Crystal Beach Ulcinj
Crystal Beach (Kristalna Plaza) is named after the crystalline waters surrounding it. It is located on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, about 10 km north of Ulcinj, between Kruce Beach and Cold Bay, Utjeha. The 100-meter-long stretch of rocky pebbles occupies a Robinson-Crusoe-style bay of almost untouched, pristine nature.
This is one of the smallest of a series of beaches that form the community of Kruce, with some higher-end luxury apartments and villas set against dramatic scenery, up on the surrounding cliffs. It can get quite busy in the afternoon during the hottest part of the summer season when groups of tourists arrive on picnic boats to enjoy the calm, Carribean-blue sea.
Crystal Beach used to be one of those secret, blink and you’ll miss it beaches that you wouldn’t want to share with others, but in recent years people have started to notice. Nevertheless, it is still a world apart from the more popular coves, in terms of atmosphere and setting. Arrive early, and you will very likely have the beach all to yourself, even in July and August. Then you will understand why it is considered to be one of the most paradisical and laid-back beaches on the Montenegrin Riviera, visited by all age groups.
Kruce Beach
Explore Kruce Beach, an often-overlooked rocky pebble beach on the Ulcinj Riviera. Its crystal-clear waters attract swimmers, scuba divers, and snorkelers.
Things to do on Crystal Beach
The towering yellow cliffs surrounding Crystal Beach create an intimacy that makes this beach feel more intimate and special. It is backed by lush Mediterranean vegetation and looks out onto Stari Ulcinj Island, a marine-protected area, loved by divers and snorkelers for its rich and colorful underwater landscapes.
There are no watersports on Crystal Beach but that is probably for the best, creating perfect conditions for swimmers and water surface floaters, especially outside boat cruise hours (before 10 am and after 3 pm). On-site you won’t find any facilities, as this is a wild beach, and it’s not recommended for those with mobility issues.
Nevertheless, it is an inspiring alternative for those beachgoers who enjoy a little coasteering or jumping into the sea from boulders and cliffs, a favorite pastime for the local youth. As the beach itself is not too large, adventurous visitors might like the idea of exploring neighboring coves on stand-up paddle boards, which need to be brought on.
Watersports in Montenegro
Sailing, kitesurfing, kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling are some of the most popular watersports in Montenegro, enjoyed by residents and visitors.
Coasteering
With its rugged and beautiful coastline, Montenegro is a veritable adventure playground for the more daring thrill-seeker. Find out more about coasteering.
Safety and Access
Access to this beautiful stretch of Montenegro’s coastline isn’t the easiest, but on the other hand, it will deter larger crowds. Arriving by car requires visitors to park along the M 2.4 Adriatic coastal road, as there is no other parking available, and to take a steep trail through shrubs and forest. Crystal Beach is not exactly easy to find – which is part of the allure.
There are no lifeguards on duty here and this certainly is not a wheelchair-accessible beach. Neither it is recommended for those with mobility issues or very young children. You’ll also look in vain for toilets, showers, and sun lounger rentals. When swimming towards Stari Ulcinj Island, be mindful of jet skis and boats.
Crystal Beach is more easily reached by boat, as there is no shortage of excursion boats departing from Ulcinj’s marina. Consider checking schedules before going: boats usually depart at 9:30 am and are back in Ulcinj by 4 pm. The trip takes roughly one hour each way and you’ll have many great photo opportunities along the way.
Ulcinj
Ulcinj is a small coastal resort, straddling the border with Albania. It is family-friendly, boasting a picturesque old town and miles of sandy beaches.
Restaurants near Crystal Beach
There are no restaurants or beach bars on-site, so you would need to pack your own food and drinks if you plan to spend a full day by the sea. One idea is to fill your picnic basket for a true back-to-nature experience. Another is to book a (fish) picnic boat tour from one of the boatsmen in Ulcinj and enjoy a delicious barbeque right on the beach.
Alternatively, you can head over to Kruce Beach to visit one of the local restaurants or taverns there. You may also choose to have dinner along the cliffs in the adjacent fisherman’s village of Petavica Zabio, where Restaurant Vongola offers all you need for a relaxed sea-view dining experience. More diverse restaurants and food choices await you in nearby Ulcinj.
Ulcinj’s Top Restaurants
Discover the best restaurants in Ulcinj, from charming taverns with sea views in the heart of the old town to fish restaurants along the Bojana Riverbank.
Hotels on Crystal Beach
The closest accommodation requires driving up the coastal road towards the small resort of Kruce or Petavica Zabio (Cold Bay), where you can find a range of listings for self-service vacation rentals and a few small, family-run hotels. The 3-star Hotel R sits right on the waterfront and offers panoramic sea views from most of its rooms and the outdoor pool area.
It is also possible to stay at CONTINUUM, a contemporary aparthotel perched atop the coastal cliffs surrounding Crystal Beach, where accommodation is sophisticated and elegant. Stairs lead down from the cliffs to a terraced, private beach section. Otherwise, it is best to head further afield to the larger resort towns of Ulcinj and Dobra Voda to find a nice boutique or rural agritourism hotel.
Ulcinj’s Top Hotels
Discover the beauty of the Ulcinj Riviera and experience its beautiful coves and beaches. Here is our list of the best hotels in Ulcinj for a relaxed holiday.