Bar

The modern town of Bar serves primarily as the country's most significant port, and as a transport hub linking the coast with the Montenegrin capital Podgorica and the north of the country. Most services are fairly centrally located.

The main reason to visit Bar is to explore its ancient walled town, Stari Bar, 5 kilometres from the centre in a stunning location on the slopes of Rumija. Recent archeological finds confirm that a settlement existed here as early as 800BC. During the 3rd century BC, the occupying Romans destroyed the old settlement and abandoned it for a location nearer to the sea. Centuries later, the Byzantine Emperor Justinian built a fortified town on the original site, and Stari Bar started to develop into an active centre. By the 11th century it had became one of the most important political, economic and cultural towns on the Adriatic coast.

Today the majority of the churches, palaces and houses in the old town lie in ruins. In the oldest part of town are the foundations of the Cathedral of St George,rebuilt as a mosque after the Turkish conquest. At the north end of town is the well preserved 11th century upper fortress, was used as a prison in WWII,and close by is an aqueduct from the 17th century. There is also a 17th century Turkish bath housed in an old Venetian palace, and in another a fine art studio. In fact many of the old stone houses within the ancient walls are now the studios of local painters.

Back on the coast a short drive from Bar is the little seaside town of Sutomore which has a long sandy beach and good snorkelling, but can get very busy in the summer months. Nearby is Maljevik beach, an attractive bay with incredibly clear water, sheltered by pine trees. A little further along the Budva road is the lovely little resort of Canj, which has one of the most beautiful beaches on the coast. Divided by a rocky outcrop into two smaller bays, the fine sandy beach is backed by pines, cypresses and other Mediterranean vegetation.