Nestled between Montenegro’s Adriatic shoreline and the country’s imposing mountains, Bar is a charming town where history, nature, and seaside charm come together in an unexpectedly harmonious way. It’s a place that quietly balances the buzz of a working port with the timeless tranquility of its rich history.
Just a short drive inland lies Stari Bar, the old town and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perched against a backdrop of the rugged hills of Mount Rumija, this historic setting is dotted with remnants of Ottoman and Venetian architecture. Wandering its stone alleys, you can catch sweeping views of the sea while imagining how daily life must have unfolded there in the past.
Down by the sea, Bar’s coastline is lined with pebble beaches and breezy promenades. Afternoons here are made to be spent sipping something cold, nibbling on just-caught seafood, and watching the Adriatic shift from sapphire to slate as the sun dips. Not far off, in the neighborhood of Mirovica, stands a living relic: the beloved Old Olive Tree, believed to have been standing there for over 2,000 years.
Bar is also the first port of call for many visitors to Montenegro as it serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the country’s lesser-known southern gems: from the sun-drenched stretches of Ulcinj to the glassy expanse of Lake Skadar, and even across the border into Albania.