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ToggleAt the southernmost tip of Bar’s Riviera, along a steep, forested path sits Maljevik Beach, one of the most remote and least visited beaches of this region. The nearest resort town from here is Sutomore. This picturesque beach is about 250 meters long and boasts incredibly clean waters that gently lap against the pebbly shore and views that extend south towards the steep Black Cape.
This beautiful stretch of Montenegrin coastline is also popular with locals, who come here to relax and unwind and appreciate its authentic and wild charm, as well as the occasional tourist who is tired of the always over-crowded Sutomore Beach and likes the added challenge of arriving via a road that has no signposts.
Sutomore Beach is a popular and family-friendly stretch of fine pebbles on the Bar Riviera. Crystal-clear waters, a promenade lined with restaurants, bars, and shops.
Just until recently, people came here for an escape because there were no on-site facilities and just a handful of people knew of its existence. This has changed for the better or for worse, and now you’ll find the typical rentable rows of sun loungers and parasols, together with a small beach restaurant and a bar.
Come outside of July and August, and you will still enjoy the off-the-beaten experience and swim, snorkel, or sunbathe with the beach all to yourself. As far as the sea is concerned, there are areas of seagrass, mossy boulders, and sea urchins, which are a testament to the good water quality and intact ecosystem at Maljevik Beach.
This is why it appeals so much to snorkelers and divers, who love to explore the rich underwater worlds full of aquatic life. Interestingly enough, it was also in the diving grounds along this beach where archaeologists found the remains of an ancient temple, just a couple of years ago, a site that remains still largely unexplored.
Having been conquered again and again throughout the centuries, Bar bears signs of a rich and turbulent history, as evidenced by its Historic Center.
Dense Mediterranean pine forests behind the beach certainly add to its beauty but also complicate its access. Visitors can either arrive by boat (and you will see sailboats anchored in the bay on most days) or park their cars on the unpaid and partly-shaded field parking lot and hike the remaining 200 meters to reach it.
There are regular buses that pass through Sutomore, and from there, it is only a 3-kilometer walk, and a taxi will not be too pricey either. Due to the unpaved parking lot and the steep path that you need to take, Maljevik Beach is not a wheelchair or disabled-friendly beach. Lifeguards are not always on duty and bringing your water shoes is highly recommended.
Maljevik Beach offers a lot in the way of doing little: Spread your towel on the pebbles, set up your parasol (if you don’t have your own, you can rent one at the beach bar), pack a good book or magazine, and enjoy some serious revivification. You don’t have to bring drinks and food, as there is a modest beach restaurant, offering simple and affordable beach fare such as hamburgers, fries, pizza, and cevapcici.
If you want to take a lunch break away from the beach, it’s just a short drive to Sutomore where you will find a good selection of local restaurants and taverns. On-site facilities are decent with showers, changing cabins, toilets, and kayak rentals available. Expect small waves on windy days, but generally, it is safe for younger children.
Swimming and snorkeling in the gin-clear Adriatic Sea is incredible, and you’ll find it hard to leave at the end of the day. The large boulders scattered across the bay appeal to the local youth whom you can see leaping off them into the sea, again and again. Consider staying a little longer to enjoy the sun setting behind the boats bobbing on the horizon.
The most famous watersports in Montenegro are scuba diving, sailing, kayaking, and kite surfing. Find out more about what’s trending in our guide.
There are no hotels on Maljevik Beach or in its proximity, and camping is not permitted here. The nearest vacation rentals can be found in the Zagradje neighborhood, and nearby Sutomore offers plenty of holiday accommodation, from lower budget and boutique hotels to 4-star options with a pool and good service, including the Sea Fort Apart Hotel and Hotel Del Medio.
Some of the best hotels in Bar can be found in the old town, while there are also good accommodations along the picturesque coastal walkway and downtown.
Discover the best hotels in Petrovac, from four-star beachfront hotels with private beach access to charming, intimate, and family-run boutique stays.
It is only 3 kilometers from the notorious resort town of Sutomore but worlds away in terms of atmosphere. Maljevik Beach is surrounded by pine forests and pristine, rugged coastal landscapes, and it’s enjoyable to drive around in your car (or kayak if that is your thing), to soak up the gentle Mediterranean color palette.
The unhurried and family-friendly coastal town of Petrovac is a 15-minute drive away in the other direction and boasts a surprising amount of good waterfront restaurants, specializing in seafood delicacies. There are nice children’s playgrounds and an attractive promenade stretching to neighboring coves. A wide range of watersports activities is readily available, including boat trips.
Find out what makes the Montenegrin coastal town of Petrovac so special with our guide to the very best restaurants, hotels, and activities for the whole family.