Ulcinj
The small coastal town of Ulcinj (or Ulqin in the local Albanian dialect) is prized as much for its picturesque old town as its calm, sandy waterfront position. There are four beaches nearby: the 350-meter-long Small Beach (the sandy city beach, also known as Mala Plaza), the massive Long Beach, which extends all the way to the Albanian border, and the intimate coves of Valdanos and Liman – a series of rocky pebble beaches overlooking small rock islets.
Winding up from the lively seaside walkway to the engulfing cliffs to both sides, this popular resort simply oozes Balkan charm, with white houses and apartment buildings cascading down to the Adriatic, offering breathtaking views along the way. Find out what makes Ulcinj so appealing to a growing number of international visitors.
Valdanos Beach
Surrounded by centuries-old olive groves and beautiful cliffs, Valdanos Beach sits in a tranquil cove close to Ulcinj. It is popular with snorkelers and divers.
History and Culture of Ulcinj
Ulcinj is one of Montenegro’s longest-established holiday resorts, where the first hotels opened doors already in the 1930s. Because of its secluded position, the waters are calm, and heavy winds are rare, which is in stark contrast to beaches south and north of Ulcinj which are more exposed to the elements.
The town suffers from some unattractive 1990s-style architecture, but its scenic beachfront setting and picturesque old town make more than up for it. If you have ever been on a very crowded beach, you will have a general idea of how it will feel here in the peak season on the main city beach.
Ulcinj is not as glitzy as Tivat or as modern as Budva but enjoys a history dating back more than 2,500 years. It was established before the Roman invasion of the 2nd century BC by the Illyrians. Ulcinj’s more recent history is eternally tied to piracy. Starting in the 17th century, pirates from Ulcinj would abduct wealthy merchants and land owners from Italy, keep them as hostages inside Ulcinj’s city walls, and demand a ransom from family members.
Within the town itself, and especially during July and August, you are most likely to see families enjoying traditional package-or-self-catering holidays. Much of Ulcinj’s real estate is purpose-built for tourism, and the summer population regularly increases to five times the average during the slower winter months. Still, the municipality of Ulcinj has an eclectic mix of international residents year-round.
Ulcinj’s City Beach
Ulcinj has two sandy stretches: the huge kid-friendly Long Beach with far-reaching views across the Adriatic and the Small Beach with soft gray sand.
Major Landmarks
Ulcin’s old town is perched atop the highest cliffs, overlooking the harbor and esplanade. Its strategic setting allows for views that extend over miles across the surrounding ocean and sprawling olive groves in the distance. This picturesque walled settlement (sometimes also referred to as Ulcinj Castle) is certainly a sight in its own right.
Inside the historic city walls, there are several sites to visit dating back to even before the Venetian and Ottoman occupations. The Balsic Tower (Montenegrin: Kula Balsica) in the northwestern part of the old town was built at the end of the 14th century and, together with the adjacent citadel, became part of Ulcinj’s defense system against potential invaders.
The last floor was added by the Ottomans, and the building itself was rebuilt several times throughout the centuries, once experiencing an incarnation as the residence for Turkish Jewish mystic Sabbatai Zevi. Today, the tower plays host to several cultural events. It is accessed via the Slaves Square, a courtyard surrounded by vaulted chambers where slaves were once held and traded.
Housed in a former 16th-century church with a long and turbulent history (it was converted into a mosque during Ottoman rule), the Museum of Local History tells the story of Ulcinj’s captivating maritime past. It boasts a small but diverse collection of ancient Greek artifacts, Ottoman-era weapons, and traditional attire, giving insight into how different cultures and religions have coexisted in Ulcinj for centuries.
Ulcinj’s Top Beaches
There are many ‘plazas’ for families with children or couples looking for an escape, hidden coves, and even a nudist resort. Discover the best beaches in Ulcinj.
Things to do in Ulcinj
One of Ulcinj’s major attractions is its 12-kilometer-long sandy beach, offering good facilities for families and a range of watersports activities. Protected by lifeguards, the waters are shallow and the entry is gentle at Long Beach. Kite surfing, jet skiing, and children’s playgrounds are all within easy reach.
Conversely, the small city beach sweeps across the horseshoe-shaped bay and also boasts fine gray sand and good facilities. As it is conveniently close to the town center, it can get very busy and overcrowded during the peak of summer. It is safe to swim here as Small Beach is sandy and sheltered, but not as clean as nearby options.
Long Beach
A long and wide sandy stretch of southern Montenegrin coastline, Long Beach is one of the most family-friendly beaches in Montenegro, offering good amenities.
Popular Watersports
Sailing, kitesurfing, scuba diving, and kayaking are some of the most popular watersports in Montenegro. Read our guide to find out more!
The rugged coastline north of Ulcinj is famous for its crystal-clear waters and small cove beaches. There are regular boat trips and cruises (some include fish picnics) from the harbor, which are popular with first-time visitors to explore the peaceful surroundings. Using Ulcinj as a base provides endless possibilities. If you are interested in archaeology the nearby site of Svac / Sas is well worth a visit.
The Ramsar-listed Solana is popular with birdwatchers because squacco herons, pygmy cormorants, and many other bird species can be regularly spotted here. These coastal wetlands center around an extensive area of saltpans that used to produce salt until 2011, within just a 15-minute driving distance from the old town.
Things to do in Ulcinj
Here is our list of the best things to do in Ulcinj, from family-friendly outdoor activities to something more romantic and relaxing by the sea or in the old town.
Events in Ulcinj
The ‘Ljetna Scena‘ is the main festival celebrated in Ulcinj in the first three weeks of August every year and includes dozens of events (concerts, theater plays, literary evenings, art exhibitions, etc). This popular summer festival takes place on the Slave Square, adjacent to the museum and Balsic Tower in the heart of the old town.
‘Sweet December‘ takes place over three weeks in December and January and is accompanied by plenty of singing and dancing. Throughout the year, but especially in summer, you will also find many regular events organized at the local beach bars, which not seldom, last until the wee hours of the morning.
Shopping in Ulcinj
Ulcinj has a small shopping mall that is easily accessible from the main coastal road to Bar and Budva, and there are countless shops, boutiques, and jewelry stores lining the main street leading to the small city beach. If you are only shopping for beachwear and souvenirs, you will find what you need along the seaside boardwalk.
Budva
The beach resort of Budva is prized as much for its excellent location as its beautiful beaches, charming old town, and its vibrant nightlife.
Hotels in Ulcinj
There is a wide range of hotel accommodations found in Ulcinj to suit every taste and budget, including Mashtra – the Olive House, which provides a contemporary countryside retreat, on a large estate surrounded by olive trees. There are also many renovated townhouses in the old town that have been turned into charming boutique hotels, some with privileged positions, overlooking the coastline.
One of the oldest hotels in Ulcinj is The (New) Mediteran, which has comfortably accommodated generations of visitors, and after its successful remodel, is set to remain a relevant player in Ulcinj’s dynamic hospitality scene. If you are looking for a peaceful stay close to the promenade and old town, we would recommend Pino, a family-run boutique hotel offering a great sense of tranquility amidst the picturesque pine forests of Ulcinj.
Ulcinj’s Top Hotels
We have just the perfect accommodation for you in our exclusive selection of the best hotels in Ulcinj, which stand out with friendly service and unique settings.
Restaurants in Ulcinj
Ulcinj enjoys a good variety of beachfront restaurants, cozy old-town taverns, plus several beach bars on Long Beach. There are also some select boutique stays with venerated eateries. If you need even more diversity, the authentic Adriatic gastronomy available on the banks of the Bojana River is only 15 minutes away by car. For delicious seafood, head to Misko’s or Taphana in the old town.
Ulcinj’s Top Restaurants
Find out more about the local culinary scene with our guide to the very best restaurants in Ulcinj where the ingredients are locally sourced and flavors are refined.
Living in Ulcinj
The coastal town of Ulcinj is a good choice for year-round living, although you may find it gets too busy from the end of June till early September, and very quiet (possibly too quiet) for the rest of the year. Many of the shops, restaurants, and useful local amenities such as banks, schools, and supermarkets however stay open in the off-season. Ulcinj offers an authentic Montenegrin experience for those who choose to live there.
However, unlike in Tivat, Budva, and Podgorica, you won’t find any international schools here. The community counts predominantly Montenegrin locals, but also more and more international residents (Germans, Russians, Serbs). Owing to some of the less attractive architecture here, property prices are surprisingly affordable, considering Ulcinj’s beautiful surroundings and advantageous location.
The town is rapidly developing, and there are many infrastructure projects planned for this area, including an airport and a bridge over the Bojana River that will connect Montenegro to neighboring Albania. If you have a little patience, it might be the perfect location to snap up a property bargain; you can still buy one-bedroom apartments for less than 100,000 Euros here.
Residency Options
Discover your residency options in Montenegro for 2024 and 2025 and learn what is required to settle here and call this beautiful Adriatic country home.
The Surrounding Areas
If you are visiting Ulcinj, it is well worth making yourself familiar with the surrounding areas, as there is much to see and do within a one-hour drive. Montenegro’s southernmost coastal town sits between the Albanian border and the adjacent port and resort town of Bar further north along the Adriatic highway.
Bar is only 25 kilometers away and is renowned for its abandoned old town, which has been turned into a huge open-air museum, and not far from there, you’ll also find another famous landmark, one of the world’s oldest olive trees. The coast between Bar and Ulcinj includes many secluded coves and beaches, some of which are only accessible by boat.
As a wine connoisseur, consider visiting the picturesque villages dotted across the Crmnica wine-growing region, a lush landscape of rolling hills known as the birthplace of the Vranac Wine variety. The little stone village of Godinje is picturesque and overlooks Lake Skadar, the largest lake in Southern Europe, which is certainly worth visiting.
Bar, Montenegro
Discover Bar, a relaxed coastal town between Ulcinj and Budva, which is famous for its picturesque old town, its ancient olive trees, and pretty promenade.
Skadar Lake National Park
A birdwatcher’s paradise and a popular destination for boat cruises, the Skadar Lake National Park straddles the border with Albania and covers 40,000 hectares.
Vranac Wine
The dark and powerful Vranac Wine is a Montenegrin grape variety that is indigenous to the Crmnica wine-growing region around Lake Skadar. Find out more!
Getting to Ulcinj
Ulcinj is well-situated on the main coastal road, close to other parts of Montenegro. Hence, if you are not keen on spending the day on the beach, there is an almost abundant choice of day trips and things to do in nearby destinations. Ulcinj is an easy 90-minute taxi journey away from the international airport in Podgorica (TGD), and Tivat airport can be reached within two hours traffic permitting.
Getting to Ulcinj by public transport from the airports is possible, and requires a bus (or train from Podgorica) into Bar and another bus to Ulcinj. If arriving by car, be aware that (paid) parking is available, but it can be challenging to find free spaces in summer. Navigating the narrow streets will also be stressful for the inexperienced driver, especially with larger vehicles.
Tivat
Tivat is a picturesque little town located in the Bay of Kotor, famous for its super yacht marina – Porto Montenegro. Here, you’ll also find Tivat International Airport.
Podgorica
Podgorica is Montenegro’s capital city. It is well-connected to the coastal and mountainous regions via road and internationally via its airport.