970s, when organized bathing officially began with the opening of the first hotels. As a matter of fact, it can get very busy in peak season, especially on weekends when locals join the summer bonanza. For something more serene, take a water taxi to the neighboring coves.
The beach is one of the most recommended on the Bar Riviera for a family holiday with your children, as the water entry is relatively gentle and it sweeps across the entire width of the sickle-shaped bay. Besides cave diving and snorkeling, popular activities here include exploring the area by kayak or jet ski; rentals are within easy reach and there is also a purpose-built playground for children.
Petrovac na Moru
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Ratac Beach (NUDIST)
Limestone cliffs frame a small rocky bay between Bar and Sutomore, and on the horizon, you’ll see the submarine-shaped mountainscape of the Black Cape that will be yours to feast your eyes upon. Don’t be surprised to see fellow beachgoers in the buff, as this is a well-known nudist beach, too.
For everyone looking for an all-over tan and those wanting to experience the real European style of beaching, this might be your only nudist beach option on the Bar Riviera. Ratac Beach has no facilities for tourists which makes it particularly untamed and exclusive. It is best to arrive early, especially in July and August, as this beach is only 40 meters long and 15 meters wide – space is limited.
During the warmer months of the year, the Adriatic Sea is very calm here and portrays its beautiful blue-green colors in all its glory. You can park your car in the natural shade of the typical Mediterranean pine forest backing the beach, and then continue your descent on foot till you reach this hidden gem.
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Red Beach
Discover another burst of color at Red Beach, a local’s favorite that lies just a five minutes’ drive up from Bar. The crimson-red pebbles mixed with the inky Adriatic Sea are certainly a sight to behold already from afar. However, once you descend to the beach, you’ll discover it actually consists of a wide range of pigments (mostly dark greys and rich cerise), making it even more interesting near-at-hand.
While the area is well-suited to families, and it gets busy in summer, there’s plenty of room for everyone to spread out on the surrounding boulders. It’s also an excellent spot for those who are a little thirsty, as Red Beach is home to a small secluded bar, an unpretentious venue sitting in the heavy shade of huge pine trees, and serving delicious coffee and draft beer, what else do you need?
Be sure to pack a mask and snorkel, and dip underwater to explore nearby rock formations, blooming corals, and an estimated 450 species of fish. There are decent on-site facilities, too, including showers and changing cabins, along with sun loungers and parasols to hire, just in case you left yours off your pack list.
Little Beach Susanj
In the shadow of the 1,594-meter-tall Mount Rumija, the coastal stretch between Bar and Sutomore reveals a succession of rocky pebble beaches such as Little Beach on the outer edges of Susanj. Here, leaning Mediterranean pines become natural umbrellas that create shade at any time of the day.
Greenish-blue and aquamarine waters flood the small, surrounding bays, which makes it easy to spend long sun-kissed hours stretched out on the pebbles or surrounding rocky outcrops. There are no facilities here, so come prepared – comfortable beach shoes, sun lotion, Montenegrin snacks, and plenty of water.
Kadice Beach
What Kadice Beach lacks in size, it more than makes up for in charm. This serene refuge, which lies adjacent to Red Beach, is a tiny stretch of red pebble-filled Montenegrin coastline that disappears into the gentle Adriatic waters. Rocky cliffs curve around the bay, making it feel like a secret getaway.
Natural bathtubs (Kadice translates to tub) are carved out of large boulders that lie scattered in front of the beach, and are fun to recline in. The waters here are gin-clear and absurdly clean. Kadice Beach is a sublime location for swimming, reading, and meditating, and is also a serious snorkeler’s playground.
It offers more peacefulness and dreamy seascapes than neighboring beaches and is a good choice for everyone looking for a little stillness and relaxation. Having said that, there are no cafes or beach bars, so pack a picnic and pretend to be a castaway. Due to the tricky hike down the narrow pathway, it’s not recommended for anyone with mobility issues or families with small children.
Skerovica Beach
Skerovica Beach is one of the beaches on the Bar Riviera that can be reached via a well-groomed pathway through the coastal pine forest. The series of stairs leading down to the beach and the large pebbles and rocks may be uninviting to some, but it guarantees that you don’t have to share it with too many sun-hungry tourists.
Bring water shoes for smoother water entry and exit, a mask, and a snorkel to explore the unique underwater world; many sea creatures are repeatedly spotted here, including octopuses, countless species of fish, and even sea turtles and sea horses. With deckchairs and umbrellas for hire, pine trees for shade, and a restaurant serving local Adriatic and International delicacies, it’s ideal for couples but less so for families.
Our tip: Stay for the incredible fiery sunset!
Susanj Beach
Right in the neighboring town, Susanj Beach offers a kilometer of pebbles and rocks gently sloping into the clear blue Adriatic Sea and is very popular with holidaymaking families. From the beach, a long and picturesque seaside walkway, shaded by pine trees, leads to the marina in Bar.
Most of the strand is sewn up by deckchairs and umbrellas (at a price). At peak times in July and August, it is best to arrive early, or risk even more severe rubber-necking on the undesired stretches of public beach. However, the best spot is under the heavy shade of the pine trees, with your toes hidden deep in the warm sand.
There are simple but quite decent places to eat nearby, too; start with the Hemingway beach bar, where you’ll find other visitors enjoying hamburgers, french fries, tortillas, and cold drinks. Barka serves beautifully presented and delicious dishes such as grilled squids with potatoes and Swiss chard, set among lofty, white decor.
Bigovica Beach
Wild goats and free-roaming cows may find you at this wild and isolated rock-and-pebble beach, cut out of the picturesque shoreline and just one kilometer south of Bar. The peaceful, secluded cove is approached down a 45-minute-long, rough, unmarked trail (don’t wear flip-flops), which is off-putting to some, as only a few umbrella-toting locals make it to the beach.
Loose stones and thick shrubs add to the challenge which the sweeping vistas and a cooling dip will make up for. Bigovica Beach is the ideal escape for nature-loving solo travelers, families with children, and couples who want to spend a day by the sea in a relaxing, peaceful environment.
Grey limestone cliffs dotted with typical Mediterranean vegetation frame this virgin bay, which offers the quintessential back-to-nature experience – nothing is provided, so don’t forget to pack a large towel, plenty of water, and a packed lunch or picnic. How to get there? Opt for a scenic kayak or boat ride from Bar, so that you can soak up the natural sights along the way.
Crvena Stijena Beach
Only accessible by boat, the secluded Crvena Stijene Beach is set under reddish rock cliffs and offers privacy, peacefulness, and partial shelter from the sun. Rent a kayak or boat in the marina of Bar to reach this little oasis, which has no on-site dining options but boasts the ideal environment for a castaway picnic, far away from the crowds.
For those craving a genuine Montenegrin paradise, its crystalline, gentle, and cobalt-blue waters are irresistible. Being a wild, untouched beach, there are no showers or other services here, which makes it even more appealing to nature enthusiasts and Robinson-Crusoe-type adventurers looking for a sense of escape.
Veliki Pijesak Beach
You may have never seen clearer waters than those that lie along the shores of Dobra Voda (meaning good/clean water). Veliki Pijesak is one of Bar’s most popular beaches, which draws in thousands of tourists every year thanks to its fine white pebbles that tip into the balmy, inky blue water of the Adriatic, which is best explored with a mask and snorkel.
Past holidaymakers have noted that they’re particularly soft and feel more like sand – but keep an eye out for larger stones in between. Due to the pebble’s luminance, the sun at Veliki Pijesak Beach can feel even more scorching than elsewhere, so be sure to pack good sun lotion, sunglasses, and a hat.
In July and August, it can be shoulder-to-shoulder, when it seems like Montenegro’s entire diaspora population migrates here for their annual summer vacation, but it is worth visiting for the striking rock cliffs, the variety of watersports, and available dining options, especially in the off-season.
Mali Pijesak Beach
Mali Pijesak Beach has quite a different charm than its larger cousin; apart from being less busy, it is much smaller, and instead of fine pebbles, you’ll find nothing but larger pebbles and stones here. It is pocket-sized and used to be off-the-beaten-track, however, that has changed in recent years. Still, the warm waters of the Adriatic in summer mean that you’ll probably spend more time in them than out.
On-site facilities include sunbed and umbrella rentals, a children’s playground, a small beach bar, showers, toilets, and changing cabins. For something quieter, head further away from Dobra Voda, where you’ll find other tiny coves and cliffs that offer exceptional snorkeling and diving opportunities.
Utjeha Beach
Rent a sun lounger here (neatly lined up, as is often the case in Montenegro), and bring a snorkel for the surrounding rocky outcrops and its gin-clear waters. However, swimming shoes are essential: Utjeha Beach is painfully pebbly. This scenic cove is locally also referred to as the ‘Bay of Olives‘ due to the centuries-old orchards found in its backdrop.
And even if that may sound idyllic and exude an aura of remoteness, you certainly won’t have the beach to yourself – but Montenegro is like that in summer: impossibly beautiful, but also fatally touristy. Utjeha’s small beach promenade lends itself perfectly to exploring its small cafes, restaurants, little shops, and ice cream stands for a welcoming recess from hours of sunshine.
Snorkelers and divers are drawn to the secret caves lining the shoreline to both sides. If you are foraging for more privacy, you can walk from here towards the south till you reach the more secluded Little Beach. There’s also a nude beach nearby that can be accessed via a rocky path. These two coves are more sheltered, which translates to calmer water, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Many beachgoers opt to camp out at the adjacent auto camp facilities.
Utjeha Beach
The water surrounding Utjeha Beach is sparklingly clean and appears wonderfully light blue, making it the perfect place for swimming and practicing watersports.
Paljuskovo Beach
It’s a quick drive along the coastal road from Ulcinj or Bar to Paljuskovo Beach, an often-overlooked, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it rocky beach, surrounded by low cliffs and Mediterranean shrubs. This beautiful cove beach measures only 65 meters and is relatively straightforward: observe fish and other underwater creatures in their natural habitat, dry off, and luxuriate in the sun.
At some point, you’ll most likely wind up at the intimate beach restaurant, which sees a steady flow of hotel guests from above but is nevertheless a reliable option for good homemade food, local beer, and striking views, especially from their olive-shaded terrace. In front of the venue, you’ll also find comfortable sun loungers, parasols, and good service.
Afterward, you can enjoy a second round of swimming or engage in other watersports – kayaks and paddle boats are available for hire – or just recline, relax, unwind, and live the Montenegrin Dolce vita. Just make sure to leave the beach as beautiful and clean as you found it.
Watersports in Montenegro
Watersports in Montenegro are increasingly popular thanks to the beautifully rugged coastline. Discover the best activities and where to undertake them.
Crystal Beach
Rugged cliffs, a lush Mediterranean backdrop, and a small island frame this narrow cove twelve kilometers north of Ulcinj. Much like some other beaches on this list, Crystal Beach is only accessible by kayak, boat (water taxi from Ulcinj), or by hiking down a steep and forested trail from nearby Kruce.
The breathtaking views of the small Dulcigno Vecchio Island (locals also call it Stari Ulcinj), surrounded by the vastness of the inky blue Adriatic Sea, make more than up for the efforts you had to put in to reach this little paradise: think turquoise-colored waters, mesmerizing underwater landscapes, and quite often, an entirely deserted rocky pebble beach all to yourself.
It’s a very secluded yet popular picnic destination, so expect the occasional boat with groups of visitors to arrive, especially during the peak season. A few must-pack items are water shoes for the rather large stones, a beach towel, an umbrella, a mask, and a snorkel. It’s a great spot for swimming, or simply recharging your batteries to the sound of waves and crickets.
Tunnel Beach
The Bar Riviera is one of the most geologically interesting places in all of Montenegro, as evidenced by the so-called Tunnel Beach, which finds itself at the end of a daunting tunnel that is cut through red sandstone, within footwalk distance to Sutomore. Admittedly, we’re cheating a little bit by even calling this unusual hideaway a beach.
Be it as it may, leave it to Montenegro to name a ‘beach’ after a tunnel; on the other side of the darkness, you’ll find at least as many holidaymakers and locals luxuriating on large red boulders as on the small, pebbly part. Many hardcore fans return again and again to celebrate Tunnel Beach for its crystal-clear waters.
But the real appeal here is the plunging red cliffs that overlook this wild and isolated beach and are perfect for cliff jumping, a favored pastime for the local youth. There are probably better places for sunbathing – not exactly easy to find an even underground to place your towel – but it’s great for swimming and snorkeling nevertheless, or simply contemplating the crystal-clear water and listening to the waves gently hitting the rocks.
Murici Beach
This untamed lake beach inside the Skadar Lake National Park is one for purists. On-site, there is one small beach bar and a restaurant (with a very limited offer), and no lines of rentable sun loungers and parasols (don’t forget to pack the latter, as there’s not much shade). It’s one of those places rarely written about by tourist guides and known only to insiders and locals.
The gently sloping Murici Beach is a slice of paradise, with serene waters of an astonishing azure blue, so clear that you’d think you’re swimming in the Adriatic. It deepens very gradually from the 560-meter-long strand, and most beachgoers spread their towels or beach mats directly on the pale pebbles. For water entry, plastic sandals or water shoes are recommended.
Murici Beach has a small car park nearby, making it ideal for those arriving with children. To get there however, you will need to take a road that is narrow and descends steeply towards the lake, to the extent that you will have to keep your foot firmly on the brake and give way or drive backward should the situation require it; some sections of the road are too narrow for two vehicles to pass.
That is one reason why some prefer to visit by boat or kayak. The other is to take an expedition trip to the 14th-century Beska Monastery which lies just off the coast. For those visiting without their personal watercraft, boat excursions to the monastery island and across the lake are offered by enterprising individuals right on the beach.