Bar

Bar, a coastal city in Montenegro, invites you to explore its rich past and natural beauty. Walk among the ancient ruins of Stari Bar, where you'll find a 16th-century aqueduct and the 11th-century Saint George's Cathedral. Relax on pebble beaches along the Adriatic Sea, such as Topolica Beach in the city center. Visit the 2,000-year-old olive tree, Stara Maslina, and learn about olive oil production. Use Bar as a starting point to discover Lake Skadar National Park, where you can spot rare birds and kayak through lily-covered waters.

Relaxing on Bar's Beaches

Bar's coastline stretches for 44 kilometers, offering numerous beaches for swimming and sunbathing. You'll find Topolica Beach in the city center, a pebbly stretch with calm waters suitable for families. For a quieter experience, visit the beaches of Čanj or Veliki Pijesak. The clear Adriatic waters are ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and diving.

Visiting King Nikola's Palace Museum

King Nikola's Palace, built in 1885, now serves as a museum. This peach-colored building on Bar's waterfront was originally a summer residence for Montenegro's last monarch. Inside, you can view exhibits of the royal family's belongings, traditional costumes, and historical artifacts. The palace grounds offer views of the Adriatic Sea and contain several species of Mediterranean plants.

Seeing the Ancient Olive Tree

Just outside Bar, you can visit one of the world's oldest olive trees. Known as Stara Maslina, this tree is estimated to be over 2,000 years old and still produces fruit. It's considered the oldest fruit-bearing olive tree in Europe. At the site, a small museum provides information about the history of olive cultivation in the region and the process of olive oil production.

Exploring Lake Skadar National Park

A 30-minute drive from Bar takes you to Lake Skadar, the largest lake in Southern Europe. This national park is home to over 280 bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. You can take a boat tour to see the lake's islands and hidden coves, or kayak through areas covered with water lilies. The surrounding region is known for its vineyards, where you can taste some of Montenegro's wines.

Canyoning in Nearby Mountains

Bar's surrounding mountains offer canyoning opportunities for adventure seekers. The Rikavac and Medjurečje canyons have routes with waterfalls, natural pools, and narrow gorges. Guided tours are available for both beginners and experienced canyoners, providing necessary equipment and instruction.

Tasting Local Cuisine and Olive Oil

In Bar, you can try seafood dishes like grilled octopus or black risotto made with cuttlefish ink. The region is known for its olive oil, and you can taste locally produced extra virgin olive oil. Some olive groves and oil mills offer tours where you can learn about the production process and buy oil to take home.

Traveling to Bar

You can reach Bar through various transportation options. The town has a train station with regular connections to Podgorica and Belgrade. If you're flying in, the nearest airport is in Podgorica, about 50 kilometers away. Bar also has a ferry port with routes to Italy, making it a convenient entry point for travelers coming from Western Europe.

Wandering Through Stari Bar's Ruins

Stari Bar, the old town of Bar, is located 4 kilometers inland from the coast. This archaeological site dates back to the 6th century and contains structures from Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman periods. As you walk through the ruins, you'll see the remains of churches, palaces, and public buildings. The 16th-century aqueduct spans the valley with 17 arches supported by massive stone pillars. Saint George's Cathedral, built in the 11th century, is one of the oldest structures in the old town.