Long Beach Ulcinj
Montenegro’s longest beach stretches from its northern tip close to Ulcinj to the Ada Bojana Island which is just 3 kilometers from the Albanian border. It’s a beautiful sandy beach set in one of the wildest and most virgin of landscapes, backed by soft dunes, dense pine forests, and lush Mediterranean shrubs.
Long Beach is widely considered to be one of the top 20 beaches in Montenegro. It is 12 kilometers long and on average 60 meters wide, making it the perfect place for everyone who needs space and freedom in abundance. It is a beach for nature lovers who will appreciate the winning combination of remoteness, wild beauty, and good facilities.
Montenegro’s Top Beaches
We round up the best beaches in Montenegro, from pebbly shores and smooth sands in Ulcinj to hidden coves and off-the-radar spots near Budva.
Ulcinj
The former pirate stronghold and fishing village of Ulcinj has everything from trendy waterfront cafes to seafood restaurants in the old town.
‘Velika Plaza’, as it is referred to in the Montenegrin dialect, is a truly relaxed beach, drawing a mixed crowd of all ages. Twenty-and-thirty-year-olds bohemians and kitesurfers gather primarily at the southernmost sections bordering Ada Bojana (an island designated for skinny-dippers), while families with children lie scattered all over the beach, but you will also find many older sunseekers here as well.
Long Beach is popular with tourists and locals alike, and it is not uncommon to find vendors walking along the strand selling cold drinks and snacks such as donuts and steamed corn. The water quality here is of exceptional quality, as evidenced by its Blue Flag certification, and one of the major appeal for beachgoers.
Shallow with just the occasional gentle wave from the warm gust of Adriatic wind, it deepens very slowly, making it perfect for families with small children – but not for serious swimmers and snorkelers. Long Beach is divided into two dozen sections, each with its own facilities such as beach clubs, sun loungers and parasol rentals, showers, changing stations, and toilets.
A Nudist’s Oasis
Ada Bojana Beach is Monteengro’s most popular nudist beach, attracting many die-hard fans again and again. It is located on a small island close to the Albanian border.
Blue Flag Beaches
Explore Montenegro’s Blue Flag Beaches, beautiful coves, and sandy stretches that have been recognized for having extremely clean waters and top safety standards.
Safety and Access
Long Beach is located between the town center of Ulcinj, the Solana saltpans, where until very recently some of Montenegro’s best salt was produced (now it is a Ramsar-listed nature reserve), and the Bojana River Delta. It is accessed via the R-17 coastal road that cuts through the scenic coastal wetlands and goes parallel to the shoreline.
The landscape surrounding the saline marshes is picturesque, and one of the most popular birdwatching sites along the Adriatic coast. Serene and almost subtropical, it exudes an aura of a village sitting in faraway lands until you arrive at the beach and see the rows of cars parked along the back of the beach. This makes you realize that this certainly is also one of Montenegro’s most popular vacation spots.
Lifeguard towers overlook the busier parts of Long Beach, and there are plenty of beach sections with paved or plastered boardwalks leading from the parking lot straight to the beach, making it relatively easily accessible even for wheelchair users and beachgoers with reduced mobility. Unpaid Parking is available within a 1-minute walking distance to the beach.
Birdwatching in Monteengro
Birdwatching in Montenegro is becoming increasingly popular with birders from all over the world. Pink-colored flamingos are the stars in Ulcinj’s birdwatching scene.
Things to do
Building sandcastles, splashing around, and kitesurfing are the best activities to engage in on Long Beach besides just luxuriating in the sun under tiki-style parasols, but there are also other water sports available for hire, including pedal boats and jet skis. Kayaking and stand-up paddling are popular along the Bojana River. Want to feel more connected to the natural world? Make your way into the wetland reserve of Ulcinj’s Salina (Solana) and have a shot at birdwatching.
To get a feel of this pretty place, walk leisurely in front of the dunes or the waterside; it’s most romantic in the morning hours or at sunset. Going on a beach horseback riding adventure is popular especially in the off-season when Long Beach and Ada Bojana Beach are less crowded, but it can also be organized in the peak of summer. Be it as it may, you will certainly have some social-media-worthy images and videos to share.
Beach Parties at Nomade Beach, KAI, and Aloha are legendary, with vibrant sunsets, campfires, soulful deep house beats, and mild breezes setting the mood for events that blend harmoniously with the beauty of the surrounding dreamy landscape. They carry forth the same spirit of barefoot bohemia, unrestrained hedonism, and vibrant Tulum vibes.
Watersports in Montenegro
Kitesurfing, sailing, kayaking, scuba diving, and kayaking are some of the most popular watersports in Montenegro. Read on to find out what else is popular.
Things to do in Ulcinj
Ulcinj is a charming coastal town that seduces thousands of visitors each year with its rich offering of culture and gastronomy. Here are the best things to do in Ulcinj.
Kitesurfing on Long Beach
Ulcinj has established itself as an up-and-coming kitesurfing destination, where the season lasts from May through October. Reliable thermal breezes and flat waters (without stones!) create perfect wind-and-kitesurfing conditions. A large sandy area in the south is sectioned off as a designated surfing zone, as the rest of the beach is reserved for common beachgoers.
Long Beach is a great place to learn surfing and improve your skills. The Adriatic Sea is shallow and calm, and the beachfront is lined with schools offering kitesurfing courses, camps, and accommodations. While all of them are run by passionate sportists, Kiteriders Montenegro and Ka’banya are two of the most reputable.
Restaurants on Long Beach
There are plenty of basic beach bars onsite for simple snacks and drinks, but you’ll also find several beach clubs serving more refined meals, including grilled meats, seafood, and a variety of Montenegrin specialties. ‘Playa Maria‘ is one of the best restaurants at the beach, offering a good range of delicious dishes, from perfect cheese and charcuterie boards and saffron paella to juicy tuna steaks and grilled seafood platters.
The Dolcinium Kitesurf Club serves good vegetarian and ahi tuna sushi rolls besides hamburgers and tortillas. Tasty but unpretentious seafood can be had at Ivana’s and in the quirky yet charming Dom Kulture (reservations may be required) at the far end of the beach. Otherwise, you’ll need to make your way to one of the cozy restaurants along the Bojana Riverbank such as the long-established Misko’s or Konoba kod Ribara.
Ulcinj’s Top Restaurants
Many of the best restaurants in Ulcinj are located in the heart of the old town, offering magnificent views and delicious local cuisine.
Accommodations
Camping offers a relaxing back-to-basics outdoor experience and is permitted on one of the developed and designated campgrounds along the beachfront. Sites such as Safari Beach Camping come with the typical facilities: picnic tables, showers, and toilets. They also offer fully-furnished beach bungalows and mobile homes for up to 6 people with private bathrooms and wifi.
The old town of Ulcinj is your best bet for small boutique hotels, housed in renovated, centuries-old stone buildings. If you are searching for something more rural that caters to families and groups of friends, you may consider a self-service vacation rental on the banks of the Bojana River. Mashtra – the Olive House is an agro-tourism hotel, surrounded by olive groves, just a short distance from the historic center.
Ulcinj’s Top Hotels
Discover the best hotels in Ulcinj, from charming stays in the old town to family-run boutique hotels and resort-style accommodations with good facilities.