Bar is a seaside town in Montenegro. It is located between the Adriatic Sea and Lake Skadar. It is Montenegro's link with the world, because it is connected to Italy via the Adriatic Sea. It is 55 km from the capital Podgorica.

King Nikola`s Palace is one of the most beautiful, historic places located in Bar.

Is Bar worth visiting

Although not as popular as other coastal towns such as Kotor and Budva, Bar has a lot to offer. From beaches (especially Queen`s beach which is arguably the best in Montenegrin coast), its old city, to events, Bar is a city that you will quickly fall in love with.

Queen`s beach in Bar, photo by Dusan Radevic

How to get here

Bar is easily accessible via Podgorica Airport, which is 40 km from Bar, as well as via Tivat Airport, which is 60 km away. Also, Bar is relatively close to other cities on the coast, so it is 40 km from Budva and 60 km from Kotor.

Best time to visit

Bar experiences a long summer with a lot of sunshine thanks to its location in the southeastern Mediterranean. The best time to visit Bar is during this time, between May and October.

During May, September, and October—the weather is typically warm with temperatures hovering around 20°C. In July and August, the climate is usually hot, with temperatures around 34°C, which is ideal for lazing on the beaches.

History of Bar

The history of Bar begins with the old town of Bar, which was founded in the 9th century. During the 11th century, the first Montenegrin emperor Mihailo Vojislavljević was crowned there. In the period between the 16th and 19th centuries, the city was ruled by the Ottoman Empire. At the beginning of the 20th century, a large number of inhabitants moved to the sea coast itself, and this is how Novi Bar was born. In the last 50 years, Bar has become the tourist, economic and sports center of Montenegro.

Major attractions

The castle of King Nikola

The castle of King Nikola was built in 1865 for King Nikola, the last Montenegrin ruler. This building is now a museum that preserves objects from that era. Various events are also organized in the castle, such as literary evenings, concerts, festivals, art exhibitions. The Mediterranean park, which is full of wonderful plants, gives this castle a special charm. The port of Bar is located near the castle, and the castle itself is located on the main city promenade.

the palace of king nikola in bar, montenegro — Beautiful Palace of King Nikola in Bar

The Church of St. Vladimir

The Church of St. Vladimir in Bar is an imposing building. This temple, whose construction began in 2006 and was completed in 2016, is the largest temple in Montenegro. It was built in the Byzantine style, with a white facade, seven bronze doors and 11 bells, the largest of which weighs 800 kg. It is located five minutes' walk from the city center.

the-church-of-saint-vladimir — The church of St. Vladimir

Skadar Lake National Park

In the close proximity of Bar, just behind mountains of Rumija and Sutorman lies Skadar Lake. one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Lake Skadar straddles the Montenegrin-Albanian border, though most of it lies in Montenegro, in a beautiful national park. This lake is the largest lake in the Balkans. Lake Skadar also has spectacular wildlife, including more then 260 bird species.

Lake Skadar’s banks are dotted with villages, vineyards, and ancient churches. Virpazar, on the northwest shore of the lake, is the kind of place you see on nostalgic postcards. Small timber boats are tied to the water’s edge and a handful of attractive restaurants line the shore, where you can try tradiotional Montenegrin food.

Disccover our private tour of Skadar Lake starting from Virpazar here.

skadar-lake-national-park — Skadar Lake National Park

The port of Bar

The port is located on a busy promenade lined with palm trees. This is also the place where you can take the ferry to Bari and Ancona in Italy. Many restaurants and bars are located around the port, so you can refresh yourself there during the summer days, when it is the best time to visit the Bar. The port was opened during Yugoslavia time and it has been our main connection to Italy for decades. Right now it is mostly a cargo port but also a place where Montenegrin Military Navy is situated.

Since couple of years ago, Bar started welcoming cruise ships so it is also a cruise ship port where we have thousands of travellers arriving.

The Old Olive Tree

The Old Olive Tree, a symbol of the city of Bar, is one of the oldest trees in Europe – it has been there for over 2,000 years. It grows in the place Mirovica.

This natural monument is older than any other monument in Moontenegro. The Old Olive Tree in Mirovica is protected by the law in 1963. Its circumference is 10 m. The legend says that feuding families would come to the Old Olive Tree and this is where they would make peace. Read more about Old olive Tree here.

Manifestations in Bar

Bar Chronicle – Barski ljetopis

The most important cultural manifestation in Bar in general. The Bar Chronicle is a festival of various contents that includes: theater performances, theater troupes from the country and abroad, art exhibitions, literary evenings, concerts of traditional and classical music etc. The programs of the "Bar Chronicle" are held on different mostly montage stages in several locations in the city, This events takes place in the second half of July and throughout August.

The event Under the old olive tree - Susreti pod starom maslinom

An event that promotes culture and poetry, especially among school-aged children. The event Under the old olive tree lasts for several days in November. Most of the event takes place in the town of Mirovica, where there is a famous, over 2,000-year-old olive tree. On the last day of the event, as a wish to spread peace and friendship among people, people symbolically throw a wreath made of olive branches into the sea.

Beaches of Bar

Bar has a long coastline and arguably some of the best beaches along Montenegrin coast, streching all the way to Budva Riviera.

One of the most beautiful beaches is Kraljicina beach (Queen`s beach - not to be confused with one in Milocer). This beach is located near Canj and it is accessible only by boat.

Queen`s beach in Bar Riviera, Canj, accessible only by boat

We are not big fans of public beaches near the city center as they can be overly crowded in the summer season. Of-season, they are great spots to refresh and relax.

Public beaches near the city center

Topolica City Beach, a wide pebbly stretch, is in the center of Bar in front of the castle of King Nikola. Enjoy a walk on the palm-lined promenade before unwinding on a beach.

Šušanj is another great option and is arguably even better than Bar's main beach, lying on the northern part of Bar. Both options provide beach bars and restaurants.

Food and drink

Visitors of Bar will find plenty of traditional Montenegrin cuisine, including homemade bread, fresh seafood, meaty stews, and a plenty of local produce, such as olive oil, honey, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, and wines.

While Italy has limoncello and Greece has ouzo, Montenegro has rakija, a fruity brandy that’s available just about everywhere in Bar.

Fish from the Adriatic Sea feature on most restaurant menus. Another local specialty is carp, fresh from Skadar Lake.

In conclusion, Bar is a hidden gem with a rich history, vibrant cultural events, delicious cuisine, and beautiful beaches. Ideal for a summer visit, it offers a relaxing atmosphere and a true taste of Montenegrin charm.

The city of Bar: Home to Olive Trees, Historic Fortresses, and Adriatic Beaches