Small Beach Ulcinj
Small Beach, or ‘Mala Plaza’ as it is locally known, takes its name from its compact size (still measuring 360 meters), at least when compared to ‘Velika Plaza‘, the 12-kilometer-long stretch of fine sand further south. It extends from Ulcinj Castle, the ancient town perched on the cliffs along the beach, to the coastal pine forests of Pinjes further south.
Ulcinj
Visit Ulcinj, Montenegro’s southernmost coastal town, for the utmost Mediterranean experience, appealing throughout the year to visitors and residents.
Given its beautiful natural setting, it has been a tourist hotspot since at least the 1930s with its abundance of beachfront restaurants, hotels, cafes, bars, and clubs, making it one of Montenegro’s most-visited holiday resorts – right after Budva. This also means that Small Beach is notoriously overcrowded in the hottest part of the summer season.
Our tip: Try to visit in May, June, September, or early October, when the crowds are gone and the beach is much cleaner.
Although the water isn’t as clean and crystal-clear as some of Montenegro’s more remote coves, or even Long Beach, it’s perfectly adequate for a refreshing dip and some snorkeling expeditions – the further out you swim, the cleaner it gets. On-site facilities include sun loungers and parasol rentals, showers, toilets, and changing stations.
Long Beach
Within a 15-minute driving distance from Ulcinj, Long Beach is popular with families and a younger crowd interested in kitesurfing and beach parties.
The beach is especially popular with families and small children who come to relax in the soft, gray sand and enjoy the safety of the shallow waters with small waves and little wind. When it comes to safety measures, Small Beach is well-organized: there are lifeguards along the beachfront, and safe swimming zones are sectioned off with buoys.
Small Beach exudes an urban feel and is overlooked by an eclectic mix of residential homes, apartment buildings, hotels, and restaurants. Due to its proximity to the town center, it is popular with same-day visitors, but also holidaying Germans, Poles, and Czechs, as well as locals and visitors from surrounding countries such as Serbia, Bosnia, and Kosovo.
Ulcinj’s Top Beaches
Ulcinj has over 18 kilometers of beaches, from secluded bays with crystalline waters to long stretches of fine sand. Here are the best beaches in Ulcinj!
Things to do
There are many fun things to do on Small Beach including sunbathing, swimming, or simply enjoying a drink at one of the beachfront bars. There are also several watersports to enjoy such as paddle boats and jet skis. Walk along the beach towards the marina, where you can hop on a water taxi or arrange a private boat transfer to neighboring coves and towns.
To take shelter from the sun, follow the promenade to Pinjes which can transform your journey to Ulcinj into a healthy and stimulating experience. This picturesque forested trail continues well beyond Small Beach to several tiny coves and ends at Port Milena, a serene coastal lagoon separating Long Beach from the rocky outcrops of Gjerana.
Small Beach itself is very popular with tourists and it is not exactly the best destination for a quiet summer vacation. At night, expect loud music from the cocktail bars and clubs lining the promenade. The nightlife in Ulcinj, which is characterized by lots of open-air venues, is geared towards a younger crowd who stays up late and then just relaxes or has fun on the beach during the day.
Things to do in Ulcinj
Read our guide about the best things to do in Ulcinj and its surroundings, from birdwatching in the Salina to family-friendly outdoor activities.
Dining Options
There is surely no shortage of dining options while visiting Mala Plaza. Between the beach, the Old Town, and the Pinjes neighborhood, there are heaps of choices with varied cuisines, only waiting to be discovered. If you cannot make up your mind, here are some restaurants to consider.
There are several well-reputed seafood restaurants situated in the heart of the old town, including the long-established Dulcinea and Taphana, which offer breathtaking views of Small Beach from their beautiful al-fresco terraces. They have a romantic vibe with soft music playing in the background and serve high-quality Adriatic fare such as grilled octopus and stuffed squids.
Head towards the other end of the beach, and you’ll find various other dining options. Situated on a rocky outcrop and boasting panoramic sea views, Sapore di Mare comes with a beach club feel, while the upscale Higo Restaurant has a large menu of creative fusion dishes, and is frequently visited by the presidents of Montenegro and Albania. For a quick bite, there are many ice cream parlors, cafes, and restaurants along Ulcinj’s seaside promenade.
Ulcinj’s Top Restaurants
Venture towards the old town where you can soak up the magnificent sea views and laid-back Mediterranean atmosphere, offered by the best restaurants in Ulcinj.
Hotels on or near Small Beach
From authentic boutique accommodations in the old town to luxury rural retreats and affordable 3-star hotels and holiday homes, there are plenty of choices for all tastes and budgets in Ulcinj. The four-star New Mediteran is an iconic Yugoslav-era hotel that has been recently brought up to modern standards, offering panoramic views of the beach and Ulcinj Castle.
Within the walled town, Hotel Palata Venezia, Hotel Pirate, and Villa Dulcinea are housed in centuries-old stone buildings and feel miles away from the crowds. Yet, they lie within footwalk distance from the beach and the busy coastal promenade. Overlooking Liman Beach and the picturesque old town, Hotel Maris offers private beach access, a rooftop bar with an infinity pool, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Ulcinj’s Top Hotels
Discover the best hotels in Ulcinj, from charming boutique stays in the historic center, overlooking the bay, to agrotourism hotels surrounded by olive trees.
Access and Safety
Small Beach sweeps once around the Korzo, the local name for the seaside street and promenade, which turns into a fully pedestrianized zone in the evening hours. There are two small (paid) parking lots at either flank of the beach and (paid) roadside parking is available on designated spaces, but it can be challenging to find a free parking spot close to the beach during the peak season.
Parts of the beach are accessible for wheelchair users and beachgoers with reduced mobility. Public transport buses from nearby towns stop at Ulcinj’s main bus station, which finds itself 1,8 kilometers away from the beach. Ulcinj can be reached via the Adriatic coastal road by car within 45 minutes from Bar and 90 minutes from Budva.
Bar, Montenegro
Bar is a port and resort town north of Ulcinj, known for its palm-lined seaside boardwalk and abandoned old town up in the mountains overlooking the coast.