- Bar districts
- Old Bar
- Chelugu
- New Bar
- Bjelishi (or Belishi)
- Burtaisi
- Shushan
Bar is the main seaport and one of the main resorts in Montenegro, attracting thousands of tourists. There is a warm subtropical climate, in June, in good weather, the swimming season already begins and lasts until October.
The bar lies in a large bay, the beaches in its vicinity are usually called the "Barskaya Riviera". The water here, as a rule, is slightly cooler than in Budva, but warmer than in other resorts of Montenegro. The beaches of the Bar Riviera consist of large pebbles, so it is better to take special shoes with you. But there is usually where to swim with a mask, because in the coastal rocks there are octopuses, beautiful fish and sea urchins. Almost everywhere there is a smooth entry, there are no strong waves, so the Bar is great for families with children.
There are several interesting sights in Bar. These are the ruins of a medieval fortress and a 19th century palace on the embankment itself, which is now a museum and cultural center. In addition, it is not far from Bar to the main natural attraction of Montenegro - Skadar Lake, the largest lake in the Balkans. Judging by people who usually go to swim and fish, the water in the summer in shallow water is warmer than the sea, and the road to Virpazar from Bar takes only forty minutes.
Bar districts
The historic center of the city, Old Bar, is now preserved as a landmark, far from the coast. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the main city life has been moved closer to the sea, to New Bar. In addition, over the past hundred years, the city has been overgrown with residential areas and suburbs, some of which are interesting from the point of view of a tourist, and some are not very. The following areas can be distinguished:
- Old Bar,
- New Bar (or just Bar),
- Bjelishi (Belishi),
- Burtaisi,
- Chelugu,
- Shushan,
Old Bar
Konoba Kula
The Old Bar area is located quite far from the coast - five kilometers. It is a historical landmark, an open-air museum, not a resort: people usually come here on excursions. The bar was founded by the Romans. Then they settled so far from the sea, because there were sources of fresh water nearby near Mount Rumia. Several buildings have survived from Roman times, for example, the baths. Then the city was called Antibarius - "located opposite the Italian Bari." The first Christian churches appeared in the 6th century - you can see their foundations. In the 9th century, the old Roman fortress was expanded and rebuilt by the Byzantines; in the 12th century, the church of St. George. Now this whole territory is a picturesque ruin: the fact is that when the city was liberated from the Ottoman yoke, powder stores were blown up, a fire started - and little remained of the inner building of the fortress. After this disaster, people left the city and moved to the sea.
In the fortress of Old Bar itself there are no hotels - there is nothing at all, except for ruins, even souvenir shops and cafes are taken out of the walls of the fortress. But there are several places around the fortress where you can spend the night. It is not worth living here permanently, if you are interested in the sea and the beach - it is too far from the coast, but it is quite possible to stop for a couple of days in order to study the historical center carefully and thoughtfully, and not for a couple of hours of excursion. The sights of the region are not limited to the fortress - there is a medieval mosque nearby, there is a certain amount of old city buildings.
- Advantages of the area: interesting sights and wonderful views; peace and quiet in the evenings.
- Disadvantages: to the sea - only by transport.
Chelugu
The area located on the main highway that runs through the entire city - M2-4. It is located roughly between the Old Town and Bjelisy. Its main advantage is its proximity to the sights of the Old Town. It is cheaper to stay here than near the fortress itself, and the museum is easily accessible on foot.
The main attraction of the region is the Islamic Cultural Center, the Muslim community of Bara is concentrated in these places. This leaves its mark - for example, there are restaurants with oriental cuisine here. But you have to go to the sea by transport, you can't walk on foot. However, municipal buses run on the M2-4 highway all the time, and you can easily get to the farthest beaches by bus. Chelugu is a great inexpensive option for those who love attractions and are ready to travel to the sea by buses or for those who rent a car.
New Bar
Hotel Princess
After the destruction of the Old City, people began to move closer to the coast and the port - this is how the city of New Bar, or simply Bar, arose. At the same time, its main attraction, the Toplitsa Palace, was built. It was the residence of the son-in-law of the then king of Montenegro. Now it is a museum and cultural center, where concerts, exhibitions and other events are held. There is a beautiful seaside park and botanical garden next to the palace.
New Bar is also a trade and transport center; a huge port is located right here. Bus station near the port. It is easy to go anywhere from here, but both the port and the bus station create a lot of noise and pollute both the air and the water.
The municipal beach Toplitsa, covered with large pebbles, stretches across the city, and along the beach there is a promenade with restaurants and hotels. At the beginning of the beach there is a playground, there are areas with attractions, there are many different water activities on the beach. But not everyone likes to sail in the immediate vicinity of the seaport. However, you can always choose a large hotel with its own pools and recreation areas.
There is a huge Toplica (or Topolitsa) market in this area, it is considered the largest market in Montenegro. From the very early morning, freshly caught fish is sold here - you can buy it, or you can just walk around and look at what is in the sea. The rest of the time, you can buy almost anything: olive oil, cheeses, fresh fruits, clothes, souvenirs.
- Advantages of the area: close to the beach; entertainment, sightseeing and shopping are all nearby.
- Disadvantages: Port near the beach, noise and crowds.
Bjelishi (or Belishi)
Hotel Franca
This is an area located a little further from the sea than New Bar. The usual urban area, in fact, is a sleeping area, although it also has several picturesque streets with traditional Montenegrin houses and sea views. There is a small park area, there is a beautiful church.
It is quite a long way to get to the beach from here, even if it seems that it is very close in a straight line. But still not so far as to be impossible. The area is large and there are housing closer to the sea and further from it. Still, it should be borne in mind that the Bjelishes are actually located behind the port, and the closest section of the beach to them is the port area, where not everyone likes it.
On the other hand, housing here is quite budgetary, and cafes are inexpensive, "for their own", and there are no night discos and round-the-clock music. The plus is the presence of several large supermarkets - this is convenient if you prefer apartments with their own kitchen.
Burtaisi
City apartment Novakovic
The highest and farthest from the sea area of the city. What is good here is that almost any housing will overlook a beautiful panorama of the sea and the coast, any cafe will be "view". Prestigious villas with their own terraces, swimming pools, sunbathing areas and barbecue areas are rented here.
But there is nothing but the views in the area itself - it is far from the sea, there is no entertainment, except for cycling along rather steep fishing rods. This area is perfect for those who have their own or rented car, and who prefer a romantic secluded getaway in their villa.
Shushan
Villa Antivari
The farthest area to the north of the city is actually a suburb. Great for a budget holiday with children. The Bar itself and noisy entertainment can be reached from here in half an hour of a leisurely step along the embankment. There are no special beauties, except for palm alleys and the blue sea, but if you just want to relax on the beach, this is enough. The area has a large green area: a pine park, where it is pleasant and cool even in the heat.
The main beach of the area is called Zhukotrlitsa. Like all the beaches of Bari, it is covered with large pebbles. There are rides, a trampoline center for children, coastal sea restaurants and beach activities, but in general, Shushan is much cleaner and more comfortable than in New Bar, although there are fewer interesting things.
To the north of ukotrlitsa there is a small Red Beach (Crvena Plaza) - this is the farthest beach in Bar and therefore the least crowded. It is very beautiful, the sand and rocks here really have a reddish tint, but there is no special infrastructure here, and even the toilet is paid. It is perfect for those who like wild rest.
When choosing accommodation in Shushan, be careful, check its position on the map. Even if "in a straight line" to the sea is close, you may actually have to wander along the winding streets until you get to the beach, and most importantly then you will have to go up along them. However, there are also hotels located on the first line.
- Advantages of the area: inexpensive; the perfect balance between entertainment and relaxation; green area, children's infrastructure.
- Disadvantages: far from attractions; no vibrant nightlife.
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