Discover Zupci: Trails, Waterfall and Culture

Zupci offers a range of reasons to choose it as a travel destination: hiking and cycling trails, a climbing area, Skak Waterfall, and local history and cuisine. When planning your trip, you can weigh up whether outdoor activities, the scenery or the cultural history of the place is more important to you.

Hiking Trails, Cycling Route and Climbing

A hiking trail leads from the village of Zupci via St. Ivan Church and Ribnjak Monastery to Mužić and Sutorman. In 2022, it was among the trails that were maintained; current trail conditions may differ. Check the conditions before setting out. Another local point of reference for hikers is the trail name Zupci–Mužice–PPT.

On cycling route SJ05, cyclists can visit St. John’s Church in Zupci via a paved track before riding down to Bar. Road and surface conditions may change; check them before setting out. The two routes described therefore differ not only in how you travel: the hiking trail continues via St. Ivan and Ribnjak to Mužić and Sutorman, while the cycling route includes a visit to St. John’s Church on the way to Bar.

The Zupci climbing area is considered suitable for everyone. A 2022 tourism map lists 15 climbing routes there, with grades ranging from 3 to 9; the route selection may change. The range of grades listed shows that the selection includes different levels of difficulty. Check which routes are currently available before visiting.

Skak and the Landscape

The Zubački waterfall Skak is in Zupci, above Vickovići and next to Dumezići. Skak consists of three cascades. Its height is given as more than 100 metres; the highest waterfall is about 40 metres high. A small lake forms at its foot. Water flow and visibility are seasonal; the amount of water and the lake depend on rainfall and the time of year.

St. John and Local Traditions

Saint John the Baptist is the patron saint and protector of Zupci. On the eve of the St. John’s Day celebration, fires known as Ivanjski kresovi are lit, and children jump over them. How this tradition is observed today may vary. The village’s connection with Saint John is also reflected in the church’s history: St. John’s Church was built on the site of an older church, which had been relocated from Ribnjak in 1844 after damage associated with the 1667 earthquake.

Zupci is known for preserving old customs surrounding baptism, weddings and funerals; current practices may differ. Historically, wedding customs and ceremonial toasts in Zupci differed from those in Bar and the surrounding villages. Ribnjak is both part of the hiking trail from Zupci to Mužić and Sutorman, and a monastery in the village of Zupci that is classified as cultural heritage.

Regional Food and Products

The Babić household in Zupci offers farm products such as olive oil, juices, fruit preserves, fig cake and homemade rakija. Regional specialities also include Zubački cheese, prijesnac, obarak and stufada. Prijesnac is a traditional dish for Ivan’s Day, made with cheese, eggs, milk and rice; preparation may vary from household to household.

Mulberry brandy and white mulberry trees several centuries old are also associated with Zupci.

Discover more destinations: Bar, Gluhi Do, Sutomore, Bartula, Dupilo, Tomba, Čanj, Mišići

Go to the main travel overview: Bar.