Explore The Sunniest City in Montenegro

With the first days of spring, we are taking you to one of the sunniest places in Montenegro, the city of Bar. The city of tradition, rich history, magnificent Old Town, olive & mandarine trees and admirable architectural peace like the aqueduct from the 16th century.

''I have seen scenic beauties on all continents, but sunshine such as this I have seen nowhere''  
~ R. Lonatti

With the first days of spring, we are taking you to one of the sunniest places in Montenegro, the city of Bar. The city of tradition, rich history, magnificent Old Town, olive & mandarine trees and admirable architectural peace like the aqueduct fr om the 16th century.
Bar has approximately 270 days of Mediterranean sunshine, and the 44 kilometres of Adriatic coast has nine kilometres of beaches and comprises 20 different beach locations. Bar is shortened from Antivari, which is derived from the location of the town across the Adriatic Sea from Bari, Italy. Local archaeological findings date to the Neolithic era and the name Antibarium was mentioned first time in the 10th century.
Today, Bar is a city with approximately 50,000 inhabitants and it a city with the largest port in Montenegro. Bar is very accessible from other locations in Montenegro, it is 46 kilometres away from Podgorica airport and it also has a railway. The railway is one of the most popular ex-Yugoslavian routes starts - Railway Bar - Belgrade. Assuming that, from Belgrade, you can find a train to any European city, this means that Bar gives another connection with Europe thanks to its good traffic connections and infrastructure.
The clean environment and beaches attract many tourists, who like to relax by the beach in beautiful natural surroundings or partake in the various water and sporting activities offered along the coastline as part of their holiday experience.
Montenegro is a country full of marvellous old towns, but Bar brings something different to the table. Sat at the foot at Mount Rumija, Stari Bar is a major attraction in its own right. An earthquake in 1979 severely damaged the settlement, but people have since returned and life thrives on this steep hill once again. Every corner offers something different, from old houses and shops to ruined streets and spots now overrun by nature.
One of the most impressive features of the old town is the huge, stone arch bridge that crosses the valley. The aqueduct was constructed during the governance of the Ottoman Empire, in the 16th century, and included a bridge across a valley. It served as the water supply for Stari Bar, bringing water 3 km from a spring on Mount Rumija. The structure of the aqueduct bridge consists of seventeen large arches of varying widths, which are supported on eighteen massive pillars. The water channel is formed on the upper surface of the aqueduct, wh ere jointly connected stoneware pipes were placed, each being about 12 cm in diameter and 30 cm long. The entire construction is made of broken and roughly hewn stone.
A short drive from the city centre sits the beloved Stara Maslina, one of the oldest trees on the entire planet. This olive tree has been here for well over two millennia, and while one side is badly damaged it still represents a truly tangible piece of Balkan history. The souvenir shop might be a little too much, but tranquillity and history come together delightfully at the Old Olive Tree.
King Nikola’s Palace is arguably the main cultural attraction in Bar, and it is easy to see why. This elegant charmer was built back in 1885 on the decree of King Nikola (obviously), who wanted to provide his daughter and son-in-law with a graceful home on the seafront. The palace now houses a museum full of folk costumes and other authentic historical items.

Just like all of coastal Montenegro, life revolves around the beach in summer and Bar is no exception. If you’re looking for a spot to cool off the city beach is right in front of the town. The town beach is right next to the busy port though, so some of the beaches you might want to visit are Susanj beach, Sutomore beach, Dobre Vode beach or if you don’t mind jumping in the car you can drive and explore some of the less familiar, secluded beaches.
Besides exploring the ruins of the old town, visit one of the oldest olive trees in the world and sun worshipping on the beaches, if you're a thrill-seeker, Bar is home to Montenegro's most challenging canyoning experience- Rikavac and Medjurecje canyons are now open for business!

26.03.2021