Is Bar Montenegro Worth Visiting? Our Honest Family Take on This Underrated Gem
If you’re planning a trip to Montenegro, chances are Kotor or Budva is what pops up first. But what if I told you Bar Montenegro, yes, that Bar, ended up being one of our family’s favourite stops?
We didn’t come here expecting much. Honestly, we just needed a breather between the busier coastal spots. But Bar surprised us in all the right ways: quiet beaches, wild swimming spots, mountain views, and not a tour bus in sight. No crowds, no pressure, just space to let the kids run wild, eat figs from the garden, and slow the heck down.
In this post, we’ll share what Bar is really like, how it stacks up against better-known destinations in Montenegro, and whether it’s worth adding to your itinerary (spoiler: yes, especially if you like your travel a bit less curated and a lot more real).
This blog is fuelled by caffeine and chaos, if it helps, support our journey.
What Is Bar, Montenegro Known For?
Bar doesn’t come with the Insta-glow of Kotor or the nightlife of Budva — and honestly, that’s exactly why we loved it.
So what is Bar known for?
Old Town (Stari Bar): A crumbling medieval village set against dramatic mountain cliffs, full of ruins, fig trees, and goats doing whatever they want. It’s got just the right amount of “kids can explore” without you panicking they’ll fall off a fortress.
Untouched Beaches: While the main beach in Bar town is more local than luxe, the surrounding area (especially toward Dobra Voda and Utjeha) has quiet beaches, calm waters, and minimal crowds, perfect for family dips and wild swimming detours.
Ferry Port & Transport Hub: It’s actually the main port connecting Montenegro and Italy, which sounds chaotic, but most of the action stays near the docks. It’s still a great base if you’re planning onward travel.
Local Life, Not Tourist Traps: This is a proper Montenegrin town. Supermarkets, cafés, locals going about their day. It’s not “undiscovered” in the romantic sense, just refreshingly normal. And when you’re 3 weeks deep into long-term travel with kids, that’s gold.
read our Montenegro Travel Guide for a detailed seasonal breakdown.
Where Is Bar, Montenegro?
Bar is tucked away on Montenegro’s southern Adriatic coast, about 1 hour from Budva and 2 hours from Kotor, give or take a traffic jam, a toilet stop, and your GPS insisting you take “the scenic route.”
This coastal town is close to the Albanian border and has both seaside and mountain views, making it a pretty epic base for slower travel through the region. While it’s known locally as a port town, there’s a lot more to Bar than ferries and freight.
Bar Montenegro Location
It’s the southernmost port on the Montenegrin coast, about:
🚗 60–70 mins from Budva (via the E80)
🚗 2 hours from Kotor
🚂 Connected by train from Podgorica (1–1.5 hrs)
🛳️ Has a ferry terminal linking to Bari, Italy
We actually based ourselves 20 minutes outside of Bar for a more peaceful setting in the hills, and still had easy access to the lake, the coast, and Bar town when we needed a supermarket run.
Is Bar, Montenegro Safe?
Yes, in our experience, Bar felt incredibly safe. Like most of Montenegro, it’s calm, family-friendly, and the kind of place where you’ll find kids riding bikes at sunset while their grandparents sip coffee nearby. We never felt uneasy walking around town, even with the kids in tow or navigating back roads to wild swimming spots.
That said, like anywhere: don’t leave valuables in the car, trust your gut, and maybe don’t teach your 5-year-old how to say “rakija” too confidently.
How to Get to Bar, Montenegro
Bar is surprisingly well connected:
By car: Easiest option if you want to explore the surrounding areas like Lake Skadar or Dobra Voda.
By train: One of the most scenic routes in Europe runs from Belgrade to Bar — and yes, you’ll want a window seat.
By bus: Buses run from all major towns (Budva, Kotor, Podgorica).
By ferry: You can cross from Bari, Italy if you’re coming in from the western side.
Our Accommodation: Nature, Wine & Figs
When we booked our place just outside of Bar, we weren’t expecting much more than a quiet spot to recharge between destinations. What we found was one of the most peaceful, slow-living stays of our entire Montenegro trip.
We stayed on a small family-run estate, about 20 minutes from Bar town, tucked between mountains and forest. Mornings started with birdsong and coffee on the balcony; evenings ended with figs picked straight from the garden and a glass of local wine gifted by our host. If you’re wondering where to stay in Bar, Montenegro for real calm and connection, this is it.
It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t “Instagrammable.” But it was everything we needed.
Panoramic views. No noise. Zero rush.
The kids had space to play (and actually slept in), and we had that rare sensation as parents of being… still.
We only shared the estate with a few other guests, but it never felt crowded. Just quiet. Thoughtfully done. The kind of place that makes you check local house prices before you’ve even finished unpacking.
Tip: How to Book Family-Friendly Stays in Bar
If you’re looking for similar family stays near Bar, Montenegro, we recommend searching the outskirts, not in the center of town. Look for listings in:
Zupci
Dobra Voda hills
Villages north of Bar on the way to Lake Skadar
🛏️ When we book through Booking.com we use filters like:
Entire place
Kid-friendly
Mountain/sea view
Free cancellation (because toddler moods change fast)
This setup gave us the flexibility to explore Bar and the lake by day, and come home to utter stillness by night, a balance we didn’t know we needed.
Day Trip: Exploring Lake Skadar from Bar
One of the best things about staying in Bar is how close it is to Lake Skadar, Montenegro’s largest lake, and a total contrast to the coast.
We took a full-day trip there during our stay, mixing in a museum stop, a winery tasting (kid-friendly enough), and a spontaneous detour that led us to a wild café and secret swimming spot.
Our original plan? A peaceful Lake Skadar boat tour. What we got was… well, that plus figs, wine, and a few wrong turns that paid off beautifully.
👉 Read the full breakdown of our Lake Skadar adventure here.
Even with young kids in tow, this day gave us the kind of calm that doesn’t come easy when you’re living out of backpacks. Highly recommend making Bar your base if you’re planning to explore the area, especially if you like a little chaos with your calm.
Wild Swimming & the Best Coffee Spot Near Bar, Montenegro
We didn’t plan this part. That’s probably why it was perfect.
On one of our slow days near Bar, we followed a vague local recommendation, a dusty road, and a craving for caffeine… and ended up at Bearable Café an open-air, no-fuss little spot surrounded by forest and birdsong. Coffee was cheap. The view was next-level. There were kids drawing on a chalkboard next to the espresso machine. It was our kind of place.
Right behind it? A secret wild swimming spot that felt like it had been waiting just for us.
We didn’t hear another voice for two hours. The water was calm and clean, perfect for the kids to paddle and float while we laid out on the sun-warmed rocks. It was one of those rare family travel moments where nobody needed anything. No shoes, no tech, no agenda. Just swimsuits and snacks.
Want to find it? We’ve pinned Bearable Café here:
📍 Google Maps pin – Bearable Café
(The trail behind the café leads to the swimming spot – it’s not marked, but easy to follow.)
Why This Spot Stuck With Us
It was safe. Shallow edges, no strong currents, and just enough shade. We didn’t hover in panic-mode like we sometimes do at beach spots.
It was peaceful. No tour groups. No loud music. Just frogs, coffee, and whatever the kids were babbling about.
It was ours. For a couple of hours, anyway.
Read our Artcile: Best Spot for Wild Water Swimming In Montenegro
What Is Bar Town Like?
Let’s be real, Bar town isn’t going to win any travel awards for charm. It’s functional, local, and totally unbothered by tourism, which, honestly, might be exactly what makes it worth a visit.
If you’re used to the polished promenades of Budva or the medieval maze of Kotor, Bar feels like someone handed you the “real life” version of Montenegro. It’s not curated. It’s not filtered. It’s where people live, shop, grab a burek, and go about their day, and for us, that was kind of refreshing.
Is Bar Walkable?
Mostly, yes. The town center is flat, with wide sidewalks, a waterfront promenade, and plenty of pedestrian-friendly areas. You’ll still want a car to explore the surrounding region, but if you’re just heading into town for groceries, coffee, or a low-key beach stroll, it’s easy enough on foot.
We wandered through:
Local fruit stands and bakeries
A few shaded playgrounds
Stari Bar (by car, then on foot — worth the detour)
Does Bar Have a Beach?
It does, though don’t expect white sand and cocktails.
Bar Beach (the main town beach) is a mix of pebble and concrete, with decent swimming access and a few simple cafés along the water. It’s not a beach you’d spend all day lounging on, but it’s great for a quick dip or sunset walk with a cone of local ice cream.
For quieter, more scenic beach time, we’d recommend:
Dobra Voda (20–30 min drive south)
Wild swimming spots near Bearable Café (our favorite)
Should You Explore Bar Town?
Yes, but manage your expectations. It’s not a day-trip-worthy destination on its own, but it’s a good base for everyday travel needs:
Stock up on groceries
Grab a SIM card or rental car
Sip espresso in a plastic chair while the kids chase pigeons
Compared to Budva, which can feel like Ibiza-lite, and Kotor, which is stunning but busy, Bar moves at its own pace. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
Is Bar Montenegro Worth Visiting for Families?
Absolutely, if you’re not chasing crowds, resorts, or waterparks. Bar is good for families who want to slow down, reconnect with nature, and escape the overplanned chaos that often comes with travel.
It’s not the kind of place where you’ll find a kids’ club or inflatable flamingo floaties. But it is the kind of place where your children will:
Fall asleep without a bedtime battle (true story)
Swim in fresh water with frogs and dragonflies for company
Eat sun-warmed figs from the garden and call it “dessert”
Why We’d Recommend Bar for Families
Space to breathe – both literally and emotionally. No pushing strollers through crowds or dodging selfie sticks.
Proximity to nature – Lake Skadar, wild swimming spots, mountain views… all a short drive away.
Low-key lifestyle – Perfect for unscheduled days. We followed our moods, not a checklist.
Local warmth – Our host greeted us with wine and fruit. Strangers waved. Kids were always welcome.
Bar vs. The Bigger Names
| Destination | Vibe | Family-Friendliness |
|---|---|---|
| Kotor | Gorgeous but busy | Beautiful, but can feel overwhelming with littles |
| Budva | Flashy, crowded | Better for teens or nightlife-seekers |
| Bar | Understated, local. | Peaceful, spacious, and surprisingly ideal for kids |
Bar might not show up in glossy travel brochures, but that’s part of its charm. It’s one of those underrated towns in Montenegro where life moves slower and if you’re on a long-term trip with kids, that pace can be a real gift.
Things to Do in Bar Montenegro (With Kids in Tow)
Bar might not shout like Kotor or Budva, but it’s full of quiet gems, rugged history, and a few unexpected surprises, especially if you’re traveling with kids and trying to keep things low-key (and budget-friendly).
Explore Stari Bar (Old Bar)
Just a short drive from the city center (or a scenic 45-minute uphill walk), Stari Bar is one of Montenegro’s most fascinating archaeological sites. Once a thriving Ottoman-influenced town, it was largely abandoned after the 1979 earthquake and is now a partly restored open-air museum of ruins.
Entry: €5 adults, €2 kids
Tip: Wear decent shoes, kids loved clambering through the arches and old market alleys
Bonus: There’s a great little café near the gate for lemonade and local cheese
Visit the Old Olive Tree (Stara Maslina)
Roughly 4km from the center of Bar sits one of the oldest olive trees in Europe, around 2,200 years old and still alive.
The park around the tree is small but peaceful, a good pit stop if you’re out that way
You can buy olive wood souvenirs from a nearby artisan stall
The visit won’t take long, but it’s a cool “we saw a 2,000-year-old tree” moment for the kids
Step into King Nikola’s Palace (Bar City Museum)
Located right on the seafront promenade, this small royal palace-turned-museum offers a quick cultural dive into Bar’s past, with artifacts, old photos, and even period furniture.
Opening hours: 8am–8pm (seasonal)
Entry: €1 per person — great value for a short visit
Our youngest asked if it was a “real castle,” so that’s a win.
Admire the Church of St. Jovan Vladimir
It’s hard to miss this gleaming Orthodox church with its golden domes, the largest of its kind in Montenegro, completed in 2016.
Good photo stop with the mountains behind it
Entry is free and respectful visitors are welcome
Hit the Best Beaches in Bar
While Bar isn’t famous for white-sand beaches, it has a mix of pebbly and sandy stretches great for families looking to swim without the crowds.
Topolica Beach (central Bar): walkable, flat promenade, shallow entry
Dobra Voda: about 10km south, a favourite for cleaner water and small cafes
Utjeha: wild swimming, rock platforms, and fewer people, mentioned in our Bearable Café story
Use Bar as a Base
Bar’s location makes it a quiet home base to explore nearby places like:
Ulcinj: A historic coastal town 30 mins south, known for long sandy beaches and old-town charm
Skadar Lake: A must for birdwatching and boat rides, about 30 minutes inland
Quickfire Tips for Visiting Bar, Montenegro
Traveling to Bar isn’t complicated, but it helps to know what kind of trip you’re signing up for. Here are our top tips to make it smoother, especially if you’re traveling with kids (or tired adults):
Rent a Car (You’ll Thank Yourself Later)
Bar’s charm lies in what’s around it, wild swimming spots, mountain cafés, and Lake Skadar day trips. Public transport exists but isn’t family-friendly or frequent.
✅ Getting around Bar Montenegro: A rental car gives you full access to secret spots, village views, and spontaneous detours (a must around here).
Pack for Nature, Not Nightlife
No one’s judging your sandals, but this isn’t a heels-and-happy-hour kind of town.
What to pack for Montenegro, Bar edition:
Water shoes (for pebble beaches + wild swimming)
Swimwear + quick-dry towels
Snacks and backup snacks
Layers, mountain air can shift
Downloaded Google Maps (signal drops in the hills)
A spare bag for figs/wine/stray pinecones collected by toddlers
Embrace the Spontaneity
The best parts of Bar didn’t come from TripAdvisor. They came from:
A random left turn
A café we nearly skipped
A beach with no name and no other humans
Leave space in your plans for the unplanned.
Where to Get Essentials
Bar town has everything you need to reset and restock:
Groceries: VOLI and HDL supermarkets
Pharmacy: Look for “Apoteka” signs
Coffee & burek: Everywhere (follow the smell)
SIM cards + ATMs: Near the main promenade
Final Thoughts
Bar is a destination that might not top every traveller’s list, but it’s one that left a lasting impression on us. From the panoramic views at our accommodation to the wild swimming adventures and peaceful moments at Lake Skadar, Bar offered exactly what we were looking for—an escape into nature and a chance to truly unwind. It made me immidietly look for house prices in Bar off the beaten track.
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience in Montenegro, we can’t recommend Bar enough.
Have you visited Bar? Share your favourite spots in the comments below!
Want to visit Kotor? Read our guide: Exploring Kotor Montenegro with Kids
Download Our 14 Day Montenegro itinerary
