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Canj
Canj is a purpose-built seaside resort on the Bar Riviera in Montenegro. This was the original home of the Yugoslav package holiday in the 1970s and, still today, regional tourists, especially from neighboring Serbia consider this one of their favorite spots on the Adriatic. And while the resort village currently looks a bit dated, this is probably about to change with the opening of the InterContinental Hotel (scheduled for 2025).
The long pebbly beach at Canj is undoubtedly the main attraction and indeed it is considered one of the best beaches in Bar. It finds itself also on the curated list of Montenegro’s blue flag beaches. Even though there are not as many facilities and things to do here as in more developed resorts, you can still enjoy a relaxed family holiday, especially during the shoulder season.
During the peak season in July and August, Canj Beach with its beach bars and beachfront restaurants gets flooded with crowds of young adults, pensioners, and families with small children who enjoy the upbeat, high-octane summer vibes, while May through June and September offer a much calmer experience.
Bar’s Top Beaches
Bar has over 45 kilometers of beautiful coastline, from secluded coves to long stretches of fine pebbles and crystal-clear waters. Here are the best beaches in Bar.
Blue Flag Beaches in Montenegro
Discover our selection of the best blue flag beaches in Montenegro, from intimate, sheltered coves to sweeping, family-friendly stretches of sand.
History and Culture of Canj
Canj began to develop as a family-friendly holiday resort in the 1970s and has continued to grow ever since, especially after the opening of the Sozina Tunnel in 2005, which made it also easier accessible for local tourists arriving from Podgorica. Canj primarily is made up of purpose-built vacation rentals and small, family-run hotels.
As with most small-scale resort villages in Montenegro, it really comes to life during summertime and remains sleepy and quiet in the remaining months when all except a few venues close for the off-season. Canj Beach is also referred to as ‘Pearl Beach’, a name it earned thanks to the round pebbles which resemble small pearls that are found on the northern beach sections.
Unlike other nearby coastal towns such as Petrovac na Moru and Bar, Canj is a fairly new settlement but it lies close to more historic and rural parts of Montenegro that unfold in its lush and untamed hinterlands. Only two 18th-century stone buildings still bear witness to its former role as a natural harbor.
Petrovac na Moru
Find out more about Petrovac, a quaint coastal resort on the Budva Riviera, famous for its beautiful seaside promenade lined with romantic fish restaurants.
Hotels in Canj
As a bespoke family holiday resort, you would hope to see a good range of hotels in Canj to choose from but the offer is still rather limited, with plenty of informal 2-and-3-star hotels and vacation rentals dominating the hospitality landscape. Some of the Yugoslav-era hotels such as Pearl Beach Resort (best to be avoided) and Hotel Monte Mare (previously called Zlatibor) have reopened under new names and generally offer good value for money.
Villas Promis’ beachfront apartments come with sweeping views from most of their well-appointed rooms, and a cordial, friendly familial atmosphere. Its tranquil backyard patio, complete with a swimming pool lined with loungers, is a real hidden surprise, offering a lovely getaway from the crowded beach, which is just a few steps away.
Hotel Adria Harmony sits on a quieter side street, just 200 meters from the beach. The decor of this small, very reasonably priced four-star hotel is fresh and modern. Nothing is too much trouble for the forthcoming owners and their friendly staff.
Bar
Discover Bar, a port and resort town located on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, is known for its picturesque historic center that is embedded high up in the mountains.
Restaurants in Canj
Canj’s seaside walkway is lined with restaurants and bars that welcome you on al-fresco tables, overlooking the sea, where you can truly take in the resort’s Mediterranean vibes. Restaurants of note include Konoba Pizzeria Zec (fantastic sea views and delicious seafood) at the far side of the beach and Luka Grill Cafe, specializing in local Balkan cuisine and grilled meats.
Bar’s Top Restaurants
Here is our list of the best restaurants in Bar, offering a wonderful range of cuisines inspired by Mediterranean, Balkan, and Ottoman recipes.
Things to do in Canj
The main attraction of Canj itself is its 1,200-meter-long pebble beach around which most of the settlement is centered. Protected by lifeguards and dotted with deckchairs and beach bars, Canj Beach is a good choice for families, as the entrance is gentle and sweeps across the entire length of ‘Pearl Bay’, and there is an inflatable water park, too.
Sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling are the obvious activities beachgoers engage in, but there are also pedal boats, kayaks, and jet skis available for hire. The rugged coast surrounding the beach lends itself well to scuba diving – there is a small diving center right on the promenade, offering excursions to nearby sites.
Along the walkway, small shops sell beachwear, souvenirs, and all sorts of swim gear. Excursions to nearby beaches and coastal towns are popular, and several boats are departing or stopping here on their way to Budva or Bar. The evening hours are usually reserved for playing beach volleyball or simply relaxing in one of the beach bars and sipping cocktails.
Things to do in Bar
Kayak to a hidden cove beach, charter a boat, go canyoning, or simply indulge in the delicious local cuisine. Here is a list of the best things to do in Bar.
Surrounding Areas of Canj
Canj enjoys a serene setting, in a relatively large bay straddling the borders between the municipalities of Bar and Budva. The adjacent town of Petrovac is a 15-minute drive away (also serviced by bus) and offers a family-friendly but more upscale experience. Also close by is the coastal resort of Sutomore which can be reached within ten minutes by car.
For a more tranquil and genuine beach day, without large crowds, head for one of the adjacent little bays which offer crystal-clear waters, beautiful natural surroundings, and a peaceful atmosphere to match. Queen’s Beach (Canj), Vezir’s Beach, and Seagull Beach are just a short water taxi ride away and are also popular with boat owners.
On the other side of the Sozina Tunnel lies Montenegro’s most picturesque wine region – Crmnica. Known for its autochthonous grape varieties (Vranac and Kartosija) and breathtaking views of Lake Skadar, Crmnica is becoming increasingly popular with international visitors who come in search of the undiscovered heritage of Montenegrin wines.
Sutomore Beach
At Sutomore Beach, all the facilities you need for a typical sunny family beach holiday are there. The resort centered around the beach is popular with regional tourists.