Bar

Nestled between breathtaking mountains and the glistening Adriatic Sea, Bar is the fifth biggest city in Montenegro. With its beautiful beaches, historical sites and natural wonders, a vacation in Bar is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

On Ferryhopper, you can learn all about holidays in Bar, Montenegro, the top beaches, delicacies, accommodation options, and ferry crossings.

The charming Old Town of Bar with stunning views of the surrounding mountains

Vacation in Bar

A captivating coastal town full of history and brimming with natural beauty, Bar is the first port of call for many visitors to Montenegro. Travelers will find an authentic atmosphere here, as well as plenty to see and do during a short visit.

Whether you're a culture enthusiast, a history buff, or an adventure seeker, Bar offers some of the best activities on the entire Montenegro coast. Sun-seekers can relax on sandy beaches soaking up the Mediterranean rays. History enthusiasts can immerse themselves in Bar’s rich heritage. Nature lovers will be captivated by the region's stunning landscapes and embark on outdoor adventures.

And yes, entertainment seekers will be thrilled with the town's variety of bars.

How to get to Bar

Bar is easily accessible by plane, ferry, train, or your own vehicle. The nearest international airport is Podgorica Airport (TGD) in the capital city, located about 40 km northeast of Bar. The journey to Bar by car takes approximately 45 minutes.

As for ferry routes, Bar is connected by ferry with Ancona in Italy. Discover more about ferries to Bar below!

If you want to get to Bar by train, there are train services from the north of Montenegro and Serbia. In case you prefer to drive, you can take the Adriatic Highway (E65), which runs along Montenegro's coastline. Keep in mind, though, that the coastal roads might be winding and narrow in certain areas.

The impressive Old Olive Tree, believed to be the oldest tree in Europe, near Bar

What to do in Bar

Bar is mostly known for King Nikola’s Palace, otherwise known as the Bar City Palace, a must-visit for both history enthusiasts and architecture aficionados. Admire the striking architecture as you stroll through the elegant halls and tour the on-site museum, which has an interesting collection of traditional objects.

Another must-add to your list of things to do in Bar, Montenegro is a visit to the Church Of Saint John, an architectural gem with a fascinating history. This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Montenegro's rich religious heritage.

After checking out the palace and church, head to Stari Bar, the ancient heart of Bar and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sat at the foot of Mount Rumija, the views from up here are unbeatable. It’s very easy to spend an afternoon exploring the atmospheric ruins of the old city and fortress, taking in the scenery and snapping extremely Instagrammable pictures of the charming old houses.

Don’t forget to visit the beloved Old Olive Tree, also known as Stara Maslina, which is 5 km out of the city. Having stood in the same place for over 2,000 years, it is one of the world's oldest living trees. If you're willing to travel a little further, you might want to think about spending a romantic day in Lake Skadar, the largest and most impressive lake in the Balkans. Make sure to see the sunset, which might as well be the highlight of your entire Montenegro trip.

Alternatively, if you’re after a more adrenaline-pumping experience, go to investigate the canyons of the region (Rikavac and Medjurečje are the best).

A tall clock tower guarding the city of Bar

Beaches in Bar

A trip to Bar couldn’t be complete without lounging the day away at the beach. Relax on the sun-warmed sands, cool yourself in the pristine Adriatic Sea, or just take in the breathtaking coastal views. Some of the best beaches in and around Bar, Montenegro are:

• Topolica: situated in the center of Bar, in front of King Nikola's Palace, Topolica is a wide, pebbly stretch. Before relaxing on a sun lounger, take a stroll along the palm-lined promenade. 
• Šušanj: lying on the northern fringes of Bar, this is one of the best beaches in close proximity to the city center. Along the coast, there are numerous trees giving great shadow. Try to seek out a quiet spot to get away from the crowds.
• Murići: one of the most beautiful beaches in Montenegro, Murići is the largest sandy beach on the shores of Skadar Lake. 
• Sutomore: one of the most developed resorts, it is situated between the cities of Bar and Petrovac. It’s a long, golden sand beach surrounded by pine forests and mountains, and lined with bars and cafés.
• Utjeha: a scenic stretch of coastline known for its rugged beauty. It is found in the unique Olíva bay and is ideal for families with children. The area is surrounded by olive trees and offers a mix of sand and pebbles. The sea is crystal-clear and has a wonderful turquoise color. 
• Queens Beach: also known as Kraljičina plaža, this secluded beach is nestled between towering cliffs, providing a stunning backdrop. It boasts beautiful white pebbles and azure waters, and is surrounded by lush greenery. It is a perfect place for a romantic escape.
• Red Beach: located in a small bay between Sutomore and Bar, Red Beach is named after the reddish hue of its sand (obviously!). It offers a unique and striking landscape with a combination of pebbles, sand and interesting rock formations. 

Fun fact: Bar is the sunniest town in Montenegro, with approximately 270 days of Mediterranean sunshine. Therefore, heading to the beach will be pleasant all-year round.

The beautiful Murići beach on Lake Skadar

Sightseeing in Bar

Besides its beaches and natural beauty, Bar also boasts several historical landmarks and cultural attractions. The sightseeing opportunities in Bar promise to captivate and enchant visitors with their charm. The team of Ferryhopper recommends the following attractions in Bar:

• King Nikola’s Palace, the main cultural attraction in Bar, with an energetic schedule of cultural events
• The Church of. St Jovan Vladimir, a dominant piece of architecture notable for its magnificent frescoes and ornate iconography
• The Church of St. Nicholas
• The Omerbasića Mosque, a great example of Ottoman architecture found in Stari Bar
• The Selimiye Mosque, the largest building of its kind in Montenegro
• The Old Bar Fortress
• The Ulcinj Fortress, an ancient UNESCO-protected castle 30 minutes south of Bar, it is considered one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic

The Selimiye Mosque stealing the spotlight in Stari Bar

Nightlife in Bar

The clue is in the name. No matter what Bar lacks in, it more than makes up for in energetic nightlife, with a cluster of bars, clubs and restaurants. Bar’s waterfront area is bustling with various bars and restaurants, providing the ideal respite from the summer’s heat. You will also find numerous beach bars in the popular areas like Sutomore and Dobra Voda.

If you’re looking for a different kind of nightlife experience, you can visit a casino in Bar.

Food in Bar

Bar offers a delightful culinary scene that showcases a mix of Mediterranean and Balkan influences. The cuisine in Bar features fresh seafood, homemade bread, meaty stews, and a plethora of local produce, including cheeses, fruits, vegetables, herbs, olive oil, honey, and wines. While in Bar, you must also sample the unique Turkish-influenced cuisine.

A few popular Montenegrin dishes and products you can find in Bar are:

• cicvara (porridge)
• priganice (a popular savory pastry)
• čorba od koprive (soup made with nettles, rice and potatoes) 
• carp (local fish from Skadar Lake)
• kuvana krtola (baked potatoes with yogurt and fresh cheese)
• rakija (the sweet, fruity brandy)

Tips for your holidays in Bar

Here are 4 tips that we hope will be useful to you during your stay in Bar:

1. The best time to visit Bar is between May and October.
2. If you’re a nature lover and plan to stay in Montenegro for several days, we recommend visiting Durmitor National Park. With 48 peaks that reach altitudes of more than 2,000 m, this is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its rugged mountains, dense forests, deep canyons, and lakes.
3. There is a magnificent train route that runs from Bar all the way to Belgrade, Serbia. Along the 11-hour journey, you’ll be able to admire bountiful nature, as well as picturesque tunnels and bridges.
4. Montenegro is known for its high-quality olive oil production and Bar is no exception. Make sure to buy a few bottles to take back home with you.

Useful information about Bar

Bar is a well-developed town with a variety of amenities and services available. In regards to accommodation in Bar, you will find a variety of hotels and apartments to choose from in Central Bar. If you prefer staying closer to the beach, we recommend choosing one of the seaside locations along the coast. Dobra Voda and Utjeha are more calm and private, while Sutomore has a busy, beach resort vibe.

In addition, Bar has medical facilities and hospitals that provide healthcare services to residents and tourists. A notable hospital in the region includes “Blažo Orlandić” General Hospital.

The beautiful Sutomore beach in Bar

Important phone numbers for your stay in Bar

Here are some phone numbers that might prove useful during your stay in Bar:

• Bar port authority: +38281234353
• “Blažo Orlandić” General Hospital: +38230342333
• State police: +38230312126
• Stari Bar Tourist Information Center: +38230311633
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Bar

Bar is a relatively compact town that is simple to navigate on foot. In no time at all, you can walk from the beach to popular locations like the marina, King Nikola's Palace and the Church of St. Jovan Vladimir.

Alternatively, the local bus network in Bar provides convenient and affordable transportation within the town and to nearby destinations. The bus station is located just 300 m from the train station.

Ports in Bar

The port of Bar is the largest and main seaport in Montenegro. It is located approximately 2 km southeast of the city center (30 minutes on foot), but if you want to use public transport, there may be shuttle bus services. Alternatively, you can easily find taxis near the entrance of the port.

Bar ferry: schedules and tickets

You can reach Bar from Italy by taking the ferry from Ancona. 

The city in Montenegro is connected during the high season to the Italian port, thanks to the ferry connections of Adria Ferries.

The Ancona - Bar ferry route is active from July to September with up to 3 weekly trips. The duration of the journey is 13 hours.

Useful info: at the moment, the ferry crossing from Bari to Bar is not available, but when it was, ferries used to depart once a week. The Bari - Bar ferry trip lasted around 11 hours.

Scenic view of Bar marina at sunset

Book ferry tickets online to Bar

On Ferryhopper, you can book your ferry to Bar from the Italian port of Ancona without any hidden fees! Browse the Italy - Montenegro ferry connection on our Map of ferries and discover the seaside wonders of this beautiful country!