Table of Contents
ToggleBar is a small port town between Ulcinj and Petrovac, occupying a beautiful stretch of Montenegro’s Adriatic coast. The town is split in two, with the newer neighborhoods centering around the seaport, and Bar’s old town sitting higher up in the mountains, three kilometers away from the coast.
The area around Bar is famous for its mild climate and centuries-old olive groves, producing cold-pressed oil of the highest quality. A 2240-year-old olive tree is one of Bar’s main tourist attractions. There is a range of historic and contemporary hotels dotted throughout the picturesque landscape and plenty to see and do, including amazing hikes and watersports.
An air of old-school Mediterranean charm pervades Ulcinj. The historic center is perched atop a cliff at the entrance of the town and is perfectly preserved.
The area around Petrovac is fertile and colorful. Once you’ve discovered the charms of this family-friendly resort, you will want to return time and time.
The Stara Carsija Hotel & Spa is an elegant five-star retreat, housed in a beautiful stone building in a style typical to the area, just 100 meters from the ancient ramparts. The hotel boasts a fantastic spa and wellness center, complete with a Finnish sauna, a Turkish bath with traditional Moroccan-style tiles, and a heated indoor swimming pool. The facials and full-body massages using skincare products by Phytomer are very relaxing and fully recommended.
Set in a peaceful area of town and nestled among lush native vegetation, this refined boutique hotel is the perfect place for an untroubled retreat. The rooms and suites have rustic yet modern decor, with exposed stone walls, vibrant oriental rugs, and the best of them offering panoramic views of Bar’s old town and the surrounding mountains.
The hotel restaurant is a deserving destination in its own right, serving delicious steaks and a good range of Montenegrin and Balkan cuisine on their al fresco terrace and indoors. Book a stay at the fabulous Stara Carsija and soak up the multicultural charm of Stari Bar, with contemporary comforts, first-class gourmet dining, and jaw-dropping mountain views in a tranquil setting.
Bar’s Old Town is becoming an increasingly popular tourist attraction. Abandoned since the earthquake of 1979, it is now an open-air museum well worth a visit.
This luxury four-star Hotel Princess sits right at the coastal promenade, overlooking the marina with a sea view from their restaurant, most of the rooms, and the generously sized outdoor swimming pool. The 135-room hotel has just the perfect ‘Goldilocks’ size – neither too big nor small – making it an obvious choice for families with small children.
The commodious residences have toned-down shades of beige and brown, ultra-comfortable beds, well-equipped bathrooms, and breathtaking sea and mountain views from the best rooms. Hotel Princess boasts a spa and wellness center – a peaceful environment for rejuvenation and relaxation, with two saunas (Roman and Finnish), an indoor pool, a gym, a Turkish hammam, several jacuzzis, and treatment rooms.
Despite its central location – just a few steps from the city beach and the Church of Saint Jovan Vladimir – the hotel is surrounded by lots of greenery. There are several waterfront eateries and cafes just around the corner should you want a change from the hotel cuisine, which is excellent by the way. Our tip: avoid booking during the winter months because of the hotel’s limited heating facilities.
Never judge a book by its cover but by its bathrobes and toiletries. New to 2021, the 4-star Hotel Agape is a newcomer in Bar’s hospitality scene and occupies an unpretentious, mundane seventies-era building in the heart of town. Far from unexciting are any of its 22 rooms and suites that are well-appointed with breezy Scandinavian style and fresh vibrant touches.
The Agape a la carte restaurant serves International and French-inspired dishes, to be enjoyed on the first floor, overlooking the town center. The boutique hotel has a small but functional gym and a sauna. It is less than a five minutes walk (500 meters) from Bar’s urban beach. A great choice for couples, solo, and business travelers.
Bar has long been regarded as a place of religious tolerance and harmony. The impressive Saint Vladimir Church stands alongside numerous mosques.
Feel comfortable and relaxed in this four-star apartment hotel in the heart of Bar. The Soho Suites are housed in a new, modern building in a calm neighborhood, within footwalk distance to the beach, coastal promenade, and several restaurants and cafes. Parking is available for free in the nearby parking lot.
The apartments offer you all the comfort and elegance of a luxurious hotel while providing a home away from home experience. It is the perfect choice for those planning a prolonged stay in this area and who value their independence. Nearly all suites come with a fully-equipped kitchen, with all appliances needed for cooking your favorite meals, including high-quality knives and other kitchenware.
Warm colors and natural materials such as marble, jute, and wood evoke the essence of Bar’s beaches and vivid blue Adriatic Sea. Each suite is roomy, bright, and modishly decorated. The floor-to-ceiling windows facing the Adriatic, look out onto a children’s playground, making this accommodation also very suitable for families with small children.
XIO Apartments is a four-star aparthotel comprised of ten lofty suites occupying a new building in the popular Suanj neighborhood, just 100 meters away from the beach. The idea is simple: give guests everything they need to feel like staying in a private residence. Inspired by contemporary design trends, the rooms are intelligently laid out and stylishly appointed.
With either sea or mountain views, all residences have fully equipped kitchens with dishwashers. They also claim to have some of the most comfortable beds in Bar, which means you might have trouble leaving because they are so fluffy. The XIO Restaurant is a sophisticated rooftop bar and restaurant that serves Mediterranean cuisine and crafty cocktails, perfect for watching the sunset.
The relaxed, palm-tree-lined coastal walkway runs parallel to Bar’s waterfront where you’ll find a good range of cafes and restaurants. The town center and the marina are within a 20-minute walk or 5-minute bike ride of this charming retreat. They also provide bicycle and car hire which will make discovering Bar’s beaches and cultural landmarks a real delight. Complimentary parking in the hotel’s own underground garage is provided free of charge.
One of the most popular activities in Bar is lazing on the beach. Several of the best beaches in Bar are just a short walk or drive away from the city center.
Thanks to Kuce Lekovica’s superb location, guests will be able to explore Bar with ease. The spacious and well-appointed apartments sit just a stone’s throw away from the crystal-clear waters of Susanj Beach, overlooking the beach, which is just a few steps away. In short: it is a blissful spot for a getaway – close to the center yet in a serene setting.
Here where you can truly enjoy the slow pace of Montenegrin life: taking a dip in the Adriatic before breakfast and then savoring every bite of your morning meal on the picturesque beachside terrace. This contemporary structure is perfectly integrated with its natural surroundings, surrounded by a small park and with a beautiful lush garden stretching down to the private beach section.
The well-designed beach area includes tables for the gourmet restaurant as well as sun loungers and parasols for unwinding by the seaside and listening to the calming sound of waves lapping on the shore. The 4-star Kuce Lekovica is an oasis of calm, just 15 minutes from Bar’s marina along the picturesque coastal promenade, a good choice for families with children or couples.