Destination Bar | Adria Ferries

About Bar

The city of Bar, located on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro, boasts a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 4th century BC, when it was founded by the Greeks under the name Antibaris. Over the centuries, the city has experienced various dominations, each leaving an indelible mark on its historical and cultural heritage.

The port, the largest in Montenegro, is a major maritime transportation hub for goods and passengers. Its strategic position at the intersection of the Adriatic and the Mediterranean Sea makes it a crucial node for commercial and tourist connections with various cities in Europe and beyond. The origins of the port date back to Roman times when it was known as Antivari, but it has undergone several dominations over the centuries, including Byzantine and Venetian, each contributing to its development and importance. Today, it is a modern maritime terminal equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure and advanced technologies capable of accommodating large ships and offering a wide range of services for goods and passengers. It is connected by sea to several cities in Italy, Greece, Croatia, Albania, and other Adriatic and Mediterranean countries.

The port of Bar is an essential component of Montenegro's economy and represents a significant reference point for maritime transport in the Adriatic and the Mediterranean. Its strategic position, modern services, and connections with numerous cities make it an ideal choice for commercial shipments and tourist travel.

Tourist and Beach Offerings

Bar is an ideal destination for an unforgettable vacation, offering a wide range of tourist and beach experiences. With its long rugged coastline, Bar boasts beaches for all tastes. Susanj Beach, with its golden sand and turquoise waters, is perfect for families, while Ulcinj Beach, the longest in Montenegro, offers fine sand, calm waters, and numerous water activities. Ada Bojana Beach, at the mouth of the Bojana River, is famous for its black sand and thermal waters, a paradise for relaxation and naturism.

In addition to the beaches, there are various attractions for nature, culture, and history enthusiasts. Durmitor National Park, with its hiking trails and breathtaking canyons, is a paradise for adventurers, while Lovcen National Park with the mausoleum of Petar II Petrovic-Njegos offers a suggestive mountain landscape. The old town of Bar, surrounded by ancient walls, allows for a journey back in time, and walking through its narrow cobbled streets, you can admire the Bar Castle, a Venetian fortress with stunning panoramic views. Lastly, the ruins of the Roman city of Scodra are also unmissable.

In this wonderful city, sports lovers can practice swimming, snorkeling, diving, and windsurfing, while the more adventurous can engage in cycling, trekking, and rafting. In the evening, the city comes alive with bars, restaurants, and discos for a vibrant nightlife. The locals are welcoming and warm, always ready to help visitors and make them feel at ease.

What to Do in Bar

Bar is a vibrant city with a rich and varied calendar of events that offers visitors numerous opportunities to immerse themselves in the local culture. Between July and August, the Bar Old Town Summer Festival enlivens the charming squares of the old town with concerts, theater performances, art exhibitions, and gastronomic tastings, creating a magical atmosphere to discover the charm of Bar under the stars. In August, the International Folklore Festival brings traditional dance groups from around the world to the city, offering an engaging experience that celebrates global cultural diversity. On December 19, Saint Nicholas Day creates a magical atmosphere in the city, with children eagerly awaiting the arrival of the saint bearing gifts and sweets.

In addition to these main events, Bar offers a lively cultural program throughout the year. The music scene is dynamic, with concerts by local and international artists spanning various genres. Theaters and cinemas offer a wide range of performances and screenings for all tastes, while local markets allow for the discovery of typical Montenegrin products, from crafts to gastronomic specialties.

Each event and celebration in Bar is an opportunity to get to know the city and its people better, making each visit a unique and unforgettable experience.

What to Eat in Bar

The cuisine of Bar is a fascinating fusion of Mediterranean and Balkan influences that reflects the rich history and geographical location of the city. The typical dishes, based on fresh and seasonal ingredients from the sea, land, and surrounding mountains, offer a unique culinary experience.

With a long maritime tradition, the city excels in fresh fish, the star of many dishes prepared simply to enhance the natural flavors of the sea. Among the must-try specialties are Brudet, a mixed fish stew with tomato, peppers, and onions; Rižot crni, a black risotto with cuttlefish, and Pečenje na žaru, grilled fresh fish seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and parsley.

Besides fish, Bar's cuisine offers a variety of meat and vegetable dishes. Lamb and pork are often used for grills, stews, and casseroles, while vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, onions, and eggplants are featured in salads and vegetarian dishes. Among the specialties to try are Njeguški pršut, a smoked ham typical of Montenegro; Ćevapi, spiced and grilled minced meat sausages served with pita bread and onions, and Pasulj, a bean stew with tomatoes, peppers, and spices.

Montenegrin pastries offer tempting sweets made with dried fruit, honey, and puff pastry. Among the typical desserts are Baklava, puff pastry filled with nuts and honey; Krempita, a custard pie, and Palačinke, thin sweet or savory crepes filled with a variety of ingredients. Bar also boasts a decent wine production, both red and white, with popular grape varieties such as Vranac, Kratošija, and Prokupac. Besides wine, you can enjoy rakija, a fruit brandy typical of the Balkans.