Stari Bar Montenegro: A Hidden Gem!

Are you looking for an off-the-beaten-path retreat in the Balkans? You need to visit Stari Bar, Montenegro!

Bar is a popular port town on Montenegro’s coast, due to the ferries from Italy arriving here. Still, people don’t tend to hang around for long before heading to the more well-known Montenegrin destinations of Budva and Kotor.

However, a short journey inland will take you to the picturesque town of Stari Bar, an ancient settlement with a rich history and stunning views.

Stari Bar was never on my radar when I first travelled to Montenegro, but I ended up impulsively booking a four-night stay there after another traveller mentioned it in passing. And I am so glad I did!

If you love hidden gem destinations as much as me then keep reading, as I share with you why Stari Bar should be on your travel bucket list.

Visiting Stari Bar 

Stari Bar, also known as Old Bar, is one of the oldest towns in Montenegro. It dates back to 6th century and has been influenced by various civilizations including the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and Ottomans.

The town is surrounded by mountains and offers breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. The best way to reach Stari Bar is by taking a short taxi ride from nearby towns such as Bar or Budva.

Once you arrive, you will be greeted with charming narrow streets, ancient ruins, and traditional stone houses. The town is small, but you can easily spend a few days exploring its hidden corners and relaxing amid the stunning mountain scenery.

11 Things To Do In Stari Bar Montenegro

1. Stari Bar Fortress

One of the main attractions in Stari Bar is its ancient fortress, which dates back to the 11th century. The fortress sits on top of a hill and offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding landscape.

The fortress was left in ruins after a major earthquake in the 1970s and very little restoration work has been done since then.

You can enter the fortress ruins for a small fee of €2. There isn’t a lot of information or any tours available but you can take your time exploring at your own pace and enjoy the rough-around-the-edges, untouched beauty of the place.

2. Stay At The Grove 

The Grove is an old olive mill that has been turned into a communal hostel-style accommodation. It has been restored as a labour of love by a group of backpacker friends, and is now one of the coolest backpacker hostels in the world!

I had an amazing time staying here, making new friends and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere. The hostel also offers unique activities such as yoga classes, ultimate frisbee tournaments, and free mimosa brunches for a truly immersive experience.

3. Shop In The Bazaar 

On the street heading up towards the fortress, you’ll find stalls selling everything from local produce and handmade crafts to traditional souvenirs. This is a great place to pick up some gifts for loved ones back home or just soak up the bustling atmosphere.

It’s also a great place to stop and chat with the locals.

4. Watch An Epic Sunset

The view of the sunset from Stari Bar fortress is one of the best I’ve ever witnessed. The light casts a pinkish glow over the old fortifications, the beautiful clock tower, and the surrounding landscape, making for a truly breathtaking sight.

Make sure to bring your camera as this is definitely a photo-worthy moment!

5. Make Friends With The Local Mountain Goats

I saw so many goats climbing up over the rocks and roaming freely around the fortress and the town. It was a unique sight and I couldn’t resist getting closer to take some pictures.

The goats seemed unfazed by people and a few were even nibbling out of people’s hands!

6. Try Plum Beer – A Local Specialty

One of the things that makes Stari Bar so special is their delicious local plum beer. This local speciality is made by fermenting plums and has a unique taste that I absolutely loved.

It’s the perfect drink to enjoy while watching the sunset or socializing with other travellers at the hostel.

7. Relax In Nature

I’m going to be real with you, I spent most of my time in Stari Bar just laying in a hammock and chilling out. It’s the perfect place for it.

With the stunning mountain views and peaceful surroundings, it’s almost impossible not to feel relaxed.

8. Visit The Mosques and Churches Of Stari Bar

There are a few interesting ruins of mosques and churches in Stari Bar, such as St. George’s Cathedral.

It started off as a Romanesque church, then got turned into a mosque in the 17th century. But, in a tragic twist, it was accidentally blown up by a gunpowder explosion! Now you can explore the ruins and imagine what it looked like centuries ago.

There is also the Skanjevica mosque, which was originally built in 1819 and later reconstructed in 2009. It is located next to the fortress and has an impressive 22-metre minaret, so you won’t miss it!

9. Attend An Open Air Concert

During the summer months, there are often open-air concerts, theatre performances and other events which take place within the walls of the old abandoned town at the fortress.

It’s a unique experience to attend a concert in such a historic and beautiful setting.

10. Visit The Oldest Tree In Europe

You can also visit the oldest tree in Europe, known as the “old olive tree of Mirovica”. This 2000-year-old tree is still producing olives! It’s a fascinating piece of history and definitely worth a visit. The tree is located around 1km south of Stari Bar, towards the sea.

It costs €1 to enter the area where the tree is. You’ll get shown a certificate that shows how old the tree is and the guide will tell you some interesting facts about the tree’s history too.

Keep an eye out for the tortoises which roam around freely here.

11. Take A Tour To The Nearby Rikavac River Canyon or Tara River Canyon

Stari Bar is a great place to base yourself if you want to take a tour to the nearby Rikavac River Canyon.

The canyon is known for its crystal clear water and stunning natural beauty. You can swim in the river, go hiking around the canyon, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Another amazing canyon in Montenegro is the Tara River Canyon. This is further away and would require an overnight trip from Stari Bar but it is definitely worth a visit if you want to do some fun adrenaline sports, such as river rafting, while you are in Montenegro.

Where To Stay In Stari Bar

As I mentioned earlier, I had an incredible time staying at The Grove. But there are other options in town that I have heard great things about also.

Where To Eat In Stari Bar

Konoba Bedem is a really lovely taverna located on the street leading up to the fortress. It serves traditional Mediterranean food and I was happy with the vegan options available.

For a quick bite, there are also several street food vendors selling delicious pita sandwiches and burek.

There is also Merak, which is a Moroccan-style cafe – I really liked the coffee here.

How To Get To Stari Bar Montenegro

The closest airport to Stari Bar is Podgorica Airport, which is about a 50-minute drive away. You can take a taxi or arrange for a private transfer to get to the town.

Ferries arrive at nearby Bar from Bari, Italy, and you can easily take a taxi or bus from there to Stari Bar.

International bus routes connect the capital Podgorica with other Balkan countries such as Serbia, North Macedonia and Albania. From Podgorica, you can then take a bus to Bar.

If you are travelling within Montenegro, regular buses run to Bar from other cities such as Budva and Kotor. From Bar, you can take a taxi to Stari Bar.

FAQs: Stari Bar Montenegro

How far is Stari Bar from Bar?

Stari Bar is located around 4km inland from Bar.

How old is Stari Bar?

The history of Stari Bar dates back to the 6th Century. However, the fortress that stands today was built in the 11th Century and has been destroyed and rebuilt several times since then. It has been abandoned since the 19th century.

What is the history of Stari Bar Montenegro?

Stari Bar has a rich and complex history that dates back to the 6th century. It was first established as a settlement by the Illyrians, an ancient tribe of people who inhabited the western Balkan Peninsula. Over the centuries, Stari Bar was ruled by various empires including the Byzantine Empire, Venetian Republic, and Ottoman Empire.

What are some interesting facts about Stari Bar Montenegro?

• Stari Bar is also known as “Old Bar”
• The town was abandoned in the late 19th century due to repeated attacks and natural disasters, and the inhabitants relocated to the nearby port city of Bar.
• Despite its abandonment, Stari Bar remains a popular tourist attraction today due to its rich history and well-preserved fortress.
• In 1979, Stari Bar was added to the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, due to it being an important medieval archaeological site.

Final Thoughts: Stari Bar Montenegro

Stari Bar is a hidden gem in Montenegro, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. I had a wonderful time relaxing in this sleepy little town, and I hope that you do too!

If you plan on exploring more of Montenegro then be sure to check out my Kotor itinerary and my 3-week Balkan road trip itinerary

And for another hidden gem in Montenegro, don’t miss out on a visit to Ulcinj!