Kruce Beach
Between the popular coastal town of Ulcinj and the small residential community of Utjeha on Montenegro’s southern Adriatic coast, lies Kruce Beach, an often-overlooked 250-meter-long rocky pebble beach. Kruce is a small and serene holiday resort village, appealing to couples and families interested in a back-to-basics type of holiday. Kruce Beach is considered to be one of the best beaches in Ulcinj.
The picturesque, long cove is overlooked by shrubs, Mediterranean woodlands, and modest, low-rise vacation homes. Here, you’ll find a close-knit community of second homeowners, repeat holidaymakers, and locals. Furthermore, many come onshore for the day from their kayaks or boats anchored in the bay.
Ulcinj, Montenegro
The charming coastal town of Ulcinj is a popular holiday resort, well-liked for its beautiful old town, cordial hospitality, good seafood, and sandy beaches.
While there is a small stretch of sand, measuring just a couple of meters and quickly filled in the peak of summer, the remaining sections of Kruce Beach have rocks and pebbles. What makes it tempting? The clean and crystal-clear waters with their fine sand base and the rocky outcrops hollowed out by underwater caves are appealing to snorkelers and divers.
On-site facilities include sun lounger and parasol rentals, showers, and changing cabins. You can also rent kayaks and boats for the day. Kruce Beach is not designed for visitors looking for the quintessential seaside holiday – its ruggedness and remoteness attract those who crave a little adventure and enjoy more peaceful beaches.
Access and Safety
Access to Kruce isn’t the easiest due to the narrow, winding road that leads from the M 2.4 Adriatic Highway down to the beach, challenging for beginner drivers but helping to deter crowds. Parking can be a delicate task as it can be hard to come by, particularly during the peak season. Look for free spaces at the parking lots of Restaurant Barakuda and Nojeva Barka.
Public transport buses from nearby coastal towns stop along the coastal road, but then it is still one kilometer down from there – the walk back up will be exhausting. Arriving by boat? You can tie your (small) boat to the jetty, or anchor near the shore, but depending on the sea conditions, it is not always commendable.
Due to the inaccessible infrastructure and rocky shore, Kruce Beach is not a good choice for wheelchair users or families with small children. It’s possible to walk along the rocks to neighboring Rakita Beach and Doce Beach, but that may require proper water or walking shoes. The passage is not easy but for some beachgoers that is all part of the adventure.
Ulcinj’s Top Beaches
The best beaches in Ulcinj come in many forms, from the sweeping stretches of sand in the south to scenic coves surrounded by pines and olive trees.
Things to do
Undoubtedly, the main attraction of Kruce Beach is its azure blue waters, offering the perfect conditions for swimmers and snorkelers. Stari Ulcinj Island, a marine-protected area with a rich underwater world and beautiful rock formations, is just a short kayak trip away while good swimmers will be able to reach it within half an hour or less.
But many people just come here to relax, enjoy the picturesque surroundings, and luxuriate in the sun. Neighboring Cold Bay (Utjeha, Hladna Uvala) has great waterfront bars for sundowners while you can stock up on zesty olive oil and gift items made from the olive tree such as soaps and wooden jewelry at Dragovoja, a family-run shop located right at the coastal road.
Things to do in Ulcinj
From birdwatching and wine tasting until your heart’s content to family-friendly watersports, here is our list of the best things to do in Ulcinj.
Restaurants on Kruce Beach
The only beach bar, aptly named Sunset Bar, is a step up from the classic old-school beach shacks, offering just burgers and fries. Here, you’ll find a bit more creativity in preparation and food presentation. They serve grilled fish, shellfish, and meats, and a range of delicious desserts, including Tres Leches cake.
Nojeva Barka (Noah’s Ark) occupies two floors of a modern edifice that resembles the boat in the ‘Genesis flood narrative (admittedly, with a lot of imagination) and overlooks the Adriatic from its scenic rooftop terrace. This restaurant is known for its affordable and delicious cuisine and relaxed atmosphere.
For a larger selection of eateries, you’ll have to leave the beach and visit one of Ulcinj’s restaurants, most of which are within a 15-minute driving distance. You might also consider a sea-view restaurant in adjacent Cold Bay such as Konoba Vongola, where sunsets and seafood dishes are served in a rustic ambiance.
Ulcinj’s Top Restaurants
From sea-view eateries within the walled town to laid-back seafood restaurants along the Bojana riverbank, the best restaurants in Ulcinj serve delicious local dishes.
Hotels on Kruce Beach
There are no hotels along Kruce Beach and camping is not permitted. The accommodations tend to be more basic here, with lower-end prices, but some also cater to more demanding visitors such as CONTINUUM, a small complex of luxury apartment rentals that sit perched atop a rocky outcrop, boasting a private, terraced beach area.
KAAB is a family-run, contemporary boutique hotel located right on neighboring Rakita Beach. The hotel is brand new, boasting modern, tasteful facilities and amenities. It does not come with a swimming pool, but the hotel’s private beach is so close that you can literally jump in the water from your balcony.
A bit further afield is the charming coastal town of Ulcinj, popular with Germans and Poles, where you will find a good range of hotels and self-catering vacation rentals. En route, there are some smaller agrotourism-style hotels, surrounded by olive groves, and even some villa rentals with swimming pools.
Ulcinj’s Top Hotels
Discover the best hotels in Ulcinj, from charming boutique hotels housed in renovated townhouses in the heart of the old town to resort-style accommodations.