Bar, Montenegro is an underrated gem
Bar is a southern municipality in Montenegro. Less popular than the nearby regions of Kotor and Budva, it’s a great place to spend a few days away from crowds and among history and natural beauty.
If you’re visiting Bar, there are probably two main areas you’ll see.
Bar Old Town
Stari Bar is an old fortress town located at the base of Mount Rumija and contains ruins from the old city. It is only a few kilometers away from the center of new Bar, and was not too far from where we were staying in Šušanj. It was a straightforward uphill walk from our Airbnb that took us through a bit of the beautiful city. We passed a lot of other people going about their days walking through the city as we climbed up to the Old Town.
Stari Bar has an open air museum known as the fortress of Old Bar (Tvrđava Stari Bar). Much of the fortress was destroyed in the Montenegrin-Ottoman War in the 1860s and the 1979 earthquake. However, several buildings have been fully or partially restored, including the citadel, St. Joseph’s church and the Turkish baths. For just 2 euros, you can visit them and learn about the history of the buildings and the fortress.
After visiting the ruins, I recommend getting lunch at one of the many cafes or restaurants that line the streets for some Mediterranean cuisine. No matter where you decide to eat, prepare for begging cats. Especially if you order a seafood platter.
Near Stari Bar: Stara Masalina and Mt. Rumija
Nearby Stari Bar, you’ll find the world’s oldest olive tree. Stara maslina is over 2,000 years old and has a 10-meter circumference. It is situated in a park located about 3 kilometers from Stari Bar that costs 1 Euro to enter.
From Stari Bar, you can also hike Mt. Rumija. Prominently situated above Bar, this mountain is a natural Dinaric Barrier between the Adriatic and Lake Skadar. The highest point, Rumija, has sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea and the mountains stretching into Albania. Sadly, I did not get a chance to hike this mountain when in Bar, but hope to return and do so one day!
Coastal Bar
After getting your fill of hiking and history near Stari Bar, go back down to the new town of Bar for beaches and maybe more history. The coast of the Bar Principality is quite expansive, and the Bar Riviera boasts 20 beaches and coves where you can relax, explore and swim.
If you’re staying in any of the small towns in Bar, you probably will not be too far from a beach. In the new town of Bar, you can take a stroll along the Bar Promenade and visit or look out onto popular beaches like Topolica City Beach. Nearby you can also find King Nikola’s Palace, which was the seafront summer home of the 19th Century King Nikola of Montenegro. Built in 1885, you can stop inside the museum and visit the gardens for only 1 Euro.
While you’re at the beach, you can stop at one of the beachfront restaurants or bars for a bite to eat or drink. We stopped at a restaurant and bar called “Nice Vice” for a drink on the waterfront. They have tables and chairs and other interesting seating arrangements right on the beach, overlooking the sandbar if you like. It’s a gorgeous place to have a glass of wine or beer and watch the sunset.
Logistics
Where to stay:
When we first visited Bar, Montenegro we stayed in an Airbnb in the town of Šušanj. Šušanj is a good central location if you want to be near Stari Bar, cafes and the beaches in the town of Bar. We stayed in a studio apartment Airbnb in Susanj for $17 USD per night that was about a 20-minute walk from the beaches and about 50 minutes up the hill to Stari Bar.
Transportation:
My favorite way to see any place is to walk, and Bar was no exception. If you’re a big walker like I am, you’ll be able to get to a lot of places on foot.
Otherwise, you can take taxis around the area, but plan accordingly as they can be limited. Less English is spoken in Bar, so make sure to learn some Montenegrin phrases. You can contact the taxi service by WhatsApp or Viber. Or have the host of where you’re staying help arrange one for you.
If you want to take day trips and see other parts of the country, you might consider renting a car. It’s very affordable in Montenegro, especially away from the Podgorica airport.
Safety:
Montenegro in general is considered a very safe country. We felt safe walking through Bar. Like anywhere else, make sure to avoid keeping your wallet or phone in your back pocket in crowded areas.
That’s it for my guide to Bar, Montenegro. This region is also a special place for me because it’s where I got married. So feel free to reach out with any questions.
The beach and ruins look beautiful!
They really are, the pictures don’t do them justice!