Bartula: Hiking Trails, Olive Groves and Nature

Bartula offers a distinct connection to hiking trails, olive groves and waterside experiences. A notable starting point is the campsite in the hilly Vruća Rijeka Valley: the grounds are terraced and feature various tree species. Planning involves several different questions: How long do the trails to Stari Bar take, what is the access road like, and which water conditions vary seasonally? Considering these points separately can help you plan your arrival and activities.

Campsite and Getting There

Bartula My Olive Garden Camp is a tent campsite with parking spaces. Check the facilities again before setting out. The site has capacity for about 25 tents, and tents can be rented. Since both capacity and rental availability may change, it is advisable to check these details in advance for your dates. The campsite is on terraced ground in the hilly Vruća Rijeka Valley, among various tree species.

The access route includes a steep, narrow paved road for the final kilometre. Bar's main bus and railway stations are about six kilometres away. Taxi services are available, and transfers can be arranged through the campsite. When planning your arrival, take into account both the distance to the stations and the final stretch of road. The 3.1-kilometre route to Stari Bar, by contrast, is a walking route and a separate planning consideration.

Walking to Stari Bar and Through the Olive Groves

The walking route from the campsite to Stari Bar is 3.1 kilometres one way, with a walking time of up to about 1.5 hours. A marked trail leads from the camp through olive groves. On the Bartula–Stari Bar trail, you reach the fortifications of Stari Bar after the third bridge. Along the way, the trail offers views of coastal mountains and the sea above ancient olive trees. It also crosses streams whose water is described as crystal clear; stream conditions may change with the seasons.

An easy hiking trail leads through Bunar Gorge, over old bridges, past the Kajnak spring and thousand-year-old olive groves. It also passes Bartula Camp and a 2,500-year-old olive tree. You can also plan a visit to the Old Olive Tree on the return route. The Old Olive Tree in Mirovica has been protected as a natural monument since 1963 and is more than 2,242 years old. The hiking routes therefore offer different experiences: the trail to Stari Bar focuses on the fortifications and views, while the route through Bunar Gorge connects springs, bridges and olive trees.

Water Activities and Seasonal Conditions

The Vruća Rijeka Gorge has more than 30 vertical drops, the highest reaching 24 metres. Conditions in the gorge vary by season. A canyoning experience takes five to seven hours and includes natural dams and pools. The duration depends on the group's circumstances and the water level. A report published in 2025 describes canyoning tours that end near the Old Town of Bar, in the settlement of Bartula.

Swimming in the mountain stream is another aspect to consider when planning: it is possible after a walk of up to ten minutes from the campsite. The stream flows year-round, but water levels can be considerably lower during extremely dry summers. Swimming may still be possible; check local conditions. When planning a stay, hiking times should therefore be considered separately from seasonal water conditions or the several hours required for canyoning.

Bar as a Wider Travel Destination

The wider destination of Bar lies between the Adriatic coast and Lake Skadar. Lake Skadar National Park has nine marked hiking trails that visitors can explore independently with a map. Maps are available at the visitor centres in Virpazar and Vranjina. Birdwatching on the lake can be arranged from a boat or from the Stanaj observation tower; advance registration at least one day beforehand is required. These options complement the trails and water activities around Bartula with additional, distinct nature experiences in the wider Bar destination.

Discover more destinations: Mišići, Sutomore, Tomba, Pečurice, Dobra Voda, Čanj, Dupilo, Šušanj.

For the wider travel overview: Bar.