Bar, Montenegro Cruise Port Guide
Welcome to Bar, a captivating coastal city on Montenegro's southern Adriatic shore that offers a serene alternative to busier regional ports.
Frequently visited by lines such as MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Holland America Line, this destination uniquely blends ancient history with Mediterranean charm.
Cruise passengers are drawn to its dramatic mountain backdrop, fascinating ruins, and authentic Montenegrin hospitality away from the heavy tourist crowds.
In This Guide
- Shore Excursions & Tours
- Key Bar Port Information
- • Top Attractions & Excursions
- • Nearby Cities & Attractions
- • Port Location
- • Local Currency
- • Safety Considerations
- • Weather & Climate
- • Getting Around
- • Shopping
- Visiting Bar Cruise Deals
- Upcoming Cruises to Bar Cruise Deals
- Ships in Port Schedule
- Other Cruise Ports in Montenegro
- Monthly Pricing
Shore Excursions & Tours
Lagoa Bonita Circuit in Lençóis Maranhenses
The Circuit de la Lagoa Bonita is a popular, beautiful Barreirinhas tour featuring a 30m steep dune climb aided by a rope. Every second of this National Park walk is worth the effort to see the beautiful landscapes and lagoons.
Beautiful Lagoon Circuit
Depart Barreirinhas in a 4x4 for an average one-hour journey across the Preguiças River bridge to reach the 155,000-hectare Maranhenses Lençóis National Park. After parking at dune support points, join a guide for an 80m climb.
Private Excursion in the Lençóis Maranhenses Park (Lagoa Azul)
Visit Lagoa Azul, one of the most beautiful lagoons in Lençóis Maranhenses park, to swim, take pictures, and watch one of nature's most beautiful sunsets.
Full Day Tour of Maranhenses: Circuits Bonita and Blue
Tour the sunny dunes and crystal clear ponds of this amazing desert in the Maranhenses Lençóis National Park via the Bonita and Azul circuits starting from Barreirinhas. This experience features a stop for a tasty oasis lunch (not included) and culminates with an unforgettable sunset over the Lagoa Bonita dunes.
Floating On The River Formiga - Cardosa Tour
Leaving the hotel at 08:00h in a 4x4, the fun one-hour journey to Cardosa leads to an incredible experience floating on the Formiga River using buoys. The fun at this destination compensates for the travel time to the river.
Lagoa Bonita Trail
The unique Lagoa Bonita route offers an incredible experience exploring the enchanting Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, which is one of the world's seven natural wonders. This experience enchants you every second.
Full Day Tour through Preguiças River by Speedboat
Pequenos Lençóis, located on the Preguiças River's right bank across Barreirinhas, Paulino Neves, and Tutóia, features golden soft sand and native forests within the Delta of the Americas. This coastal region towards Tutóia offers beautiful areas and rich animal life along the river.
Key Bar Port Information
Top Attractions & Excursions
The crown jewel of the area is Stari Bar (Old Town Bar), an ancient ruined fortress city located about a 15-minute drive from the pier.
Visitors can also marvel at the Old Olive Tree of Mirovica, believed to be over 2,000 years old and one of the world's oldest olive trees.
In the modern coastal town, King Nikola's Palace offers lovely seaside gardens and a museum showcasing regional history within a 20-minute walk from the port gates.
Last updated on August 23, 2026
Nearby Cities & Attractions
A short 30-minute drive inland brings visitors to Lake Skadar National Park, the largest lake in the Balkans, famous for its birdlife and scenic boat trips.
The picturesque medieval town of Budva, known for its Venetian walls and sandy beaches, is located roughly 40 minutes away by road.
Additionally, the UNESCO-listed fjord town of Kotor can be reached in about an hour, making it a viable day trip option for cruise travelers.
Last updated on August 23, 2026
Port Location
The cruise pier is located at the commercial Port of Bar, situated approximately 1.5 to 2 kilometers (about 1 mile) from the modern city center.
Cruise ships dock directly at the quay, so tendering is rarely required.
While the immediate dockside area offers limited amenities, taxis and shuttle buses are readily available at the port exit to transport guests to downtown or nearby attractions.
Last updated on August 23, 2026
Local Currency
Although Montenegro is not a member of the European Union, its official currency is the Euro (€).
US dollars are generally not accepted for direct transactions, so carrying Euros is recommended.
ATMs are widely available in the city center and near tourist sites, and major credit cards are accepted in most restaurants and established shops, though cash is preferred for small purchases and local markets.
Last updated on August 23, 2026
Safety Considerations
Bar is considered a very safe destination for cruise passengers, with low rates of violent crime.
As in any port city, visitors should exercise standard caution against petty theft and pickpocketing in crowded areas or around public transit hubs.
Exploring independently on foot or via registered taxis is safe and straightforward, though guided excursions are helpful when traveling farther inland.
Last updated on August 23, 2026
Weather & Climate
Bar enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, sunny summers and mild winters.
During the primary cruise season from May through October, daily temperatures average between 24°C and 31°C (75°F to 88°F) with minimal rainfall.
Passengers should pack lightweight summer clothing, comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones, sunglasses, sunscreen, and swimwear if planning to visit the beach.
Last updated on August 23, 2026
Getting Around
Taxis are readily available outside the port gates and provide an affordable, convenient way to reach Stari Bar or nearby towns.
Public buses operate regularly along the coast, and the local train line connects Bar to inland destinations like Podgorica and Lake Skadar.
Passengers can also arrange an organized Lake Skadar boat tour or hire a private driver for full-day excursions along the Montenegrin Riviera.
Last updated on August 23, 2026
Shopping
The modern city center and the pedestrian boulevard near the promenade offer boutiques, olive oil specialty shops, and local handicraft stores.
High-quality Montenegrin olive oil, local wines like Vranac, honey, and traditional embroidered crafts make popular souvenirs.
Prices in fixed-location stores and supermarkets are non-negotiable, but polite bargaining may be acceptable at open-air market stalls.
Last updated on August 23, 2026
Visiting Bar Cruise Deals
Upcoming Cruises to Bar Cruise Deals
Ships in Port Schedule
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Other Cruise Ports in Montenegro
Monthly Pricing - Cruises visiting Bar
On average Bar is somewhat affordable as a port of call. Cruises visiting Bar during the the peak season of fall are a bit more expensive than the low months of spring and summer. The diagram below shows the monthly average cost per day for cruises visiting Bar.