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18+ Things to do in Ulcinj
Ulcinj is an ancient Montenegrin town buried in olive groves and is home to Montenegro’s longest beach. Its old town has a rich and turbulent history, and is one of few places in Montenegro where you’ll find well-preserved city walls dating back hundreds of years, to Illyrian times.
Ulcinj’s maze of quaint, narrow streets and centuries-old heritage make it a truly genuine destination which is renowned for its warm hospitality and welcoming attitude towards visitors. While the historic center will satisfy cravings for romantic squares and restaurant terraces – with sweeping views of the ocean – the coastal stretches in the south deliver the sandy beaches and Adriatic cuisine that travelers daydream of, as they plan their vacation.
Ulcinj, Montenegro
The historical town of Ulcinj is considered one of the most beautiful in Montenegro. Inside the fortress, there are a variety of excellent restaurants and boutique hotels.
Meander through the Old Town
Begin your tour of Ulcinj at the Upper Gate, the northern entrance to the walled historic center which sits between the Church of St. Nicholas and the Old Town parking lot. Parts of the adjoining city walls can be dated back two millennia at least, back to a time when Greek migrants settled here and started to erect the first defensive structures and fortifications.
Within this ancient castle, beautiful Mediterranean townhouses line the intimate squares and alleyways, many of which turned into beautiful boutique hotels and restaurants. Enjoy local food and drinks on one of those scenic outdoor terraces, with panoramic sea views, before continuing your exploration of Ulcinj’s History Museum or just getting lost in the tangle of cobbled streets.
Hit the Farmers Market
Like anywhere else in Europe, Montenegro’s towns and villages become active on market day. Soak up the authentic atmosphere on Tuesday and Friday at Ulcinj’s farmers market, a simple yet vibrant marketplace, where locals and visitors alike shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, homemade (marinated) cheeses & butter, cold-pressed olive oil, honey, and much more.
Ulcinj’s farmers market is also an excellent place to stop for a variety of meat, fish, and shellfish. It is open every day from 7 am to 9 pm, but it is advised to visit on market day and arrive early because the freshest produce sells quickly. Savor the moment like a local, with a portion of cevapcici in the small kebab restaurant next door.
Go Wine Tasting
Take a tour of a wine cellar or winery and sample some artisan-made local wines. The Milovic Winery can be found in a farmhouse between Lake Sas and the Solana, about 10 kilometers east of Ulcinj. You’ll want to make a reservation in advance, as this is a very small, family-run estate, with limited availability. They specialize in Reds and Barriques from the Vranac grape variety.
Winery Tradicija, Vinarija Masanovic, Winery Klisic, and Garnet are four more wine cellars waiting to be discovered in the nearby Crmnica wine-growing region which finds itself at the shores of Lake Skadar. If you happen to be in this region at the beginning of March, don’t miss the Wine and Bleak Festival (Festival Vina i Ukljeve).
Vranac Wine
Sip a glass of Vranac Wine, a powerful, ruby-colored, and fruity wine made from a local grape variety that is indigenous to the wine-growing region around Lake Skadar.
Hike Along the Cliffs
Enjoy the briny sea breeze and lots of shade with a leisurely stroll along a coastal hiking trail, connecting the town center of Ulcinj with Long Beach. From the far end of the seaside promenade, continue upwards in the direction of the forested cliffs until the signpost for ‘Hotel Albatros’ where you have to turn right.
The trail is delightful, with paved and rocky paths leading through coastal pine forests and Mediterranean shrubs, all the while overlooking beautiful cove beaches with crystal clear waters – ideal for snorkeling! The sweeping views of the Adriatic, particularly at sunset, are quite breathtaking. This route takes the average fit person around 3 hours back and forth.
A 12-km-long Beach
Long Beach is a vast stretch of sandy coastline south of Ulcinj, popular with families, kitesurfers, and everyone looking for a dreamy escape.
Take a Boat Trip
Take a family-friendly, peaceful boat cruise to a hidden cove beach or Ada Bojana Island. Private boat tours are available from the marina in Ulcinj for up to 20 passengers. The six-hour round trip to Crystal Beach heads along the cliffs of the old town, and passes by the exclusive hillside homes of Liman, Cape Mendra with its lighthouse, and the Island of ‘Stari Ulcinj’.
There is plenty of time for a refreshing swim and the underwater landscapes of Crystal Beach are ideal for snorkeling. Many boat tours also include a complimentary beach picnic. Ada Bojana Island, conversely, straddles the border with Albania and is primarily known for its naturalist beach and nudist settlement. The banks of the Bojana River are lined with good, traditional fish taverns. If you’re very lucky you might even spot dolphins along the way!
Go Kitesurfing
Enjoy an adrenaline rush as you ride the waves with your kite. The southernmost sections of Long Beach, located 15 kilometers away from Ulcinj, offer fantastic conditions for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and stand-up-paddling. The winning combination of geostrophic air streams and shallow waters attracts hundreds of surfing addicts from May through October.
From noon till dawn, a warm wind blows parallel to the sandy coastline (no rocks!) with stable force, ideal for spending entire afternoons on the water. You will be in good company: several well-reputed surf centers are dotted around the beach. Ka’banya is a surf school and beach bar providing kitesurf lessons at affordable rates while neighboring Kiteriders Montenegro also has multi-lingual instructors and top-notch gear.
Watersports in Montenegro
Kitesurfing, sailing, scuba diving, kayaking, and of course swimming and snorkeling are the most popular watersports in Montenegro. Find out more!
Discover Ulcinj’s Nightlife
Ulcinj boasts several late-night pubs and cocktail bars along the seaside walkway that attract a lively crowd of locals and tourists. Casa de Papal is a typical open-air lounge bar with a spacious terrace, resident DJs, and some of the best cocktails in town. An alternative is Rigo, a lively cocktail bar located along the main road leading to the old town.
For a more chilled-out evening, head across the street to Pablo’s Shisha Bar, a small venue renowned for its wide assortment of hookah tobacco flavors. Concerning nightclubs, Riva and Buddha Bar (no affiliation with the franchise) are some of the most popular in town, offering party vibes until the crack of dawn. The bars and beach clubs on Velika Plaza are famous for spontaneous sunset dancing to wild tech house beats and authentic beach parties.
Explore the Local Food Scene
Sink your toes into the warm sand, enjoy panoramic views across the Adriatic, and savor the flavors of the sea at one of Ulcinj’s waterfront restaurants. There are some magnificent options in the old town and on the Bojana riverfront. Misko’s, Taphana, and Fisherman Hari are well-known for their fish soup and other seafood delicacies like grilled sea bass, stuffed squids, and grilled octopus.
Make sure to taste some of Ulcinj’s signature dishes such as marinated cheese in olive oil, which is eaten as an appetizer alongside loza (Montenegrin grappa), olives, and homemade bread. The culinary influence of the Orient becomes apparent when browsing the menus of the local restaurants: cevapcici, stuffed vine leaves, burek (pastry filled with various flavors), and hearty okra stew.
Best Restaurants in Ulcinj
Some of the best restaurants in Ulcinj can be found in the heart of the old town while others occupy prime locations along the Bojana riverbank.
Cycle to a Nature Reserve
The Salina in Ulcinj is the largest saltpan in the Adriatic and is listed as a Ramsar site. This quaint, protected nature reserve and coastal wetland area will appeal to birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. There are several bike rentals in Ulcinj so that you can cycle the seven-kilometer-long route from the town center.
Entering the Salina requires paying a small entrance fee. Ulcinj sits on the Adriatic Migration Corridor (Adriatic Flyway), which millions of birds use as a passage on their annual move from Europe to Africa and back. The saltpans are also home to a population of about 2,500 flamingos, a number that is steadily increasing due to successful conservation measures.
Birdwatching in Montenegro
Birdwatching in Montenegro is increasingly popular with birders from all around the world. Lake Skadar and Ulcinj’s saltpans are two of the major hotspots.
Relax at the Beach
In a country full of rocky beaches and small coves, it’s a privilege to be able to enjoy a long, sandy beach. The broad and sweeping Long Beach of Ulcinj is gray and sandy with clear waters, as evidenced by its Blue Flag designation. It has all the facilities you would expect to make it a relaxed and family-friendly day by the sea.
Good alternatives are the small cove beaches north of Ulcinj: Liman I, Liman II, and Valdanos Beach. Ladies Beach, as the name suggests, is a female-only beach set amidst coastal pine forests. Ada Bojana Beach is a well-known nudist beach at the far end of Montenegro. There are countless ways to enjoy your beach time: rent a kayak, explore the underwater wonders by snorkeling, or simply recline and listen to the sound of waves lapping against the shore.
Best Beaches in Ulcinj
Discover the best beaches in Ulcinj, from picturesque coves with crystal-clear waters to long stretches of sand, perfect for families with children.
Try Paragliding or Parasailing
One of the best ways to take in the beautiful and diverse landscape of southern Montenegro may be from above, and not just those last five minutes of your flight before landing at Podgorica or Tivat Airport. Paragliding is an exciting way to experience the prettiness of Ulcinj’s coast from a bird’s-eye perspective while building memories for a lifetime.
If you and your family have an adventurous spirit, why not try parasailing? This is a fun activity, not just for adrenaline-hungry twenty-year-olds. No previous experience is required to glide above the waves, as you’re towed behind a speedboat. The company Explorer DMC Active can tailor the activities to suit even larger groups.
Attend a Local Event
Ulcinj’s Summerfest is held during the first three weeks of August, offering a wealth of events ranging from open-air theater performances to literary evenings, and plenty of live music of all genres. The former Slave Square in front of the Balsic Tower in the heart of the old town certainly provides a spectacular setting.
For the ‘Sweet December’ festivities, a three-week winter event organized from December 21st until January 7th, Ulcinj’s seaside promenade becomes a lively gathering spot full of food, drink, and crafts stalls. Music concerts take place on open-air stages and feature many popular artists from Montenegro and neighboring countries.
Marvel at the Sunset
Ulcinj’s coastal olive tree groves are a photogenic destination in themselves, and even more so at sunset when the sky lights up in warm, vibrant colors. One ideal spot for watching those mesmerizing sunsets is the Valdanos Viewpoint, an observation deck hovering above Valdanos Beach, just a short drive from the town center.
For a romantic dinner with amazing views of the sunset over the Adriatic Sea, book a table at Fisherman Hari’s or Restaurant Antigona in the old town of Ulcinj. Enjoy a glass of Vranac Wine, listen to the sound of waves, and indulge in a truly magical Mediterranean evening.
Valdanos Beach
A popular diving and snorkeling site, Valdanos Beach is a magical place that is surrounded by hills dotted with centuries-old olive groves.
Go Horseback Riding on Ada Bojana
Saddle up and enjoy Ulcinj’s beautiful coastal landscapes on horseback, for an inspiriting change of perspective. Ride along Long Beach and Ada Bojana Island and explore Montenegro’s southernmost stretches, including the beautiful Bojana River Delta. The Urosevic Jockey Club (Dzokej Klub Urosevic) and Mountain Riders can tailor a trip to satisfy your cravings for a scenic outdoor adventure.
Play Tennis
The fully-equipped Bellevue Tennis Club is located just 200 meters from Long Beach, adjacent to the Azul Beach Resort, and has eight clay tennis courts available for rent and a bar to unwind afterward. If you are looking to improve your technique, they also have professional instructors who teach all levels and ages, available for individual or group sessions. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
Visit the Church of St. Nicholas
Visit the Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas with its beautifully vibrant frescoes which extend throughout the entire interior. This beautiful white edifice, which is surrounded by a centuries-old olive tree garden, was built shortly after the liberation of Ulcinj (from Ottoman occupation) in 1890, and is the only Orthodox church in Ulcinj proper.
Go on a Diving Adventure
Gin-clear waters, rich marine life, and plenty of underwater caves make Montenegro’s southern coast a magnificent diving location. The coastal reserve of Stari Ulcinj is an islet not far from town, easily accessible by boat from Ulcinj or Bar. A little further up the coast, there’s another hidden gem, a sunken 57-meter-long ship (the former SS Quinto) lying at a depth of 32 meters.
The diving industry is still in its infancy in Ulcinj but, as a beginner looking for introductory courses or an experienced diver wanting to explore more challenging sites, you’ll find everything you need at one of Ulcinj’s or Bar’s diving companies; Scuba Quest in the marina of Bar is among the lagest and most experienced ones.
Bar
Discover the coastal and resort town of Bar, known for its 2,000-year-old olive tree and its picturesque, abandoned old town that has been turned into a museum.
Go Kayaking on the Bojana River
Take a kayak (rentals are available at Hakuna Matata) and paddle along the Bojana River, on your own or with friends, dipping into the refreshing water from time to time. The Bojana River flows out of Lake Skadar on the Albanian side, and a good starting point for this kayak trip would be the Church of St. George in Shengjergj, a kilometer south of Lake Sas. Complete your little adventure with a delicious meal at one of the seafood restaurants on the River Delta such as Fiore di Mare or Konoba kod Ribara.
Lake Skadar
The Dalmatian Pelican, herons, cormorants, kingfishers, and ducks all call this countryside family attraction home. The Skadar Lake National Park is worth a visit!